Predictability and functional impact of lateral acromioplasty using preoperative 2D planning on the correction of the critical shoulder angle (CSA) in patients with rotator cuff repair.

Background: Rotator cuff tears are highly prevalent, and their association with critical shoulder angle (CSA) has been reported. There is controversy regarding whether the morphology of the acromion influences its incidence, as well as whether acromioplasty would impact the results of a rotator cuff repair. Lateral acromioplasty does not play a decompressive role; rather, it aims to correct the deltoid vector. According to some publications, this would achieve less loading on the repaired rotator cuff, a lower retear rate, and better function. CSA correction with lateral acromioplasty can be planned with radiography (2-dimensional [2D]), but its predictability has not been fully studied. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the predictability of 2D planning with radiography in CSA correction in patients with rotator cuff repair. The secondary objective is to analyze the association between the correction of the CSA and the functional outcomes. Methods: This single-center, prospective, observational, analytical study included candidates for arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff tear with a CSA > 35°. Lateral acromioplasty was performed as planned with preoperative radiography (2D) to achieve a CSA of 35°. The degrees to be corrected were calculated. CSA was recalculated with a postoperative radiography; and the error in the planned grades to be corrected was calculated. At the end of follow-up, Visual Analog Scale, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) scores were evaluated. Results: Forty one cases were included, 43.9% were men, and the mean age was 55.5 ± 8.6 years. The mean preoperative and postoperative CSA were 39.6° ± 1.9° and 35.7° ± 2.3°, respectively; 41.5% achieved a postoperative CSA ≤ 35°. The mean CSA planned correction error was 45.7 ± 28.8%. At the end of the follow-up, 33 (78.6%) had a functional evaluation, with an average follow-up of 41 ± 6.8 months. The mean Visual Analog Scale, Quick-DASH, and SSV were 0.9 ± 1.6, 5.3 ± 7.5, and 92.7 ± 10.6, respectively. There was a significant difference in Quick-DASH (P = .01) and SSV (P = .02) according to whether a postoperative CSA ≤ 35° was achieved. Conclusion: In lateral acromioplasty, planning of CSA correction with radiography (2D) is imprecise. Reaching a CSA ≤ 35° positively influences functional results.

Complications of Locked Plating for Proximal Humeral Fractures in Active Patients in a Level One Trauma Center.

Background: The incidence of complications associated with locked plating of proximal humerus fractures (PHF) has been reported in up to 40% of surgeries. This study aimed to analyze the incidence and risk factors of complications and re-intervention associated with locked plating of PHF in a an young active working population. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients indicated for locked plating of displaced PHF at a dedicated workers' accident trauma center. The variables analyzed were patient comorbidities, fracture characteristics, and immediate radiologic surgical outcomes. Postoperative complications and risk factors were determined. Results: A total of 127 patients with a median follow-up of 31 months and a median age of 52 years were included. The complication and reintervention rates were 13.4% and 12.6%, respectively. The main cause of reintervention was post-traumatic stiffness. The incidence of other complications was 4% screw protrusion, 1.6% avascular necrosis, 1.6% varus collapse. Complications were not associated with age, comorbidity, fracture classification, bone mineral density, Hertel's risk factors, presence of calcar comminution, reduction quality, and calcar screw position. Discussion: The incidence of complications and reintervention was low. The main cause of reintervention was persistent stiffness, and no risk factors for complications were found in this study.

Good functional results with open reduction and internal fixation for locked posterior shoulder fracture-dislocation: a case series.

BACKGROUND: There is no standardized therapeutic strategy for locked posterior shoulder fracture-dislocation (PSFD), and no consensus exists on the analysis of preoperative factors. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate functional results and complications in a series of PSFD cases managed with open surgical treatment. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with locked PSFD who underwent open surgical treatment with reduction and osteosynthesis between April 2016 and March 2020 were included. All participants were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Functional assessment used the modified University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) mod scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) questionnaire, subjective shoulder value (SSV), and visual analog scale (VAS). Complications were evaluated clinically and radiologically by X-ray and computed tomography. RESULTS: Twelve shoulders were included (11 patients; mean age, 40.6 years; range, 19- 62 years). The mean follow-up duration was 23.3 months (range, 12-63 months). The UCLA mod, ASES, SSV, and VAS scores were 29.1±3.7, 81.6±13.5, 78±14.8, and 1.2±1.4 points, respectively. The overall complication rate was 16.6%, with one case of post-traumatic stiffness, 1 case of chronic pain, and no cases of avascular necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Open surgical treatment of locked PSFD can achieve good functional results. A correct understanding of these injuries and good preoperative planning helped us to achieve a low rate of complications.

Similar optimal distalization and lateralization angles can be achieved with different reverse shoulder arthroplasty implant designs.

