Aims. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of surgical repair to conservative treatment and subacromial decompression for the treatment of chronic/degenerative tears of the rotator cuff. Materials and Methods. PubMed, Cochrane database, and Medline were searched for randomized controlled trials published until March 2018. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality, and data were extracted for statistical analysis. The systematic review was conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Results. Six studies were included. Surgical repair resulted in a statistically significantly better Constant–Murley Score (CMS) at one year compared with conservative treatment (mean difference 6.15; p = 0.002) and subacromial decompression alone (mean difference 5.81; p = 0.0004). In the conservatively treated group, 11.9% of patients eventually crossed over to surgical repair. Conclusion. The results of this review show that surgical repair results in significantly improved outcomes when compared with either conservative treatment or subacromial decompression alone for degenerative rotator cuff tears in older patients. However, the magnitude of the difference in outcomes between surgery and conservative treatment may be small and the ‘success rate’ of conservative treatment may be high, allowing surgeons to be judicious in choosing those patients who are most likely to benefit from surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1100–1106

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of distension arthrography in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. The secondary aim was to assess which patient and procedural factors predicted the recurrence of symptoms after the procedure. Methods. All patients referred to our shoulder clinic over a ten-year period, between 2008 and 2018, with a clinical diagnosis of capsulitis and symptoms persisting for more than six months, were offered treatment with a distension arthrogram. All procedures were performed by one of five musculoskeletal radiologists, with a combination of steroid, local anaesthetic, and a distention volume of 10 ml, 30 ml, or 50 ml. Patient demographics, procedural details, recurrence of symptoms, and the need for further intervention were evaluated. Results. A total of 2,432 distension arthrograms were performed during the study period. The mean time between arthrography and analysis was 5.4 years (SD 4.4; 1 to 11). Recurrent symptoms occurred in 184 cases (7.6%), all of whom had a repeat distension arthrogram at a median of nine months (interquartile range (IQR) 6.0 to 15.3). The requirement for further intervention for persistent symptoms following arthrography was significantly associated with diabetes (p < 0.001) and bilateral capsulitis (p < 0.001). The volume of distension, either with air or saline, showed a dose-dependent advantage. Distension of 50 ml versus 30 ml showed a significantly decreased odds ratio for recurrence of 2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6 to 3.0; p < 0.001). Capsule rupture (p = 0.615) or steroid dose (p = 0.275) did not significantly affect the rate of recurrence. There were no infections or neurovascular injuries. Following the second distension arthrogram, the symptoms resolved in 137 cases (74.5%) with no further intervention being required. An arthroscopic capsular release was ultimately required in 41 cases, comprising 1.7% of the entire cohort. Conclusion. We found a low rate of repeat intervention following distension arthrography in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, at long term follow-up. Greater volumes of distension are associated with lower rates of recurrence independent of capsule rupture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):606–610

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preoperative bisphosphonate treatment on the intra- and postoperative outcomes of arthroplasty of the shoulder. The hypothesis was that previous bisphosphonate treatment would adversely affect both intra- and postoperative outcomes. Patients and Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving patients undergoing arthroplasty of the shoulder, at a single institution. Two patients with no previous bisphosphonate treatment were matched to each patient who had received this treatment preoperatively by gender, age, race, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and type of arthroplasty. Previous bisphosphonate treatment was defined as treatment occurring during the three-year period before the arthroplasty. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of intraoperative complications and those occurring at one and two years postoperatively. A total of 87 patients were included: 29 in the bisphosphonates-exposed (BP. +. ) group and 58 in the non-exposed (BP. -. ) group. In the BP. +. group, there were 26 female and three male patients, with a mean age of 71.4 years (51 to 87). In the BP. -. group, there were 52 female and six male patients, with a mean age of 72.1 years (53 to 88). Results. Previous treatment with bisphosphonates was positively associated with intraoperative complications (fracture; odds ratio (OR) 39.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.42 to 6305.70) and one-year postoperative complications (OR 7.83, 95% CI 1.11 to 128.82), but did not achieve statistical significance for complications two years postoperatively (OR 3.45, 95% CI 0.65 to 25.28). The power was 63% for complications at one year. Conclusion. Patients who are treated with bisphosphonates during the three-year period before shoulder arthroplasty have a greater risk of intraoperative and one-year postoperative complications compared with those without this previous treatment

