Aims. This study aims to describe a new method that may be used as a supplement to evaluate humeral rotational alignment during intramedullary nail (IMN) insertion using the profile of the perpendicular peak of the greater tuberosity and its relation to the transepicondylar axis. We called this angle the greater tuberosity version angle (GTVA). Methods. This study analyzed 506 cadaveric humeri of adult patients. All humeri were CT scanned using 0.625 × 0.625 × 0.625 mm cubic voxels. The images acquired were used to generate 3D surface models of the humerus. Next, 3D landmarks were automatically calculated on each 3D bone using custom-written C++ software. The anatomical landmarks analyzed were the transepicondylar axis, the humerus anatomical axis, and the peak of the perpendicular axis of the greater tuberosity. Lastly, the angle between the transepicondylar axis and the greater tuberosity axis was calculated and defined as the GTVA. Results. The value of GTVA was 20.9° (SD 4.7°) (95% CI 20.47° to 21.3°). Results of analysis of variance revealed that females had a statistically significant larger angle of 21.95° (SD 4.49°) compared to males, which were found to be 20.49° (SD 4.8°) (p = 0.001). Conclusion. This study identified a consistent relationship between palpable anatomical landmarks, enhancing IMN accuracy by utilizing 3D CT scans and replicating a 20.9° angle from the greater tuberosity to the transepicondylar axis. Using this angle as a secondary reference may help mitigate the complications associated with malrotation of the humerus following IMN. However, future trials are needed for clinical validation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):929–936

Aims

This study aimed to quantify the shoulder kinematics during an apprehension-relocation test in patients with anterior shoulder instability (ASI) and glenoid bone loss using the radiostereometric analysis (RSA) method. Kinematics were compared with the patient’s contralateral healthy shoulder.

The August 2024 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Comparing augmented and nonaugmented locking-plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures in the elderly; Elevated five-year mortality following shoulder arthroplasty for fracture; Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol reduces discharge times compared with inhaled general anaesthesia in shoulder arthroscopy: a randomized controlled trial; The influence of obesity on outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair; Humeral component version has no effect on outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial; What is a meaningful improvement after total shoulder arthroplasty by implant type, preoperative diagnosis, and sex?; The safety of corticosteroid injection prior to shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review; Mortality and subsequent fractures of patients with olecranon fractures compared to other upper limb osteoporotic fractures.

Aims

Multiple secondary surgical procedures of the shoulder, such as soft-tissue releases, tendon transfers, and osteotomies, are described in brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) patients. The long-term functional outcomes of these procedures described in the literature are inconclusive. We aimed to analyze the literature looking for a consensus on treatment options.

Glenoid exposure is the name of the game in total shoulder arthroplasty. I can honestly say that it took me more than 5 years but less than 10 to feel confident exposing any glenoid, regardless of the degree of bone deformity and the severity of soft-tissue contracture. This lecture represents the synthesis of my experience exposing some of the most difficult glenoids. The basic principles are performing extensive soft-tissue release, minimizing the anteroposterior dimension of the humerus by osteophyte excision, making an accurate humeral neck cut, having a plethora of glenoid retractors, and knowing where to place them. The ten tips, in reverse order of importance are: 10.) Tilt the table away from operative side—this helps face the surface of the glenoid, especially in cases of posterior wear, toward the surgeon. 9.) Have multiple glenoid retractors—these include a large Darrach, a reverse double-pronged Bankart, one or two blunt Homans, small and large Fukudas. 8.) Remove all humeral osteophytes before attempting to retract the humerus posteriorly to expose the glenoid—this helps to decrease the overall anteroposterior dimension of the humerus and allows for maximum posterior displacement of the humerus. 7.) Make an accurate humeral neck cut—even 5mm of extra humeral bone will make glenoid exposure difficult. 6.) Optimal humeral position—it has been taught that abduction, external rotation, and extension is the optimal position. It may vary with each case. Therefore, experiment with humeral rotation to find the position that allows maximum visualization. This is often the position that makes the cut surface of the humerus parallel to the surface of the glenoid. 5.) Optimal retractor placement—my typical retractor placement is a Fukuda on the posterior lip of the glenoid, a reverse double-pronged Bankart on the anterior neck of the scapula, and a blunt Homan posterosuperiorly. Occasionally, a second blunt Homan anteroinferiorly is helpful, particularly in muscular males with a large pectoralis major. 4.) Laminar spreader for lateral humeral displacement—this can be helpful for posterior capsulorrhaphy or for posterior glenoid bone grafting. 3.) Maximal humeral capsular release—the release of the anterior capsule from the humerus must go well past the 6 o'clock position and up the posterior surface of the humerus. This aides in humeral exposure but also allows for more posterior displacement of the humerus during glenoid exposure. 2.) Anteroinferior capsular release or excision—extensive anteroinferior release or excision (my preference), allows for maximal posterior humeral displacement and also restores external rotation. 1.) Posterior or posteroinferior capsular release—release of the posteroinferior corner of the capsule from the glenoid results in a noticeable increase in posterior humeral retractability. In cases without substantial posterior subluxation, extensive release of the entire posterior capsule is performed

