Rotator cuff repairs with all-suture tape anchors: no difference in outcomes between with or without all-suture tape anchors.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at comparing the outcomes of medium- to large-sized rotator cuff repairs performed using the suture bridge technique either with or without tape-like sutures, and single row techniques with conventional sutures. METHODS: A total of 135 eligible patients with medium to large rotator cuff tears were identified and analyzed retrospectively, from 2017 to 2019. Only repairs using all-suture anchors were included in the study. Patients were divided into the following three groups: single-row (SR) repair (N = 50), standard double-row suture bridge (DRSB) repair with conventional sutures (N = 35), and DRSB with tape-like sutures (N = 50). The average postoperative follow-up period was 26.3 ± 9.8 months (range, 18-37). RESULTS: DRSB with tapes had the highest re-tear rate of 16% (8/50), but there was no significant difference with the re-tear rates observed in SR (8%, 4/50) and DRSB with conventional sutures (11.4%, 4/35) (n.s.). DRSB with tapes demonstrated higher rate of type 2 re-tears (10%) compared to type 1 re-tears (6%), but the other two groups showed either similar or higher rates of type 1 re-tears compared to that of type 2. Post-operative functional scores of the three groups improved significantly (all p < 0.05), but the differences between the groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: No clinical difference in functional outcomes and re-tear rates were observed in DRSB with tapes when compared with SR and DRSB using the conventional sutures. Tape-like DRSB suture which was expected to be superior by its biomechanical advantage was clinically non-superior to conventional DRSB suture. There were no significant differences in VAS scores and UCLA scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The scissors sign: a provocative test for detecting the leading-edge tear of subscapularis tendon: a diagnostic study.

BACKGROUND: Several physical examination tests and signs have been described to aid in the diagnosis of subscapularis (SSC) tear, but have limitations and variable sensitivity. This study aimed to introduce a novel test for detecting a leading-edge tear of the subscapularis (LETS), the most important tendinous portion of SSC. METHODS: A total of 233 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for anterior and superior cuff tears between January 2018 to September 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The provocative test we have coined as the "scissors sign" and the other related clinical tests (i.e., belly press, belly off, Napoleon, lift off, internal rotation lag, bear hug tests) were performed preoperatively. Whether the patient has a LETS or the complete tear of the SSC (CTS) was confirmed by arthroscopic findings. Sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated for each test. RESULTS: In patients who had LETS with or without supraspinatus tear, the scissors sign showed the highest sensitivity (91.4%) with a specificity of 81.6%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 80.2%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 92.1%. In patients with isolated LETS, the scissors sign also showed the highest sensitivity (90.3%) with a specificity of 81.6%, PPV of 57.1%, and NPV of 96.8%. The scissors sign for the complete tear of the subscapularis (CTS) with or without supraspinatus tear and the isolated CTS had a sensitivity of 73.1 and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The scissors sign is a novel provocative test that can be helpful in the diagnosis of subscapularis tears, especially LETS, with its high sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy. In combination with other tests, the scissors sign will be a good screening tool.

The Effect of Patient Age on the Success Rate of Digital Replantation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes and risk factors for failure after digital replantation in elderly patients, with a special focus on the effect of patient age on replantation success. METHODS: Replantation patients older than 60 years were analyzed thoroughly to characterize outcomes and risk factors for failure in older patients. Survival rates of all age groups older than 20 years were then analyzed to determine the specific effect of patient age on replantation success. The clinical and functional outcomes and risk factors for failure were evaluated at a minimum 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Among 161 patients older than 60 years, 189 of 208 replanted digits survived completely (91 percent survival). The only factors predictive of failure were mechanism of injury and age. Excellent or good results (Chen criteria) were obtained in 58 percent of patients, and 94 percent of patients were completely or fairly satisfied. Analysis of all age groups older than 20 (1648 patients) demonstrated a significant increase in failure rate in those aged 70 years and older. CONCLUSIONS: The authors demonstrated a high rate of digit replantation success in elderly patients. However, 70 years and older was identified as an important factor predicting replantation failure. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Teriparatide Treatment in Elderly Patients With Sacral Insufficiency Fracture.

Context and Objective: Pain-related immobility because of insufficiency fractures may result in serious complications and a high mortality rate in senile patients with preexisting comorbidities. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of teriparatide in patients with sacral insufficiency fractures. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective, case-controlled, single center study, performed from 2009 to 2014, included 41 patients who underwent radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and/or bone scans to document sacral insufficiency fractures. Intervention: The intervention involved teriparatide at a once-daily subcutaneous dose of 20 µg within 2 days of hospital admission (21 patients). Twenty patients (control group) did not receive teriparatide. Main Outcome Measures: Functional outcome was assessed using a visual analog scale for pain and the time to mobilization. Pelvic anteroposterior radiographs were repeated at 0, 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks until radiographic evidence of cortical bridging at the fracture site was confirmed. Results: From the date of admission to 4 weeks, the mean visual analog scale score improved between the 2 groups. The mean time to mobilization was 1.2 ± 0.4 weeks in patients who received teriparatide treatment, compared with 2.0 ± 0.3 weeks in controls (P < 0.001). At 8 weeks, all fractures in the teriparatide treatment group and 4 fractures in the control group had healed. Conclusions: In senile patients with preexisting comorbidities who have sacral insufficiency fractures, teriparatide treatment may achieve earlier pain reduction and mobilization and reduce healing time.