Purpose of the study: Palliative treatment for unreparable rotator cuff tears by intra-articular resection of the long head of the biceps provides demonstrated satisfactory results. We hypothesized that associated acromioplasty could be deleterious. Material and method: We conducted a case-control study comparing 24 tenotomies or tenodeses of the long head of the biceps with 24 tenotomies or tenodeses of the long head of the biceps associated with acromioplasty. All patients had an unreparable tear of the rotator cuff. Full-thickness tear of the subscapularis or Hamada and Fukuda radiological stage 3 or 4 tear were exclusion criteria. The two groups were matched for weighted Constant score, Hamada and Fukuda stage, type of tear of the infraspinatus and subscapularis, overall fatty infiltration grade, and follow-up. After the physical examination, we compared the four items of the Constant score, the absolute and weighted score, active anterior elevation, pain score on a visual analogue scale (VAS), and the subjective shoulder score. All patients were examined by a clinician unaware of the group at last follow-up (mean 51 months). Results: The two groups were comparable preoperatively except for the fatty infiltration index which was higher in the acromioplasty group. At 51 months follow-up, active anterior elevation was statistically lower in the acromioplasty group (145 versus 170). The absolute and weighted Constant scores were lower in the acromioplasty group (p< 0.05). There was no difference for pain and the subjective shoulder score (67 versus 71). Four patients in the acromioplasty group required revision total shoulder arthroplasty versus two in the group without acromioplasty. Discussion: Association of acromioplasty with intra-articular resection of the long head of the biceps for palliative treatment of unreparable rotator cuff tears is deleterious for elevation and reduces overall shoulder function. Even though acromioplasty provides good short-term results for average-sized tears, outcome is less satisfactory for massive tears and deteriorates over time. In addition, as described by Wiley, acromioplasty can induce a pseudoparalytic shoulder in patients with unreparable tears

Purpose: Failure is still observed after 20% of acromioplasties which can be explained by acromioclavicular osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the deleterious effect of this degeneration on outcome. Material and methods: We reviewed 103 arthroscopic acromioplasties performed in 100 patients who presented non-torn non-calcified tenopathies. Seven patients were excluded so 96 patients, 63 women and 33 men were retained for analysis. Mean age at operation was 48.2 years and mean follow-up was 3.8 years. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the sonographic findings: group 1 had no computed tomography (CT) signs of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis (66 patients), such signs were found in group 2 (30 patients). Each patient was reviewed clinically and CT-scan was used to diagnosis osteoarthritis classed as stage 0 to 3. Subjective outcome was assessed in terms of patient satisfaction and objectively with the Constant score. Results: Subjectively, three-quarters of the patients in group 1 were satisfied versus one-third in group 2. The Constant score confirmed this finding with a mean 76 points in group 1 versus 68 in group 2 (the weighted score was 93.5% and 83% respectively). The weighted score showed that good or excellent results were achieved in 84.84% of the patients in group 1 and in 43% in group 2. Discussion: Our results are in agreement with data in the literature and provide scientific evidence of the influence of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis on the failure of acromioplasty. The results in group 1 were clearly better than in group 2, proving statistically a widely accepted notion: acromioclavicular osteoarthritis compromises significantly outcome of acromioplasty. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that among the seven cases excluded (for resection of the articulation), six had satisfactory outcomes. Conclusion: These results confirm the unfavourable influence of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis on the outcome of acromioplasty. A prospective study designed to determine the effect of simultaneous acromioclavicular resection would be useful to propose a coherent therapeutic approach

