Aims

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.

Aims. 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. Methods. 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. Results. The mean DASH score improved from 42.3 (SD 9.6) at six weeks post-injury, to 19.5 (SD 14.3) at one-year follow-up (p < 0.001), but outcomes were mixed, with 30 patients having a DASH score > 30 at one year. MRI revealed a range of associated injuries, with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear present in 19 patients (19%). Overall, 11 patients (11%) developed complications requiring further operative intervention; 20 patients (21%) developed post-traumatic secondary shoulder stiffness. Multivariate analysis revealed a high-energy mechanism (p = 0.009), tobacco consumption (p = 0.033), use of mobility aids (p = 0.047), a full-thickness rotator cuff tear (p = 0.002), and the development of post-traumatic secondary shoulder stiffness (p = 0.035) were independent predictors of poorer outcome. Conclusion. The results of nonoperative management of minimally displaced GT fractures are heterogeneous. While many patients have satisfactory early outcomes, a substantial subgroup fare much worse. There is a high prevalence of rotator cuff injuries and post-traumatic shoulder stiffness, and their presence is associated with poorer patient experience. Furthermore, patients who have a high-energy injury, smoke, or use walking aids, have worse outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):534–542

Aims

Rates of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) continue to grow. Glenoid bone loss and deformity remains a technical challenge to the surgeon and may reduce improvements in patients’ outcomes. However, there is no consensus as to the optimal surgical technique to best reconstruct these patients’ anatomy. This review aims to compare the outcomes of glenoid bone grafting versus augmented glenoid prostheses in the management of glenoid bone loss in primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Aims. 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. Methods. 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. Results. At two years, median translation along the x-, y-, and z-axis was -0.12 mm (interquartile range (IQR) -0.18 to 0.02), -0.17 mm (IQR -0.27 to -0.09), and 0.09 mm (IQR 0.02 to 0.31). Median rotation around the x-, y-, and z-axis was 0.12° (IQR -0.50 to 0.57), -0.98° (IQR -1.83 to 1.23), and 0.09° (IQR -0.76 to 0.30). Overall, 20 prostheses stabilized within 12 months postoperatively. Four prostheses showed continuous migration between 12 and 24 months. At two-year follow-up, with the exception of one revised prosthesis, all clinical scores improved significantly (median VAS difference at rest: -3.0 (IQR -1.5 to -6.0); OSS 22.0 (IQR 15.0 to 25.0); CMS 29.5 (IQR 15.0 to 35.75); and DASH -30.0 (IQR -20.6 to -41.67) (all p < 0.001)) with the exception of one revised prosthesis. Conclusion. In conclusion, we found that 20 out of 24 implants stabilized within 12 months postoperatively. The significance of continuous migration in four implants is unclear and future research on the predictive value of early migration for future loosening in TSA is required. Clinical results revealed a clinically relevant improvement. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):76–82

Aims. The Mathys Affinis Short is the most frequently used stemless total shoulder prosthesis in the UK. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to report the survivorship, clinical, and radiological outcomes of the first independent series of the Affinis Short prosthesis. Methods. 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. Results. Five shoulders underwent revision surgery (3.5%); three for rotator cuff failure, one for infection, and one for component malposition. Survivorship of the implant was 95.4% (95% confidence interval 90.1% to 97.9%) at five and nine years. Mean OSS improved significantly compared to preoperative values from 19.0 (1 to 35) to 43.3 (7 to 48) (p < 0.001). Radiological analysis was undertaken for 99 shoulders. This revealed humeral RLLs in one case (1%), glenoid RLLs in 15 cases (15.2%), and radiological rotator cuff failure in 22 cases (22.2%). Conclusion. This prospective cohort study shows encouraging short- to mid-term survivorship and clinical and radiological results for the Mathys Affinis Short, Short Stem Total Shoulder Prosthesis. Level of Evidence: IV. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(1):58–65

Aims. 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. Methods. 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. Results. Mean follow-up was 8.4 years (5 to 11). There were no significant differences in mean absolute (p = 0.125) or adjusted (p = 0.569) Constant, UCLA (p = 0.088), QuickDASH (p = 0.135), VAS-pain (p = 0.062), or range of movement at the final follow-up. However, patient satisfaction was significantly lower in the fracture group (p = 0.002). The complication rate was 1.5% (one patient) versus 9.3% (six patients), and the revision rate was 1.5% (one patient) versus 7.8% (five patients) in the fracture and arthropathy groups, respectively. The ten-year arthroplasty survival was not significantly different (p = 0.221). Conclusion. RSA may be used not only for patients with irreparable rotator cuff deficiencies, but also for those with acute complex proximal humeral fractures. We found that RSA provided similar functional outcomes and a low revision rate for both indications at long-term. However, satisfaction is lower in patients with an acute fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1555–1559

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).

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of age on the cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Aims

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.