Aims. Rotator cuff tendinopathy has a multifactorial origin. Rejecting the mechanistic theory has also led to abandoning operative treatment at initial presentation in the first line. Physiotherapy exercise programmes are the accepted first line treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term additional benefits of subacromial decompression in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy. Patients and Methods. This randomised controlled trial of 140 patients (52 men, 88 women, mean age 47.1 years; 18 to 60) with rotator cuff tendinopathy extended previous work up to a maximum of 13 years. The patients were randomised into two treatment groups: arthroscopic acromioplasty and a supervised exercise treatment and a similar supervised exercise treatment alone. Self-reported pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary measures were disability, working ability, pain at night, Shoulder Disability Questionnaire score and the number of painful days during the three months preceding the final assessment. Results. A total of 90 patients (64%) returned questionnaires at a mean 12 years after randomisation. On an intention-to-treat basis, both treatment groups reached statistically significant improvement compared with the initial VAS for pain, but there was no significant difference between groups. The same was true in the secondary outcome measures. Due to group changes, the results were also analysed per protocol: operated or not. No significant differences between the groups were found. Conclusion. The natural history of rotator cuff tendinopathy probably plays a significant role in the results in the long-term. Even though the patients who underwent operative treatment had a stronger belief in recovery, which is likely to be surgical and the effect of placebo, the exercise group obtained similar results. In the future, an optimum exercise regime should be searched for, as the most clinically and cost-effective conservative treatment for rotator cuff tendinopathy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:799–805

Aims. The reasons for failure of a hemirthroplasty (HA) when used to treat a proximal humeral fracture include displaced or necrotic tuberosities, insufficient metaphyseal bone-stock, and rotator cuff tears. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is often the only remaining form of treatment in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome after conversions from a failed HA to rTSA. Material and Methods. A total of 35 patients, in whom a HA, as treatment for a fracture of the proximal humerus, had failed, underwent conversion to a rTSA. A total of 28 were available for follow-up at a mean of 61 months (37 to 91), having been initially reviewed at a mean of 20 months (12 to 36) postoperatively. Having a convertible design, the humeral stem could be preserved in nine patients. The stem was removed in the other 19 patients and a conventional rTSA was implanted. At final follow-up, patients were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Constant Score, and plain radiographs. Results. At final follow-up, the mean ASES was 59 (25 to 97) and the mean adjusted Constant Score was 63% (23% to 109%). Both improved significantly (p < 0.001). The mean forward flexion was 104° (50° to 155°) and mean abduction was 98° (60° to 140°). Nine patients (32%) had a complication; two had an infection and instability, respectively; three had a scapular fracture; and one patient each had delayed wound healing and symptomatic loosening. If implants could be converted to a rTSA without removal of the stem, the operating time was shorter (82 minutes versus 102 minutes; p = 0.018). Conclusion. After failure of a HA in the treatment of a proximal humeral fracture, conversion to a rTSA may achieve pain relief and improved shoulder function. The complication rate is considerable. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:761–6

We have compared three different methods of treating symptomatic non-traumatic tears of the supraspinatus tendon in patients above 55 years of age. A total of 180 shoulders (173 patients) with supraspinatus tendon tears were randomly allocated into one of three groups (each of 60 shoulders); physiotherapy (group 1), acromioplasty and physiotherapy (group 2) and rotator cuff repair, acromioplasty and physiotherapy (group 3). The Constant score was assessed and followed up by an independent observer pre-operatively and at three, six and twelve months after the intervention. Of these, 167 shoulders were available for assessment at one year (follow-up rate of 92.8%). There were 55 shoulders in group 1 (24 in males and 31 in females, mean age 65 years (55 to 79)), 57 in group 2 (29 male and 28 female, mean age 65 years (55 to 79)) and 55 shoulders in group 3 (26 male and 29 female, mean age 65 years (55 to 81)). There were no between-group differences in the Constant score at final follow-up: 74.1 (. sd. 14.2), 77.2 (. sd. 13.0) and 77.9 (. sd. 12.1) in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p = 0.34). The mean change in the Constant score was 17.0, 17.5, and 19.8, respectively (p = 0.34). These results suggest that at one-year follow-up, operative treatment is no better than conservative treatment with regard to non-traumatic supraspinatus tears, and that conservative treatment should be considered as the primary method of treatment for this condition. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:75–81