Purpose: We evaluated the respective roles of acromioplasty and curettage of calcifications in arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinopathy of the rotator cuff. Material and methods: We reviewed 41 cases of calcifying tendinopathy at mean 42 months. We retained for analysis only true calcifications identified at least 12 months after arthroscopy. All patients underwent acromioplasty and 13 underwent calcification curettage. The physical examination searched for subacromial impingement and cuff tendon suffering. The weighted Constant score was determined to assess outcome as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Patient satisfaction was assessed using three subjective questions. We searched for persistent calcification on the AP and Lamy lateral x-rays and quantified acromial resection by measuring the height of the subacromial space, the acromial arrow, and the type of acromion (Bigliani). Ultrasonography was performed to search for cuff lesions. Cuffs were classed as normal, atrophic or torn. Results: After statistical analysis, the mean Constant score was found to have increased from 55 points to 80 points, with 88% excellent and good results (weighted Constant score > 85%). There was no significant difference between patients with and without calcification curettage (p> 0.1). Patients who were mobilised rapidly had a better outcome (p< 0.005). Subjectively, 88% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied.These results were not correlated with duration of follow-up. The degree of preoperative calcification did not affect outcome, but persistent calcification (nine cases) had an unfavourable effect on outcome. Nevertheless, 80% of the calcifications without curettage did not resorb after acromioplasty. The type of acromion had an effect on outcome. Acromions which were not flat (type II or III) had an unfavourable influence. The degree of acromial correction had a significant effect on outcome, the Constant score increased proportionally with the height of the subacromial space and inversely with acromial arrow. Ultrasonography disclosed two cuff tears but in elderly subjects, probably due to degeneration. Conclusion: Curettage of calcifications does not improve outcome of good quality acromioplasty. The stage of the calcification is not an indication for curettage. Furthermore, it appears that the impingement is partly the cause of persistent calcifications since 80% of them disappeared after acromioplasty alone

The purpose of this prospective randomised clinical trial is to examine the effect of acromioplasty on the outcome of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Patients included individuals that were referred for assessment after six months of failed conservative management. Following informed consent patients were randomly assigned to receive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with or without acromioplasty. The surgeon was not blinded to the type of procedure; however, the researcher who performed the follow-up evaluations and the patient was blinded to the surgical protocol. Subacromial decompression (acromioplasty) was performed with release of the coracoacromial ligament off the anterior undersurface of the acromion. The procedure for arthroscopic cuff repair without acromioplasty followed the protocol of arthroscopic cuff repair with acromioplasty, without division of the coracoacromial ligament or resection of the acromion. Both groups experienced the same post-operative rehabilitation protocol. Wound healing and active and passive range of motion were assessed and recorded at six to eight weeks post-operatively. Subsequent post-operative visits occurred at three, six, twelve, eighteen and twenty-four months and included documentation of patient range of motion, patient derived WORC scores (1) and complete ASES scores. Preliminary results suggest, based on a one-tailed t-test, patients that receive a rotator cuff repair with acromioplasty demonstrate a statistically significant improvement (< 0.05) in Quality of Life, based on WORC and ASES scores, compared to the non-acromioplasty group. To date, three patients in the non-acromioplasty group required a revision surgery; two of these patients had a Type III acromion. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with arthroscopic acromioplasty in the treatment of full thickness rotator cuff tears is recommended for patients with a Type III acromion

The assessment of the arthroscopic findings in patients suffering from impingement syndrome and partial tear of the supraspinatus tendon, staged as type 1& 2 under Ellman, Gartsman, Snyder, that were treated by acromioplasty, debridment and repair of the supraspinatus tear. Thirty four patients,(20 male, 14 female), with a median age of 52 years, (48–64 years old), underwent shoulder joint arthroscopy. All were evaluated by two physicians and subjected to plain films (AP& Y views) as well as to MRI. Clinically, the differencies in the evaluation of patients with type 1& 2a lesion were insignificant. Type 2b had a better outcome, but in comparison to type 1, that were subjected only to acromioplasty, variations involving range of motion, pain and scoring (Constant & Oxford scores), were observed, from the first stages of rehabilitation, with no further improvement. The comparative method in relation to the clinical trials was in favor of those patients treated with repair of the tear. After a 29 m follow up, we suggest only acromioplasty, in stages 1& 2a, although the daily activities of each patient can change the approach. In type 2b lesions, irrespective of age, we suggest the repair of the tear

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the results of acromioplasty in two groups of patients operated upon for impingement syndrome using two different techniques, In one group the insertion of the devoid was partially divided (deltoid off strategy) while in the other the insertion of the deltoid was preserved (deltoid on strategy). Twenty-one patients, suffering from impingement syndrome of the shoulder, were operated during the period 1996–2001. Preoperatively all patients presented with positive impingement test and they were complaining of night pain as well as pain during activity. Two different techniques were used. In 2 group of 10 patients. the “deltoid off’”strategy was applied and the acromioplasty was performed with the use of an osteotome. In a second group of 11 patients the “deltoid on” strategy was applied and the acrormioplasty was performed by using a high speed burr. Eight out of 10 patients of the first group were satisfied with the results of the operation, whereas all the 11 patients of the second group were satisfied. The return to full activity in patients with the “deltoid off” strategy was 10 weeks in average, while in the “deltoid on” group it was 8 weeks. Night pain subsided in ail patients in both groups. Two patients of the first group complained of mild pain with daily living activities, while 10 out of the 11 patients of the second group had no pain at all. Finally 2 patients of the first group and none of the second group presented residual painful arc. We conclude that the “deltoid on” technique for treatment of the impingement syndrome of the shoulder appears more simple and reliable, has less morbidity and gives better clinical results, compared to the “deltoid off” technique

