Reverse total shoulder replacement for patients with "weight-bearing" shoulders.

BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) has gained popularity in recent years and is indicated for a wide variety of shoulder pathologies. However, use of rTSA in patients with "weight-bearing" shoulders that support wheelchair use or crutches has higher risk. The aim of this study was to assess the results of rTSA in such patients. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2014, 24 patients (30 shoulders) with weight-bearing shoulders were treated with rTSA at our unit. Patients had cuff arthropathy (n=21), rheumatoid arthritis (n=3), osteoarthritis (n=1), acute fracture (n=3), or fracture sequela (n=2). Postoperatively, patients were advised not to push themselves up and out of their wheelchair for 6 weeks. This study was performed in 2016, and 21 patients (27 shoulders) were available for a mean follow-up of 5.6 years (range, 2-10 years). The mean age at surgery was 78 years (range, 54-90 years). RESULTS: Constant-Murley score improved from 9.4 preoperatively to 59.8 at the final follow-up (P=0.001). Pain score improved from 2/15 to 13.8/15 (P=0.001). Patient satisfaction (Subjective Shoulder Value) improved from 0.6/10 to 8.7/10 (P=0.001). Significant improvement in mean range of motion from 46° to 130° of elevation, 14° to 35° of external rotation, and 29° to 78° internal rotation was recorded (P=0.001). Final mean Activities of Daily Living External and Internal Rotation was 32.4/36. Only three patients showed Sirveaux-Nerot grade-1 (10%) glenoid notching and three grade 2 (10%). CONCLUSIONS: rTSA can be used for treatment of patients with weight-bearing shoulders. Such patients reported pain free movement, resumed daily activities, and high satisfaction rates. Level of evidence: IV.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mortality and morbidity of patients undergoing trauma surgery: a report from the UK Corona TRAUMA Surge (UKCoTS) study.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the outcomes of the patients who underwent trauma surgery during the peak of the pandemic. METHODS: The UKCoTS collected the postoperative outcomes of consecutive patients who underwent trauma surgery across 50 centres during the peak of the pandemic (April 2020) and during April 2019. RESULTS: Patients who were operated on during 2020 were less likely to be followed up within a 30-day postoperative period (57.5% versus 75.6% p <0.001). The 30-day mortality rate was significantly higher during 2020 (7.4% versus 3.7%, p <0.001). Likewise, the 60-day mortality rate was significantly higher in 2020 than in 2019 (p <0.001). Patients who were operated on during 2020 had lower rates of 30-day postoperative complications (20.7% versus 26.4%, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative mortality was higher during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period in 2019, but with lower rates of postoperative complications and reoperation.

The "purse string" technique for anterior glenohumeral instability: long-term results 7-13-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: The "Purse-String Technique" (PST) is an arthroscopic horizontal mattress suture technique for recurrent anterior shoulder instability that uses a single double-loaded suture anchor at the 4-o' clock position, achieving a Bankart labral repair and an infero-superior capsular shift. In this study, we describe the long-term results of the PST. METHODS: The study included 69 individuals (70 shoulders), with a mean age of 30 years, who had recurrent post-traumatic anteroinferior instability. A purse-string suture anchor at the 4-o'clock position was used to address the Bankart lesion and capsular laxity, recreating the anterior glenoid bumper. All patients were assessed via telephone interview at a mean of 116 months after surgery (7-13-year follow-up). RESULTS: Postoperatively, the mean Constant score was 94, mean Rowe score was 93 and mean Walch-Duplay score was 89. 89% of patients resumed their preinjury sport activities, with 61% of patients achieving preinjury levels and most professional athletes returning to full activity. Seven patients had recurrent dislocation postoperatively (10% failure rate). Of these patients, three had revision arthroscopic stabilization, one patient had revision arthroscopic stabilization with remplissage, two had a Latarjet procedure, whereas one patient decided to seek no further treatment. CONCLUSION: The long-term results of PST are promising, with a low failure rate, high patient satisfaction and a high rate of return to sport. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; Case series; Treatment study.