Aims. Our aim was to investigate the outcomes of patients with a displaced fracture of the glenoid fossa who are treated conservatively. There is little information in the literature about the treatment of these rare injuries non-operatively. Patients and Methods. We reviewed 24 patients with a mean age of 52 years (19 to 81) at a mean of 5.6 years (11 months to 18 years) after the injury. Results. At final follow-up, the mean Constant and Murley score was 79 points (18 to 98); the mean Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index score (WOSI) was 77% (12 to 100) and the mean Rowe score was 93 points (50 to 100). Fractures with little intra-articular displacement (≤ 3 mm) had an uneventful outcome. Those with intra-articular displacement of ≤ 3 mm had a significant better mean Constant and Murley score than those with displacement of ≥ 5 mm and/or a fracture gap of ≥ 5 mm. Poor clinical results such as nonunion and post-traumatic osteoarthritis were associated with displaced or angulated glenoid fragments and significant intra-articular displacement. Conclusion. Glenoid fossa fractures with displacement of ≥ 5 mm should be treated surgically if the patient’s condition allows. Displacement and angulation can lead to nonunion and a poor outcome if the degree of displacement results in a persistent fracture gap in the glenoid fossa or if the angulation of fragments leads to malunion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1074–9

Aims

To compare complication-related reoperation rates following primary arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) versus secondary arthroplasty for failed open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of a consecutive cohort of patients aged > 70 years with a displaced fracture of the olecranon, which was treated non-operatively with early mobilisation. We identified 28 such patients (27 women) with a mean age of 82 years (71 to 91). The elbow was initially immobilised in an above elbow cast in 90° of flexion of the elbow for a mean of five days. The cast was then replaced by a sling. Active mobilisation was encouraged as tolerated. No formal rehabilitation was undertaken. At a mean follow-up of 16 months (12 to 26), the mean ranges of flexion and extension were 140° and 15° respectively. On a visual analogue scale of 1 (no pain) to 10, the mean pain score was 1 (0 to 8). Of the original 28 patients 22 developed nonunion, but no patients required surgical treatment. . We conclude that non-operative functional treatment of displaced olecranon fractures in the elderly gives good results and a high rate of satisfaction. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:530–4

Inherent disadvantages of reverse shoulder arthroplasty designs based on the Grammont concept have raised a renewed interest in less-medialised designs and techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with the fully-constrained, less-medialised, Bayley–Walker prosthesis performed for the treatment of rotator-cuff-deficient shoulders with glenohumeral arthritis. A total of 97 arthroplasties in 92 patients (53 women and 44 men, mean age 67 years (standard deviation (. sd. ) 10, (49 to 85)) were retrospectively reviewed at a mean follow-up of 50 months ((. sd. 25) (24 to 96)). The mean Oxford shoulder score and subjective shoulder value improved from 47 (. sd. 9) and 24 points (. sd. 18) respectively before surgery to 28 (. sd. 11) and 61 (. sd. 24) points after surgery (p <  0.001). The mean pain at rest decreased from 5.3 (. sd. 2.8) to 1.5 (. sd. 2.3) (p < 0.001). The mean active forward elevation and external rotation increased from 42. °. (. sd. 30) and 9. °. (. sd. 15) respectively pre-operatively to 78. °. (. sd. 39) and 24. °. (. sd. 17) post-operatively (p < 0.001). A total of 20 patients required further surgery for complications; 13 required revision of components. No patient developed scapular notching. The Bayley–Walker prosthesis provides reliable pain relief and reasonable functional improvement for patients with symptomatic cuff-deficient shoulders. Compared with other designs of RSA, it offers a modest improvement in forward elevation, but restores external rotation to some extent and prevents scapular notching. A longer follow-up is required to assess the survival of the prosthesis and the clinical performance over time. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:936–42

Aims

Cubitus varus is the most common late complication of a supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children. Correction can be performed using one of a number of techniques of osteotomy but each has disadvantages. We describe a new technique for correcting post-traumatic cubitus varus using a lateral closing wedge isosceles triangular osteotomy.