Introduction & Aims. Over the last decade, sensor technology has proven its benefits in total knee arthroplasty, allowing the quantitative assessment of tension in the medial and lateral compartment of the tibiofemoral joint through the range of motion (VERASENSE, OrthoSensor Inc, FL, USA). In reversal total shoulder arthroplasty, it is well understood that stability is primarily controlled by the active and passive structures surrounding the articulating surfaces. At current, assessing the tension in these stabilizing structures remains however highly subjective and relies on the surgeons’ feel and experience. In an attempt to quantify this feel and address instability as a dominant cause for revision surgery, this paper introduces an intra-articular load sensor for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Method. Using the capacitive load sensing technology embedded in instrumented tibial trays, a wireless, instrumented humeral trial has been developed. The wireless communication enables real-time display of the three-dimensional load vector and load magnitude in the glenohumeral joint during component trialing in RTSA. In an in-vitro setting, this sensor was used in two reverse total shoulder arthroplasties. The resulting load vectors were captured through the range of motion while the joint was artificially tightened by adding shims to the humeral tray. Results. For both shoulder specimens, the newly developed sensor provided insight in the load magnitude and characteristics through the range of motion. In neutral rotation and under a condition assessed as neither too tight nor too loose, glenohumeral loads in the range of 10–30lbs were observed. As expected, with increasing shim thickness these intra- articular load magnitudes increased. Assessing the load variations through the range of motion, high peak forces of up to 120 lbs were observed near the limits of the range of motion, most pronounced during external humeral rotation. Conclusions. In conclusion, this paper presents an intra-articular load sensor that can be used during the trialing phase in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. A first series of cadaveric experiments provided evidence of realistic load ranges and load characteristics with respect to the end of the range of motion. Currently, effort is undertaken to develop a biomechanically validated load range that can serve as a target in surgery

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate two hypotheses. First, that disruption of posterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament (PMCL) has to occur for the elbow to subluxate in cases of posteromedial rotatory instability (PMRI) and second, that ulnohumeral contact pressures increase after disruption of the PMCL.

