Aims

The Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) is a 12-item measure commonly used for the assessment of shoulder surgeries. This study explores whether computerized adaptive testing (CAT) provides a shortened, individually tailored questionnaire while maintaining test accuracy.

Aims

Long-term outcomes following the use of human dermal allografts in the treatment of symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears are not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate these outcomes, and to investigate whether this would be a good form of treatment in young patients in whom a reverse shoulder arthroplasty should ideally be avoided.

While clinically important improvements in Oxford Shoulder Scores have been defined for patients with general shoulder problems or those undergoing subacromial decompression, no threshold has been reported for classifying improvement after shoulder replacement surgery. This study aimed to establish the minimal clinically important change (MCIC) for the Oxford Shoulder Score in patients undergoing primary total shoulder replacement (TSR). Patient-reported outcomes data were sourced from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Program. These included pre- and 6-month post-operative Oxford Shoulder Scores and a rating of patient-perceived change after surgery (5-point scale ranging from ‘much worse’ to ‘much better’). Two anchor-based methods (using patient-perceived improvement as the anchor) were used to calculate the MCIC: 1) mean change method; and 2) predictive modelling, with and without adjustment for the proportion of improved patients. The analysis included 612 patients undergoing primary TSR who provided pre- and post-operative data (58% female; mean (SD) age 70 (8) years). Most patients (93%) reported improvement after surgery. The MCIC derived from the mean change method was 6.8 points (95%CI 4.7 to 8.9). Predictive modelling produced an MCIC estimate of 11.6 points (95%CI 8.9 to 15.6), which reduced to 8.7 points (95%CI 6.0 to 12.7) after adjustment for the proportion of improved patients. For patient-reported outcome measures to provide valuable information that can support clinical care, we need to understand the magnitude of change that matters to patients. Using contemporary psychometric methods, this analysis has generated MCIC estimates for the Oxford Shoulder Score. These estimates can be used by clinicians and researchers to interpret important changes in pain and function after TSR from the patient's perspective. We conclude that an increase in Oxford Shoulder Scores of at least 9 points can be considered a meaningful improvement in shoulder-related pain and function after TSR

While clinically important improvements in Oxford Shoulder Scores have been defined for patients with general shoulder problems or those undergoing subacromial decompression, no threshold has been reported for classifying improvement after shoulder replacement surgery. This study aimed to establish the minimal clinically important change (MCIC) for the Oxford Shoulder Score in patients undergoing primary total shoulder replacement (TSR). Patient-reported outcomes data were sourced from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Program. These included pre- and 6-month post-operative Oxford Shoulder Scores and a rating of patient-perceived change after surgery (5-point scale ranging from ‘much worse’ to ‘much better’). Two anchor-based methods (using patient-perceived improvement as the anchor) were used to calculate the MCIC: 1) mean change method; and 2) predictive modelling, with and without adjustment for the proportion of improved patients. The analysis included 612 patients undergoing primary TSR who provided pre- and post-operative data (58% female; mean (SD) age 70 (8) years). Most patients (93%) reported improvement after surgery. The MCIC derived from the mean change method was 6.8 points (95%CI 4.7 to 8.9). Predictive modelling produced an MCIC estimate of 11.6 points (95%CI 8.9 to 15.6), which reduced to 8.7 points (95%CI 6.0 to 12.7) after adjustment for the proportion of improved patients. For patient-reported outcome measures to provide valuable information that can support clinical care, we need to understand the magnitude of change that matters to patients. Using contemporary psychometric methods, this analysis has generated MCIC estimates for the Oxford Shoulder Score. These estimates can be used by clinicians and researchers to interpret important changes in pain and function after TSR from the patient's perspective. We conclude that an increase in Oxford Shoulder Scores of at least 9 points can be considered a meaningful improvement in shoulder-related pain and function after TSR

