Sternoclavicular joint reconstruction for traumatic acute and chronic anterior and posterior instability: Patient-reported outcomes at a minimum of 2 years.

Background: Instability of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a rare problem that is often treated closed, with few published outcomes of surgical treatment with tendon graft reconstruction. Methods: We reviewed a consecutive series of patients who underwent tendon graft reconstruction for SCJ instability over a 7-year period. Cases with acute fractures or fewer than 2 years of follow-up were excluded. Pre- and postoperative function and pain were assessed using Single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE), simple shoulder test (SST), and visual analog scale (VAS) outcome measures. Results: Thirty cases were included, with 27 (90%) available for follow-up at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. SANE scores improved from a median of 40 to 90. SST scores improved from a median of 3 positive responses to a median of 12 on a 12-point scale. VAS scores decreased from a median of 7 to 0 points. One patient underwent reoperation for recurrent instability and wound dehiscence. Three (11%) patients did not achieve a minimum 30% of maximum possible improvement in SST scores. Conclusions: Tendon graft reconstruction for SCJ instability is a safe procedure with a low complication rate and statistically and clinically significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures at 2-year minimum follow-up. Level of evidence: Level IV: Therapeutic.

Which Components of the Simple Shoulder Test Show Improvement After Scapulothoracic Fusion for Recalcitrant Scapular Winging? Clinical Results at a Minimum of 5 Years of Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Scapular winging is an uncommon but important cause of shoulder pain and disability. Surgical management can include soft tissue procedures such as split pectoralis major transfer, the Eden-Lange procedure, or a triple tendon transfer. When these procedures do not alleviate symptomatic winging or are inappropriate, scapulothoracic fusion is an alternative, but data on its longer-term effectiveness are sparse. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What changes in outcome scores were observed (VAS, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation [SANE], and Simple Shoulder Test [SST] scores), and what proportion of the patients improved by an amount larger than the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for the outcome tool in question? (2) Which components of the SST are patients able to perform at a minimum of 5 years? (3) What complications occurred after surgery? METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in a single, large, urban referral medical center of patients who underwent scapulothoracic fusion. Between January 2011 and November 2016, 15 patients underwent scapulothoracic fusion to treat symptomatic scapular winging. Only patients with nondystrophic etiology were included in the analysis (n = 13). Of the 13 remaining patients, one patient was lost to follow-up and another patient died during data collection, leaving 11 patients for the final analysis. Six patients had brachial plexus injuries affecting multiple nerve roots and periscapular muscles, and five had persistent symptoms despite prior tendon transfer. The median age of the patients was 43 years (range 20 to 67 years), and there were six male and five female patients. All patients had a minimum of 5 years of follow-up. There was a median follow-up of 79 months (range 61 to 128 months). The VAS pain score (range 0 to 10, higher scores represent more pain; MCID = 2), SST score (range 0 to 12, higher scores represent less pain and better shoulder function; MCID = 2.3), and SANE score (range 0 to 100, higher scores represent better shoulder function; MCID = 28) were recorded before surgery and at the most recent follow-up. We compared scores from before surgery with those taken at the most recent follow-up and ascertained the proportion of patients whose improvement exceeded the MCID. The number of patients achieving fusion (as confirmed by a CT image), complications, and reoperations was recorded via a record review as well as direct patient query by telephone. RESULTS: The median VAS pain score improved from 7 (range 3 to 10) preoperatively to 3 (range 2 to 5) at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The median SANE score improved from 30 (range 0 to 60) preoperatively to 65 (range 40 to 85) at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The median SST score improved from 0 (range 0 to 9) to 8 (range 5 to 10) at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). Ten of 11 patients had improvements exceeding the MCID for VAS, six of 11 had improvements for SANE scores, and nine of 11 had improvements for SST. Preoperative to postoperative improvements in these components of the SST were seen (responses of "yes"): comfort at rest (three of 11 improved to 11 of 11; p < 0.001), sleep comfortably (three of 11 improved to 11 of 11; p < 0.001), place coin on shelf (two of 11 improved to 10 of 11; p < 0.001), lift 1 pound above shoulder (two of 11 improved to eight of 11; p = 0.03), and carry 20 pounds with the arm at side (one of 11 improved to nine of 11; p < 0.001). All 11 patients had successful fusion noted on CT images. There were three complications (progression of glenohumeral arthritis, broken wires, and perioperative chest tube placement) and one reoperation for progression of glenohumeral arthritis with subsequent total shoulder arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: Patients with recalcitrant symptomatic scapular winging often undergo an exhaustive course of clinical examinations, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, and multiple surgical procedures. Those with brachial plexus palsy with involvement of multiple nerves may continue to have symptoms despite nonoperative management and subsequent soft tissue tendon transfers. Scapulothoracic fusion could be considered for patients with persistent pain and decreased function because of recalcitrant scapular winging who are either not candidates for the procedure or have persistent symptoms despite prior soft tissue procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

