Arthroscopic soft tissue reconstruction in anterior shoulder instability.

Anterior glenohumeral instability remains a difficult problem in the athletic and working patient populations. Treatment strategies are variable and range from nonoperative approaches incorporating immobilization and rehabilitation to surgical management. Surgical decision-making can be challenging, especially with a high-level patient who wishes to return to high-demand activities. Operative options range from open soft tissue stabilization to arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization, with both open and arthroscopic options for bony reconstruction in the setting of clinically significant anterior glenoid bone loss. In all cases, understanding appropriate indications and utilizing sound surgical techniques are critical for achieving a successful result. For the majority of patients with anterior shoulder instability, arthroscopic soft tissue reconstruction with suture anchors is a successful, minimally invasive approach that results in a stable shoulder with excellent outcomes and low complication rates.

Evaluation of fever in the immediate post-operative period following shoulder arthroplasty.

AIMS: To determine the incidence and timing of post-operative fevers following shoulder arthroplasty and the resulting investigations performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty over a nine-year period. The charts of all patients with a post-operative fever (≥ 38.6°C) were reviewed and the results of all investigations were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 2167 cases (in 1911 patients) were included of whom 92 (4.2%) had a documented fever. Obese cases had a significantly greater risk for fever (relative risk 1.53; 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 2.32; p = 0.041). Investigations were performed in 43/92 cases (46.7%), with a diagnosis being made in six cases (6.6% of the total, two of whom had their diagnosis made post-discharge). CONCLUSION: Around one in 25 cases develop a fever following shoulder arthroplasty; most have no infective aetiology. These patients may be being over-investigated; investigations should be performed in patients with persistent fever or on those with an identifiable source of infection on clinical examination. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1515-19.

Comparative outcomes of outpatient and inpatient total shoulder arthroplasty: an analysis of the Medicare dataset.

AIMS: The aim of the present study was to compare the 30- and 90-day re-admission rates and complication rates of outpatient and inpatient total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The United States Medicare Standard Analytical Files database was questioned to identify patients who had undergone outpatient or inpatient TSA between 2005 and 2012. Patient characteristics were compared between the two groups using chi-squared analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to control for differences in baseline patient characteristics and to compare the two groups in terms of post-operative complications within 90 days and re-admission within 30 days and 90 days. RESULTS: A total of 123 347 Medicare subscribers underwent TSA between 2005 and 2012; 3493 (2.8%) had the procedure performed as an outpatient. A significantly greater proportion of patients who underwent TSA as inpatients were women, had a history of smoking, and had a greater incidence of medical comorbidity including diabetes, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease (p < 0.05 for all). Re-admission rates were significantly higher for inpatients at both 30 days (0.83% versus 0.60%, p = 0.016, odds ratio 1.8) and 90 days (2.87% versus 2.04%, p < 0.001, odds ratio 1.8). Complications, including thromboembolic events (p < 0.001) and surgical site infection (p = 0.002), were significantly higher in inpatients. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent TSA on an outpatient basis were overall younger and healthier than those who had inpatient surgery, which suggests that patient selection was taking place. After controlling for age, gender, and medical conditions, patients who underwent TSA as outpatients had lower rates of 30- and 90-day re-admission and a lower rate of complications than inpatients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:934-8.

Biomechanical testing of the reconstructed ulnar collateral ligament: a systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to perform a systematic review of the literature investigating biomechanical studies of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) techniques to summarize the most commonly analyzed methods of fixation (at both the ulna and humerus), the degree of elbow flexion at the time of fixation, graft characteristics, and modes of failure with these techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed. All cadaveric biomechanical studies that tested a reconstruction method for UCLR were included. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each study and parameter/variable analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included with a total of 397 elbows in 242 cadavers (mean age 54.8 ± 20 years, range 16-96). The majority of studies (65 %) used a palmaris longus graft. The docking technique (37.2 %) was the most commonly tested reconstruction method. Significant heterogeneity between studies precluded assimilation of specific techniques (each of the 23 studies utilized a unique technique). Fixation was performed at 30°-90° of elbow flexion. The most common mode of failure was suture failure (51 %), followed by midsubstance rupture (27.00 %), and bone tunnel fracture (14.00 %). No significant differences were observed amongst techniques for all measures analyzed. CONCLUSION: This study found the docking technique to be the most commonly tested technique, while the mode of reconstruction failure was most commonly at the suture interface. If the graft failed at the bone interface, it was most likely to occur at the ulna. Surgeon preference and comfort level with a specific technique should dictate choice.

