Better Constant Scores and Active Forward Elevation Using Deltopectoral Versus Anterosuperior Approach for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Matched Cohort Study.

Purpose: To determine, from a sizable cohort of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), whether the deltopectoral (DP) or anterosuperior (AS) approach grant better outcomes at a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Methods: The authors reviewed 743 RSAs in patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA) with or without rotator cuff lesions and secondary OA due to rotator cuff tears. The DP approach was used in 540 and the AS approach in 203. Pre- and post-operative constant scores (CSs) and shoulder range of motion were recorded. Results: Of the initial cohort of 743 shoulders, 193 (25.7%) were lost to follow-up, 16 (2.1%) died, and 33 (4.4%) were revised; 540 shoulders were operated using DP approach (73%), of which 22 were revised (4.1%), while 203 were operated using the AS approach (27%), of which 11 were revised (5.4%). Propensity score matching resulted in two groups: 172 shoulders operated by DP approach, and 88 shoulders operated by AS approach. Comparing outcomes of the matched groups at 2 or more years also revealed that, compared to the AS approach, the DP approach resulted in significantly better post-operative CSs (67.3 ± 14.0° vs 60.8 ± 18.3, P = 0.017), active forward elevation (137° ± 27.4° vs 129° ± 29.8; P = 0.031). Conclusion: At 2 or more years following RSA, the DP approach granted significantly better CS (by 6.5 points) and active forward elevation (by 8°) compared to the AS approach. The differences observed are clinically relevant and must be considered to manage patient expectations following RSA and for selecting surgical approach depending on their functional needs. Level of evidence: III, comparative study.

Intraoperative repair of functional subscapularis during RSA by deltopectoral approach could improve internal rotation but does not prevent anterior dislocation.

INTRODUCTION: The role of the subscapularis following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) remains controversial as repair could restore adequate internal rotation and shoulder stability, but might compromise external rotation. The purpose of this multi-centre study, on a large cohort of RSAs performed using the deltopectoral approach, was to determine the effect of subscapularis preoperative status and intraoperative repair on range of motion, clinical scores and rates of complications at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. HYPOTHESIS: Repair of a functional subscapularis grants better internal rotation and stability without compromising external rotation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of all RSAs (n=916) performed by 14 surgeons that participated in a large national society symposium, and excluded 234 operated by the anterosuperior approach, 42 operated for rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, instability or post traumatic sequalae, and eight that had adjuvant latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT). This left 632 RSAs, in which the subscapularis was detached in 594, and repaired after detachment in 495. Patients completed pre- and postoperative Constant Score and postoperative Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). Active forward elevation, active external rotation (ER), and active internal rotation (IR) were recorded pre- and postoperatively. Complications following RSA that required conservative treatment, reoperation without implant removal, as well as reoperation with implant removal were recorded. RESULTS: Of the initial cohort of 632 shoulders, 120 (19%) were lost to follow-up, 12 (2%) died due to causes unrelated to RSA, and 26 (4%) were revised with implant removal. Of the remaining 474 shoulders, 259 (55%) had a functional repaired subscapularis (Group FR), 59 (12%) had a non-functional repaired subscapularis (Group nFR), whereas 68 (14%) had a not repaired subscapularis (Group nR). Comparison of patient demographics revealed no significant differences among the three groups. Postoperative Constant Score (p=0.031) and SSV (p=0.016) were significantly different among the three groups, but effect sizes were small and not clinically relevant. Differences in postoperative ER as well as postoperative IR were not significant among the three groups: 91 (35%) gained functional IR in Group FR, 11 (19%) in Group nFR, and 13 (19%) in Group nR. Three shoulders (1.2%) reported subjective instability and 1 (0.4%) dislocated in Group FR, but none in either Groups nFR or nR. DISCUSSION: Despite statistically significant differences in Constant Score and SSV among the three groups, the clinical relevance of these differences is negligible, so repair of functional subscapularis has little or no influence on functional outcomes. During RSA by deltopectoral approach, repair of a functional subscapularis could slightly improve internal rotation in some patients but does not compromise external rotation, forward elevation or clinical scores, while repair of a non-functional subscapularis, compared to non-repair, did not improve range of motion or clinical scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; retrospective comparative.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis: significantly different characteristics and outcomes in shoulders with intact vs. torn rotator cuff.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for primary osteoarthritis (OA) with and without rotator cuff (RC) tears to those with secondary OA due to RC tears. METHODS: We reviewed records of all patients who received RSA for primary OA or secondary OA. All patients had preoperative radiographs, computed tomographic arthrography (CTA), and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of their shoulders to assess their etiology, glenoid morphology, and fatty infiltration. Pre- and postoperative (at minimum follow-up of 2 years) Constant scores and range of motion were compared between patients who had RSA for primary OA with and without RC tears to those with secondary OA due to RC tears. RESULTS: Of the initial cohort of 605 shoulders (583 patients), 153 were lost to follow-up (25.3%), 25 required revision with implant removal (4.1%), and 13 died of causes unrelated to the surgery (2.1%), and left a final cohort of 414 patients. Of the final cohort, 97 had primary OA with intact RC, 62 had primary OA with RC tears, and 255 had secondary OA. Postoperative Constant scores were significantly higher for primary OA with intact RC (73.8 ± 14.3), compared with both primary OA with RC tears (66.1 ± 14.6, P < .001) and secondary OA (64.1 ± 14.8, P < .001). There were no differences in pre- or postoperative scores between primary OA with RC tears and secondary OA. CONCLUSION: At 2 or more years following RSA, Constant scores were significantly higher for primary OA with intact RC, compared to either primary OA with RC tears or secondary OA, whereas there were no differences in pre- or postoperative scores of shoulders that had primary OA with RC tears vs. secondary OA. The authors recommend distinguishing primary OA with intact RC from primary OA with RC tears, as the two have considerably different characteristics and prognosis following RSA.