Aims. The aim of this study was to explore whether time to surgery affects functional outcome in displaced proximal humeral fractures. Methods. A total of 250 patients presenting within three weeks of sustaining a displaced proximal humeral fracture involving the surgical neck were recruited at 32 acute NHS hospitals in the United Kingdom between September 2008 and April 2011. Of the 125 participants, 109 received surgery (fracture fixation or humeral head replacement) as per randomization. Data were included for 101 and 67 participants at six-month and five-year follow-up, respectively. Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS) collected at six, 12, and 24 months and at three, four, and five years following randomization was plotted against time to surgery. Long-term recovery was explored by plotting six-month scores against five-year scores and agreement was illustrated with a Bland-Altman plot. Results. The mean time from initial trauma to surgery was 10.5 days (1 to 33). Earlier surgical intervention did not improve OSS throughout follow-up, nor when stratified by participant age (< 65 years vs ≥ 65 years) and fracture severity (one- and two-part vs three- and four-part fractures). Participants managed later than reported international averages (three days in the United States and Germany, eight days in the United Kingdom) did not have worse outcomes. At five-year follow-up, 50 participants (76%) had the same or improved OSS compared with six months (six-month mean OSS 35.8 (SD 10.0); five-year mean OSS 40.1 (SD 9.1); r = 0.613). A Bland-Altman plot demonstrated a positive mean difference (3.3 OSS points (SD 7.92)) with wide 95% limits of agreement (-12.2 and 18.8 points). Conclusion. Timing of surgery did not affect OSS at any stage of follow-up, irrespective of age or fracture type. Most participants had maximum functional outcome at six months that was maintained at five years. These findings may help guide providers of trauma services on surgical prioritization. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):33–41

Abstract. Shoulder replacements have evolved and current 4th generation implants allow intraoperative flexibility to perform anatomic, reverse, trauma, and revision shoulder arthroplasty. Despite high success rates with shoulder arthroplasty, complication rates high as 10–15% have been reported and progressive glenoid loosening remains a concern. Objectives. To report medium term outcomes following 4th generation VAIOS® shoulder replacement. Methods. We retrospectively analysed prospectively collected data following VAIOS® shoulder arthroplasty performed by the senior author between 2014–2020. This included anatomical (TSR), reverse(rTSR), revision and trauma shoulder replacements. The primary outcome was implant survival (Kaplan-Meier analysis). Secondary outcomes were Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS), radiological outcomes and complications. Results. 172 patients met our inclusion criteria with 114 rTSR, 38 anatomical TSR, and 20 hemiarthroplasty. Reverse TSR- 55 primary, 31 revision, 28 for trauma. Primary rTSR- 0 revisions, average 3.35-year follow-up. Revision rTSR-1 revision (4.17%), average 3.52-year follow-up. Trauma rTSR- 1 revision (3.57%), average 4.56-year follow-up OSS: Average OSS improved from 15.39 to 33.8 (Primary rTSR) and from 15.11 to 29.1 (Revision rTSR). Trauma rTSR-Average post-operative OSS was 31.4 Anatomical TSR38 patients underwent primary anatomical TSR, 8 were revisions following hemiarthroplasty. In 16/38 patients, glenoid bone loss was addressed by bone grafting before implantation of the metal back glenoid component. Mean age at time of surgery was 68.3 years (53 – 81 years). Mean follow-up was 34 months (12 – 62 months). The average Oxford shoulder score improved from 14 (7–30) to 30 (9–48). There were 3 revisions (7.8%); two following subscapularis failure requiring revision conversion to reverse shoulder replacement and one for glenoid graft failure. Conclusions. The medium-term results of the VAIOS® system suggest much lower revision rates across multiple configurations of the system than previously reported, as well as a low incidence of scapular notching. This system allows conversion to rTSR during primary and revision surgery

This prospective, randomized, controlled trial compares patient outcome after non-operative care versus open reduction and tunneled suspension device fixation (ORTSD) for grade III or IV acromioclavicular joint disruptions. Sixty patients aged between sixteen and thirty-five years with an acute grade III or IV AC joint disruption were randomized to receive ORTSD fixation or non-operative treatment. Functional assessment was conducted at six weeks, three months, six months, and one year using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hands (DASH), Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS) and Short Form (SF-12). Reduction was evaluated using radiographs. Complications were recorded, and an economic evaluation performed. There was no significant difference in DASH or OSS at one year between non-operative and ORTSD groups (DASH score, 4.67 versus 5.63; OSS, 45.72 versus 45.63). Patients undergoing surgery had inferior DASH scores at 6 weeks (p<0.01). Five patients who failed non-operative management subsequently received surgery. Overall cost of treatment was significantly greater after ORTSD fixation (£796.22 vs £3359.73 (p<0.01)). ORTSD fixation confers no functional benefit over non-operative treatment at one year. While patients managed non-operatively generally recover faster, a significant group remain dissatisfied following non-operative treatment requiring delayed surgical reconstruction