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess long-term functional outcome after arthroscopic acromioplasty for full-thickness rotator cuff tears, to evaluate the efficacy of complementary procedures (biceps tenotomy, extended acromioclavicular resection), and to examine the course of anatomic lesions. Material and methods: From 1988 to 1994, 141 full-thickness rotator cuff tears were treated by arthroscopic acromioplasty. Ninety-eight patients, mean age 60 years, were reviewed clinically, radiographically, and sonographically at more than eight years. The mean preoperative Constant score was 48.5 points. The tear involved the supraspinatus in 18 cases, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus in 40, the supraspinatus and the subscapularis in ten, and all three tendons in 20. Coronal extension showed a distal tear in four, an intermediate tear in 52, and a retracted stump in 32. Systemic acromioplasty was associated in 36 patients with tenotomy of the long head of the brachial biceps and in 44 with acromioclavicular extension. Results: At mean follow-up of 10.7 years (8–13.5), the mean Constant score was 60 points. The clinical outcome was excellent or good in 39.7%, fair in 45.5%, and poor in 14.8. 62.5% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied. The height of the subacromial space was 5.19 mm at last follow-up compared with 4.3 mm preoperatively. The antalgesic effect of biceps tenotomy was significant when the initial acromiohumeral space was less than 5 mm. This procedure did not produce any significant change in the subacromial height or development of osteoarthritis at last follow-up. Sonography showed stability of the size of the tear in 83.8% of the cases. The results were significantly less satisfactory when the initial tear involved the subscapularis or all three tendons. Conclusion: The clinical results of arthroscopic acropmioplasty for full-thickness tears show long-term stability. Biceps tenotomy improves the antalgesic effect significantly, particularly if the subachromial space measures less than 5 mm preoperatively, without causing significant radiological degradation. Extension to the acromioclavicular level should be systematic in patients with acromioclavicular pain preoperatively and/or radiological anomalies

Objectives. To report the five-year results of a randomised controlled trial examining the effectiveness of arthroscopic acromioplasty in the treatment of stage II shoulder impingement syndrome. Methods. A total of 140 patients were randomly divided into two groups: 1) supervised exercise programme (n = 70, exercise group); and 2) arthroscopic acromioplasty followed by a similar exercise programme (n = 70, combined treatment group). Results. The main outcome measure was self-reported pain as measured on a visual analogue scale. At the five-year assessment a total of 109 patients were examined (52 in the exercise group and 57 in the combined treatment group). There was a significant decrease in mean self-reported pain on the VAS between baseline and the five-year follow-up in both the exercise group (from 6.5 (1 to 10) to 2.2 (0 to 8); p < 0.001) and the combined treatment group (from 6.4 (2 to 10) to 1.9 (0 to 8); p < 0.001). The same trend was seen in the secondary outcome measures (disability, working ability, pain at night, Shoulder Disability Questionnaire and reported painful days). An intention-to-treat analysis showed statistically significant improvements in both groups at five years compared with baseline. Further, improvement continued between the two- and five-year timepoints. No statistically significant differences were found in the patient-centred primary and secondary parameters between the two treatment groups. Conclusions. Differences in the patient-centred primary and secondary parameters between the two treatment groups were not statistically significant, suggesting that acromioplasty is not cost-effective. Structured exercise treatment seems to be the treatment of choice for shoulder impingement syndrome