Surgical Approach for RSA has Little or no Influence on Scapular Inclination and Glenoid Baseplate Tilt Relative to the Horizontal.

Purpose: Determine whether reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) glenoid baseplate tilt is influenced by surgical approach and/or associated with functional scores. Methods: In total, 501 shoulders (483 patients) who underwent RSA, by anterosuperior (AS, n = 88) or deltopectoral (DP, n = 413) approach. Preoperative and immediate postoperative anteroposterior and scapular Y-view radiographs were used to measure: Inclination of the supraspinatus fossa's floor relative to the horizontal (Sigma angle), inclination of the glenoid fossa line (or glenoid baseplate surface) relative to the horizontal (beta-h angle) or to the supraspinatus fossa's floor (beta-s angle). Results: Sigma and beta-h were significantly greater for shoulders operated by DP approach, both preoperatively (P < .001, P = .002) and postoperatively (P = .004, P < .001), but net change was not significantly different (P = .501, P = .742). Conversely, beta-s was significantly greater for shoulders operated by DP approach, only postoperatively (P = .042), but there were no significant differences in either preoperative angles (P = .580) or net change thereof (P = .528). Conclusion: Beta-s was slightly but significantly greater for shoulders operated by DP approach, while beta-h and sigma depended primarily on preoperative scapular inclination and glenoid tilt, rather than on surgical approach. At a minimum of 2 years following RSA, neither constant scores nor net improvements thereof were significantly associated with any of the angles. Level of evidence: IV, case series.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty renders better clinical scores at a minimum follow-up of two years for patients with no rotator cuff deficiency operated by the deltopectoral approach.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this multi-centre study was to report outcomes of a large cohort of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) at a minimum follow-up of two years and to determine patient and surgical factors that influence postoperative outcomes. The hypothesis was that surgical indication, surgical approach, and implant design would affect clinical outcomes significantly. METHODS: The authors reviewed records of 743 RSAs in patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA) with or without rotator cuff (RC) tears, secondary OA due to RC tears, and irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (mRCT). The deltopectoral (DP) approach was used in 540 and the anterosuperior (AS) approach in 203. Pre- and postoperative Constant scores (CS) were recorded. Multivariable linear analyses were performed to determine if CS was associated with indications for surgery, surgical approach, or implant design. RESULTS: Of the 743 shoulders, 193 (25.7%) were lost to follow-up, 16 (2.1%) died, and 33 (4.4%) were revised, leaving 501 for analysis. At a mean follow-up of 3.2 ± 0.9 years, net improvement in CS was 29.2 ± 17.0. Multivariable analyses revealed that postoperative CS decreased with age and was worse in shoulders that had preoperative rotator cuff deficiency and in shoulders operated by the AS approach. Multivariable analyses also revealed worse net improvement in shoulders operated for secondary OA due to RC tears or for irreparable mRCT, as well as shoulders operated by the AS approach. CONCLUSION: This large multi-centre study confirms that, at two or more years following RSA, Constant scores are not associated with implant design, but rather with rotator cuff deficiency and surgical approach. Multivariable analysis revealed that postoperative CS was worse for shoulders with preoperative rotator cuff deficiency and for shoulders operated by the AS approach. Multivariable analysis also revealed that net improvement in CS was worse in shoulders treated for secondary OA due to RC tears and for shoulders with irreparable mRCT, as well as for shoulders operated by the AS approach.