Aims. We present our experience of using a metal-backed prosthesis and autologous bone graft to treat gross glenoid bone deficiency. Patients and Methods. A prospective cohort study of the first 45 shoulder arthroplasties using the SMR Axioma Trabecular Titanium (TT) metal-backed glenoid with autologous bone graft. Between May 2013 and December 2014, 45 shoulder arthroplasties were carried out in 44 patients with a mean age of 64 years (35 to 89). The indications were 23 complex primary arthroplasties, 12 to revise a hemiarthroplasty or resurfacing, five for aseptic loosening of the glenoid, and five for infection. Results. Of the 45 patients, 16 had anatomical shoulder arthroplasties (ASA) and 29 had reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSA). Postoperatively, 43/45 patients had a CT scan. In 41 of 43 patients (95%), the glenoid peg achieved > 50% integration. In 40 of 43 cases (93%), the graft was fully or partially integrated. There were seven revisions (16%) but only four (9%) required a change of baseplate. Four (25%) of the 16 ASAs were revised for instability or cuff failure. At two-year radiological follow-up, five of the 41 cases (11%) showed some evidence of lucent lines. Conclusion. The use of a metal baseplate with a trabecular titanium surface in conjunction with autologous bone graft is a reliable method of addressing glenoid bone defects in primary and revision RSA setting in the short term. ASAs have a higher rate of complications with this technique

Aims

The aims of this study were to investigate any possible relationship between a preoperative sensitivity to pain and the degree of pain at rest and on exertion with postoperative function in patients who underwent stemless total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).

Aims. 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. Patients and Methods. 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). Results. At a mean of ten years (8 to 12) following teres major transfer, the CS was still 23 points (95% confidence interval (CI) 14.6 to 30.9, p < 0.001) higher than preoperatively. VAS for pain at rest (21 mm, 95% CI 4.0 to 38.9, p = 0.016) and movement (31 mm, 95% CI 16.0 to 45.1, p < 0.001) were lower than preoperatively. We also found an increase in CS (32 points, 95% CI 23.4 to 40.2, p < 0.001) and reduction of pain (26 mm, 95% CI 9.9 to 41.8, p = 0.001) six years after latissimus dorsi transfer. Conclusion. Teres major tendon transfer is a treatment option to gain shoulder function and reduce pain in patients with an irreparable posterosuperior RC tear at a mean follow-up of ten years. The teres major tendon might be a valuable alternative to the commonly performed latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in the treatment of irreparable posterosuperior RC tears. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:309–17

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.

The natural history of primary anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint in adolescent patients remains unclear and there is no consensus for management of these patients.

The objectives of this study were to report the natural history of primary anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint in adolescent patients and to identify the risk factors for recurrent dislocation.

We reviewed prospectively-collected clinical and radiological data on 133 adolescent patients diagnosed with a primary anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint who had been managed non-operatively at our hospital between 1996 and 2008. There were 115 male (86.5%) and 18 female patients (13.5%) with a mean age of 16.3 years (13 to 18) and a mean follow-up of 95.2 months (1 to 215).

During follow-up, 102 (absolute incidence of 76.7%) patients had a recurrent dislocation. The median interval between primary and recurrent dislocation was ten months (95% CI 7.4 to 12.6). Applying survival analysis the likelihood of having a stable shoulder one year after the initial injury was 59% (95% CI 51.2 to 66.8), 38% (95% CI 30.2 to 45.8%) after two years, 21% (95% CI 13.2 to 28.8) after five years, and 7% (95% CI 1.1 to 12.9) after ten years. Neither age nor gender significantly predicted recurrent dislocation during follow-up.

We conclude that adolescent patients with a primary anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint have a high rate of recurrent dislocation, which usually occurs within two years of their initial injury: these patients should be considered for early operative stabilisation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:520–6.

In this study, we evaluated patient-reported outcomes, the rate of revision and the indications for revision following resurfacing hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder in patients with osteoarthritis.

All patients with osteoarthritis who underwent primary resurfacing hemiarthroplasty and reported to the Danish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry (DSR), between January 2006 and December 2010 were included. There were 772 patients (837 arthroplasties) in the study. The Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) index was used to evaluate patient-reported outcome 12 months (10 to 14) post-operatively. The rates of revision were calculated from the revisions reported to the DSR up to December 2011 and by checking deaths with the Danish National Register of Persons.

A complete questionnaire was returned by 688 patients (82.2%). The mean WOOS was 67 (0 to 100). A total of 63 hemiarthroplasties (7.5%) required revision; the cumulative five-year rate of revision was 9.9%. Patients aged < 55 years had a statistically significant inferior WOOS score, which exceeded the minimal clinically important difference, compared with older patients (mean difference 14.2 (8.8; 95% CI 19.6; p < 0.001), but with no increased risk of revision. There was no significant difference in the mean WOOS or the risk of revision between designs of resurfacing hemiarthroplasty.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:519–25.