Aim:. To assess the long term MRI pathoanatomical changes of unrepaired, isolated full thickness supraspinatus tears in a population of patients that had acromioplasty done for symptomatic impingement syndrome. Background:. To date there are no studies assessing the effect of acromioplasty on rotator cuff tear progression in impingement syndrome. The natural evolution of unrepaired tears suggests that small isolated tears may heal, and not all tears progress onto significant fatty change and atrophy. Which tears heal and which tears progress and the effect of acromioplasty on tear progression is still not known. Results:. There were 17 shoulders examined. Average age of our patients was 65 years at time of surgery and 73 years at follow up. The patients were divided into three groups depending on the size of the tear at the time of surgery: C1 tears (< 1cm) n = 5, C2 tears (1–2 cm) n = 8, C3 tears (2–3 cm) n = 4. The C1 tear group did the best clinically with a Constant score mean 86, 4(range 83–96) and mean Oxford score of 47 (range 46–48). The MRI findings in this group showed only one patient (20%) with significant fatty infiltration and atrophy. The C2 group had mean Constant scores of 72(range 65–98), mean Oxford score 45(range 42–48). On MRI evaluation there were 2 patients (11.8%) that had tears that had regressed in size (CI 1.4‐36.4). In the C3 group the mean Constant score was 75(range 65–85) and Oxford score 45(range 42–48). MRI evaluation revealed that all (100%) the rotator cuff tears went on to significant degeneration and atrophy in this group. No statistical difference was found between these groups when assessing Oxford score (p=0.75) and Constant scores(p=0.69). Significant associations were found between tear size and fatty infiltration (p=0.028), and tear size and atrophy (p=0.054. Conclusion:. Acromioplasty in the management of impingement syndrome may be protective when small isolated tears are noted during surgery as two tears regressed in size. Large tears all progress onto fatty infiltration and atrophy, but all three groups despite tear size had good clinical and functional outcomes. More research is needed to further understand the evolution of tears in impingement syndrome

Purpose: Several treatments can be proposed for calcified tenopathy of the rotator cuff. Corticosteroid infiltration, radioscopic trituration-aspiration, and arthroscopy are the most widely used modalities. Over the last decade, we have come to refer our cases of well-circumscribed calcified tenopathy easily accessible to radioscopy to our radiology colleagues since radioscopic treatment has appeared to be quite cost-effective. This trend has continued despite the new interest of the arthroscopists in this disease. We have nevertheless had a certain number of failures (25%) and at this time have decided to prefer arthroscopy. The purpose of this work was to present our results with arthroscopy used after failure of tirturation-aspiration or for patients with calcifications we considered to have contraindications for trituration-aspiration (poorly circumscribed chain of calcifications). Material and methods: Between 1990 and 1997, we performed 28 arthroscopic procedures in 28 patients. There were 18 women and ten men, mean age 47.5 years (28–71 years). All suffered pain at night and painful blockage during certain motions, particularly anterolateal elevation and forced internal rotation. We did not use the preoperative Constant score because we considered that the pain always gives a false score in these patients, particularly for muscle force. Nevertheless, the mean pain score preoperatively was 4.5 (0–10), daily activity was 14 (8–18) and active motion was 32 (20–40). All calcifications were located in the supraspinatus and the anterior part of the infraspinatus. Acromial morphology was type III in seven cases. All the patients underwent arthroscopy with resection of the coracoacromial ligament and anterior acromioplasty without touching the residual calcification. Results: All patients were reviewed by an independent surgeon different than the operator. Mean follow-up was 54 months (18–108 months). Subjectively, 89% of the patients were cured or improved, 11% were unchanged. Objectively, the Constant score weighted for age and sex was a mean 91.4% (50–100%) with a median 100%. We had 20 shoulders with excellent outcome (weighted Constant score 85–94%), two with fair outcome (65–84%), and three with poor outcome (< 65%), giving 82% satisfactory outcome. Muscle force was very satisfactory (mean 7.5%) and close to the contralateral shoulder (8.25 kg). Radiologically, 17 of the 29 shoulders were cleared of calcifications (61%). Conclusion: Arthroscopic acromioplasty after failure of trituration-aspiration gives quite satisfactory results, including for calcifications we had considered to by “untriturables”