Glenoid exposure is the name of the game in total shoulder arthroplasty. I can honestly say that it took me more than 5 years but less than 10 to feel confident exposing any glenoid, regardless of the degree of bone deformity and the severity of soft-tissue contracture. This lecture represents the synthesis of my experience exposing some of the most difficult glenoids. The basic principles are performing extensive soft-tissue release, minimizing the anteroposterior dimension of the humerus by osteophyte excision, making an accurate humeral neck cut, having a plethora of glenoid retractors, and knowing where to place them. The ten tips, in reverse order of importance are: 10.) Tilt the table away from operative side—this helps face the surface of the glenoid, especially in cases of posterior wear, toward the surgeon. 9.) Have multiple glenoid retractors—these include a large Darrach, a reverse double-pronged Bankart, one or two blunt Homans, small and large Fukudas. 8.) Remove all humeral osteophytes before attempting to retract the humerus posteriorly to expose the glenoid—this helps to decrease the overall anteroposterior dimension of the humerus and allows for maximum posterior displacement of the humerus. 7.) Make an accurate humeral neck cut—even 5mm of extra humeral bone will make glenoid exposure difficult. 6.) Optimal humeral position—it has been taught that abduction, external rotation, and extension is the optimal position. It may vary with each case. Therefore, experiment with humeral rotation to find the position that allows maximum visualization. This is often the position that makes the cut surface of the humerus parallel to the surface of the glenoid. 5.) Optimal retractor placement—my typical retractor placement is a Fukuda on the posterior lip of the glenoid, a reverse double-pronged Bankart on the anterior neck of the scapula, and a blunt Homan posterosuperiorly. Occasionally, a second blunt Homan anteroinferiorly is helpful, particularly in muscular males with a large pectoralis major. 4.) Laminar spreader for lateral humeral displacement—this can be helpful for posterior capsulorrhaphy or for posterior glenoid bone grafting. 3.) Maximal humeral capsular release—the release of the anterior capsule from the humerus must go well past the 6 o'clock position and up the posterior surface of the humerus. This aides in humeral exposure but also allows for more posterior displacement of the humerus during glenoid exposure. 2.) Anteroinferior capsular release or excision—extensive anteroinferior release or excision (my preference), allows for maximal posterior humeral displacement and also restores external rotation. 1.) Posterior or posteroinferior capsular release—release of the posteroinferior corner of the capsule from the glenoid results in a noticeable increase in posterior humeral retractability. In cases without substantial posterior subluxation, extensive release of the entire posterior capsule is performed. Following these steps will help the surgeon to gain adequate glenoid exposure, even in the most difficult cases

Introduction. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty continues to have a high complication rate, specifically with component instability and scapular notching. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of humeral component neck angle and version on impingement free range of motion. Methods. A total of 13 cadaveric shoulders (4 males and 9 females, average age = 69 years, range 46 to 96 years) were randomly assigned to two studies. Study 1 investigated the effects of humeral component neck angle (n=6) and Study 2 investigated the effects of humeral component version (n=7). For all shoulders, Tornier Aequalis® Reversed Shoulder implants (Edina, MN) were used. For study 1, the implants were modified to 135, 145 and 155 degree humeral neck shaft angles and for Study 2 a custom implant that allowed control of humeral head version were used. For biomechanical testing, a custom shoulder testing system that permits independent loading of all shoulder muscles with six degree of freedom positioning was used. (Figure 1) Internal control experimental design was used where all conditions were tested on the same specimen. Study 1. The adduction angle and internal/external humeral rotation angle at which impingement occurred were measured. Glenohumeral abduction moment was measured at 0 and 30 degrees of abduction, and anterior dislocation forces were measured at 30 degrees of internal rotation, 0 and 30 degrees of external rotation with and without subscapularis loading. Study 2. The degree of internal and external rotation when impingement occurred was measured at 0, 30 and 60 degrees of glenohumeral abduction in the scapular plane with the humeral component placed in 20 degrees of anteversion, neutral version, 20 degrees of retroversion, and 40 degrees of retroversion. Statistical analysis was performed with a repeated measures analysis of variance with a Tukey post-hoc test with a significance level of 0.05. Results. Study 1. Adduction deficit angles for 155, 145, and 135 degree neck-shaft angle were 2 ± 5 degrees of abduction, 7 ± 4 degrees of adduction, and 12 ± 2 degrees of adduction (P <0.05), respectively. Impingement-free angles of humeral rotation and abduction moments were not statistically different between the neck-shaft angles. The anterior dislocation force was significantly higher for the 135degree neck-shaft angle at 30 degrees of external rotation and significantly higher for the 155 degree neck shaft angle at 30 degrees of internal rotation (P<.01). The anterior dislocation forces were significantly higher when the subscapularis was loaded (P <0.01). Study 2. Maximum external rotation was the limiting position for impingement particularly at 0 degrees of abduction. Maximum external rotation before impingement occurred increased significantly with increasing humeral retroversion (p < 0.05) (Figure 2). No impingement or subluxation occurred at any humeral version in 60 degrees of glenohumeral abduction. Conclusion. In reverse shoulder arthroplasty, 155 degree neck-shaft angle was more prone to impingement with adduction but had the advantage of being more stable. In addition, 40 degrees of retroversion has the largest range of humeral rotation without impingement