Factors that affect external rotation following reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a retrospective multi-centre study on 501 shoulders.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this multi-centre study was to assess external rotation in a large cohort following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) at a minimum follow-up of 2 years, and identify factors that influence postoperative and/or net-improvement of external rotation. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed records of 743 RSAs performed between January 2015 and August 2017 by 16 surgeons that participated in a large national society symposium; 193 (25.7%) were lost to follow-up, 16 (2.1%) died, and 33 (4.4%) were revised with implant exchange, which left 501 available for assessment at 2.0-5.5 years. Pre- and post-operative active forward elevation, active external rotation (ER1), active internal rotation (IR1) and constant score (CS) were collected. Regression analyses were performed to determine associations of patient demographics, surgical and implant parameters, rotator cuff muscles status and radiographic angles with ER1. RESULTS: Multivariable analyses revealed postoperative ER1 decreased with age (ß, - 0.35), increased with lateralisation shoulder angle (LSA) (ß, 0.26), and was better in shoulders operated by the antero-superior (AS) approach (ß, 11.41), but worse in shoulders with absent/atrophic teres minor muscles (ß, - 10.06). Net-improvement of ER1 increased with LSA (ß, 0.39), was better with inlay stems (ß, 8.33) and BIO RSA (ß, 6.22), but worse in shoulders operated for primary OA with rotator cuff (RC) tears (ß, - 16.26), for secondary OA due to RC tears (ß, - 16.06), or for mRCT (ß, - 18.96). CONCLUSIONS: This large multi-centre study revealed that, at a minimum of 2 years following RSA, ER1 improved by 16.1°. Postoperative ER1 was better in shoulders which had normal or hypertrophic teres minor muscles, were operated by the AS approach, or with greater LSA. Net-improvement of ER1 was better in shoulders with inlay stems, with BIO RSA, or with greater LSA, but worse in shoulders with rotator cuff deficiency. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Delayed Open Reduction and Fixation of an Isolated Trapezium Dislocation.

We report a case of a 49-year-old patient with an isolated dorsal radial dislocation of the right trapezium that occurred in a context of polytrauma. At first, the lesion went unnoticed. The diagnosis was made 1 month later because of persistent pain in the thumb. An open reduction of the dislocation was carried out, and osteosynthesis using scaphoid-trapezium and trapeziotrapezoid pinning was conducted under fluoroscopic control. The patient was immobilized for 3 months after surgery. After 4 years, the mobility of the thumb was complete and painless.

The precision of patient-specific instrumentation guides for the positioning of the glenoid component in total reverse shoulder arthroplasty: an in vivo scanographic study.