Rotator Cuff Repair With Patch Augmentation: What Do We Know?

Background: Repair of massive rotator cuff tears remains a challenging process with mixed success. There is a growing interest in the use of patches to augment the repair construct and the potential to enhance the strength, healing, and associated clinical outcomes. Such patches may be synthetic, xenograft, or autograft/allograft, and a variety of techniques have been tried to biologically enhance their integration and performance. The materials used are rapidly advancing, as is our understanding of their effects on rotator cuff tissue. This article aims to evaluate what we currently know about patch augmentation through a comprehensive review of the available literature. Methods: We explore the results of existing clinical trials for each graft type, new manufacturing methods, novel techniques for biological enhancement, and the histological and biomechanical impact of patch augmentation. Results: There are promising results in short-term studies, which suggest that patch augmentation has great potential to improve the success rate. In particular, this appears to be true for human dermal allograft, while porcine dermal grafts and some synthetic grafts have also had promising results. Conclusion: However, there remains a need for high-quality, prospective clinical trials directly comparing each type of graft and the effect that they have on the clinical and radiological outcomes of rotator cuff repair.

Short Stems and Stemless Shoulder Arthroplasty: Current Concepts Review.

Historically, the shoulder arthroplasty humeral component has been designed for the management of infections, tumours and fractures. In all these cases the stem was needed as a scaffold. Original humeral components were not developed for use in shoulder arthritis, so these designs and derivates had a long stem. The newest humeral implants innovations consist in shortening of the implant, or even removing the whole stem, to rely on stemless fixation at the level of the metaphysis. This implies the advantages of preserved bone stock, less stress shielding, eliminating the diaphyseal stress riser, easier implant removal at revision, and humeral component placement independent from the humeral diaphyseal axis. Nowadays, surgeons try to balance the need for a stable fixation of the humeral component with the potential need for revision surgery. Complications of revision shoulder arthroplasty are related to the need for removing a well-fixed humeral stem, the length of the procedure, and the need to treat severe bone loss.

Clinical outcomes and structural integrity rate of arthroscopic augmented rotator cuff repairs using extracellular porcine matrix patch.