We present a case series of patients who underwent 3 or 4 part proximal humerus fracture fixation using an intra-osseous suture technique. 18 patients are included in the study with follow up data obtained ranging from 1 to 4 years. Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS) and range of movement measurements were taken for all patients. The mean OSS for the group was 50/60 with a mean forward flexion of 140°, abduction of 132°, external rotation of 48° and internal rotation to the level 10. th. thoracic vertebra. Three patients developed adhesive capsulitis, 2 requiring subsequent arthroscopic release. This data compares favourably to outcomes reported in the literature with hemiarthroplasty or locking plate fixation. An activity based costing analysis estimated that the treatment costs for proximal humerus fractures was approximately £2,055 when performing a soft tissue reconstruction, £3,114 when using a locking plate and £4,679 when performing a hemiarthroplasty. This demonstrates a significant financial saving when using intra-osseous fixation compared to other fixation techniques. We advocate the use of the intra-osseous suture fixation technique for certain 3 and 4 part fractures. It gives good functional outcomes, significant cost savings and potentially makes revision procedures easier when compared to other fixation techniques

Aims. Manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) is a recognised form of treatment for patients with a frozen shoulder. However, not all patients benefit. Some have persistent or recurrent symptoms. There are no clear recommendations in the literature on the optimal management of recurrent frozen shoulder after a MUA. We aimed to address this issue in this study. Patients and Methods. We analysed a prospectively collected, single-surgeon, consecutive series of patients who underwent MUA for frozen shoulder between January 1999 and December 2015. The Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS) and range of movement were the outcome measures. . Results. A total of 730 patients (792 shoulders) underwent MUA during the study period. A further MUA was undertaken in 141 shoulders (17.8%), for which we had complete data for 126. The mean improvement in OSS for all patients undergoing MUA was 16 (26 to 42), and the mean post-operative OSS in those requiring a further MUA was 14 (28 to 42; t-test, no difference between mean improvements, p = 0.57). Improvement was seen after a further MUA, regardless both of the outcome of the initial MUA, and of the time of recurrence. Patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus were at a 38% increased risk of requiring a further MUA, compared with the 18% increased risk of the group as a whole (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Patients with a poor outcome or recurrent symptoms of a frozen shoulder after a MUA should be offered a further MUA with the expectation of a good outcome and a low complication rate. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:812–17

We wished to assess the usefulness of Inspace balloon arthroplasty (IBA), in our Upper limb unit by regular patient reviews prospectively. This prospective study was started adhering to local approval process. Patients were identified in routine clinical practice by three upper limb consultants presenting with pain and disability and diagnosis of cuff tear was established clinically and on MRI. The patients were explained of ‘available’ treatment options and an information leaflet about balloon arthroplasty provided. Patients were seen in 4 weeks, in a dedicated clinic to find out their willingness to participate. Consultant shoulder surgeons carried out all Balloon arthroplasties and where the cuff was reparable or contraindications identified were excluded from study. All the patients were reviewed by an independent clinician pre-operatively and post operatively using the assessment tools of Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS), SF12 and VAS at 6 weeks, followed by 3, 6, 12 months and annually after. We performed a total of 32 IBA procedures. At the latest follow-up we identified that 24 patients have completed 2 years post procedure. Of these patients 1 deceased after 6 months, 3 were lost to follow up one each at 6, 12 and 24 months. Three were revised to reverse TSA. The OSS reflects that the positive difference of 10 in the average scores (24 pre-operative versus 34 at 2 years) noted at one year follow up were maintained at 2 years. Similar observations made analysing at 12 months and 2 years scores for the VAS pain scores of 3 at 2 years compared to pre-operative score of 6 and so were improvements in both physical & mental components of SF12. Our study observes that the IBA provides a sustainable pain relief and functional improvements over 2 years and may be a suitable alternative in physiologically compromised patients with irreparable RCT

Manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) is an established treatment for frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder may coexist with other shoulder conditions, whose treatment may differ from MUA. One such condition is calcific tendonitis. Only one study to date documents treatment of patients with frozen shoulder and concurrent calcific tendinitis. The objective was to demonstrate that MUA and injection is a satisfactory treatment for concurrent diagnosis of frozen shoulder and calcific tendinitis. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of frozen shoulder and radiological evidence of calcific tendinitis were prospectively recruited from Jan 1999 – Jan 2009. Treatment by MUA and injection was performed. Clinical examination, Oxford Shoulder Scores and need for further treatment were used as outcome measures. Fourteen patients (median age 53.5 years) were identified with frozen shoulder and concurrent calcific tendinitis. Significant improvement in both Oxford Shoulder Score and range of movement was achieved following MUA (P values < 0.001). Two patients required further treatment (not for calcific tendinitis). This improvement was maintained in the long term (median 107 wks). It is our belief that MUA and injection is a safe and effective treatment, addressing the frozen shoulder with MUA takes priority, and as such frozen shoulder “trumps” other pathologies occurring simultaneously