Summary Statement. We measured scapulothoracic motions during humeral abduction with different humeral rotations in healthy subjects and whole cadaver models and clarified that humeral rotation significantly influenced scapular kinematics. Introduction. Scapular dyskinesis has been observed in various shoulder disorders such as impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tears. However, the relationship between scapular kinematics and humeral positions remains unclear. We hypothesised that humeral rotation would influence scapular motions during humeral abduction and measured scapular motion relative to the thorax in the healthy subjects and whole cadavers. Methods. Healthy Subjects: Twenty-four shoulders of twelve healthy subjects without shoulder disorders were enrolled. Three electromagnetic sensors were attached on the skin over the sternum, scapula and humerus. Scapular motions during scapular plane abduction (abduction) were measured. The measurements were performed with four hand positions, palm up, thumb up, palm down and thumb down. The elbow was kept extended in all measurements. Each measurement took 5 seconds and repeated three times. Cadavers: Twelve shoulders from 6 fresh whole cadavers were used. A cadaver was set in sitting position on a wooden chair without interrupting scapular motions. Electromagnetic sensors were attached on the thorax, scapula and humerus rigidly with transcortical pins. The elbow was kept in extended position by holding the forearm and the arm was moved passively. The measurements were performed during scapular plane abduction and scapular kinematics were measured in four hand positions, 1: thumb up, 2; palm up, 3; palm down, 4; thumb down as well as the healthy subjects. Each measurement took 5 seconds and repeated three times. Data Analysis: The coordinate system and rotation angles of the thorax, scapula and humerus were decided following ISB recommendation. A one-way analysis of variance was used to test the differences in 4 arm positions. Dunnet's multiple post hoc tests were used to identify the difference between thumb up model (neutral rotation) and other three arm positions. Results. Scapular posterior tilt increased during palm up abduction (healthy subjects −2.0° to 0.1°, cadaver −3.2° to −1.4° at 120° of abduction). During thumb-down abduction, scapular posterior tilt decreased (healthy subjects −4.1° to −8.0° at 110° of abduction, cadaver −3.2° to −8.6° at 120° of abduction) and scapular upward rotation increased (healthy subjects 21.0° to 26.1° at 110° of abduction, cadaver 25.3° to 31.1° at 120° of abduction). Thumb down abduction demonstrated no significant difference from thumb up position. Discussion. Scapular motions measured in healthy subjects and cadaver models showed similar patterns indicating that surface markers on the healthy subjects could track scapular motions successfully as bone markers in cadaver models. Humeral external rotation increased scapular posterior tilt and humeral internal rotation increased scapular anterior tilt and upward rotation. This suggests that position of the greater and lesser tuberosity and tension of the joint capsule caused scapular tilt and scapular upward rotation. Kinematic changes caused by humeral rotations were observed in earlier phase of abduction in healthy subjects than in cadaver models. This suggests that healthy subjects set scapular position beforehand not to increase subacromial pressure. Conclusion. Humeral rotation significantly influenced scapular kinematics. Assessment for these patterns is important for evaluation of shoulder pathology associated with abnormal scapular kinematics