Background: Structural failure rate in rotator cuff repairs is still high. The purpose of the study is to assess the structural integrity of a series of augmented rotator cuff repairs with porcine matrix patch and report the functional outcomes. Methods: Between 2014 and 2017, 44 consecutive patients underwent arthroscopic double-row repair of medium to massive rotator cuff tears with extracellular porcine dermal matrix augmentation. At one-year follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed to assess the integrity of the repair. Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Constant Score (CS) and Visual Analogue Scale pain score, together with range of motion were used to assess patients. Results: Patients mean age was 68 (53-82); mean follow-up was 17.2 (12-24) months. On magnetic resonance imaging scans, seven rotator cuff repair failures (15.9%) were observed: tear size was an independent predictor of re-rupture at one-year follow-up. Clinical scores showed a statistically significant improvement at three months and until final follow-up (p< 0.001). No complications occurred. Conclusion: Observed structural failure rate of 15.9% is lower than those reported in the literature for standard rotator cuff repair of medium to massive tears in similar cohorts to ours. Extracellular matrix augmentation for rotator cuff repair was shown to be a safe and reliable support to the repairs and patients recovered good shoulder function.Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Acute versus delayed reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures: a consecutive cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) remains controversial. Open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) can be challenging, especially in elderly patients with poor bone quality, whereas hemiarthroplasty has had unpredictable outcomes. Conservative treatment may result in severe fracture sequelae with poor outcomes, requiring late reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in many cases. The past few years have seen a shift toward the use of RTSA for the treatment of PHFs. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of RTSA between patients with acute fractures and patients who underwent delayed RTSA for fracture sequelae. Our hypothesis was that the outcomes of RTSA for acute PHFs would be better than those of delayed RTSA for fracture sequelae. METHODS: We followed up 36 patients with a mean age of 79.1 years who underwent primary RTSA for acute PHFs and 56 patients with a mean age of 72.1 years who underwent RTSA in delayed fashion for fracture sequelae, including failed ORIF. The minimum follow-up period was 24 months. The mean follow-up period was 39.3 months in the acute RTSA group and 56.6 months in the delayed RTSA group. Demographic data, radiographs, and surgery data were prospectively collected and analyzed. At final follow-up, range of motion and radiographic analysis findings, as well as the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) and Constant score (CS), were recorded. RESULTS: The clinical results favored the group undergoing acute RTSA for acute PHFs, with a mean SSV of 8.3 of 10 and adjusted CS of 88.9% compared with a mean SSV of 8.0 of 10 and adjusted CS of 77.6% in the group undergoing late RTSA for fracture sequelae-but without statistically significant differences between the groups. Although the acute RTSA group showed slightly better range-of-motion values, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups. No intraoperative complications occurred. The time from injury to the regaining of good pain-free function was significantly shorter in the acute RTSA group. CONCLUSION: Although there were no statistically significant differences in outcomes between early RTSA for acute PHFs and late RTSA for fracture sequelae, the time from injury to the regaining of good pain-free function was significantly shorter in the acute RTSA group. Therefore, we advocate early RTSA for acute PHFs in elderly patients to provide a quicker recovery and an early return to good predictable outcomes with a much shorter period of pain and discomfort. In cases of failed conservative treatment, malunion, or failed ORIF, salvage RTSA has the potential to provide a good outcome.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Rotator Cuff Repairs Using All-Suture Anchors as Medial Row Anchors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study is to report the clinical and radiological outcomes of a series of prospectively enrolled patients who have had double-row transosseous equivalent rotator cuff repairs, where all-suture anchors were used as medial-row anchors, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients underwent arthroscopic transosseous equivalent double-row rotator cuff repair using all-suture anchors as medial-row anchors. Oxford Shoulder Score, Constant Score and Visual Analogue Scale pain score, together with shoulder range of motion, were used preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months and final follow-up. Radiological evaluation was performed with magnetic resonance imaging at one-year post surgery to assess the structural integrity of the repair and the rate of cyst formation in greater tuberosity. RESULTS: The patient mean age was 61 years (range 46-75). Minimum follow-up was 1 year, and the mean final follow-up was 15 months (range 12-24). Healing failure in our patients was less than 5% (1/22 patients). There were significant improvements in shoulder function outcome scores at final follow-up. The Constant and Oxford scores were 78 and 44 at final follow-up respectively. There were similar magnitudes of improvement in range of motion (combined abduction and rotation), pain score and supraspinatus strength at final follow up. The improvements in outcome scores were already statistically significant at 3 months (P<.001). Using Kim's classification for cyst formation on T2-weighted MRI images, we observed no fluid or minimal fluid collection in 85% of the patients (17/22 patients). There were no correlations between the grade of bone changes and the clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: It is safe to use all-suture anchors as medial-row anchors when performing double-row anchor transosseous equivalent rotator cuff repairs. The purported advantages of all-suture anchors may outweigh their perceived disadvantages in rotator cuff repair surgery.

