Aims. Favourable short-term outcomes have been reported following latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for patients with an irreparable
Rotator cuff pathology is the main cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in older adults. When a rotator cuff tear involves the
The December 2023 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup. 360. looks at: Clavicle fractures: is the evidence changing practice?; Humeral shaft fractures, and another meta-analysis…let’s wait for the trials now!; Hemiarthroplasty or total elbow arthroplasty for distal humeral fractures…what does the registry say?; What to do with a first-time shoulder dislocation?; Deprivation indices and minimal clinically important difference for patient-reported outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair; Prospective randomized clinical trial of arthroscopic repair versus debridement for partial
Both anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA and rTSA) provide functional improvements. A reported benefit of aTSA is better range of motion (ROM). However, it is not clear which procedure provides better outcomes in patients with limited foward elevation (FE). The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of aTSA and rTSA in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA), an intact rotator cuff, and limited FE. This was a retrospective review of a single institution’s prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty database for TSAs undertaken between 2007 and 2020. A total of 344 aTSAs and 163 rTSAs, which were performed in patients with OA and an intact rotator cuff with a minimum follow-up of two years, were included. Using the definition of preoperative stiffness as passive FE ≤ 105°, three cohorts were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and follow-up: stiff aTSAs (85) to non-stiff aTSAs (85); stiff rTSAs (74) to non-stiff rTSAs (74); and stiff rTSAs (64) to stiff aTSAs (64). We the compared ROMs, outcome scores, and complication and revision rates.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) using small and standard baseplates in Asian patients, and to investigate the impact of a mismatch in the sizes of the glenoid and the baseplate on the outcomes. This was retrospective analysis of 50 and 33 RSAs using a standard (33.8 mm, ST group) and a small (29.5 mm, SM group) baseplate of the Equinoxe reverse shoulder system, which were undertaken between January 2017 and March 2021. Radiological evaluations included the size of the glenoid, the Aims
Methods
The current evidence comparing the two most common approaches for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), the deltopectoral and anterosuperior approach, is limited. This study aims to compare the rate of loosening, instability, and implant survival between the two approaches for rTSA using data from the Dutch National Arthroplasty Registry with a minimum follow-up of five years. All patients in the registry who underwent a primary rTSA between January 2014 and December 2016 using an anterosuperior or deltopectoral approach were included, with a minimum follow-up of five years. Cox and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the approach and the implant survival, instability, and glenoid loosening, independent of confounders.Aims
Methods
The August 2023 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup360 looks at: Motor control or strengthening exercises for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain? A multi-arm randomized controlled trial; Does the choice of antibiotic prophylaxis influence reoperation rate in primary shoulder arthroplasty?; Common shoulder injuries in sport: grading the evidence; The use of medial support screw was associated with axillary nerve injury after plate fixation of proximal humeral fracture using a minimally invasive deltoid-splitting approach; MRI predicts outcomes of conservative treatment in patients with lateral epicondylitis; Association between surgeon volume and patient outcomes after elective shoulder arthroplasty; Arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis without cuff repair; Functional outcome after nonoperative management of minimally displaced greater tuberosity fractures and predictors of poorer patient experience.
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) can be used in complex cases when the glenoid requires reconstruction. In this study, a baseplate with composite bone autograft and a central trabecular titanium peg was implanted, and its migration was assessed for two years postoperatively using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). A total of 14 patients who underwent a rTSA with an autograft consented to participate. Of these, 11 had a primary rTSA using humeral head autograft and three had a revision rTSA with autograft harvested from the iliac crest. The mean age of the patients was 66 years (39 to 81). Tantalum beads were implanted in the scapula around the glenoid. RSA imaging (stereographic radiographs) was undertaken immediately postoperatively and at three, six, 12, and 24 months. Analysis was completed using model-based RSA software. Outcomes were collected preoperatively and at two years postoperatively, including the Oxford Shoulder Score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Score, and a visual analogue score for pain. A Constant score was also obtained for the assessment of strength and range of motion.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis performed without repairing the rotator cuff defect. 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.Aims
Methods
The outcomes following nonoperative management of minimally displaced greater tuberosity (GT) fractures, and the factors which influence patient experience, remain poorly defined. We assessed the early patient-derived outcomes following these injuries and examined the effect of a range of demographic- and injury-related variables on these outcomes. In total, 101 patients (53 female, 48 male) with a mean age of 50.9 years (19 to 76) with minimally displaced GT fractures were recruited to a prospective observational cohort study. During the first year after injury, patients underwent experiential assessment using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and assessment of associated injuries using MRI performed within two weeks of injury. The primary outcome was the one-year DASH score. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the effect of patient demographic factors, complications, and associated injuries, on outcome.Aims
Methods
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. 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.Aims
Methods
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. A systematic literature search in healthcare databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, CINAHL, and Web of Science) was performed from January 2000 to July 2020, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane ROBINS-I risk of bias tool. Relevant trials studying BPBP with at least five years of follow-up and describing functional outcome were included.Aims
Methods
The February 2023 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup360 looks at: Arthroscopic capsular release or manipulation under anaesthesia for frozen shoulder?; Distal biceps repair through a single incision?; Distal biceps tendon ruptures: diagnostic strategy through physical examination; Postoperative multimodal opioid-sparing protocol vs standard opioid prescribing after knee or shoulder arthroscopy: a randomized clinical trial; Graft healing is more important than graft technique in massive rotator cuff tear; Subscapularis tenotomy versus peel after anatomic shoulder arthroplasty; Previous rotator cuff repair increases the risk of revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection after reverse shoulder arthroplasty; Conservative versus operative treatment of acromial and scapular spine fractures following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
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. 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.Aims
Methods
Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics and outcomes of L-shaped and reverse L-shaped rotator cuff tears. Methods. A total of 82 shoulders (81 patients) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were retrospectively enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 62 years (SD 6), 33 shoulders (40.2%) were in male patients, and 57 shoulders (69.5%) were the right shoulder. Of these, 36 shoulders had an L-shaped tear (group L) and 46 had a reverse L-shaped tear (group RL). Both groups were compared regarding characteristics, pre- and postoperative pain, and functional outcomes. Muscle status was assessed by preoperative MRI, and re-tear rates by postoperative ultrasonography or MRI. Results. Patients in group RL were significantly older than in group L (p = 0.008), and group RL was significantly associated with female sex (odds ratio 2.5 (95% confidence interval 1.03 to 6.32); p = 0.041). Mean postoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was significantly greater (group L = 0.8 (SD 1.5), group RL = 1.7 (SD 2.2); p = 0.033) and mean postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was significantly lower in group RL than group L (group L = 91.4 (SD 13.1), group RL = 83.8 (SD 17.9); p = 0.028). However, postoperative mean VAS for pain and ASES score were not lower than the patient-acceptable symptom state scores. Mean retracted tear length was significantly larger in group L (group L = 24.6 mm (SD 6.5), group RL = 20.0 mm (SD 6.8); p = 0.003). Overall re-tear rate for 82 tears was 11.0% (nine shoulders), and re-tear rates in group L and RL were similar at 11.1% (four shoulders) and 10.9% (five shoulders), respectively (p = 1.000). No significant intergroup difference was found for fatty degeneration (FD) or muscle atrophy. Within group L, postoperative FD grades of supraspinatus and