OBJECTIVE: Optimal position and fixation of the baseplate is essential for the longevity of the reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) and the patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) can help the surgeon to achieve that purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the PSI guides for the positioning of the baseplate and the fixation's screws. METHOD: Prospective study involving 35 patients operated for RSA. The PSI guides were planned and used by the senior surgeon in all cases. We compared the planned orientation (frontal and axial) of the baseplate and the screws with the post-operative CT scan. RESULTS: The mean difference between the planned measures and the post-op measures was inferior to 2.5°. The screw's length corresponded with the pre-op plan in 70% of the cases. CONCLUSION: The use of a PSI guide to position the glenoid implant in total reverse shoulder arthroplasty is reliable, reduces the risk of positioning errors and improves the quality of fixation with the screws.

Geometric modification of the humeral position after total reverse shoulder arthroplasty: what is the optimal lowering of the humerus?

BACKGROUND: The main mechanical effect after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is the lowering of the glenohumeral rotation center. The optimal value of the humeral lowering after RSA is still debated. The main objective of our study was to determine the lowering and medialization of the humerus and to correlate these parameters with short-term functional results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 70 patients with complete radiographic and clinical data. A multivariate analysis was used to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes with the humeral lowering. RESULTS: The mean humeral lowering was 25.4 mm (range, 6-38 mm), and the mean medialization was 9.2 mm (range, 0-20 mm). Humeral lowering significantly influenced active forward elevation and the rate of scapular notching. DISCUSSION: The best clinical results and the lowest incidence of scapular notching were found after a lowering of more than 24 mm in our series. We recommend humeral lengthening of at least 24 mm after implanting a total reverse shoulder prosthesis.

Reproducibility of a new method for measuring lowering and medialisation of the humerus after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) requires lowering the humerus and medialisation of the centre of rotation. Several techniques based on standard X-rays are available in the literature. The aim of this study was to expose and validate a new technique for measuring these parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographic data of 20 patients were included. Three observers examined each X-rays three times to establish the inter- and intra-reproducibility of each technique (Jobin, Renaud and our method). RESULTS: Intra-observer reproducibility was between 0.10 and 0.94. The best intra-observer intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was obtained using Renaud's and our techniques. The inter-observer reproducibility was between 0.37 and 0.74. The best inter-observer ICC was obtained with our technique. DISCUSSION: We describe a reliable and reproducible method to evaluate lowering and medialisation of the humerus after RSA. This technique may allow determine the optimal threshold of lengthening after RSA.

Reverse prostheses in arthropathies with cuff tear: are survivorship and function maintained over time?

BACKGROUND: The use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty has considerably increased since first introduced in 1985. Despite demonstrating early improvement of function and pain, there is limited information regarding the durability and longer-term outcomes of this prosthesis. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined complication rates, functional scores over time, survivorship, and whether radiographs would develop signs of loosening. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 527 reverse shoulder arthroplasties performed in 506 patients between 1985 and 2003. Clinical and radiographic assessment was performed in 464 patients with a minimum followup of 2 years and 148 patients with a minimum followup of 5 years (mean, 7.5 years; range, 5-17 years). Cumulative survival curves were established with end points being prosthesis revision and Constant-Murley score of less than 30 points. RESULTS: Eighty-nine of 489 had at least one complication for a total of 107 complications. Survivorship free of revision was 89% at 10 years with a marked break occurring at 2 and 9 years. Survivorship to a Constant-Murley score of less than 30 was 72% at 10 years with a marked break observed at 8 years. We observed progressive radiographic changes after 5 years and an increasing frequency of large notches with long-term followup. CONCLUSIONS: Although the need for revision of reverse shoulder arthroplasty was relatively low at 10 years, Constant-Murley score and radiographic changes deteriorated with time. These findings are concerning regarding the longevity of the reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and therefore caution must be exercised when recommending reverse shoulder arthroplasty, especially in younger patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.