Minimally invasive fixation with modified palm tree technique for proximal humerus fractures: Outcomes in a series of 132 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Various surgical techniques and implants are available for surgical treatment of significantly displaced proximal humerus fractures. We describe a minimally invasive technique using 3 curved wires, inserted in a retrograde fashion into the humeral head. These are aimed to diverge within the humeral head to provide three separate 3-point fixations to achieve good stability. We present the results of proximal humerus fractures managed with the modified palm tree technique. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively including demographics, radiographs, clinical outcomes, complications and revision surgery for patients treated with the palm tree technique was performed. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2017, 132 patients underwent fixation with this technique. Average age was 61.8 years. Fifty-Eight fractures were 2 part, 46 were three part and 28 were four part. Average follow up was 26 months. In three to four part fractures, a bone graft substitute block was used behind the humeral head fragment for structural support. There were 11 early revisions (8.3%). In 7 cases the fixation failed early and was revised to other implants like angular & locking plates (4), hemiarthroplasties (2) and reverse arthroplasty (1). In 4 cases the construct was revised to achieve better positioning of the wires. From the 125 remaining patients, 120 achieved union(96.8%). There were 3 painless fibrous non-unions and 2 painful non-unions requiring revision. The mean final Constant score was 75.5 and subjective shoulder value was 7.8/10. Nine patients (6.8%) developed avascular necrosis of the humeral head of which three patients were revised later to an arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: This technique is a simple, minimally invasive technique which can be used for two, three and four part fractures with good functional outcomes and high union rates. No metalwork remains in the proximal humerus should another procedure like arthroplasty be required in case of avascular necrosis of the humeral head or fracture sequela.

Accelerated rehabilitation following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative rehabilitation is considered essential and indeed routine practice following rTSA. However, the optimal approach to postoperative rehabilitation is unknown, based on protocols for anatomic TSA, and published literature is sparse, as is the quantity and quality of research evidence. The aim of this study is to outline the accelerated rehabilitation protocol (with immediate activity and no immobilization at all) following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) and assess its safety and effectiveness compared to the more conservative rehabilitation protocols of immobilization in a sling for 6 weeks and for 3 weeks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2005 and October 2017, a total of 357 consecutive rTSA in 320 patients underwent a primary rTSA and were included in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on rehabilitation protocol (6 and 3 weeks' postoperative immobilization, respectively, for groups 1 and 2, and no immobilization for group 3). Patients were assessed preoperatively and reviewed at 3 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months, and yearly thereafter postoperatively. Constant score (CS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), patient satisfaction, and pain scores were used at each appointment and patients assessed both clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: Mean age at surgery was 76 years (range 40-93). At 1-year follow-up, the CS improved from 16.6 (adjusted 23.9) to 63.2 (adjusted 91.5) in group 1 (n = 114), from 21.5 (adjusted 30.7) to 67.7 (adjusted 98.4) in group 2 (n = 125), and from 22.6 (adjusted 31.3) to 66.6 (adjusted 94.9) in group 3 (n = 118). Pain score improved from 3.1/15 preoperatively to 12.5/15 postoperatively in group 1, from 3.5/15 to 13/15 in group 2, and from 3.7/15 to 12.5/15 in group 3. SSV improved to 8.5/10, 8.6/10, and 8.1/10 for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Mean range of motion (ROM) improved to 142° elevation and 131° abduction in group 1, 153° elevation and 144° abduction in group 2, and 149° elevation and 146° abduction in group 3. No statistically significance differences were observed in CS, SSV, patient satisfaction, pain, and ROM between the 3 groups. Less postoperative complications were observed in group 3 (No immobilization). CONCLUSION: Accelerated rehabilitation regime post rTSA without immobilization is safe and lead to reliable good clinical results and quick return to function. This study confirms noninferiority of the accelerated rehabilitation regime with fewer postoperative complications related to falls. Accelerated rehabilitation regime post rTSA have further psychological and emotional advantage to the patient, with earlier return to normal function and regaining independence. We recommend the accelerated rehabilitation regime without immobilization following rTSA.

Software simulations of changing offsets and thus soft tissue tension when revising anatomic to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in convertible platform systems.