Rotator cuff pathology is the main cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in older adults. When a rotator cuff tear involves the subscapularis tendon, the symptoms are usually more severe and the prognosis after surgery must be guarded. Isolated subscapularis tears represent 18% of all rotator cuff tears and arthroscopic repair is a good alternative primary treatment. However, when the tendon is deemed irreparable, tendon transfers are the only option for younger or high-functioning patients. The aim of this review is to describe the indications, biomechanical principles, and outcomes which have been reported for tendon transfers, which are available for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis tears. The best tendon to be transferred remains controversial. Pectoralis major transfer was described more than 30 years ago to treat patients with failed surgery for instability of the shoulder. It has subsequently been used extensively to manage irreparable subscapularis tendon tears in many clinical settings. Although pectoralis major reproduces the position and orientation of the subscapularis in the coronal plane, its position in the axial plane – anterior to the rib cage – is clearly different and does not allow it to function as an ideal transfer. Consistent relief of pain and moderate recovery of strength and function have been reported following the use of this transfer. In an attempt to improve on these results, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer was proposed as an alternative and the technique has evolved from an open to an arthroscopic procedure. Satisfactory relief of pain and improvements in functional shoulder scores have recently been reported following its use. Both pectoralis minor and upper trapezius transfers have also been used in these patients, but the outcomes that have been reported do not support their widespread use. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):970–977

Aims. This study compared patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of large to massive rotator cuff tears (LMRCTs) with isolated incomplete repair of the tear and patients with incomplete repair with biceps tendon augmentation. We aimed to evaluate the additional benefit on clinical outcomes and the capacity to lower the re-tear rate. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 1,115 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for full-thickness tears between October 2011 and May 2019. From this series, we identified 77 patients (28 male, 49 female) with a mean age of 64.1 years (50 to 80). Patients were classified into groups A (n = 47 incomplete) and B (n = 30 with biceps augmentation) according to the nature of their reconstruction. Clinical scores were checked preoperatively and at six months, one year, and two years postoperatively. In preoperative MRI, we measured the tear size, the degree of fatty infiltration, and muscle volume ratio of the supraspinatus. In postoperative MRI, the integrity of the repaired rotator cuff tendon was assessed using the Sugaya classification. Tendon thickness at the footprint was evaluated on T2-weighted oblique coronal view. Results. There were no significant differences in the initial preoperative demographic characteristics. In both groups, there were significant improvements in postoperative clinical scores (p < 0.001). However, most clinical outcomes, including range of motion measurements (forward elevation, external rotation, internal rotation, and abduction), showed no differences between the pre- and postoperative values. Comparing the postoperative outcomes of both groups, no further improvement from biceps augmentation was found. Group B, although not reaching statistical significance, had more re-tears than group A (30% vs 15%; p = 0.117). Conclusion. In LMRCTs, biceps augmentation provided no significant improvement of an incomplete repair. Therefore, biceps augmentation is not recommended in the treatment of LMRCTs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(11):1234–1241

Aims. The open Latarjet procedure is a widely used treatment for recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder. Although satisfactory outcomes are reported, factors which influence a patient’s experience are poorly quantified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a range of demographic factors and measures of the severity of instability on patient-reported outcome measures in patients who underwent an open Latarjet procedure at a minimum follow-up of two years. Methods. A total of 350 patients with anterior instability of the shoulder who underwent an open Latarjet procedure between 2005 and 2018 were reviewed prospectively, with the collection of demographic and psychosocial data, preoperative CT, and complications during follow-up of two years. The primary outcome measure was the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), assessed preoperatively, at two years postoperatively, and at mid-term follow-up at a mean of 50.6 months (SD 24.8) postoperatively. The secondary outcome measure was the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score. The influence of the demographic details of the patients, measurements of the severity of instability, and the complications of surgery were assessed in a multivariate analysis. Results. The mean age of the patients was 25.5 years (22 to 32) and 27 (7.7%) were female. The median time to surgery after injury was 19 months (interquartile range (IQR) 13 to 39). Seven patients developed clinically significant complications requiring further intervention within two years of surgery. The median percentage WOSI deficiency was 8.0% (IQR 4 to 20) and median QuickDASH was 3.0 (IQR 0 to 9) at mid-term assessment. A minority of patients reported a poorer experience, and 22 (6.3%) had a > 50% deficiency in WOSI score. Multivariate analysis revealed that consumption of ≥ 20 units of alcohol/week, a pre-existing affective disorder or epilepsy, medicolegal litigation, increasing time to surgery, and residing in a more socioeconomically deprived area were independently predictive of a poorer WOSI score. Conclusion. Although most patients treated by an open Latarjet procedure have excellent outcomes at mid-term follow-up, a minority have poorer outcomes, which are mainly predictable from pre-existing demographic factors, rather than measures of the severity of instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):389–399