The use and variety of stemless humeral components in anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) have proliferated since their advent in 2004. Early outcomes are reassuring but independent mid-term results are scarce. This independent study reports a consecutive series of 143 Eclipse stemless shoulder prostheses with a minimum five-year (5 to 10) follow-up. Outcomes of 143 procedures undertaken for all indications in 131 patients were reviewed, with subset analysis of those for osteoarthritis (OA) (n = 99). The primary outcome was the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at a minimum of five years. Secondary outcomes were ranges of motion and radiological analysis of humeral radiolucency, rotator cuff failure, and glenoid loosening.Aims
Methods
Open reduction and plate fixation (ORPF) for displaced proximal humerus fractures can achieve reliably good long-term outcomes. However, a minority of patients have persistent pain and stiffness after surgery and may benefit from open arthrolysis, subacromial decompression, and removal of metalwork (ADROM). The long-term results of ADROM remain unknown; we aimed to assess outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure for stiffness following ORPF, and assess predictors of poor outcome. Between 1998 and 2018, 424 consecutive patients were treated with primary ORPF for proximal humerus fracture. ADROM was offered to symptomatic patients with a healed fracture at six months postoperatively. Patients were followed up retrospectively with demographic data, fracture characteristics, and complications recorded. Active range of motion (aROM), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively.Aims
Methods
Stemless humeral implants have been developed to overcome stem-related complications in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). However, stemless implant designs may hypothetically result in less stable initial fixation, potentially affecting long-term survival. The aim of this study is to investigate early fixation and migration patterns of the stemless humeral component of the Simpliciti Shoulder System and to evaluate clinical outcomes. In this prospective cohort study, radiostereometric analysis (RSA) radiographs were obtained in 24 patients at one day, six weeks, six months, one year, and two years postoperatively. Migration was calculated using model-based RSA. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.Aims
Methods
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. 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.Aims
Methods
Aims. The aim of this study is to provide a detailed description of cases combining bridging patch repair with artificial ligament “internal brace” reinforcement to treat irreparable massive rotator cuff tears, and report the preliminary results. Methods. This is a retrospective review of patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears undergoing fascia lata autograft bridging repair with artificial ligament “internal brace” reinforcement technique between January 2017 and May 2018. Inclusion criteria were: patients treated arthroscopically for an incompletely reparable massive rotator cuff tear (dimension > 5 cm or two tendons fully torn), stage 0 to 4 supraspinatus fatty degeneration on MRI according to the Goutallier grading system, and an intact or reparable infraspinatus and/or
To report early (two-year) postoperative findings from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating disease-specific quality of life (QOL), clinical, patient-reported, and radiological outcomes in patients undergoing a total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with a second-generation uncemented trabecular metal (TM) glenoid versus a cemented polyethylene glenoid (POLY) component. Five fellowship-trained surgeons from three centres participated. Patients aged between 18 and 79 years with a primary diagnosis of glenohumeral osteoarthritis were screened for eligibility. Patients were randomized intraoperatively to either a TM or POLY glenoid component. Study intervals were: baseline, six weeks, six-, 12-, and 24 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder QOL score. Radiological images were reviewed for metal debris. Mixed effects repeated measures analysis of variance for within and between group comparisons were performed.Aims
Methods
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) using trabecular metal (TM)-backed glenoid implants has been introduced with the aim to increase implant survival. Only short-term reports on the outcomes of TM-RTSA have been published to date. We aim to present the seven-year survival of TM-backed glenoid implants along with minimum five-year clinical and radiological outcomes. All consecutive elective RTSAs performed at a single centre between November 2008 and October 2014 were reviewed. Patients who had primary TM-RTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy and osteoarthritis with deficient cuff were included. A total of 190 shoulders in 168 patients (41 male, 127 female) were identified for inclusion at a mean of 7.27 years (SD 1.4) from surgery. The primary outcome was survival of the implant with all-cause revision and aseptic glenoid loosening as endpoints. Secondary outcomes were clinical, radiological, and patient-related outcomes with a five-year minimum follow-up.Aims
Methods
It is important to understand the rate of complications associated with the increasing burden of revision shoulder arthroplasty. Currently, this has not been well quantified. This review aims to address that deficiency with a focus on complication and reoperation rates, shoulder outcome scores, and comparison of anatomical and reverse prostheses when used in revision surgery. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) systematic review was performed to identify clinical data for patients undergoing revision shoulder arthroplasty. Data were extracted from the literature and pooled for analysis. Complication and reoperation rates were analyzed using a meta-analysis of proportion, and continuous variables underwent comparative subgroup analysis.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to describe a quantitative 3D CT method to measure rotator cuff muscle volume, atrophy, and balance in healthy controls and in three pathological shoulder cohorts. In all, 102 CT scans were included in the analysis: 46 healthy, 21 cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), 18 irreparable rotator cuff tear (IRCT), and 17 primary osteoarthritis (OA). The four rotator cuff muscles were manually segmented and their volume, including intramuscular fat, was calculated. The normalized volume (NV) of each muscle was calculated by dividing muscle volume to the patient’s scapular bone volume. Muscle volume and percentage of muscle atrophy were compared between muscles and between cohorts.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this study was to report bone adaptive changes after anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) using a standard-length hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated humeral component, and to report on a computer-based analysis of radiographs to determine changes in peri-implant bone density objectively. A total of 44 TSAs, performed between 2011 and 2014 using a cementless standard-length humeral component proximally coated with HA, were included. There were 23 males and 21 females with a mean age of 65 years (17 to 65). All shoulders had good quality radiographs at six weeks and five years postoperatively. Three observers graded bone adaptive changes. All radiographs were uploaded into a commercially available photographic software program. The grey value density of humeral radiological areas was corrected to the grey value density of the humeral component and compared over time.Aims
Methods
Existing literature indicates that inferiorly inclined glenoid baseplates following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) produce better outcomes compared to superiorly inclined baseplates. We aim to compare clinical outcomes for RSAs with superiorly and neutrally/inferiorly inclined lateralized glenospheres. We retrospectively reviewed 154 consecutive patients undergoing RSA between July 2015 and July 2017 by one single-fellowship trained surgeon (AJ). Two raters (KAM and MVS) independently measured glenoid inclination in preoperative and minimum two year follow-up radiographs (anteroposterior/Grashey) using the RSA angle. Inclination was then compared to patient-reported outcomes, range of motion (ROM), and independently assessed degree of scapular notching and staging of heterotopic ossification at two year follow-up.Aims
Methods
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. From January 2011 to January 2019, a total of 141 Affinis Short prostheses were implanted in 127 patients by a single surgeon. Mean age at time of surgery was 68 (44 to 89). Minimum one year and maximum eight year follow-up (mean 3.7 years) was analyzed using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at latest follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with implant revision as the endpoint. Most recently performed radiographs were reviewed for component radiolucent lines (RLLs) and proximal humeral migration.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were long-term differences in outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) undertaken for acute proximal humeral fracture versus rotator cuff deficiency with a minimum follow-up of five years. This was a prospective cohort study comparing 67 patients with acute complex proximal humeral fracture and 64 patients with irreparable rotator cuff deficiency who underwent primary RSA. In the fracture group, there were 52 (77.6%) females and 15 (22.4%) males, with a mean age of 73.5 years (51 to 85), while in the arthropathy group, there were 43 (67.1%) females and 21 (32.9%) males, with a mean age of 70.6 years (50 to 84). Patients were assessed by the Constant score, University of California Los Angeles shoulder score (UCLA), short version of the Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand score (QuickDASH), and visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain and satisfaction. Radiological evaluation was also performed.Aims