BACKGROUND: Revision shoulder arthroplasty may involve the need to remove a well-fixed humeral stem. To avoid this, convertible platform systems have been introduced. The biomechanics of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) differs from anatomic shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). The different humeral osteotomy and soft tissue tension may jeopardize the optimal results of the converted rTSA. The aim was to evaluate the radiographic parameters of soft tissue distraction when converting an aTSA to rTSA in a platform system and assess the capability of conversion without "over-stuffing" the shoulder in the "best-case scenario". METHODS: Radiographic analysis of soft tissue distraction parameters: difference in acromio-humeral distance, difference in lateral humeral offset and difference in latero-inferior displacement were evaluated in aTSA and in the converted rTSA in six different implants. Image analysing software was used on 10 non-deformed osteoarthritic shoulder X-rays to simulate conversion. RESULTS: The greatest increase in arm length was found for Tornier Ascend Flex (26.8 ± 3.6 mm) while the smallest increase was observed with Lima SMR (19.3 ± 4 mm). The humerus remained most lateralized with the Zimmer Anatomical/Inverse ( - 1.4 ± 2.9 mm) while Lima SMR ( - 15.8 ± 2.7 mm) was more medialized. The greatest increase in latero-inferior distance was found in the onlay systems. A group analysis of onlay rTSA showed an increase of 46% in arm length (p < 0.0001), 83% larger humeral offset (p < 0.0001) and 144% increase in latero-inferior distraction (p < 0.0001) when compared to inlay rTSA. CONCLUSION: The conversion of aTSA to rTSA using a convertible platform system may lead to significant increase in radiographic parameters corresponding to soft tissue tension. This may alter the biomechanics, restrict the convertibility or jeopardize the optimal clinical outcome of rTSA even in the best-case scenario.

Focal inlay resurfacing for full-thickness chondral defects of the femoral medial condyle may delay the progression to varus deformity.

INTRODUCTION: Full-thickness chondral defects at the knee joint predispose to the beginning of a degenerative process which final consequence is the compartment collapse and finally the deviation to varus, because the cartilage of the medial femoral condyle is the most frequently affected area. Likewise, people with these chondral defects are more likely to develop tricompartmental osteoarthritis, reason why early surgical management should be the treatment of choice. The aim of this study was to compare the pre- and post-operative lower limb alignment (mechanical axis), in cases of full-thickness chondral defects of the femoral medial condyle that have been managed by means of a prosthetic focal inlay resurfacing, at a minimum follow-up of five years. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients treated for chondral defects in the medial femoral condyle was performed. The inclusion criteria were patients who had undergone a focal inlay resurfacing and minimum follow-up of 5 years. Patients that required a concomitant valguizing tibial osteotomy were finally excluded. The follow-up analysis was performed by means of radiological examinations performed prior to surgery and at the last follow-up visit. The mean limb mechanical axis of the operated knees was calculated both pre- and post-operatively, and comparisons between these two settings were performed. RESULTS: Ten patients were included: eight men and two women. The mean age at the time of surgery was 55 (40-65) years. The mean follow-up was 9 years (range 5-15). The mean limb mechanical axis was 1.33 ± 4.16 in the pre-operative setting and 2.40 ± 5.50 in the post-operative setting (p = 0.441). CONCLUSION: In the setting of small to moderate size, unique femoral medial condyle full-thickness chondral lesions, filling the defect with an inlay prosthetic resurfacing may protect against the progression to varus deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic case series, Level IV.

Posterior Shoulder Instability: The Augmented McLaughlin Procedure.

Posterior shoulder dislocation, whilst uncommon, is frequently missed and often associated with a significant defect on the antero-medial aspect of the humeral head (the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion). Several techniques for stabilisation have been described, depending on the size of the lesion. We describe an additional technique for stabilising the shoulder following posterior dislocation by augmenting the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion with layers of extracellular matrix, thus further filling the defect.