Introduction:. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has become instrumental in relieving pain and returning function to patients with end-stage rotator cuff disease. A distalized and medialized center of rotation in addition to a semi-constrained implant design allows the deltoid to substitute for the non-functioning rotator cuff. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between specific deltoid and rotator cuff muscle parameters and functional outcomes following RTSA. Methods:. Patients undergoing RTSA by a single surgeon were enrolled in a prospective, IRB approved RTSA outcomes registry. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of cuff tear arthropathy or massive rotator cuff tear, a minimum 2-year follow-up, and a preoperative shoulder MRI. We excluded patients undergoing revision arthroplasty, fracture, and a history of previous open shoulder surgery. For the 28 patients meeting our criteria, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid were measured on an axial MRI (Figure 1). Fatty infiltration (FI) of the deltoid, supraspinatus (SS), infraspinatus (IS), teres minor, and subscapularis were assessed on sagittal T1-MRI quantitatively via image processing and qualitatively on the 5-point Fuchs scale by a fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist. Outcome measures included active forward elevation (aFE), active external rotation (aER), active internal rotation (aIR), strength in abduction, Constant-Murley score (CMS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) total and ASES activities of daily living (ADL) scores as assessed by a trained, clinical research nurse. Correlation of deltoid CSA and FI with outcomes measures was analyzed with a Spearman rank correlation coefficient (ρ) with significance at P < .05. Results:. The correlations between preoperative deltoid size and quantitative deltoid FI to postoperative function are shown in Table 1. The total deltoid CSA showed the most significant, positive correlations with outcome measures. The anterior deltoid CSA showed the strongest correlation to postoperative strength in abduction. Quantitative FI of the deltoid was negatively associated with several outcome measures (Table 1). Quantitative FI of the SS and IS demonstrated a significant negative correlation with aER (ρ = −.732, P = .039 and ρ = −.790, P = .004, respectively). The grade of FI, as assessed using the Fuchs scale, did not correlate to any clinical outcome data. Discussion and Conclusion:. Preoperative deltoid size and FI of the deltoid and the rotator cuff muscles correlate to 2-year functional outcomes following RTSA. The anterior, posterior, and total CSA of the deltoid had significant, positive associations with several outcome measures, whereas FI of the deltoid, SS, and IS had significant, negative associations, particularly with humeral rotation. In the future, optimization of deltoid and rotator cuff muscle function preoperatively may improve functional outcomes in RTSA

Background:. An upper extremity model of the shoulder was developed from the Stanford upper extremity model (Holzbaur 2005) in this study to assess the muscle lengthening changes that occur as a function of kinematics for reverse total shoulder athroplasty (RTSA). This study assesses muscle moment arm changes as a function of scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR) during abduction for RTSA subjects. The purpose of the study was to calculate the effect of RTSA SHR on the deltoid moment arm over the abduction activity. Methods:. The model was parameterized as a six degree of freedom model in which the scapula and humeral rotational degrees of freedom were prescribed from fluoroscopy. The model had 15 muscle actuators representing the muscles that span the shoulder girdle. The model was then uniformly scaled according to reflective markers from motion capture studies. An average SHR was calculated for the normal and RTSA cohort set. The SHR averages were then used to drive the motion of the scapula and the humerus. Lastly 3-dimensional kinematics for the scapula and humerus from 3d-2d fluoroscopic image registration techniques were used to drive the motion of model. Deltoid muscle moment arm was calculated. Results:. Muscle moment arms were calculated for the anterior, lateral and posterior heads of the deltoid. Significant changes (>1 mm) were only found in comparing the anterior deltoid muscle moment arm predictions between the normal and RTSA group. The anterior deltoid for RTSA had a moment arm range from −12.5–20.6 mm over the max abduction arc. The anterior deltoid for normal group had a moment arm range from −14.5–22.6 mm over the max abduction arc. There is a difference of 2 mm between the normal and RTSA anterior deltoid moment arm that converges to 0 at 45° of elevation. The 2 mm difference is also seen again as the difference diverges again (Figure 1). There were no significant differences found between normal and RTSA groups for the lateral and posterior deltoid. The most significant difference between moment arm calculations for the RTSA and normal group was found in the Anterior deltoid. (Figure 1). Conclusion:. It was found that the muscle moment arms in the RTSA group were significantly different than in the normal group for the anterior deltoid. No other significant differences were found. In the initial 40° of elevation there is a 2 mm difference in anterior deltoid muscle moment arm between the normal and RTSA group. This difference is also found is seen from 60°–90° of elevation. From 35° −55° there is no difference between RTSA and normal groups. SHR for the RTSA (1.8: 1) is significantly lower than in the normal (2.5: 1) group. Differences found in muscle moment arms over the abduction arc between RTSA and normal groups point to the significant change of the anterior deltoid after RTSA. This study primary objective was to assess the differences in muscle moment arms as a function of SHR (Kinematic differences). Significant differences found may improve implant design, surgical technique, and rehabilitative strategies for reverse shoulder surgery