Clinical outcomes of revision biceps tenodesis.

PURPOSE: Biceps tenotomy and tenodesis are effective treatment options for biceps pathology, but outcomes of revision surgery are not known. This study examines the clinical outcomes of patients who have undergone a revision biceps tenodesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients since 2004 (N = 21) who had undergone a revision biceps tenodesis with greater than 6-month follow-up was completed. A follow-up survey was carried out, and the visual analog scale (VAS), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) scores were obtained, along with SF-12 Mental (MCS-12) and Physical Component Summaries (PCS-12). RESULTS: Indications for revision surgery were continued pain (14) and ruptured biceps (7). Complete follow-up examinations were performed in 15 of 21 patients (71.4%). Average follow-up was 33.4 ± 23.5 months. The mean postoperative scores were 1.9 out of 10, VAS; 79 out of 100, SANE; 10.2 out of 12, SST; 83 out of 100, ASES; 29 out of 35, UCLA; 44, PCS- 12; and 47.1, MCS- 12. Five patients were considered failures with a UCLA score below 27. Seventeen of twenty-one patient underwent concomitant procedures. Complete preoperative and postoperative data were collected for 14 patients. All scores demonstrated highly significant improvement from preoperative levels (P < 0.005), except for the MCS-12. There was no statistically significant difference in the outcomes of revision due to rupture and revision due to persistent pain. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that revision subpectoral biceps tenodesis provides significant pain relief and improvement in functional outcomes at a mean follow-up of 33.4 months. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case Series, Level 4.

Treatment of locked chronic posterior dislocation of the shoulder by reconstruction of the defect in the humeral head with an allograft.

The treatment of a chronic posterior dislocation of the shoulder is often determined by the size of the associated impression fracture of the humeral head. Our hypothesis was that patients with a chronic unreduced posterior dislocation of the shoulder and a defect in the humeral head involving between 25% to 50% of the articular surface, would do better if reconstructed with an allograft from the femoral head rather than treated by a non-anatomical reconstruction. We reviewed ten men and three women with a mean age of 42 years (36 to 51) at a mean follow-up of 54 months (41 to 64) who had this procedure. At follow-up, nine had no pain or restriction of activities of daily living. Their mean Constant-Murley shoulder score was 86.8 (43 to 98). No patient had symptoms of instability of the shoulder. Reconstruction of the defect in the humeral head with an allograft provides good pain relief, stability and function for patients with a locked, chronic posterior dislocation where the defect involves between 25% and 50% of the circumference of the articular surface.

Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization with suture anchors: technique, technology, and pitfalls.

Arthroscopic treatment of anterior shoulder instability has evolved significantly during the past decade. Currently, most techniques include the use of suture and suture anchors. A successful outcome is highly dependent on accurate patient selection. Preoperative evaluation, examination with the patient under anesthesia, and defining the pathoanatomy by a thorough arthroscopic examination determine the most effective treatment strategy. Technical skills include the surgeon's ability to accomplish anchor placement, suture passage, and arthroscopic knot tying. Various instruments and techniques are available to facilitate arthroscopic reconstruction. In properly selected patients and with good surgical technique, outcomes should approximate or exceed traditional open stabilization techniques.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair with the Suretac device for traumatic anterior shoulder instability in athletes.

Arthroscopic treatment of anterior shoulder instability in the athlete has evolved tremendously over the past decade. Currently, most techniques include the use of suture and suture anchors. However, the variety of arthroscopic instruments and techniques that are available shows the complexity of intra-articular tissue fixation, which includes anchor placement, suture passing, and knot tying. Stabilization using the Suretac device (Acufex Microsurgical, Mansfield, MA) simplifies tissue fixation by eliminating the need for arthroscopic suture passing and intra-articular knot tying. However, a successful outcome is highly dependent on accurate patient selection. Preoperative evaluation, examination under anesthesia, and the pathoanatomy defined by a thorough arthroscopic examination suggest the most effective treatment strategy. The ideal candidate for shoulder stabilization using the Suretac device is an athlete with a relatively pure traumatic anterior instability pattern with detachment pathology (e.g., Bankart lesion) and minimal capsular deformation.