Methods
The impact of tobacco use on readmission and medical and surgical complications has been documented in hip and knee arthroplasty. However, there remains little information about the effect of smoking on the outcome after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). We hypothesized that active smokers are at an increased risk of poor medical and surgial outcomes after TSA. Data for patients who underwent arthroplasty of the shoulder in the USA between January 2011 and December 2015 were obtained from the National Readmission Database, and 90-day readmissions and complications were documented using validated coding methods. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to quantify the risk of smoking on the outcome after TSA, while controlling for patient demographics, comorbidities, and hospital-level confounding factors.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this study was to identify the changes in untreated long head of the biceps brachii tendon (LHBT) after a rotator cuff tear and to evaluate the factors related to the changes. A cohort of 162 patients who underwent isolated supraspinatus with the preservation of LHBT was enrolled and evaluated. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the LHBT on MRI was measured in the bicipital groove, and preoperative to postoperative difference was calculated at least 12 months postoperatively. Second, postoperative changes in the LHBT including intratendinous signal change, rupture, dislocation, or superior labral lesions were evaluated with seeking of factors that were correlated with the changes or newly developed lesions after rotator cuff repair.Aims
Methods
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a potentially devastating complication of the surgical treatment of a proximal humeral fracture. The literature on the rate and risk factors for the development of HO under these circumstances is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for the development of HO in these patients. A retrospective analysis of 170 patients who underwent operative treatment for a proximal humeral fracture between 2005 and 2016, in a single institution, was undertaken. The mean follow-up was 18.2 months (1.5 to 140). The presence of HO was identified on follow-up radiographs.Aims
Methods
To describe and analyze the mid-term functional outcomes of a large series of patients who underwent the Hoffer procedure for brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP). All patients who underwent the Hoffer procedure with minimum two-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Active shoulder range of movement (ROM), aggregate modified Mallet classification scores, Hospital for Sick Children Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores, and/or Toronto Test Scores were used to assess functional outcomes. Subgroup analysis based on age and level of injury was performed. Risk factors for subsequent humeral derotational osteotomy and other complications were also assessed. A total of 107 patients, average age 3.9 years (1.6 to 13) and 59% female, were included in the study with mean 68 months (24 to 194) follow-up.Aims
Methods
A number of methods have been described to remove a well-fixed humeral implant as part of revision shoulder arthroplasty. These include the use of cortical windows and humeral osteotomies. The router bit extraction technique uses a high-speed router bit to disrupt the bone-implant interface. The implant is then struck in a retrograde fashion with a square-tip impactor and mallet. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics and frequency of the different techniques needed for the removal of a well-fixed humeral stem in revision shoulder arthroplasty. Between 2010 and 2018, 288 revision shoulder arthroplasty procedures requiring removal of a well-fixed humeral component were carried out at a tertiary referral centre by a single surgeon. The patient demographics, indications for surgery, and method of extraction were collected.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of age on the cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. A total of 112 patients were prospectively monitored for two years after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH), the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D). Complications and use of healthcare resources were recorded. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used to express the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Propensity score-matching was used to compare those aged below and above 65 years of age. Satisfaction was determined using the Net Promoter Score (NPS). Linear regression was used to identify variables that influenced the outcome at two years postoperatively.Aims
Patients and Methods
Failure of healing is a well-known problem after repair of the rotator cuff. This study aimed to investigate if early repair of trauma-related full-thickness rotator cuff tears (FTRCTs) could prevent this failure. In this prospective trial, 62 consecutive patients (14 women (23%), 48 men (77%); median age 61 years (interquartile range (IQR) 54 to 65)) with trauma-related FTRCT underwent arthroscopic single-row repair within six weeks of trauma. Tendon integrity was assessed one year after surgery using the Sugaya score on MR images. Patients were followed up with Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index, EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ VAS), and the Constant–Murley score (CS) two years after repair.Aims
Patients and Methods
Shoulder arthroplasty using short humeral components is becoming increasingly popular. Some such components have been associated with relatively high rates of adverse radiological findings. The aim of this retrospective review was to evaluate the radiological humeral bone changes and mechanical failure rates with implantation of a short cementless humeral component in anatomical (TSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). A total of 100 shoulder arthroplasties (35 TSA and 65 RSA) were evaluated at a mean of 3.8 years (3 to 8.3). The mean age at the time of surgery was 68 years (31 to 90). The mean body mass index was 32.7 kg/m2 (17.3 to 66.4).Aims
Patients and Methods
Nerve transfer has become a common and often effective reconstructive strategy for proximal and complex peripheral nerve injuries of the upper limb. This case-based discussion explores the principles and potential benefits of nerve transfer surgery and offers in-depth discussion of several established and valuable techniques including: motor transfer for elbow flexion after musculocutaneous nerve injury, deltoid reanimation for axillary nerve palsy, intrinsic re-innervation following proximal ulnar nerve repair, and critical sensory recovery despite non-reconstructable median nerve lesions.Abstract
The glenohumeral joint is the most frequently dislocated articulation, but possibly due to the lower prevalence of posterior shoulder dislocations, approximately 50% to 79% of posterior glenohumeral dislocations are missed at initial presentation. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the most recent evidence involving the aetiology of posterior glenohumeral dislocations, as well as the diagnosis and treatment. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane (January 1997 to September 2017), with references from articles also evaluated. Studies reporting patients who experienced an acute posterior glenohumeral joint subluxation and/or dislocation, as well as the aetiology of posterior glenohumeral dislocations, were included.Aims
Materials and Methods
Aims
Materials and Methods
Controversy about the use of an anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty
(aTSA) in young arthritic patients relates to which is the ideal
form of fixation for the glenoid component: cemented or cementless.
This study aimed to evaluate implant survival of aTSA when used
in patients aged < 60 years with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA),
and to compare the survival of cemented all-polyethylene and cementless
metal-backed glenoid components. A total of 69 consecutive aTSAs were performed in 67 patients
aged < 60 years with primary glenohumeral OA. Their mean age
at the time of surgery was 54 years (35 to 60). Of these aTSAs,
46 were undertaken using a cemented polyethylene component and 23
were undertaken using a cementless metal-backed component. The age, gender,
preoperative function, mobility, premorbid glenoid erosion, and
length of follow-up were comparable in the two groups. The patients
were reviewed clinically and radiographically at a mean of 10.3
years (5 to 12, Aims
Materials and Methods
The aim of this study was to analyze the results of reverse shoulder
arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with type 1 sequelae of a fracture
of the proximal humerus in association with rotator cuff deficiency
or severe stiffness of the shoulder. A total of 38 patients were included: 28 women and ten men. Their
mean age at the time of arthroplasty was 73 years (54 to 91). Before
the RSA, 18 patients had been treated with open reduction and internal
fixation following a fracture. A total of 22 patients had a rotator
cuff tear and 11 had severe stiffness of the shoulder with < 0°
of external rotation. The mean follow-up was 4.3 years (1.5 to 10).