The minimal clinically important differences of the Simple Shoulder Test are different for different arthroplasty types.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative and postoperative patient self-reported measures are the key to understanding the benefit of shoulder arthroplasty for patients with different diagnoses and having different surgical approaches. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for patient-reported outcomes such as the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) is often used to document the amount of improvement that is of importance to the patient; however, the MCID may differ for different types of shoulder arthroplasty. The objective of this study was to report the MCID of the SST and the MCID of the percentage of maximal possible improvement (%MPI) for 5 different arthroplasty types. METHODS: Eight hundred eighty-seven patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty with preoperative SST scores, 2-year postoperative SST scores, and patient satisfaction were included. The sample comprised 368 patients undergoing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA), 330 patients undergoing ream-and-run arthroplasty (R&R), 80 patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), 53 patients undergoing cuff tear arthropathy arthroplasty, and 56 patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty. For each type of arthroplasty, the anchor-based method was used for calculating the MCID for both absolute SST scores and %MPI. RESULTS: Significant improvements in SST values were seen for all arthroplasty types. The MCID for SST change was 2.3 overall but ranged from 1.6 for aTSA, to 2.6 for R&R, to 3.7 for rTSA. The MCID for %MPI was 32% overall but ranged from 22% for aTSA to 42% for hemiarthroplasty. The percentage of patients exceeding the MCID threshold was highest for aTSA at 96% and lowest for hemiarthroplasty at 61%. CONCLUSION: The same MCID value may not be appropriate for different types of shoulder arthroplasty. This study reports MCID thresholds that can be used when assessing the effectiveness for each of the common types of shoulder arthroplasty.

Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty with Nonprosthetic Glenoid Arthroplasty: The Ream-and-Run Procedure.

¼: Glenoid component wear and loosening are the principal failure modes of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). ¼: The ream-and-run (RnR) procedure is an alternative glenohumeral arthroplasty for patients who wish to avoid the risks and limitations of a prosthetic glenoid component. ¼: During the RnR procedure, the arthritic glenoid is conservatively reamed to a single concavity, while the prosthetic humeral component and soft tissues are balanced to provide both mobility and stability of the joint. ¼: The success of the RnR procedure depends on careful patient selection, preoperative education and engagement, optimal surgical technique, targeted rehabilitation, and close postoperative communication between the surgeon and the patient. ¼: While the RnR procedure allows high levels of shoulder function in most patients, the recovery can be longer and more arduous than with aTSA. ¼: Patients who have undergone an RnR procedure occasionally require a second closed or open procedure to address refractory shoulder stiffness, infection, or persistent glenoid-sided pain. These second procedures are more common after the RnR than with aTSA.

Unicortical sternal graft reconstruction for anterior sternoclavicular joint instability.

Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) injury represents 3%-5% of all shoulder girdle injuries, yet can produce significant pain and disability. While conservative management improves symptoms in most cases, surgical intervention may be indicated for patients with symptoms recalcitrant to nonoperative treatment. A wide range of surgical stabilisation techniques is documented in the literature; however, the scarcity of SCJ pathology has hindered development of a 'gold standard'.We present a minimalistic medial clavicle osteoplasty and SCJ reconstruction using semitendinosus autograft anchored with unicortical sternal tunnels in the 54 years old with chronic SCJ instability. This technique can be performed safely, resulting in joint stability and pain reduction, while avoiding risks and complications noted in the literature with other techniques.

Ream and run and total shoulder: patient and shoulder characteristics in five hundred forty-four concurrent cases.