Purpose: We propose a simple surgical treatment with sustained efficacy for chronic symptomatic acromioclavicular instability. Material and methods: Dissection of ten cadaver specimens (20 shoulders) enabled a detailed biometry of the acromiocoracoid ligament (ACCL) with measures of motion and clavicular fixation. We were also able to measure tear resistance with a dynamometer. The proposed surgical technique was designed from Weaver-Dunn reconstruction as modified by Bircher. Briefly, acromioplasty is used to dis-insert the ACCL which is folded back on the clavicular resection border then fixed by screws or wires. Results: The size of the acromioplasty section varied from 18 to 25 mm in diameter. The ACCL had a quadrilateral aspect: mean anterior length 37.7 mm, mean posterior length 25.6 mm, mean middle (coracoid) width 16 mm, mean lateral width 22.3 mm and mean thickness 1.55 mm. The fold angle was 68° on average giving 10.8 mm in height and 21.8 thickness. The coracoclavicular distance varied from 15.7 mm to 50.1 mm. Mean tear force was 11.5 daN. Discussion: Posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the unstable acromioclavicular joint requires resection of the lateral quarter of the clavicle using the Baccarani technique which should be completed by a stabilisation fixation. The Weaver-Dunn technique appears to be insufficient for Rockwood stage IV and B chronic instability. The distance between the anterior border of the coracoid and the posterior border of the clavicle is within the reach of the length of the acromiocoracoid ligament. The available length allows tension adjustments before fixation, which should be performed preferably using a wire fixation or a 3.5 compression screw set on a washer to achieve satisfactory stability and good pull-out resistance. Conclusion: Biometrics of the ACCL and the width of the acromioplasty and clavicular osteotomy demonstrate several possibilities for regulating the fixation which can thus be adapted to the morphology of each case while assuring good compression and solid fixation necessary for excellent long-term results

The acromion is a bony process that juts out from the lateral end of the scapular spine. It is continuous with the blade and the spinous process. The process is rectangular, and carries a facet for the clavicle. Inferiorly is sited the subacromial bursa. Inferior encroachment or displacement of the acromion can result in impingement.

The aim of this osteological study was to assess the presence of acromial displacement and variations predisposing to compaction of the subacromial space. Using the method described by Morrison and Bigliana, we assessed the scapulae of 128 men and women ranging from 35 to 92 years of age. We found a flat acromion in 30%, no hook in 48%, a small hook in 18% and a large hook in 4%. The presence of a hook was associated with a subacromial facet and a large hook with glenoid erosion.

This study confirms the presence of four types of acromion.

This review compares the outcomes and complication rates of three surgical strategies used for the management of symptomatic os acromiale. The purpose of this study was to help guide best practice recommendations. A systematic review of nine prospective studies, seven retrospective studies, and three case studies published across ten countries between 1993 and 2018 was performed. Adult patients (i.e., ≥ 18 years of age) with a symptomatic os acromiale that failed nonoperative management were included in this review. Surgical techniques utilized within the included studies include excision, acromioplasty, and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The primary outcomes of interest included patient satisfaction and return to activity. Range of motion and several standardized outcome measurement tools were also included in the final analysis. Patient satisfaction was highest in the excision and ORIF groups, with 92% and 82% of patients reporting good to excellent postoperative results, respectively, compared to 63% in the acromioplasty group. All three patient groups experienced improved postoperative objective scores (i.e., patient-reported outcome scores and active range of motion). The excision group experienced a complication rate of 1%, while the acromioplasty group experienced a complication rate of 11% and the ORIF group a rate of 67%. This study reports on the largest sample of patients who have undergone surgical treatment for a symptomatic os acromiale. We have demonstrated that excision of the os with repair of the deltoid resulted in the best clinical outcomes with the least complications. In healthy adult patients with a large os fragment and a normal rotator cuff, surgical fixation may provide increased preservation of deltoid function while offering good patient satisfaction. Such patients should be aware that they are at increased risk of requiring a second procedure due to symptomatic hardware following ORIF