The Constant score and the range of movement of the shoulder were
recorded preoperatively and at final follow-up. Preoperatively, radiographs in two planes were performed, as
well as CT or arthro-CT scans; radiographs were also performed at
final follow-up.Aims
Patients and Methods
Since long-term outcome of teres major tendon transfer surgery
for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff (RC) tears is largely
unknown, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term
outcome of the teres major transfer. We also aimed to report on
the results of a cohort of patients with a similar indication for
surgery that underwent a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. In this prospective cohort study, we reported on the long-term
results of 20 consecutive patients with a teres major tendon transfer
for irreparable massive posterosuperior RC tears. Additionally,
we reported on the results of the latissimus dorsi tendon transfer
(n = 19). The mean age was 60 years (47 to 77). Outcomes included
the Constant score (CS), and pain at rest and during movement using
the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to assess hypertrophy of the extra-articular
tendon of the long head of biceps (LHB) in patients with a rotator
cuff tear. The study involved 638 shoulders in 334 patients (175 men, 159
women, mean age 62.6 years; 25 to 81) with unilateral symptomatic
rotator cuff tears. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the LHB tendon
in the bicipital groove was measured pre-operatively in both shoulders
using ultrasound. There were 154 asymptomatic rotator cuff tears
in the contralateral shoulder. Comparisons were made between those
with a symptomatic tear, an asymptomatic tear and those with no
rotator cuff tear. In the affected shoulders, the CSAs were compared
in relation to the location and size of the rotator cuff tear. Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to analyse human muscle tissue before
and after rotator cuff repair to look for evidence of regeneration,
and to characterise the changes seen in the type of muscle fibre. Patients were assessed pre-operatively and one year post-operatively
using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and MRI. The cross-sectional
area and distribution of the type of muscle fibre were assessed
on biopsies, which were taken at surgery and one year post-operatively.
Paired samples from eight patients were analysed. There were three
men and five women with a mean age of 63 years (50 to 73).Aims
Patients and Methods
Objectives. A variety of operative techniques have been described as under
the term ‘Bristow-Latarjet’ procedure. This review aims to define
the original procedure, and compare the variation in techniques
described in the literature, assessing any effect on clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods. A systematic review of 24 studies was performed to compare specific
steps of the technique (coracoid osteotomy site,
The eccentric glenosphere was principally introduced into reverse
shoulder arthroplasty to reduce the incidence of scapular notching.
There is only limited information about the influence of its design
on deltoid power and joint reaction forces. The aim of our study was to investigate how the diameter and
eccentricity of the glenosphere affect the biomechanics of the deltoid
and the resultant joint reaction forces. Different sizes of glenosphere and eccentricity were serially
tested in ten cadaveric shoulders using a custom shoulder movement
simulator.Aims
Methods
We evaluated clinical and radiographic outcomes of total shoulder
arthroplasty (TSA) using the second-generation Trabecular Metal
(TM) Glenoid component. The first generation component was withdrawn
in 2005 after a series of failures were reported. Between 2009 and
2012, 40 consecutive patients with unilateral TSA using the second-generation
component were enrolled in this clinical study. The mean age of
the patients was 63.8 years (40 to 75) and the mean follow-up was
38 months (24 to 42). Patients were evaluated using the Constant score (CS), the American
Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and routine radiographs.Aims
Methods
This pilot study reports the clinical outcomes
of a combination of partial
Failed internal fixation of a fracture of the
proximal humerus produces many challenges with limited surgical options.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes after
the use of a reverse shoulder arthroplasty under these circumstances.
Between 2007 and 2012, 19 patients (15 women and four men, mean
age 66 years; 52 to 82) with failed internal fixation after a proximal
humeral fracture, underwent implant removal and reverse shoulder arthroplasty
(RSA). The mean follow-up was 36 months (25 to 60). The mean American
Shoulder and Elbow Score improved from 27.8 to 50.1 (p = 0.019).
The mean Simple Shoulder Test score improved from 0.7 to 3.2 (p
= 0.020), and the mean visual analogue scale for pain improved from
6.8 to 4.3 (p = 0.012). Mean forward flexion improved from 58.7°
to 101.1° (p <
0.001), mean abduction from 58.7° to 89.1° (p
= 0.012), mean external rotation from 10.7° to 23.1° (p = 0.043)
and mean internal rotation from buttocks to L4 (p = 0.034). A major
complication was recorded in five patients (26%) (one intra-operative
fracture, loosening of the humeral component in two and two peri-prosthetic
fractures). A total of 15 patients (79%) rated their outcome as
excellent or good, one (5%) as satisfactory, and three (16%) as
unsatisfactory. An improvement in outcomes and pain can be expected when performing
a RSA as a salvage procedure after failed internal fixation of a
fracture of the proximal humerus. Patients should be cautioned about
the possibility for major complications following this technically
demanding procedure. Cite this article:
The use of robots in orthopaedic surgery is an
emerging field that is gaining momentum. It has the potential for significant
improvements in surgical planning, accuracy of component implantation
and patient safety. Advocates of robot-assisted systems describe
better patient outcomes through improved pre-operative planning
and enhanced execution of surgery. However, costs, limited availability,
a lack of evidence regarding the efficiency and safety of such systems
and an absence of long-term high-impact studies have restricted
the widespread implementation of these systems. We have reviewed
the literature on the efficacy, safety and current understanding of
the use of robotics in orthopaedics. Cite this article:
The February 2015 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup360 looks at: Hip dislocation in children with CTEV: two decades of experience; Population-based prevention of DDH in cerebral palsy: 20 years’ experience; Shoulder derotation in congenital plexus palsy; Back pain in the paediatric population: could MRI be the answer?; Intercondylar fracture of the humerus in children; The Dunn osteotomy in SUFE; Radiocapitellar line a myth!; Do ‘flatfooted’ children suffer?
The December 2014 Shoulder &
Elbow Roundup360 looks at: cuff tears and plexus injury; corticosteroids and physiotherapy in SAI; diabetes and elbow arthroplasty; distal biceps tendon repairs; shockwave therapy in frozen shoulder; hydrodilation and steroids for adhesive capsulitis; just what do our patients read?; and what happens to that stable radial head fracture?
In this study we evaluated whether the Instability
Severity Index Score (ISIS) and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability
Index (WOSI) could detect those patients at risk of failure following
arthroscopic Bankart repair. Between April 2008 and June 2010, the
ISIS and WOSI were recorded pre-operatively in 110 patients (87
male, 79%) with a mean age of 25.1 years (16 to 61) who underwent
this procedure for recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability. A telephone interview was performed two-years post-operatively
to determine whether patients had experienced a recurrent dislocation
and whether they had returned to pre-injury activity levels. In
all, six (5%) patients had an ISIS >
6 points (0 to 9). Of 100 (91%)
patients available two years post-operatively, six (6%) had a recurrent dislocation,
and 28 (28%) did not return to pre-injury activity. No patient who
dislocated had an ISIS >
6 (p = 1.0). There was no difference in
the mean pre-operative WOSI in those who had a re-dislocation and
those who did not (p = 0.99). The pre-operative WOSI was significantly
lower (p = 0.02) in those who did not return to pre-injury activity, whereas
the ISIS was not associated with return to pre-injury activity (p
= 0.13). In conclusion, neither the pre-operative ISIS nor WOSI predicted
recurrent dislocation within two years of arthroscopic Bankart repair.
Patients with a lower pre-operative WOSI were less likely to return
to pre-injury activity. Cite this article:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
natural history of rheumatoid disease of the shoulder over an eight-year
period. Our hypothesis was that progression of the disease is associated
with a decrease in function with time. A total of 22 patients (44 shoulders; 17 women, 5 men, (mean
age 63)) with rheumatoid arthritis were followed for eight years.