Introduction:. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has become an accepted surgical treatment for patients with severe deficiency of the rotator cuff. Despite the utility of RTSA in managing difficult shoulder problems, humeral rotation does not reliably improve and may even worsen following RTSA. Several approaches to increase active external rotation (aER) postoperatively have been proposed including the use of concomitant latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) or the use of an increased lateral-offset glenosphere (LG). We hypothesized that clinical outcome and range of motion after RTSA with a +4 mm or +6 mm LG would be comparable to RTSA with LDTT in patients with a lack of aER preoperatively. Methods:. An IRB-approved, prospective, single surgeon RTSA registry was reviewed for patients treated with LDTT or LG for preoperative aER deficiency with minimum 1-year follow-up. Patients qualified for aER deficiency if they had a positive ER lag sign or less than or equal to 10 degrees of aER preoperatively. Matched control groups with patients that did not have preoperative lack of aER and were not treated with LDTT or LG were included for comparison. Outcomes measures included Constant-Murley score (CMS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), ASES Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, Visual Analogue pain Scale (VAS), active forward elevation (aFE), active internal rotation (aIR), and aER. An independent, institutional biostatistician performed statistical analyses. Results:. The LDTT group had 21 patients (10 male, 11 female) and the LG group had 16 patients (5 male, 11 female). CMS, ASES, SSV, ADL, VAS, and aFE were significantly improved in case and control groups following RTSA (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the degree of improvement of CMS, ASES, SSV, ADL, VAS or aFE between the LDTT group and its control group or the LG group and its control group (P > .05). aER was significantly improved in the LDTT and LG groups (P < .001), but did not improve significantly in either control group (P > .05) (Figure 1). The LDTT group had a significantly lower postoperative aER than its control group (P = .001), whereas the LG group had similar postoperative aER to its control group (P = .376) (Figure 1). The LG group had significantly greater aER preoperatively and postoperatively than the LDTT group (P < .001 and P = .013). There was no significant difference in degree of improvement of aER between the LDTT and LG groups (P = .212). The LDTT group had a significantly lower postoperative aIR than its control group (P=.025), whereas the LG group had similar postoperative aIR to its control group (P = .234). The LG group had significantly greater improvement in aIR than the LDTT group (P=.009). Conclusion:. To our knowledge, this is the first series to compare outcomes of two common techniques used to improve aER following RTSA. In this series, we found overall similar improvements in outcomes between the groups. These results suggest that use of a LG may be preferable to LDTT given the relatively simplified surgical technique, similar improvement in aER, comparable clinical outcome scores, and the added benefit of improved aIR

Background:. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical effects of the trapezius transfer and the latissimus dorsi transfer in a cadaveric model of a massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. Methods:. Eight cadaveric shoulders were tested at 0°, 30°, and 60° of abduction in the scapular plane with anatomically based muscle loading. Humeral rotational range of motion and the amount of humeral rotation due to muscle loading were measured. Glenohumeral kinematics and joint reaction forces were measured throughout the range of motion. After testing in the intact condition, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus were resected, simulating a massive rotator cuff tear. The lower trapezius transfer was then performed. Three muscle loading conditions for the trapezius (12N, 24N, 36N) were applied to simulate a lengthened graph as a result of excessive creep, a properly tensioned graph exerting a force proportional to the cross-sectional area of the inferior trapezius, and an over-constrained graph respectively. Next the latissimus dorsi transfer was performed and tested with one muscle loading condition 24N. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. Results:. The amount of internal rotation due to muscle loading increased with massive cuff tear at 0°, 30°, 60° abduction (p < 0.05), and was restored with the latissimus transfer at 0° abduction and the trapezius transfer at all abduction angles. (Figure 1) The cuff tear decreased glenohumeral joint compressive force, which was restored with the trapezius transfer at all positions; however, the latissimus transfer failed to restore the intact compressive force (p < 0.05). (Figure 2) At neutral rotation and 0° abduction, there was an increase in the anteriorly directed force for the rotator cuff tear and latissimus transfer conditions, that was restored to intact values by the trapezius transfer (p < 0.05). (Figure 3) At maximum internal rotation and 0° of abduction, the apex of humeral head shifted superiorly and laterally after massive cuff tear (p < 0.05); this abnormal shift was more closely restored to intact values by the trapezius transfer than the latissimus transfer in directions (p < 0.05). Conclusion:. The trapezius transfer for massive cuff tear restores native glenohumeral forces better than the latissimus transfer by recruiting an exogenous force across the glenohumeral joint. However, the increase in compressive force seen with the trapezius transfer may be problematic in patients with osteoarthritis. Clinical studies to evaluate the results of the trapezius transfer are warranted