Aims. To propose a new method for evaluating paediatric radial neck fractures and improve the accuracy of fracture angulation measurement, particularly in younger children, and thereby facilitate planning treatment in this population. Methods. Clinical data of 117 children with radial neck fractures in our hospital from August 2014 to March 2023 were collected. A total of 50 children (26 males, 24 females, mean age 7.6 years (2 to 13)) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Cases were excluded for the following reasons: Judet grade I and Judet grade IVb (> 85° angulation) classification; poor radiograph image quality; incomplete clinical information; sagittal plane angulation; severe displacement of the ulna fracture; and Monteggia fractures. For each patient, standard elbow anteroposterior (AP) view radiographs and corresponding CT images were acquired. On radiographs, Angle P (complementary to the angle between the long axis of the radial head and the line perpendicular to the physis), Angle S (complementary to the angle between the long axis of the radial head and the midline through the proximal radial shaft), and Angle U (between the long axis of the radial head and the straight line from the distal tip of the capitellum to the coronoid process) were identified as candidates approximating the true coronal plane angulation of radial neck fractures. On the coronal plane of the CT scan, the angulation of radial neck fractures (CTa) was measured and served as the reference standard for measurement. Inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were assessed by Kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results. Angle U showed the strongest correlation with CTa (p < 0.001). In the analysis of inter- and intraobserver reliability, Kappa values were significantly higher for Angles S and U compared with Angle P. ICC values were excellent among the three groups. Conclusion. Angle U on AP view was the best substitute for CTa when evaluating radial neck fractures in children. Further studies are required to validate this method. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):964–969

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis performed without repairing the rotator cuff defect. Methods. A total of 99 patients who underwent treatment between December 2013 and August 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were reviewed pre- and postoperatively according to the location, size, physical characteristics, and radiological features of the calcific deposits. Additionally, the influence of any residual calcific deposits shown on postoperative radiographs was explored. The healing rate of the unrepaired cuff defect was determined by reviewing the 29 patients who had follow-up MRIs. Results. Statistically significant improvement from pre- to postoperation was seen in all VAS and ASES scores for each group, but no statistical differences were seen between the postoperative scores according to the differences in the features of the calcific deposits. When residual calcification was observed postoperatively, the mean ASES and VAS (rest) scores improved significantly to 95.0 (SD 5.6) and 0.0 (SD 0.0), respectively (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001), and did not differ from those who had the complete removal. Of 29 patients who had follow-up MRIs, six (20.7%) showed signs of an interstitial tear. This group’s mean postoperative ASES and VAS (rest) scores improved to excellent levels of 96.0 (SD 3.7) and 0.0 (SD 0.0), respectively, and were similar to those of the 23 patients with normal MRI appearances. Conclusion. Arthroscopic removal of calcific deposits without repairing the rotator cuff defect resulted in significant improvement in function and pain level, regardless of the deposit’s location, size, type, and whether or not complete excision was achieved. Despite leaving the defects unrepaired, in the limited number of patients with follow-up MRIs, 23 of 29 patients (79.3%) showed good healing, and the rest, who had persistent signs of interstitial defects on the MRIs, still had excellent outcomes. The removal of calcific deposits without repairing the cuff defects provided excellent outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):663–667