All shoulders were assessed using the Constant score, anteroposterior
radiographs (Larsen score, Upward-Migration-Index (UMI)) and ultrasound
(US). At final follow-up, the Short Form-36, disabilities of the
arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) Score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate
and use of anti-rheumatic medication were determined. The mean Constant score was 72 points (50 to 88) at baseline
and 69 points (25 to 100) at final follow-up. Radiological evaluation
showed progressive destruction of the peri-articular structures
with time. This progression of joint and rotator cuff destruction
was significantly associated with the Constant score. However, at
baseline only the extent of rotator cuff disease and the UMI could
predict the Constant score at final follow-up. A plain anteroposterior radiograph of the shoulder is sufficient
to assess any progression of rheumatoid disease and to predict functional
outcome in the long term by using the UMI as an indicator of rotator
cuff degeneration. Cite this article:
We present the long-term results of open surgery
for internal shoulder rotational deformity in brachial plexus birth palsy
(BPBP). From 1997 to 2005, 207 patients (107 females, 100 males, mean
age 6.2 (0.6 to 34)) were operated on with
Our aim was to compare the outcome of arthroscopic
release for frozen shoulder in patients with and without diabetes.
We prospectively compared the outcome in 21 patients with and 21
patients without diabetes, two years post-operatively. The modified
Constant score was used as the outcome measure. The mean age of
the patients was 54.5 years (48 to 65; male:female ratio: 18:24),
the mean pre-operative duration of symptoms was 8.3 months (6 to
13) and the mean pre-operative modified Constant scores were 36.6
(standard deviation ( Cite this article:
Rotator cuff tears are among the most common and debilitating
upper extremity injuries. Chronic cuff tears result in atrophy and
an infiltration of fat into the muscle, a condition commonly referred
to as ‘fatty degeneration’. While stem cell therapies hold promise
for the treatment of cuff tears, a suitable immunodeficient animal
model that could be used to study human or other xenograft-based
therapies for the treatment of rotator cuff injuries had not previously
been identified. A full-thickness, massive supraspinatus and infraspinatus tear
was induced in adult T-cell deficient rats. We hypothesised that,
compared with controls, 28 days after inducing a tear we would observe
a decrease in muscle force production, an accumulation of type IIB
fibres, and an upregulation in the expression of genes involved
with muscle atrophy, fibrosis and inflammation.Objectives
Methods
Patients with pain and loss of shoulder function
due to nonunion of a fracture of the proximal third of the humerus may
benefit from reverse total shoulder replacement. This paper reports
a prospective, multicentre study, involving three hospitals and
three surgeons, of 35 patients (28 women, seven men) with a mean
age of 69 years (46 to 83) who underwent a reverse total shoulder
replacement for the treatment of nonunion of a fracture of the proximal humerus.
Using Checchia’s classification, nine nonunions were type I, eight
as type II, 12 as type III and six as type IV. The mean follow-up
was 51 months (24 to 99). Post-operatively, the patients had a significant
decrease in pain (p <
0.001), and a significant improvement in
flexion, abduction, external rotation and Constant score (p <
0.001), but not in internal rotation. A total of nine complications
were recorded in seven patients: six dislocations, one glenoid loosening
in a patient who had previously suffered dislocation, one transitory
paresis of the axillary nerve and one infection. Reverse total shoulder replacement may lead to a significant
reduction in pain, improvement in function and a high degree of
satisfaction. However, the rate of complications, particularly dislocation,
was high. Cite this article:
Objectives . The effects of disease progression and common tendinopathy treatments
on the tissue characteristics of human rotator cuff tendons have
not previously been evaluated in detail owing to a lack of suitable
sampling techniques. This study evaluated the structural characteristics
of torn human supraspinatus tendons across the full disease spectrum,
and the short-term effects of subacromial corticosteroid injections
(SCIs) and subacromial decompression (SAD) surgery on these structural
characteristics. . Methods . Samples were collected inter-operatively from supraspinatus tendons
containing small, medium, large and massive full thickness tears
(n = 33). Using a novel minimally invasive biopsy technique, paired
samples were also collected from supraspinatus tendons containing
partial thickness tears either before and seven weeks after subacromial
SCI (n = 11), or before and seven weeks after SAD surgery (n = 14).
Macroscopically normal
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 ( 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:
Although many clinical and experimental investigations have shed
light on muscle atrophy and intramuscular accumulation of fat after
rotator cuff disruption, none have reported on their onset in the
absence of muscle retraction. In 30 rabbits, we detached one supraspinatus (SSP) tendon and
repaired it immediately, thus preventing muscle retraction. The
animals were killed in groups of 10 at one, two and six weeks. Both
shoulders of 15 non-operated rabbits served as controls. We measured
the weight and volume of SSP muscles and quantified the cross-sectional
area of intramuscular fat (i-fat) histologically.Objectives
Methods
We assessed the clinical results, radiographic
outcomes and complications of patients undergoing total shoulder replacement
(TSR) for osteoarthritis with concurrent repair of a full-thickness
rotator cuff tear. Between 1996 and 2010, 45 of 932 patients (4.8%)
undergoing TSR for osteoarthritis underwent rotator cuff repair.
The final study group comprised 33 patients with a mean follow-up
of 4.7 years (3 months to 13 years). Tears were classified into small
(10), medium (14), large (9) or massive (0). On a scale of 1 to
5, pain decreased from a mean of 4.7 to 1.7 (p = <
0.0001), the
mean forward elevation improved from 99° to 139° (p = <
0.0001),
and the mean external rotation improved from 20° (0° to 75°) to
49° (20° to 80°) (p = <
0.0001). The improvement in elevation
was greater in those with a small tear (p = 0.03). Radiographic
evidence of instability developed in six patients with medium or
large tears, indicating lack of rotator cuff healing. In all, six
glenoid components, including one with instability, were radiologically
at risk of loosening. Complications were noted in five patients,
all with medium or large tears; four of these had symptomatic instability
and one sustained a late peri-prosthetic fracture. Four patients
(12%) required further surgery, three with instability and one with
a peri-prosthetic humeral fracture. Consideration should be given to performing rotator cuff repair
for stable shoulders during anatomical TSR, but reverse replacement
should be considered for older, less active patients with larger
tears. Cite this article:
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 ( Cite this article:
We investigated the functional outcome in patients
who underwent reverse shoulder replacement (RSR) after removal of
a tumour of the proximal humerus. A total of 16 patients (ten women
and six men) underwent this procedure between 1998 and 2011 in our
hospital. Five patients died and one was lost to follow-up. Ten
patients were available for review at a mean follow-up of 46 months
(12 to 136). Eight patients had a primary and two patients a secondary
bone tumour. At final follow up the mean range of active movement was: abduction
78° (30° to 150°); flexion 98° (45° to 180°); external rotation
32° (10° to 60°); internal rotation 51° (10° to 80°). The mean Musculoskeletal
Tumor Society score was 77% (60% to 90%) and the mean Toronto Extremity
Salvage Score was 70% (30% to 91%). Two patients had a superficial
infection and one had a deep infection and underwent a two-stage
revision procedure. In two patients there was loosening of the RSR;
one dislocated twice. All patients had some degree of atrophy or
pseudo-atrophy of the deltoid muscle. Use of a RSR in patients with a tumour of the proximal humerus
gives acceptable results. Cite this article:
The October 2013 Research Roundup360 looks at: Orthopaedics: a dangerous profession?; Freezing and biomarkers for bone turnover; Herniation or degeneration first?; MARS MRI and metallosis; Programmed cell death in partial thickness cuff tears; Lead glasses for trauma surgery?; Smoking inhibits bone healing; Optimising polyethylene microstructure.