Background:. Individuals with large Hill-Sachs lesions may be prone to failure and reoccurrence following standard arthroscopic Bankart repair. Here, the Remplissage procedure may promote shoulder stability through infraspinatus capsulo-tenodesis directly into the lesion. Little biomechanicaldata about the Remplissage procedure on glenohumeral kinematics, stability, and range of motion (ROM) currently exists. Questions/purposes:. What are the biomechanical effects of Bankart and Remplissage repair for large Hill-Sachs lesions?. Methods:. Six cadaveric shoulders were tested using a custom shoulder testing system. ROM and glenohumeral translation with applied loads in anterior-posterior (AP) and superior-inferior (SI) directions were quantified at 0° and 60° gleno-humeral abduction. Six conditions were tested: intact, Bankart lesion, Bankart with 40% Hill-Sachs lesion, Bankart repair, Bankart repair with Remplissage, and Remplissage repair alone. Results:. Humeral external rotation (ER) and total range of motion (TR) increased significantly from intact after the creation of the Bankart lesion at both 0° abduction (ER +27.0°, TR +35.8°, p < 0.05) [Fig 1] and 60° abduction (ER +9.5°, TR +30.7°, p < 0.05) [Fig 2], but did not increase further with the addition of the Hill-Sachs lesion. The Bankart repair restored range of motion to intact values 0° abduction at addition of the Remplissage repair did not significantly alter range of motion from the Bankart repair alone. There were no significant changes in AP or SI translation between Bankart repair with and without Remplissage compared to the intact specimen. Conclusions:. The addition of the Remplissage procedure for treatment of large Hill-Sachs lesions had no statistically significant effect on ROM or translation for treatment for large Hill-Sachs lesions. Clinical Relevance: The Remplissage technique may be a suitable option for engaging Hill-Sachs lesions. Further clinical studies are warranted

Some surgeons are reluctant to perform a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) on both shoulders because of concerns regarding difficulty with activities of daily living post-operatively as a result of limited rotation of the shoulders. Nevertheless, we hypothesised that outcomes and patient satisfaction following bilateral RTSA would be comparable to those following unilateral RTSA. A single-surgeon RTSA registry was reviewed for patients who underwent bilateral staged RTSA with a minimum follow-up of two years. A unilateral RTSA matched control was selected for each shoulder in those patients undergoing bilateral procedures. The Constant–Murley score (CMS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Subjective Shoulder Values (SSV), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, range of movement and strength were measured pre- and post-operatively. The mean CMS, ASES, SSV, VAS scores, strength and active forward elevation were significantly improved (all p < 0.01) following each operation in those undergoing bilateral procedures. The mean active external rotation (p = 0.63 and p = 0.19) and internal rotation (p = 0.77 and p = 0.24) were not significantly improved. The improvement in the mean ASES score after the first RTSA was greater than the improvement in its control group (p = 0.0039). The improvement in the mean CMS, ASES scores and active forward elevation was significantly less after the second RTSA than in its control group (p = 0.0244, p = 0.0183, and p = 0.0280, respectively). Pain relief and function significantly improved after each RTSA in those undergoing a bilateral procedure.