Shoulder proprioception following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Joint replacement affects the proprioception, as shown in knees, elbows, and shoulder studies. AIM: The aim was to evaluate shoulder joint position sense (JPS) following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for patients with cuff arthropathy. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients that underwent unilateral rTSA (19 females, 10 males) and 31 healthy volunteers evaluated for JPS of shoulder using a dedicated high accuracy electronic goniometer. Error of active reproduction of joint position (EARJP) was assessed at the following reference positions: 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° for forward flexion and abduction and 15°, 30°, and 45° for internal and external rotation in rTSA, contralateral non-operated, and control shoulders. RESULTS: Results of EPRJP for rTSA, contralateral, and control (respectively) are as follows:Forward flexion: 30° = (8.0 ± 5.7, 9.8 ± 6.1, and 4.9 ± 3.0), 60° = (5.0 ± 2.8, 5.9 ± 2.7, and 5.1 ± 3.2), 90° = (3.1 ± 1.6, 5.5 ± 2.6, and 3.2 ± 1.4), and 120° = (3.4 ± 2.1, 5.6 ± 4.0, and 3.5 ± 1.7)Abduction: 30° = (5.2 ± 2.5, 9.1 ± 6.1, and 4.6 ± 2.3), 60° = (5.2 ± 3.6, 6.6 ± 4.1, and 5.3 ± 3.1), 90° = (3.8 ± 2.0; 7.4 ± 5.5, and 4.1 ± 1.9), and 120° = (5.3 ± 2.9, 7.7 ± 5.3, and 4.2 ± 1.9)Internal rotation: 15° = (4.3 ± 3.1, 6.2 ± 4.4, and 2.8 ± 1.2), 30° = (3.2 ± 1.9, 4.5 ± 2.3, and 3.3 ± 1.4), and 45° = (3.5 ± 2.0, 4.1 ± 1.8, and 2.8 ± 1.0)External rotation: 15° = (3.0 ± 1.7, 4.2 ± 2.2, and 3.6 ± 1.4) and 30° = (3.1 ± 1.5, 3.8 ± 2.6, and 3.4 ± 1.6)The results showed significantly better JPS (lower EPRJP) in shoulders following rTSA and normal control shoulders comparing with the patient's contralateral shoulder. The explanation can be that rTSA improves joint kinematics and stability, which allows better muscular performance and proprioception feedback. CONCLUSION: Shoulders following rTSA show JPS superior to non-operated contralateral shoulders and comparable with healthy population shoulders. It seems that rTSA restores shoulder proprioception.

Hamburger Technique: Augmented Rotator Cuff Repair With Biological Superior Capsular Reconstruction.

Despite profound advancements in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) techniques, radiologic failure rates may be in excess of 60% with repairs of large and massive tears in the elderly population. One of the strategies to improve these healing rates has been "patch" augmentation of the cuff repair. At the same time, superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) has gained significant popularity as an option for irreparable rotator cuff (RC) tears. Some have also advocated performing SCR in addition to arthroscopic RCR to reinforce the repair and improve healing rates. Techniques involving the use of fascia lata, ECM patches, and long head of the biceps (LHB) for SCR to reinforce the cuff repair have all been elegantly described. In this article, we propose a technique that enables a combination of the aforementioned procedures and involves performing RCR with patch augmentation, as well as SCR using LHB. In doing so, the repaired RC is bordered by the patch over its bursal surface and the LHB on the articular surface (functioning as the superior capsule), thus giving us the name "Hamburger technique" (a 3-layered construct).

Early versus delayed weight bearing after surgical fixation of distal femur fractures: a non-randomized comparative study.

Distal femur fractures are rare injuries with a bimodal distribution (high-energy injury in young males and low-energy fragility fractures in old females). Their management can be challenging: open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with distal femur locking plates is a commonly performed procedure especially in comminuted fractures with articular involvement. Anxiety regarding the stability of the fixation, especially in osteoporotic bone, leads to post-operative restrictive instructions with limitations regarding the weight-bearing status. Early weight bearing (EWB), however, was shown to enhance bone healing and was not correlated with an increased risk of fracture displacement or implant failure in previous published studies, which reported the results of proximal femur, tibia and ankle fractures surgical treatment. The current study analysed the results of a series of distal femur fractures (51 patients, mean age 64.3 ± 20.7) all treated with ORIF in a level-I major trauma centre, but differently rehabilitated. Group A was, in fact, instructed not to weight bear or to touch weight bear, while group B started to weight bear soon after surgery without specific restrictions. The objective was to compare the outcome and the complication rate in the two groups at 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. The results showed no statistically significant differences in the two groups and no post-operative complications in the EWB group. Six complications were observed in the non-weight-bearing group (four fractures displacement and two implants failure at 12-week follow-up). Distal femur fractures treated with locking plates can be rehabilitated with EWB to allow early return to function. There is no evidence that EWB increases the risk of fracture displacement or implant failure in distal femur fractures treated with distal locking plates. Instead, it is possible that post-operative non-weight-bearing status delays the fracture-healing process increasing the risk of failure of the fixation.