Purpose: Determine the ideal form of subacromial decompression. Method: Six cadaveric shoulders with intact rotator cuffs (RTC) underwent “smooth & move (SM),” limited acromioplasty with coracoacromial ligament (CAL) preservation, and CAL resection. Glenohumeral translation was measured in four directions utilizing electromagnetic spatial sensors. Peak RTC pressure was measured during arm abduction utilizing pressure film sensors. Results: Anterosuperior translation was unchanged after SM or acromioplasty, but increased from 2mm at baseline to 4mm following CAL resection with the arm at 300 abduction (p=0.03). There were no significant changes in other directions of translation following any procedure. In neutral humeral rotation RTC pressure was unchanged after SM (p=1.00). Pressure decreased 64% after a limited acromioplasty (p=0.04), and 72% after CAL resection (p=0.03). There was a trend towards increased abduction at which peak pressure occurred following CAL resection (760 compared to 620;p=0.11) In external rotation, RTC pressure decreased 26% following SM, 52% after limited acromioplasty, and 64% after CAL resection, but values were not statistically changed (p=0.52, p=0.08, and p=0.06). Similarly, abduction angle at which peak pressure was reached increased but was statistically insignificant after SM (720; p=0.75), limited acromioplasty (750; p=0.11), and CAL resection (790; p=0.08). In internal rotation, RTC pressure decreased 32% following the SM, 59% following the limited acromioplasty, and 58% following CAL resection, but none reached statistical significance (p=0.52, p=0.26, p=0.17). Abduction angle of peak pressure was unchanged after SM (670; p=0.63) and limited acromioplasty (670; p=0.63), but increased following CAL resection (620 vs. 790; p=0.04). Conclusion: A CAL resection leads to increased anterosuperior instability. “Smooth and move” or acromioplasty can safely be performed without increasing translation. Rotator cuff pressure did not significantly decrease after SM. Rotator cuff pressure was significantly decreased to a similar degree following a limited acromioplasty or a CAL resection. A limited acromioplasty with preservation of the CAL may offer the greatest decrease in cuff pressures without the undesirable effect of increased translation. However, statistical significance was affected by high anatomic variability. Therefore, the choice between “smooth & move” and acromioplasty to decrease contact pressure is likely best to be individualized based on acromial morphology

Purpose: Arthroscopic arthroplasty for painful shoulder is not always successful. Repeated arthroscopy is sometimes discussed for patients with recurrent pain. The purpose of this work was to determine the technique and identify indications. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 24 patients (13 men, 11 women), mean age 52 years, who underwent repeated arthroscopy after failure within 31 months of arthroscopic acromioplasty with no other intervention. Three groups were formed: group 1 (7 patients): subacromial impingement due to tendinitis with intact supraspinatus; group 2 (11 patients): subacromial impingement secondary to cuff tear; group 3 (6 patients): calcified tendinopathy. In group 1, the acromion was type 1 in three cases, type 2 in three and type 3 in one; repeated arthroscopy included complementary acromioplasty. In group 2, all patients had complementary acromioplasty; six of them with biceps tenotomy. In group 3, the remaining calcification was removed in all patients and complementary acromioplasty in three. Results: Mean follow-up was 21 months. In group 1, outcome was satisfactory in three patients (43%), irrespective of the acromial morphology. In group 2, outcome was satisfactory in six patients (55%), including five with acromioplasty with tenotomy and only one with complementary acromioplasty alone. In group 3, outcome was satisfactory in five patients (83%); one failure was attributed to remaining calcification; acromioplasty did not influence outcome. Discussion, conclusion: The acromion should not be considered as the principal cause of failure after first acromioplasty. In this series, only 33% of the patients who had complementary acromioplasty had a good outcome at last follow-up. Biceps tenotomy in patients with rotator cuff tears and removal of the calcium deposit in patients with calcified tenopathies should be considered first

Summary. Analysis of existing data of patients who had undergone debridement procedure for osteoarthritis (OA) of glenohumeral joint showed improvement in disability at a minimum of one year following surgery. Injured workers were significantly younger and had a poorer outcome. Introduction. There is little information on debridement for OA of the shoulder joint. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that affect the outcome of arthroscopic debridement with or without acromioplasty /resection of clavicle of patients with osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, in subjective perception of disability and functional range of motion and strength at a minimum of one year following surgery. Patients and Methods. Existing data of patients with advanced OA of the glenohumeral joint who had undergone debridement were used for analysis. These patients were not good candidates for shoulder arthroplasty due to a young age, high activity level, or desire to avoid major surgery at the time of assessment. Arthroscopic debridement included removal of loose bodies, chondral flaps, and degenerative tissue. Resection of the lateral end of the clavicle or acromioplasty was performed as clinically indicated for management of osteoarthritis of the Acromioclavicular (AC) joint or subacromial impingement respectively. Disability at a minimum of 12 months following surgery was measured by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon's (ASES) assessment form, Constant-Murley score (CMS), strength, and painfree range of motion (ROM) in four directions. Impact of sex, age, having acromioplasty or resection of clavicle, and having an active work-related compensation claim was examined. Results. Seventy-four patients (mean age= 55, SD: 14 (range: 25–88), range: 35–86, 34 females, 40 males) were included in analysis. The average symptom duration was 5.8 years. Fifty nine (80%) patients had an associated subacromial decompression [55 (74%) had acromioplasty, 32(43%) had resection of the lateral end of the clavicle, and 28 (38%) had both procedures]. Nineteen (26%) patients had a work-related compensation claim related to their shoulder. This group was significantly younger than the non-compensation group (45 vs. 58, p=0.0001). Paired student t-tests showed a statistically significant improvement in scores of ASES and CMS (p<0.0001), strength (p=0.001) and painfree range of motion (p=0.01) at a minimum of 1 year follow-up. The ANCOVA model that incorporated sex, age, additional decompression (AC resection or acromioplasty), compensation claim and pre-op scores, showed that the pre-op scores and having a work-related claim were the most influential predictors of post-op scores of ASES, CMS, and ROM. The post-op strength was the only factor that was affected by sex, age and having a work-related claim. Discussion/Conclusion. Arthroscopic debridement with or without acromioplasty /resection of the lateral end of the clavicle improved disability, painfree range of motion and strength in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of glenohumeral joint at a minimum of one year following surgery. Patients with an active compensation claim related to their shoulder were significantly younger and had a poorer outcome