PURPOSE: Total shoulder (TSA) is commonly used to treat arthritic shoulders with intact rotator cuffs; however, some patients choose a ream and run (RnR) to avoid the potential risks and limitations of a prosthetic glenoid component. Little is known about how patients selecting each of these two procedures compare and contrast. METHODS: We analyzed the patient characteristics, shoulder characteristics, and two year clinical outcomes of 544 patients having RnR or TSA at the same institution during the same six year period. RESULTS: Patients selecting the RnR were more likely to be male (92.0% vs. 47.0%), younger (58 ± 9 vs. 67 ± 10 years), married (83.2% vs. 66.8%), from outside of our state (51.7% vs. 21.7%), commercially insured (59.1% vs. 25.2%), and to have type B2 glenoids (46.0% vs. 27.8%) as well as greater glenoid retroversion (19 ± 11 vs. 15 ± 11 degrees) (p < .001). The average two year SST score for the RnRs was 10.0 ± 2.6 vs. 9.5 ± 2.7 for the TSAs. The percent of maximum possible improvement (%MPI) for the RnRs averaged 72 ± 39% vs. 73 ± 29% for the TSAs. Patients with work-related shoulder problems had lower two year SSTs and lower %MPIs. Younger patients having TSAs did less well than older patients. Female patients having RnRs did less well than those having TSAs (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This investigation highlights important characteristics of patients selecting the RnR and the TSA for glenohumeral arthritis. Excellent outcomes can be achieved for appropriately selected patients having either procedure.

Is the Simple Shoulder Test a valid outcome instrument for shoulder arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: The Simple Shoulder Test (SST) is a brief, inexpensive, and widely used patient-reported outcome tool, but it has not been rigorously evaluated for patients having shoulder arthroplasty. The goal of this study was to rigorously evaluate the validity of the SST for outcome assessment in shoulder arthroplasty using a systematic review of the literature and an analysis of its properties in a series of 408 surgical cases. METHODS: SST scores, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores, and satisfaction scores were collected preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. Responsiveness was assessed by comparing preoperative and 2-year postoperative scores. Criterion validity was determined by correlating the SST with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Construct validity was tested through 5 clinical hypotheses regarding satisfaction, comorbidities, insurance status, previous failed surgery, and narcotic use. RESULTS: Scores after arthroplasty improved from 3.9 ± 2.8 to 10.2 ± 2.3 (P < .001). The change in SST correlated strongly with patient satisfaction (P < .001). The SST had large Cohen's d effect sizes and standardized response means. Criterion validity was supported by significant differences between satisfied and unsatisfied patients, those with more severe and less severe comorbidities, those with workers' compensation or Medicaid and other types of insurance, those with and without previous failed shoulder surgery, and those taking and those not taking narcotic pain medication before surgery (P < .005). CONCLUSION: These data combined with a systematic review of the literature demonstrate that the SST is a valid and responsive patient-reported outcome measure for assessing the outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty.

Management of intraoperative posterior decentering in shoulder arthroplasty using anteriorly eccentric humeral head components.

BACKGROUND: Posterior humeral decentering presents a challenge in glenohumeral arthroplasty. Soft tissue releases and osteophyte resection can lead to intraoperative decentering not evident preoperatively. Inferior outcomes result if decentering is not addressed as a part of the arthroplasty. When there is >50% posterior subluxation of the humeral head on passive elevation of the arm at surgery, we have used an anteriorly eccentric humeral head component to improve centering of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid. METHODS: We reviewed the 2-year outcomes for 33 shoulder arthroplasties in which anteriorly eccentric humeral heads were used to manage posterior decentering identified at surgery. Rotator interval plication was performed in 16 cases as an adjunctive stabilizing procedure. Shoulders were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the Simple Shoulder Test (SST). Radiographic centering was characterized before surgery and at follow-up on standardized axillary radiographs with the arm held in a position of functional elevation. RESULTS: With the anteriorly eccentric head component, preoperative radiographic humeral decentering was reduced from 10.4% ± 7.9% to 0.9% ± 2.3% postoperatively (P < .001). SST scores improved from 4.8 ± 2.3 to 10.0 ± 2.3 (P < .001). Preoperative posterior humeral head decentering did not correlate with preoperative glenoid version. Glenoid retroversion was 19.8° ± 8.9° preoperatively and 15.5° ± 7.5° postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior decentering identified at surgery when standard trial components are in place can be addressed by replacing the anatomic humeral head with an anteriorly eccentric humeral head component.

Complete Spinal Accessory Nerve Palsy From Carrying Climbing Gear.