Bilateral RTSA is thus a reasonable form of treatment for patients with severe bilateral rotator cuff deficiency, although inferior results may be seen after the second procedure compared with the first.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1232–8.

Purpose: The objectives of this study were:. to determine if the deltoid, conjoint tendon and long head of the triceps provide sufficient soft tissue tension to stabilize a RTSA, and;. to determine the influence of loading direction, arm rotation, shoulder position and polyethylene thickness on stability of a RTSA. The hypotheses were:. that the deltoid, conjoint tendon and long head of the triceps provide sufficient soft tissue tension to stabilize a RTSA, and;. that arm rotation, shoulder position and loading direction would affect stability and increased polyethylene thickness would be associated with increased stability. Method: Six cadaveric shoulders had all capsule, rotator cuff, and scapulohumeral muscles removed, leaving only the deltoid, conjoint tendon (i.e. coracobrachialis and short head of biceps) and long head of triceps. A RTSA was then performed. A displacing force was then applied perpendicular to the centerline of the humeral socket and this load was increased until dislocation occurred. The load required to cause a dislocation was recorded for superior, inferior, anterior and posterior load directions. This was repeated to measure the effect of humeral component rotation (neutral, 20 degrees retroversion, 20 degrees anteversion), arm position (0 degrees abduction, 60 degrees flexion, 60 degrees abduction and 60 degrees extension) and polyethylene thickness (3, 6 or 9 mm). Statistical analysis used an ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc tests for multiple comparisons (p< 0.05). Results: The deltoid, conjoint tendon and long head of the triceps provide sufficient soft tissue tension to stabilize a RTSA. The required dislocation force was increased for an inferior direction of load application (p0.05). The required dislocation force was least in an arm position of 60 degrees abduction, followed by 60 degrees extension, with no difference between 0 degrees abduction and 60 degrees flexion (p0.05). Conclusion: The deltoid, conjoint tendon and long head of the triceps provide sufficient soft tissue tension to stabilize a RTSA. Stability of a RTSA was greatest for an inferior directed force and an arm position of 0 degrees abduction or 60 degrees flexion. There was no influence of arm rotation or polyethylene thickness on stability of a RTSA. This study indicates that stability of a RTSA can still be achieved despite significant soft tissue loss, as long as key soft tissue structures remain intact. As well, certain loading directions and arm positions lead to an increased risk of instability. However, further in vivo studies are required

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

Mechanical loosening which begins with early-onset migration of the prosthesis is the major reason for failure of the Souter-Strathclyde elbow replacement. In a prospective study of 18 Souter-Strathclyde replacements we evaluated the patterns of migration using roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis. We had previously reported the short-term results after a follow-up of two years which we have now extended to a mean follow-up of 8.2 years (1 to 11.3). Migration was assessed along the co-ordinal axes and overall micromovement was expressed as the maximum total point movement. The alignment of the prosthesis and the presence of radiolucent lines were examined on conventional standardised radiographs.

All the humeral components showed increased and variable patterns of migration at the extended follow-up and four humeral components were revised. The maximum total point movement at two years in the revised prostheses was 1.8 mm (sd 1.0) and in the non-revised 0.7 mm (sd 0.5, p = 0.01). Most humeral components migrated into external rotation resulting in an anterior and varus tilt. The ulnar components remained stable.

While the evolution of the bony skeleton of the shoulder girdle is well described, there is little information regarding the soft tissues, in particular of the rotator cuff. We dissected the shoulders of 23 different species and compared the anatomical features of the tendons of the rotator cuff. The alignment and orientation of the collagen fibres of some of the tendons were also examined histologically. The behaviour of the relevant species was studied, with particular reference to the extent and frequency of forward-reaching and overhead activity of the forelimb.

In quadrupedal species, the tendons of supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor were seen to insert into the greater tuberosity of the humerus separately. They therefore did not form a true rotator cuff with blending of the tendons. This was only found in advanced primates and in one unusual species, the tree kangaroo. These findings support the suggestion that the appearance of the rotator cuff in the evolutionary process parallels anatomical adaptation to regular overhead activity and the increased use of the arm away from the sagittal plane.