Purpose. There is minimal information on outcome of glenohumeral debridement for treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to examine the outcome of this procedure with or without acromioplasty /resection of clavicle in subjective perception of disability and functional range of motion and strength at one year following surgery. Method. Prospectively collected data of patients with advanced OA of the glenohumeral joint who were not good candidates for shoulder arthroplasty due to young age, high activity level, or desire to avoid major surgery at the time of assessment were included. Arthroscopic debridement included removal of loose bodies, chondral flaps, and degenerative tissue. Resection of the lateral end of the clavicle or acromioplasty was performed as clinically indicated for management of osteoarthritis of the Acromioclavicular (AC) joint or subacromial impingement respectively. Disability at 12 months following surgery was measured by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) assessment form, Constant-Murley score (CMS), strength, and painfree range of motion in four directions. Results. Sixty-seven patients (mean age= 57, SD: 15 (range: 25–87), range: 35–86, 35 females, 32 males) were included in analysis. The average symptom duration was 5 years. Fifteen (22%) patients had left shoulder involvement with 37 (55%) having right shoulder problem and 15(22%) reporting bilateral complaints. The right shoulder was operated on in 41 (61%) patients. Fifty two (78%) patients had an associated subacromial decompression [49 (73%) had acromioplasty and 27 (40%) had resection of the lateral end of the clavicle with some procedures overlapping]. Paired student t-tests showed a statistically significant improvement in scores of ASES and CMS (p<0.001) and painfree range of motion (p=0.02) at 1 year follow-up. However, no change was observed in strength (p>0.05). Conclusion. Arthroscopic debridement with or without acromioplasty /resection of the lateral end of the clavicle improves disability and painfree range of motion in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of glenohumeral joint at one year following surgery

Seven patients with osteochondral defects of the humeral head were treated over a 3 year period (2002–2005). In six of the patients the diagnosis was made incidentally at time of arthroscopy with the seventh patient being diagnosed preoperatively. There were 5 males and 2 females with an average age of 48 years. Four patients had a history of trauma. The preoperative diagnosis was impingement in 5, supraspinatus partial thickness tear in one and an osteochondral defect in the seventh. Ultrasound revealed a supraspinatus partial thickness tear in one, fluid in the biceps grove in one, and was normal in the other 5. One patient had a MRI which showed a SLAP lesion. All patients had conservative treatment with subacromial injection with 2 patients having complete relief of pain, 2 having almost complete relief, and the other 4 having improvement but not complete relief of pain. Only 2 of the patients had a minor reduction in movement. At arthroscopy the osteochondral defect measured 1x 1 cm in four cases and 1 x 1,5 cm in the other 3. In all patients the osteochondral defect was debrided and the exposed bone abraded. Four patients had an acromioplasty, one had an acromioplasty and excision of the AC joint, one had a debridement only and the seventh patient had an acromioplasty, SLAP repair and debridement of a partial thickness supraspinatus tear. The follow-up averaged 24 months (6–58). The VAS improved from an average of 6,4 preoperatively to 1,2 postoperatively and the ASES improved from 47 preoperatively to 85 postoperatively. All patients were happy to have had the procedure. In conclusion, debridement and abrasion of osteochondral defect was an effective treatment in this series. Acromioplasty should be added when indicated