We report an unusual case of spinal accessory nerve palsy sustained while transporting climbing gear. Spinal accessory nerve injury is commonly a result of iatrogenic surgical trauma during lymph node excision. This particular nerve is less frequently injured by blunt trauma. The case reported here results from compression of the spinal accessory nerve for a sustained period-that is, carrying a load over the shoulder using a single nylon rope for 2.5 hours. This highlights the importance of using proper load-carrying equipment to distribute weight over a greater surface area to avoid nerve compression in the posterior triangle of the neck. The signs and symptoms of spinal accessory nerve palsy and its etiology are discussed. This report is particularly relevant to individuals involved in mountaineering and rock climbing but can be extended to anyone carrying a load with a strap over one shoulder and across the body.

Orthopaedic Residents Improve Confidence and Knot-Tying Speed With a Skills Course.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of a knot-tying module, within an arthroscopic training course, on resident speed, resident confidence, and biomechanical quality of arthroscopically tied knots. METHODS: Sixty-four participants (8 postgraduate year [PGY]-3 and 8 PGY-4 orthopaedic residents annually for 4 years) were enrolled in a 5-day training course, which included a daily knot-tying module. Self-assessed confidence was obtained by pre-course (day 1) and post-course (day 5) questionnaire. Each participant tied 5 sequential knots using an arthroscopic knot-tying station. Time per knot was recorded in seconds. Knots were later preloaded, cycled, and tested for peak load to failure and displacement change. Mean peak load to failure, displacement change, speed, and confidence were compared before and after training. RESULTS: The mean time to complete 5 knots was significantly faster after training (12.8 minutes before the course [day 1] v 9.39 minutes after the course [day 5]) (P < .0001). Confidence improved from pre-course (mean, 3.3) to post-course (mean, 7.8) questionnaires (P < .0001). No statistically significant difference was found between peak force for pre-course (mean, 136 N) and post-course (mean, 138 N) knots (P = .076). No statistically significant difference was detected in mean displacement change (mean, 3.51 mm before the course v 3.57 mm after the course) (P = .61). Comparison of PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents was significant only for a higher pre-course confidence in PGY-4 residents (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Participation in an arthroscopic knot-tying module improves resident speed and confidence in tying arthroscopic knots. Our data did not show a significant change in peak load to failure or loop security with training. These findings suggest that participation in a knot-tying module improves efficiency regarding arthroscopic knot tying by residents. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Residents who practice arthroscopic knot tying 5 days per year as part of an arthroscopic training course may be more efficient in the operating room.

Can the ream and run procedure improve glenohumeral relationships and function for shoulders with the arthritic triad?

BACKGROUND: The arthritic triad of glenoid biconcavity, glenoid retroversion, and posterior displacement of the humeral head on the glenoid is associated with an increased risk of failure of total shoulder joint replacement. Although a number of glenohumeral arthroplasty techniques are being used to manage this complex pathology, problems with glenoid component failure remain. In that the ream and run procedure manages arthritic pathoanatomy without a glenoid component, we sought evidence that this procedure can be effective in improving the centering of the humeral head contact on the glenoid and in improving the comfort and function of shoulders with the arthritic triad without the risk of glenoid component failure. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked, for shoulders with the arthritic triad, whether the ream and run procedure could improve glenohumeral relationships as measured on standardized axillary radiographs and patient-reported shoulder comfort and function as recorded by the Simple Shoulder Test. METHODS: Between January 1, 2006 and December 14, 2011, we performed 531 primary anatomic glenohumeral arthroplasties for arthritis, of which 221 (42%) were ream and run procedures. Of these, 30 shoulders in 30 patients had the ream and run procedure for the arthritic triad and had two years of clinical and radiographic follow-up. These 30 shoulders formed the basis for this case series. The average age of the patients was 56 ± 8 years; all but one were male. Two of the 30 patients requested revision to total shoulder arthroplasty within the first year after their ream and run procedure because of their dissatisfaction with their rehabilitation progress. For the 28 shoulders not having had a revision, we determined on the standardized axillary views before and after surgery the glenoid type, glenoid version (90° minus the angle between the plane of the glenoid face and the plane of the body of the scapula), and location of the humeral contact point with respect to the anteroposterio dimension of the glenoid (the ratio of the distance from the anterior glenoid lip to the contact point divided by the distance between the anterior and posterior glenoid lips). We also recorded the patient's self-assessed shoulder comfort and function before and after surgery using the 12 questions of the Simple Shoulder Test. RESULTS: For the 28 unrevised shoulders the mean followup was 3.0 years (range, 2-9.2 years). In these patients, the ream and run procedure resulted in improved centering of the humeral head on the face of the glenoid (preoperative: 75% ± 7% posterior; postoperative: 59% ± 10% posterior; mean difference 16% [95% CI, 13%-19%]; p < 0.001), notably this improved centering was achieved without a significant change in the glenoid version. Patient-reported function was improved (preoperative Simple Shoulder Test: 5 ± 3, postoperative Simple Shoulder Test: 10 ± 4, mean difference 5 [95% CI, 4-6], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For shoulders with the arthritic triad, the ream and run procedure can provide improvement in humeral centering on the glenoid and in patient-reported shoulder comfort and function without the risk of glenoid component failure. In that ream and run is a new procedure, substantial additional clinical research with long-term follow-up is needed to define specifically the shoulder characteristics, the patient characteristics and the technical details that are most likely to lead to durable improvements in the comfort and function of shoulders with the challenging pathology known as the arthritic triad. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