Sliding hip screws versus cancellous screws for femoral neck fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Both sliding hip screws (SHS) and cancellous screws are used in the surgical management of intracapsular femoral neck fracture. However, there is paucity of information as to which is the superior treatment modality. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis study to compare the clinical outcomes of SHS and cancellous screws for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in adult patients. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL, up to December 2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) directly comparing the clinical outcomes of SHS and cancellous screws for femoral neck fractures were retrieved with no language or publication year restrictions. Data retrieved included operative details, nonunion rate, avascular necrosis, reoperation, infection and mortality, hip pain, functional hip scores, and medical complications. These were pooled as risk ratio or mean difference (MD) with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by Chi-square test. RESULTS: Ten RCTs involving 1934 patients were included in the final analysis. The pooled estimate showed that the SHS group was associated with more intraoperative blood loss (MD = 110.01 ml, 95% CI [52.42, 167.60], p = 0.00002) than the cancellous screws. There was no significant difference in terms of operative time, postoperative hip function, nonunion, avascular necrosis, reoperation rate, infection, fracture healing, hip pain, medical complications, and mortality rate. CONCLUSION: Based on our study, the cancellous screws group was associated with less intraoperative blood loss in comparison with the SHS group. No other significant differences were found between the two interventions.

Distal Triceps Rupture Repair: The Triceps Pulley-Pullover Technique.

Distal triceps rupture is an uncommon but debilitating injury, and surgical fixation is almost invariably warranted. A number of techniques have been described in the literature in which combinations of transosseous tunnels and bone anchors have been used. We describe a modification to existing techniques-the triceps pulley-pullover technique with all-suture anchors. This technique minimizes bone loss, while maximizing the bone-tendon contact area and creating a double-row repair to optimize strength and healing.

The X-Pulley Technique for Subpectoral Long Head of the Biceps Tenodesis Using All-Suture Anchors.

Subpectoral long head of the biceps tenodesis is gaining popularity as a technique for treating patients with various pathologies of the tendon or its anchor to the superior labrum. It has the added advantage of addressing bicipital groove pathologies. Various techniques for performing it have been described, but none is without problems. We present a modification of the previously described techniques that involves 2 all-suture anchors and offers the added advantage of a reduced risk of fracture without sacrificing the biomechanical strength of the construct. We also believe that it may potentiate healing by providing an adequate surface contact area between the tendon and bone with a minimal risk of damage to the tendon and neurovascular structures.

Superior Capsule Reconstruction: What Do We Know?

The management of irreparable rotator cuff tears remains challenging. Since its introduction by Mihata in 2012, superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) has grown in popularity at an astonishingly rapid rate. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the available literature, in order to highlight what has so far been published on SCR, covering all aspects including biomechanical, clinical and radiological studies as well as descriptions of the various techniques for performing the procedure. The short-term clinical results of SCR are promising, but there is need for further long-term studies, as well as randomised controlled trials comparing SCR to other treatment modalities for irreparable rotator cuff tears. Further imaging studies looking at graft healing rates are also required as the healing rates published so far are variable. Additionally, the mechanism of action by which SCR delivers good short-term functional outcomes needs further clarification, as does the importance of the choice of graft type and thickness.