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. Methods. This prospective study included 47 shoulders in 45 patients who underwent an open reconstruction of the rotator cuff using an interposition GraftJacket allograft to bridge irreparable cuff tears, between January 2007 and November 2011. The Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), pain score, and range of motion (ROM) were recorded preoperatively and at one year and a mean of 9.1 years (7.0 to 12.5) postoperatively. Results. There was significant improvement in the mean OSS from 24.7 (SD 5.4) preoperatively to 42.0 (SD 6.3) at one year, and this improvement was maintained at 9.1 years (p < 0.001), with a score of 42.8 (SD 6.8). Similar significant improvements in the pain score were seen and maintained at the final follow-up from 6.1 (SD 1.6) to 2.1 (SD 2.3) (p < 0.001). There were also significant improvements in the ROM of the shoulder, and patient satisfaction was high. Conclusion. The use of an interposition human dermal allograft in patients with an irreparable rotator cuff tear leads to good outcomes that are maintained at a mean of nine years postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):91–96

Aims. The aim of this study was to develop and internally validate a prognostic nomogram to predict the probability of gaining a functional range of motion (ROM ≥ 120°) after open arthrolysis of the elbow in patients with post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow. Methods. We developed the Shanghai Prediction Model for Elbow Stiffness Surgical Outcome (SPESSO) based on a dataset of 551 patients who underwent open arthrolysis of the elbow in four institutions. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected from medical records. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used to optimize the selection of relevant features. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to build the SPESSO. Its prediction performance was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index) and a calibration graph. Internal validation was conducted using bootstrapping validation. Results. BMI, the duration of stiffness, the preoperative ROM, the preoperative intensity of pain, and grade of post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the elbow were identified as predictors of outcome and incorporated to construct the nomogram. SPESSO displayed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.64 to 0.81). A high C-index value of 0.70 could still be reached in the interval validation. The calibration graph showed good agreement between the nomogram prediction and the outcome. Conclusion. The newly developed SPESSO is a valid and convenient model which can be used to predict the outcome of open arthrolysis of the elbow. It could assist clinicians in counselling patients regarding the choice and expectations of treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(4):486–494

Aims. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical results, long-term survival, and complication rates of stemless shoulder prosthesis with stemmed anatomical shoulder prostheses for treatment of osteoarthritis and to analyze radiological bone changes around the implants during follow-up. Methods. A total of 161 patients treated with either a stemmed or a stemless shoulder arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 118 months (102 to 158). The Constant score (CS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, and active range of motion (ROM) were recorded. Radiological analysis for bone adaptations was performed by plain radiographs. A Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was calculated and complications were noted. Results. The ROM (p < 0.001), CS (p < 0.001), and DASH score (p < 0.001) showed significant improvements after shoulder arthroplasty for both implants. There were no differences between the groups treated with stemmed or stemless shoulder prosthesis with respect to the mean CS (79.2 (35 to 118) vs 74.4 (31 to 99); p = 0.519) and DASH scores (11.4 (8 to 29) vs 13.2 (7 to 23); p = 0.210). The ten-year unadjusted cumulative survival rate was 95.3% for the stemmed anatomical shoulder prosthesis and 91.5% for the stemless shoulder prosthesis and did not differ between the treatment groups (p = 0.251). The radiological evaluation of the humeral components in both groups did not show loosening of the humeral implant. The main reason for revision for each type of arthroplasties were complications related to the glenoid. Conclusion. The use of anatomical stemless shoulder prosthesis yielded good and reliable results and did not differ from anatomical stemmed shoulder prosthesis over a mean period of ten years. The differences in periprosthetic humeral bone adaptations between both implants have no clinical impact during the follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1292–1300

Rotator cuff tears are common in middle-aged and elderly patients. Despite advances in the surgical repair of rotator cuff tears, the rates of recurrent tear remain high. This may be due to the complexity of the tendons of the rotator cuff, which contributes to an inherently hostile healing environment. During the past 20 years, there has been an increased interest in the use of biologics to complement the healing environment in the shoulder, in order to improve rotator cuff healing and reduce the rate of recurrent tears. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the current evidence for the use of forms of biological augmentation when repairing rotator cuff tears.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):978–985.