Repair of full thickness rotator cuff tears. Gender, age, and other factors affecting outcome.

Seventy-two full thickness rotator cuff tears (72 patients) were treated with an open rotator cuff repair between 1986 and 1993. The average postoperative followup was 54 months (range, 24-102 months; standard deviation, 22 months). Fifty-three (74%) patients had no pain, 16 (22%) patients had slight pain without restriction of activities, and three (4%) patients had moderate pain with activity compromise. Women with an associated biceps tendon rupture tended to have worse results. Women had a negative, statistically significant relationship between age and shoulder scoring scales, but age at the time of surgery was not related to any outcome variables for men. A rotator cuff tear greater than or equal to 5 cm2 as determined at the time of surgery was associated with a poorer outcome. The average University of California at Los Angeles score was 32 points (range, 7-35 points; standard deviation, 5 points). The average Constant-Murley score was 78 of 100 points (range, 12-95 points; standard deviation, 15 points). A yes response was given for an average of 10 of 12 questions on the Simple Shoulder Test (range, 0-12 questions; standard deviation, 3 questions). More than 4 years after open rotator cuff repair, patients had a 94% patient satisfaction rate with lasting relief of pain and improved function.

Glenohumeral motion after complete capsular release.

The range of glenohumeral motion is primarily limited by the joint capsule. If the capsule is contracted, greater restriction in glenohumeral motion is exhibited. Release of a tight capsule has been an effective means of managing refractory stiffness of the glenohumeral joint. The effect of a complete capsular release on glenohumeral kinematics has not been previously studied in a cadaver model. Elevation, rotation, and translation of eight cadaveric glenohumeral preparations were studied before and after complete capsular release. As the intact joint was positioned near the limits of motion, glenohumeral torque rose rapidly with relatively small concomitant increases in elevation and rotational angles. Notable torque, due to tension in the capsule or cuff, ensued only after glenohumeral elevation reached approximately 80% of maximal range. After complete capsular release, maximal elevation increased on average 15%, yet retained definitive endpoints due to residual tension in the rotator cuff. Axial humeral rotation with an intact capsule decreased as maximum elevation approached, especially at elevation angles greater than 60 degrees. Maximum internal rotation was less than external, for all planes except +90 degrees. After complete capsular release, the greatest net gains for external rotation tended to be in the posterior scapular planes, whereas gains for internal rotation tended to be in the anterior scapular planes. Maximal translation in an intact vented capsule was 21 mm, 14 mm, and 15 mm in the anterior, posterior, and inferior directions, respectively. After complete capsular release, translation increased in all positions with maximal anterior, posterior, and inferior translations of 28 mm, 25 mm, and 28 mm, respectively. In general, relative gains in translation were greater in planes posterior to the scapula and at extremes of the range of motion. Although large glenohumeral translations were measured, no preparation could be dislocated before or after complete capsular release. Complete capsular release significantly increased glenohumeral range of motion and translation. The intact rotator cuff myotendinous units serves to limit the range of motion and translation after all capsuloligamentous attachments are rendered incompetent by complete capsular release.

Arthroscopic treatment of infrapatellar tendonitis.

Infrapatellar tendonitis is a chronic overload lesion in the patellar ligament at the attachment to the lower pole of the patella. This lesion is found primarily in athletes who participate in jumping sports. Magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound can show the extent of tendon pathology. Patellar tendonitis is treated with modification of activities, medications, and therapy. When conservative measures fail, operative debridement has been recommended. Previous reports have described a technique of open debridement of the patellar tendon, followed by an extended period of rehabilitation before returning to sports. Two athletes with persistent infrapatellar tendonitis were treated with an arthroscopic debridement. Both athletes returned to full activities without restrictions within 8 weeks of surgery. Arthroscopic treatment of infrapatellar tendonitis has not been previously described. This technical note describes the technique and two case reports of the arthroscopic treatment of infrapatellar tendonitis.