Introduction. Acromial and scapular fractures are a rare but difficult complication with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), with an incidence rate reported from 1–10%. The risk factors associated with these fractures types is largely unknown. The goal of this study is to analyze the clinical outcomes, demographic and comorbidity data, and implant sizing and surgical technique information from 4125 patients who received a primary rTSA with one specific prosthesis (Equinoxe, Exactech, Inc) and were sorted based on the radiographic documentation of an acromial and/or scapula fracture (ASF) to identify factors associated with this complication. Methods. 4125 patients (2652F/1441M/32 unspecified; mean age: 72.5yrs) were treated with primary rTSA by 23 orthopaedic surgeons. Revision and fracture reverse arthroplasty cases were excluded. The radiographic presence of each fracture was documented and classified using the Levy classification method. 61 patients were identified as having ASF, 10 patients had fractures of the Type 1, 32 patients had Type 2, and 18 patients had Type 3 fractures according to Levy's classification. One fracture was not classifiable. Pre-op and post-op outcome scoring, ROM as well as demographic, comorbidity, implant, and surgical technique information were evaluated for these 61 patients and compared to the larger cohort of patients to identify any associations. A two-tailed, unpaired t-test identified differences (p<0.05). Results. The overall rate of ASF was 1.48% with the average time after surgery occurring at 12.9 ± 17.9 months (range 1 day to 78 months). Men had an ASF rate of 0.69% (10 of 1441); whereas women had a rate of 1.92% (51 of 2652). Patients with ASF were observed to be significantly shorter than patients without ASF (65.1 in vs 63.3 in, p=0.0004). ASF were more common in females (p=0.0019), have Rheumatoid Arthritis (p=0.0051), Cuff Tear Arthropathy (p=0.0093), or previous shoulder surgery (p=0.0189). Patient's weight did not correlate, nor did BMI. No difference was observed in humeral stem size, glenosphere diameter, or the humeral tray offset, humeral liner offset, or combined humeral tray+liner offset. The average number of screws used in the fracture group was significantly more than in the non-fracture group (p=0.0327), and 93% of patients in the fracture group had a screw in the superior hole of the baseplate. Pre-operatively, patients who developed ASF had significantly worse ASES (p=0.0104) and SPADI (p=0.0136) scores and also had significantly worse forward elevation (p=0.0237) and internal rotation (p=0.0054) than those who did not develop ASF. At latest follow-up, patients with ASF had significantly worse SST, UCLA, ASES, Constant, and SPADI scores (all p<0.0001); significantly worse abduction, forward elevation, internal rotation, strength (all p<0.0001); and significantly less preop-to-postop improvement in all measured outcomes, except for external rotation (all p<0.0001). Finally, 24% of fractures were identified as being caused by a traumatic event, 28% of patients with fractures had a previous acromioplasty, and 53% of fractures were Levy type 2. Discussion. Acromial and scapular fractures after rTSA are a rare complication, with an incidence of 1.48% in this analysis of 4125 patients with a single rTSA prosthesis. These fractures were observed to occur at an average of 12.9 months after surgery, but were observed as early as 1 day and as late as 6.5 years. Female patients, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cuff Tear Arthropathy, previous shoulder surgery, relatively worse pre-operative ASES or SPADI scores, relatively decreased pre-operative forward elevation and internal rotation as well as a larger number of screws placed in the baseplate all were significantly associated with the occurrence of ASF. Although 93% of patients with ASF had a screw placed in the superior hole of the baseplate, we cannot conclude that this is a driving factor at this time, as the superior screw number for the non-fracture group was not recorded. Future work should evaluate if usage of a superior glenoid baseplate screw and previous acromioplasty are also risk factors for these fracture types after rTSA. This study is the largest ever performed analysis of this rare complication and provides news insight into the predisposing risk factors to consider when evaluating patients for rTSA

The February 2014 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup. 360 . looks at: whether arthroscopic acromioplasty is a cost-effective intervention; shockwave therapy in cuff tear; whether microfracture relieves short-term pain in cuff repair; the promising early results from L-PRF augmented cuff repairs; rehabilitation following cuff repair; supination strength following biceps tendon rupture; whether longer is better in humeral components; fatty degeneration in a rodent model; and the controversial acromioclavicular joint dislocation