We evaluated results at one year after surgical
correction of internal rotation deformities in the shoulders of
270 patients with obstetric brachial plexus palsy. The mean age
at surgery was 6.2 years (0.6 to 35). Two techniques were used:
open
Objectives. The most prevalent disorders of the shoulder are related to the
muscles of rotator cuff. In order to develop a mechanical method
for the evaluation of the rotator cuff muscles, we created a database
of isometric force generation by the rotator cuff muscles in normal
adult population. We hypothesised the existence of variations according
to age, gender and dominancy of limb. Methods. A total of 400 healthy adult volunteers were tested, classified
into groups of 50 men and women for each decade of life. Maximal
isometric force was measured at standardised positions for supraspinatus,
infraspinatus and
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:
The indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty
(RSA) continue to be expanded. Associated impairment of the deltoid
muscle has been considered a contraindication to its use, as function
of the RSA depends on the deltoid and impairment of the deltoid
may increase the risk of dislocation. The aim of this retrospective
study was to determine the functional outcome and risk of dislocation
following the use of an RSA in patients with impaired deltoid function.
Between 1999 and 2010, 49 patients (49 shoulders) with impairment
of the deltoid underwent RSA and were reviewed at a mean of 38 months
(12 to 142) post-operatively. There were nine post-operative complications (18%),
including two dislocations. The mean forward elevation improved
from 50° ( These results suggest that pre-operative deltoid impairment,
in certain circumstances, is not an absolute contraindication to
RSA. This form of treatment can yield reliable improvement in function
without excessive risk of post-operative dislocation. Cite this article:
We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine
whether earlier surgical repair of acute rotator cuff tear (ARCT)
leads to superior post-operative clinical outcomes. The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Libraries,
controlled-trials.com and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched
using the terms: ‘rotator cuff’, or ‘supraspinatus’, or ‘infraspinatus’,
or ‘teres minor’, or ‘subscapularis’ AND ‘surgery’ or ‘repair’.
This gave a total of 15 833 articles. After deletion of duplicates
and the review of abstracts and full texts by two independent assessors,
15 studies reporting time to surgery for ARCT repair were included.
Studies were grouped based on time to surgery <
3 months (group
A, seven studies), or >
3 months (group B, eight studies). Weighted
means were calculated and compared using Student’s Aims
Methods
The June 2013 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup360 looks at: whether reaching a diagnosis is more difficult than previously thought; adolescent and paediatric DDH; the A-frame orthosis and Legg-Calvé-Perthes’ disease; failure of hip surgery in patients with cerebral palsy; adolescent rotator cuff injuries; paediatric peripheral nerve injuries; predicting residual deformity following Ponseti treatment; and the Dunn procedure.
In adults with brachial plexus injuries, lack
of active external rotation at the shoulder is one of the most common residual
deficits, significantly compromising upper limb function. There
is a paucity of evidence to address this complex issue. We present
our experience of isolated latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle transfer
to achieve active external rotation. This is a retrospective review
of 24 adult post-traumatic plexopathy patients who underwent isolated latissimus
dorsi muscle transfer to restore external rotation of the shoulder
between 1997 and 2010. All patients were male with a mean age of
34 years (21 to 57). All the patients underwent isolated LD muscle
transfer using a standard technique to correct external rotational
deficit. Outcome was assessed for improvement in active external rotation,
arc of movement, muscle strength and return to work. The mean improvement
in active external rotation from neutral was 24° (10° to 50°). The
mean increase in arc of rotation was 52° (38° to 55°). Mean power
of the external rotators was 3.5 Medical Research Council (MRC)
grades (2 to 5). A total of 21 patients (88%) were back in work by the time of
last follow up. Of these,
13 had returned to their pre-injury occupation. Isolated latissimus
dorsi muscle transfer provides a simple and reliable method of restoring
useful active external rotation in adults with brachial plexus injuries
with internal rotational deformity. Cite this article:
Instability after arthroplasty of the shoulder
is difficult to correct surgically. Soft-tissue procedures and revision surgery
using unconstrained anatomical components are associated with a
high rate of failure. The purpose of this study was to determine
the results of revision of an unstable anatomical shoulder arthroplasty
to a reverse design prosthesis. Between 2004 and 2007, 33 unstable
anatomical shoulder arthroplasties were revised to a reverse design.
The mean age of the patients was 71 years (53 to 86) and their mean
follow-up was 42 months (25 to 71). The mean time to revision was
26 months (4 to 164). Pain scores improved significantly (pre-operative
visual analogue scale (VAS) of 7.2 ( Cite this article:
Surgical repair of posterosuperior rotator cuff
tears has a poorer outcome and a higher rate of failure compared
with repairs of supraspinatus tears. In this prospective cohort
study 28 consecutive patients with an irreparable posterosuperior
rotator cuff tear after failed conservative or surgical treatment
underwent teres major tendon transfer. Their mean age was 60 years
(48 to 71) and the mean follow-up was 25 months (12 to 80). The
mean active abduction improved from 79° (0° to 150°) pre-operatively
to 105° (20° to 180°) post-operatively (p = 0.011). The mean active
external rotation in 90° abduction improved from 25° (0° to 70°)
pre-operatively to 55° (0° to 90°) post-operatively (p <
0.001).
The mean Constant score improved from 43 (18 to 78) pre-operatively
to 65 (30 to 86) post-operatively (p <
0.001). The median post-operative
VAS (0 to 100) for pain decreased from 63 (0 to 96) pre-operatively to
5 (0 to 56) post-operatively (p <
0.001). In conclusion, teres major transfer effectively restores function
and relieves pain in patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator
cuff tears and leads to an overall clinical improvement in a relatively
young and active patient group with limited treatment options. Cite this article:
Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) is technically
challenging. In order to clarify the local structural anatomy, we undertook
a morphometric study using six complete cadavers (12 shoulders).
Measurements were made from the tendon to the nearby neurovascular
structures with the arm in two positions: flexed and internally
rotated, and adducted in neutral rotation. The tendon was then transferred
and measurements were taken from the edge of the tendon to a reference
point on the humeral head in order to assess the effect of a novel
two-stage release on the excursion of the tendon. With the shoulder flexed and internally rotated, the mean distances
between the superior tendon edge and the radial nerve, brachial
artery, axillary nerve and posterior circumflex artery were 30 mm
(26 to 34), 28 mm (17 to 39), 21 mm (12 to 28) and 15 mm (10 to
21), respectively. The mean distance between the inferior tendon
edge and the radial nerve, brachial artery and profunda brachii
artery was 18 mm (8 to 27), 22 mm (15 to 32) and 14 mm (7 to 21), respectively.