Clavicular hook plates have been used over the last decade in the treatment of lateral clavicular fractures with good rates of union reported throughout the literature. Fewer studies have reported the functional outcome of these patients and some have reported potential soft tissue damage post plate removal. We aimed to review the functional outcomes alongside union rates in patients treated with hook plates for lateral clavicular fractures. In this retrospective case series, 21 patients with traumatic lateral third clavicular fractures were included. 15 had Neer type II fractures, 4 Neer type III fractures, 1 patient had a Neer type I fracture and 1 radiograph was not able to be classified. All patients were treated with clavicular hook plates at the same district general hospital by five experienced surgeons between March 2010 and February 2015 adhering to the same surgical protocol. All patients had standard physiotherapy and post operative follow up. Plates were removed when radiological union was achieved in all but one patient who had the plate removed before union was achieved due to prolonged non-union. Patients were followed up post plate removal and evaluated clinically using the Oxford Shoulder Score. Their post plate radiographs were assessed by an independent radiologist and bony union documented. 21 patients were included. Mean age was 40 (range 14–63) with a male:female ratio of 17:4. Mean follow up was 5 months post injury (1–26 months). The hook plate remained in situ for a mean time of 4.3 months (2–16 months). One patient developed a post-operative wound infection treated with antibiotics, 2 patients developed adhesive capsulitis, one patient had not achieved bony union prior to hook plate removal at 16 months, however did achieve union 2 months post plate removal, two patients required revision plating. All patients achieved bony union eventually with good alignment and no displacement of the acromioclavicular joint seen on the most recent post operative radiographs. Post plate removal Oxford Shoulder Scores indicated good shoulder function with a mean score of 41.5 (maximum score possible 48 and the range of scores for our cohort was 30–47). Our data would support the use of hook plates in the treatment of lateral clavicular fractures. All patients achieved union eventually with good alignment and this was reflected in the good functional outcome scores. This study is limited in its small cohort and short-term follow up. More research is required to examine the long term consequences of hook plate surgery in a larger patient population

Aims

Shoulder arthroplasty is effective in the management of end-stage glenohumeral joint arthritis. However, it is major surgery and patients must balance multiple factors when considering the procedure. An understanding of patients’ decision-making processes may facilitate greater support of those considering shoulder arthroplasty and inform the outcomes of future research.

Aims

The Mathys Affinis Short is the most frequently used stemless total shoulder prosthesis in the UK. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to report the survivorship, clinical, and radiological outcomes of the first independent series of the Affinis Short prosthesis.

Aims

There is no consensus on the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. Hemiarthroplasty has been widely used in patients when non-surgical treatment is not possible. There is, despite extensive use, limited information about the long-term outcome. Our primary aim was to report ten-year patient-reported outcome after hemiarthroplasty for acute proximal humeral fractures. The secondary aims were to report the cumulative revision rate and risk factors for an inferior patient-reported outcome.

Aims

We present our experience of using a metal-backed prosthesis and autologous bone graft to treat gross glenoid bone deficiency.

The aim of this study was to determine the functional outcome and rate of re-tears following mini-open repair of symptomatic large and massive tears of the rotator cuff using a two-row technique.

The 24 patients included in the study were assessed prospectively before and at a mean of 27 months (18 to 53) after surgery using the Constant and the Oxford Shoulder scores. Ultrasound examination was carried out at follow-up to determine the integrity of the repair. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a simple questionnaire.

The mean Constant score improved significantly from 36 before to 68 after operation (p < 0.0001) and the mean Oxford Shoulder score from 39 to 20 (p < 0.0001). Four of the 24 patients (17%) had a re-tear diagnosed by ultrasound. A total of 21 patients (87.5%) were satisfied with the outcome of their surgery. The repair remained intact in 20 patients (83%). However, the small number of re-tears (four patients) in the study did not allow sufficient analysis to show a difference in outcome in relation to the integrity of the repair.