The quality of upper extremity orthopedic care in liability claims filed and claims paid.

PURPOSE: To review a series of closed liability claims for upper extremity conditions to guide improvements for upper extremity care and thereby reduce the frequency of paid claims. METHODS: The authors, a team of 3 orthopedic surgeons and 3 nonphysician investigators experienced in closed claims research, investigated 108 closed upper extremity liability claims from a large United States-wide insurer for events that occurred between 1996 and 2009. We sought to determine the types of conditions, treatments, and surgeon factors common to claims made and claims paid. RESULTS: Liability claims were primarily for the care of common problems, such as fractures (n = 52; 48%) or degenerative conditions (n = 24; 26%), rather than complex challenging conditions or disorders, such as deficiencies treated with replantations or tissue transfers. The most common adverse outcomes in these claims were nonunion or malunion of fractures (n = 29; 27%), nerve injury (n = 20; 19%), and infection (n = 13; 12%). Most claims (n = 57; 53%) involved a permanent injury. The surgeon's operative skills were more commonly an issue in paid claims (n = 13; 45%) than in claims without payment (n = 14; 19%). Claims for mismanagement of fractures (n = 52; 48% of all claims) were more likely to result in payment (n = 20; 38%) than nonfracture claims (n = 10; 18%). CONCLUSIONS: This analysis suggests that the incidence of upper extremity claims made and claims paid may be reduced if surgeons acquire and maintain the knowledge and skills necessary for the care of the common conditions they encounter, including fractures. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

The Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET).

BACKGROUND: Surgeries employing arthroscopic techniques are among the most commonly performed in orthopaedic clinical practice; however, valid and reliable methods of assessing the arthroscopic skill of orthopaedic surgeons are lacking. HYPOTHESIS: The Arthroscopic Surgery Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) will demonstrate content validity, concurrent criterion-oriented validity, and reliability when used to assess the technical ability of surgeons performing diagnostic knee arthroscopic surgery on cadaveric specimens. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Content validity was determined by a group of 7 experts using the Delphi method. Intra-articular performance of a right and left diagnostic knee arthroscopic procedure was recorded for 28 residents and 2 sports medicine fellowship-trained attending surgeons. Surgeon performance was assessed by 2 blinded raters using the ASSET. Concurrent criterion-oriented validity, interrater reliability, and test-retest reliability were evaluated. RESULTS: Content validity: The content development group identified 8 arthroscopic skill domains to evaluate using the ASSET. Concurrent criterion-oriented validity: Significant differences in the total ASSET score (P < .05) between novice, intermediate, and advanced experience groups were identified. Interrater reliability: The ASSET scores assigned by each rater were strongly correlated (r = 0.91, P < .01), and the intraclass correlation coefficient between raters for the total ASSET score was 0.90. Test-retest reliability: There was a significant correlation between ASSET scores for both procedures attempted by each surgeon (r = 0.79, P < .01). CONCLUSION: The ASSET appears to be a useful, valid, and reliable method for assessing surgeon performance of diagnostic knee arthroscopic surgery in cadaveric specimens. Studies are ongoing to determine its generalizability to other procedures as well as to the live operating room and other simulated environments.