Moving the arm to a neutral position reduced these distances. A
mean of 15 mm (8 to 21) was gained from a standard soft-tissue release,
and 32 mm (20 to 45) from an extensile release. These figures help to define further the structural anatomy of
this region and the potential for transfer of the latissimus dorsi
tendon. Cite this article:
This study reports the clinical and sonographic
outcome of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients aged ≥ 70 years
and aimed to determine factors associated with re-tear. A total
of 69 consecutive repairs were performed in 68 patients with a mean
age of 77 years (70 to 86). Constant-Murley scores were collected
pre-operatively and at one year post-operatively. The integrity
of the repair was assessed using ultrasound. Re-tear was detected
in 20 of 62 patients (32%) assessed with ultrasound. Age at operation We conclude that arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients
aged ≥ 70 years is a successful procedure. The gender and age of
the patient are important factors to consider when planning management. Cite this article:
Reverse total shoulder replacement (RTSR) depends
on adequate deltoid function for a successful outcome. However, the
anterior deltoid and/or axillary nerve may be damaged due to prior
procedures or injury. The purpose of this study was to determine
the compensatory muscle forces required for scapular plane elevation
following RTSR when the anterior deltoid is deficient. The soft
tissues were removed from six cadaver shoulders, except for tendon
attachments. After implantation of the RTSR, the shoulders were
mounted on a custom-made shoulder simulator to determine the mean
force in each muscle required to achieve 30° and 60° of scapular
plane elevation. Two conditions were tested: 1) Control with an
absent supraspinatus and infraspinatus; and 2) Control with anterior
deltoid deficiency. Anterior deltoid deficiency resulted in a mean
increase of 195% in
This study evaluates the position of the long
head of biceps tendon using ultrasound following simple tenotomy,
in patients with arthroscopically repaired rotator cuff tears. In total, 52 patients with a mean age of 60.7 years (45 to 75)
underwent arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff and simple tenotomy
of the long head of biceps tendon. At two years post-operatively,
ultrasound revealed that the tendon was inside the bicipital groove
in 43 patients (82.7%) and outside in nine (17.3%); in six of these
it was lying just outside the groove and in the remaining three
(5.8%) it was in a remote position with a positive Popeye Sign.
A dynamic ultrasound scan revealed that the tenotomised tendons
had adhered to the surrounding tissues (autotenodesis).The initial
condition of the tendon influenced its final position (p <
0.0005).
The presence of a Popeye sign was statistically influenced by the
pre-operative co-existence of supraspinatus and
A total of 35 children with Erb’s palsy and shoulder
abduction of <
90° underwent transfer of teres major. In 18 cases (group
1) a trapezius transfer was added (combined procedure). In 17 cases
(group 2) teres major transfer was carried out in isolation (single
procedure). The mean gain in abduction was 67.2° (60° to 80°) in
group 1 and 37.6° (20° to 70°) in group 2, which reached statistical
significance (p <
0.001). Group 2 was further divided into those who had deltoid power
of <
M3 (group 2a) and those with deltoid power ≥ M3 (group 2b).
The difference in improvement of abduction between groups 2a and
group 2b was statistically significant (p <
0.001) but the difference
between group 2b and group 1 was not (p = 0.07). We recommend the following protocol of management: in children
with abduction ≥ 90° a single procedure is indicated. In children
with abduction <
90°: a combined procedure is indicated if deltoid
power is <
M3 and a single procedure is indicated if deltoid
power is ≥ M3. If no satisfactory improvement is achieved, the trapezius
can be transferred at a later stage.
Scapulothoracic fusion (STF) for painful winging
of the scapula in neuromuscular disorders can provide effective pain
relief and functional improvement, but there is little information
comparing outcomes between patients with dystrophic and non-dystrophic
conditions. We performed a retrospective review of 42 STFs in 34
patients with dystrophic and non-dystrophic conditions using a multifilament
trans-scapular, subcostal cable technique supported by a dorsal
one-third semi-tubular plate. There were 16 males and 18 females
with a mean age of 30 years (15 to 75) and a mean follow-up of 5.0
years (2.0 to 10.6). The mean Oxford shoulder score improved from
20 (4 to 39) to 31 (4 to 48). Patients with non-dystrophic conditions
had lower overall functional scores but achieved greater improvements
following STF. The mean active forward elevation increased from
59° (20° to 90°) to 97° (30° to 150°), and abduction from 51° (10°
to 90°) to 83° (30° to 130°) with a greater range of movement achieved
in the dystrophic group. Revision fusion for nonunion was undertaken
in five patients at a mean time of 17 months (7 to 31) and two required
revision for fracture. There were three pneumothoraces, two rib
fractures, three pleural effusions and six nonunions. The main risk
factors for nonunion were smoking, age and previous shoulder girdle surgery. STF is a salvage procedure that can provide good patient satisfaction
in 82% of patients with both dystrophic and non-dystrophic pathologies,
but there was a relatively high failure rate (26%) when poor outcomes
were analysed. Overall function was better in patients with dystrophic
conditions which correlated with better range of movement; however,
patients with non-dystrophic conditions achieved greater functional
improvement.
A total of 12 epileptic patients (14 shoulders)
with recurrent seizures and anterior dislocations of the shoulder underwent
a Latarjet procedure and were reviewed at a mean of 8.3 years (1
to 20) post-operatively. Mean forward flexion decreased from 165° (100° to 180°)
to 160° (90° to 180°) (p = 0.5) and mean external rotation from 54° (10° to 90°)
to 43° (5° to 75°) (p = 0.058). The mean Rowe score was 76 (35 to
100) at the final follow-up. Radiologically, all shoulders showed
a glenoid-rim defect and Hill-Sachs lesions pre-operatively. Osteo-arthritic changes
of the glenohumeral joint were observed in five shoulders (36%)
pre-operatively and in eight shoulders (57%) post-operatively.
Re-dislocation during a seizure occurred in six shoulders (43%).
Five of these patients underwent revision surgery using a bone buttress
from the iliac crest and two of these patients re-dislocated due
to a new seizure. Due to the unacceptably high rate of re-dislocation after surgery
in these patients, the most important means of reducing the incidence
of further dislocation is the medical management of the seizures.
The Latarjet procedure should be reserved for the well-controlled
patient with epilepsy who has recurrent anterior dislocation of
the shoulder during activities of daily living.
The pathogenesis of rotator cuff disease (RCD) is complex and
not fully understood. This systematic review set out to summarise
the histological and molecular changes that occur throughout the
spectrum of RCD. We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature
with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.Introduction
Methods
The June 2012 Shoulder &
Elbow Roundup360 looks at: reverse shoulder replacement; torn rotator cuffs and platelet-rich fibrin; rotator cuff repair; frozen shoulder; whether an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair actually heals; the torn rotator cuff’s effect on activities of daily living; subacromial impingement; how to improve the reliability of the Constant-Murley score; and failure of the Neer modification of an open Bankart procedure.
The outcome of an anatomical shoulder replacement
depends on an intact rotator cuff. In 1981 Grammont designed a novel
large-head reverse shoulder replacement for patients with cuff deficiency.
Such has been the success of this replacement that it has led to
a rapid expansion of the indications. We performed a systematic
review of the literature to evaluate the functional outcome of each
indication for the reverse shoulder replacement. Secondary outcome
measures of range of movement, pain scores and complication rates
are also presented.
Frozen shoulder is commonly encountered in general
orthopaedic practice. It may arise spontaneously without an obvious
predisposing cause, or be associated with a variety of local or
systemic disorders. Diagnosis is based upon the recognition of the
characteristic features of the pain, and selective limitation of
passive external rotation. The macroscopic and histological features
of the capsular contracture are well-defined, but the underlying
pathological processes remain poorly understood. It may cause protracted
disability, and imposes a considerable burden on health service
resources. Most patients are still managed by physiotherapy in primary
care, and only the more refractory cases are referred for specialist
intervention. Targeted therapy is not possible and treatment remains predominantly
symptomatic. However, over the last ten years, more active interventions
that may shorten the clinical course, such as capsular distension
arthrography and arthroscopic capsular release, have become more popular. This review describes the clinical and pathological features
of frozen shoulder. We also outline the current treatment options,
review the published results and present our own treatment algorithm.