Suprascapular neuropathy.

Suprascapular neuropathy is an uncommon cause of shoulder pain and weakness and therefore may be overlooked as an etiologic factor. The suprascapular nerve is vulnerable to compression at the suprascapular notch as well as at the spinoglenoid notch. Other causes of suprascapular neuropathy include traction injury at the level of the transverse scapular ligament or the spinoglenoid ligament and direct trauma to the nerve. Sports involving overhead motion, such as tennis, swimming, and weight lifting, may result in traction injury to the suprascapular nerve, leading to dysfunction. The diagnosis of suprascapular neuropathy is based on clinical findings and abnormal electrodiagnostic test results, after the exclusion of other causes of shoulder pain and weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging may provide an anatomic demonstration of nerve entrapment and muscle atrophy. With this modality, ganglion cysts are recognized with increasing frequency as a source of external compression of the suprascapular nerve. Without evidence of a discrete lesion compressing the nerve, nonoperative treatment should include physical therapy and avoidance of precipitating activities. When nonoperative treatment fails to alleviate symptoms or when a discrete lesion such as a ganglion cyst is present, surgical decompression is warranted. Decompression gives reliable pain relief, but recovery of shoulder function and restoration of atrophied muscle tissue may be incomplete.

Understanding shoulder arthroplasty.

This article discusses the vital role of the professional nurse when caring for patients who have shoulder replacement surgery. The indications for surgery, recent advances in the surgical procedure, postoperative management, and potential complications are reviewed.

The humeroscapular motion interface.

Motion between the humerus and scapula commonly is described as glenohumeral motion. However, humeroscapular motion occurs at two distinct sites. In addition to the motion at the diarthrodial glenohumeral joint, movement occurs between the proximal humerus and related structures and the surrounding sleeve of structures, including the acromion, deltoid, coracoid, coracoacromial ligament, and the muscles attached to the coracoid. This site of nonarticular shoulder motion is defined as the humeroscapular motion interface. Nonarticular humeroscapular motion can be documented and measured using standard magnetic resonance imaging techniques. The maximum average interfacial motion using axial images was 29.1 mm, which occurred at the level of the maximum diameter of the humeral head. Interfacial motion varied depending on the site measured. If pathologic conditions such as adhesions secondary to trauma or surgery interfere with or obliterate this space at sites of significant sliding motion, overall shoulder motion will be limited. Successful treatment of shoulder stiffness related to humeroscapular restraints is likely to require restoration of the normal sliding motion at the humeroscapular motion interface, in addition to resolving restraints affecting the glenohumeral joint motion.

Scoring systems for shoulder conditions.

We evaluated the comparability of four commonly used shoulder scoring systems in the United States. Fifty-two patients had 53 shoulder stabilization procedures. Surgical procedures included 34 open Bankart-type repairs, 15 capsular shifts, and 4 arthroscopic stabilizations. Results were assessed using the following scales: 1) Rowe, 2) modified-Rowe, 3) University of California at Los Angeles, and 4) the pre-1994 American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale. No consensus has been reached on the relative value of these systems. We observed significant variations using these systems. A majority of our patients (85%) had excellent results when the University of California at Los Angeles scoring system was used. However, only 38% of the patients had excellent results when the modified-Rowe scale was used. Overall, good or excellent results were observed in 89% to 95% of the patients using these four scoring systems. The University of California at Los Angeles score correlated poorly with the other systems. Interrater reliability between the four systems was poor. Generalized results of an investigation can be biased based on the selection of a scoring system. The lack of a widely accepted scoring system for the shoulder limits comparison of management for shoulder conditions. Thus, a widely accepted shoulder scoring system is needed.

Total shoulder arthoplasty: pearls and pitfalls in surgical technique.

Total should arthroplasty is recommended for the treatment of shoulder arthritis that causes severe pain and loss of function. Successful shoulder arthroplasty is a technically demanding procedure because of lack of intrinsic stability of the glenohumeral joint. The tension of the rotator cuff and glenohumeral capsule must be balanced for mobility and stability. Attention to important anatomic landmarks and glenohumeral relationships ("pearls") minimizes the risk of complications ("pitfalls").