BACKGROUND: Optimal postoperative distalization (DSA) and lateralization (LSA) shoulder angles have been described as radiological measurements correlated with function after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The proposed optimal values are DSA between 40° and 65° and LSA between 75° and 95°; however, whether these values can be reached with different implant designs is unclear. AIM: To determine which RSA implant could achieve higher rates of optimal DSA and LSA, to determine any association between each implant and optimal DSA and LSA, and to assess the correlation of the preoperative critical shoulder angle (CSA) and acromial index (AI) with the DSA and LSA. METHODS: This was a retrospective comparative study of all patients who underwent primary RSA for rotator cuff arthropathy. Three RSA implant designs were included, based on which patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (FH Arrow™; 16 patients) comprised onlay implants with a 135° neck-shaft angle (NSA); group 2 (Biomet Comprehensive™; 20 patients) comprised onlay implants with a 147° NSA; group 3 (Mathys Affinis™; 15 patients) comprised inlay implants with a 155° NSA. The AI and CSA were measured on preoperative radiographs. The DSA and LSA were measured on true AP postoperative radiographs. RESULTS: The mean DSAs were 44°, 46°, and 46° (P = 0.671) and the mean LSAs were 92°, 91°, and 82° for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P = 0.003). Group 3 had lower LSA than groups 1 (-10°; P = 0.005) and 2 (-9°; P = 0.002). Optimal DSA and LSA were achieved in 71% and 73% of all arthroplasties, respectively. No association between implant designs and achieving an optimal DSA or LSA was observed. None of the implant designs had DSA >65°. The most common cause of failure to reach an optimal LSA in onlay implants was a combination of LSA >95° and DSA <40°. The most common cause of failure in group 3 was DSA <40°. The DSA was negatively correlated with the AI (-0.384; P = 0.006) and CSA (-0.305; P = 0.033). No correlation was observed between the LSA and AI (P = 0.312) or CSA (P = 0.137). CONCLUSION: The LSA is lower with the Mathys Affinis™ implant than with the Biomet Comprehensive™ and FH Arrow™ implants; however, most LSAs are in the optimal ranges, and no association is observed between different implant designs and optimal DSA and LSA. Implant design, CSA, and AI should be considered during preoperative planning to achieve optimal DSA and LSA.

Aplicación móvil en el diagnóstico de dolor de hombro para médicos generales / Mobile application in the diagnosis of shoulder pain for general physicians

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la concordancia diagnóstica durante la evaluación inicial de pacientes con dolor de hombro entre: (1) Traumatólogos especialistas en hombro realizando una evaluación convencional y (2) un médico general utilizando una nueva aplicación móvil. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Se diseñó una aplicación móvil para asistir a médicos generales a realizar una evaluación del dolor de hombro entregando una hipótesis diagnóstica. Se diseñó un estudio de concordancia diagnóstica. Se evaluó un grupo de 60 pacientes, quienes consultaron por primera vez con un especialista en hombro. Primero, todos fueron evaluados por un médico general utilizando la aplicación. Se registró la hipótesis diagnóstica entregada por la aplicación. Luego, el especialista realizó una evaluación con anamnesis y examen físico, registrando su hipótesis diagnóstica. Se realizó una prueba Kappa para determinar la concordancia entre ambos evaluadores. RESULTADOS: La concordancia global entre los especialistas y la aplicación móvil utilizada por el médico general fue sustancial (k » 0,74; p < 0,001). La concordancia fue casi perfecta para el Pinzamiento subacromial, dolor cervical, lesión acromioclavicular, inestabilidad de hombro, y el pinzamiento interno. CONCLUSIÓN: La concordancia diagnóstica durante la evaluación inicial de pacientes con dolor de hombro entre traumatólogos especialistas y un médico general utilizando una aplicación móvil fue sustancial. NIVEL DE EVIDENCIA: Tipo III.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic concordance during the initial evaluation of patients with shoulder pain between: (1) Shoulder orthopedic surgeons performing a conventional evaluation and (2) a general practitioner using a new mobile application. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A mobile application was designed to assist general practitioners to perform an evaluation of shoulder pain by providing a diagnostic hypothesis. A diagnostic concordance study was designed. A group of 60 patients were evaluated, who consulted for the first time with a shoulder specialist. First, they were all evaluated by a general practitioner using the application. The diagnostic hypothesis delivered by the application was recorded. Then, the specialist made an evaluation with anamnesis and physical examination, recording his diagnostic hypothesis. A Kappa test was performed to determine the agreement between both evaluators. RESULTS: The overall agreement between the specialists and the mobile application used by the general practitioner was substantial (k » 0.74, p < 0.001). The agreement was almost perfect for subacromial impingement, cervical pain, acromioclavicular injuries, shoulder instability, and internal impingement. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic agreement during the initial evaluation of patients with shoulder pain between shoulder specialist and a general practitioner using a mobile application was substantial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Type III.