We report the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of the Aequalis total shoulder replacement with a cemented all-polyethylene flat-back keeled glenoid component implanted for primary osteoarthritis between 1991 and 2003 in nine European centres. A total of 226 shoulders in 210 patients were retrospectively reviewed at a mean of 122.7 months (61 to 219) or at revision. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Constant score, patient satisfaction score and range of movement. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with glenoid revision for loosening and radiological glenoid loosening ( Younger patient age and the curettage technique for glenoid preparation correlated with loosening. The rate of glenoid revision and radiological loosening increased with duration of follow-up, but not until a follow-up of five years. Therefore, we recommend that future studies reporting radiological outcomes of new glenoid designs should report follow-up of at least five to ten years.
We describe the early results of glenoplasty as part of the technique of operative reduction of posterior dislocation of the shoulder in 29 children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy. The mean age at operation was five years (1 to 18) and they were followed up for a mean of 34 months (12 to 67). The mean Mallet score increased from 8 (5 to 13) to 12 (8 to 15) at final follow-up (p <
0.001). The mean passive forward flexion was increased by 18° (p = 0.017) and the mean passive abduction by 24° (p = 0.001). The mean passive lateral rotation also increased by 54° (p <
0.001), but passive medial rotation was reduced by a mean of only 7°. One patient required two further operations. Glenohumeral stability was achieved in all cases.
We describe the clinical outcome of a technique of surgical augmentation of chronic massive tears of the rotator cuff using a polyester ligament (Dacron) in 21 symptomatic patients (14 men, seven women) with a mean age of 66.5 years (55.0 to 85.0). All patients had MRI and arthroscopic evidence of chronic massive tears. The clinical outcome was assessed using the Constant and Murley and patient satisfaction scores at a mean follow-up of 36 months (30 to 46). The polyester ligament (500 mm × 10 mm) was passed into the joint via the portal of Neviaser, medial to the tear through healthy cuff. The two ends of the ligament holding the cuff were passed through tunnels made in the proximal humerus at the footprint of the insertion of the cuff. The ligament was tied with a triple knot over the humeral cortex. All the patients remained free from pain (p <
0.001) with improvement in function (p <
0.001) and range of movement (p <
0.001). The mean pre-operative and post-operative Constant scores were 46.7 (39.0 to 61.0) and 85.4 (52.0 to 96.0), respectively (p <
0.001). The mean patient satisfaction score was 90%. There were two failures, one due to a ruptured ligament after one year and the other due to deep-seated infection. The MR scan at the final follow-up confirmed intact and thickened bands in 15 of 17 patients. This technique of augmentation gives consistent relief from pain with improved shoulder movement in patients with symptomatic massive tears of the rotator cuff.
Total shoulder replacement is a successful procedure for degenerative or some inflammatory diseases of the shoulder. However, fixation of the glenoid seems to be the main weakness with a high rate of loosening. The results using all-polyethylene components have been better than those using metal-backed components. We describe our experience with 35 consecutive total shoulder replacements using a new metal-backed glenoid component with a mean follow-up of 75.4 months (48 to 154). Our implant differs from others because of its mechanism of fixation. It has a convex metal-backed bone interface and the main stabilising factor is a large hollow central peg. The patients were evaulated with standard radiographs and with the Constant Score, the Simple Shoulder Test and a visual analogue scale. All the scores improved and there was no loosening, no polyethylene-glenoid disassembly and no other implant-related complications. We conclude that a metal-backed glenoid component is a good option in total shoulder replacement with no worse results than of those using a cemented all-polyethylene prosthesis.
Fractures of the proximal humerus can lead to malalignment of the humeral head, necrosis and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. In such cases surface replacement might be a promising option. A total of 28 shoulders with glenohumeral arthritis subsequent to a fracture underwent surface replacement arthroplasty of the humeral head in patients with a mean age of 60 years (35 to 83). On the basis of the inclination of the impacted head, post-traumatic arthritis was divided into three types: type 1, an impacted fracture of the head in an anatomical position (seven cases); type 2, a valgus impacted fracture (13 cases); type 3, a varus impacted fracture (eight cases). The outcome was measured by means of the Constant score. According to the Boileau classification of the sequelae of fractures of the proximal humerus, all 28 patients had a final result of intra-capsular category 1. The mean Constant score for the 28 shoulders increased from 23.2 points (2 to 45) pre-operatively to 55.1 points (20 to 89) at a mean of 31 months (24 to 66) post-operatively. Valgus impacted fractures had significantly better results (p <
0.039). Surface replacement arthroplasty can provide good results for patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Their use avoids post-operative complications of the humeral shaft, such as peri-prosthetic fractures. Further surgery can be undertaken more easily as the bone stock is preserved.
We compared the outcome of arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff in 32 diabetic patients with the outcome in 32 non-diabetic patients matched for age, gender, size of tear and comorbidities. The Constant-Murley score improved from a mean of 49.2 (24 to 80) pre-operatively to 60.8 (34 to 95) post-operatively (p = 0.0006) in the diabetic patients, and from 46.4 (23 to 90) pre-operatively to 65.2 (25 to 100) post-operatively (p = 0.0003) in the non-diabetic patients at six months. This was significantly greater (p = 0.0002) in non-diabetic patients (18.8) than in diabetics (11.6). There was no significant change in the mean mental component of the Short-Form 12, but the mean physical component increased from 35 to 41 in non-diabetics (p = 0.0001), and from 37 to 39 (p = 0.15) in diabetics. These trends were observed at one year. Patients with diabetes showed improvement of pain and function following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in the short term, but less than their non-diabetic counterparts.
This study was performed to review the safety and outcome of total shoulder replacements in patients who are ≥ 80 years of age. A total of 50 total shoulder replacements in 44 patients at a mean age of 82 years (80 to 89) were studied. Their health and shoulder status, the operation and post-operative course were analysed, including pain, movement, patient satisfaction, medical and surgical complications, radiographs, the need for revision surgery, and implant and patient survival. A total of 27 patients had an ASA classification of III or IV and medical abnormalities were common. Of the 13 shoulders with bony deficiency of the glenoid, nine required grafting. The duration of hospital stay was prolonged and blood transfusions were common. There were no peri-operative deaths. The mean follow-up was for 5.5 years (2 to 12). Pain was significantly reduced (p <
0.001) and movement improved in active elevation and both external and internal rotation (p <
0.001). Using the Neer scale for assessing outcome, 40 (80%) shoulders had an excellent or satisfactory result. There were medical or surgical complications in 17 cases. Four shoulders developed radiological evidence of loosened glenoid components, and three of these had a poor outcome. Three other shoulders required revision, two for instability. By the time of this review 39 of the patients had died from unrelated causes at a mean of 7.5 years (0.8 to 16.4) after surgery. Total shoulder replacement is a relatively effective treatment in this elderly group of patients. However, there is a requirement for more intense patient care in the peri-operative period, and non-fatal medical or surgical complications are common. Most of these elderly patients will have a comfortable functional shoulder for the rest of their lives.