The role of inflammatory cells and their products in tendinopathy is not completely understood. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are upregulated after oxidative and other forms of stress. Based on observations that increased cytokine expression has been demonstrated in cyclically-loaded tendon cells we hypothesised that because of their role in oxidative stress and apoptosis, pro-inflammatory cytokines may be present in rodent and human models of tendinopathy. A rat supraspinatus tendinopathy model produced by running overuse was investigated at the genetic level by custom micro-arrays. Additionally, samples of torn supraspinatus tendon and matched intact subscapularis tendon were collected from patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery for rotator-cuff tears and control samples of subscapularis tendon from ten patients with normal rotator cuffs undergoing arthroscopic stabilisation of the shoulder were also obtained. These were all evaluated using semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain-reaction and immunohistochemistry. We identified significant upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes in the rodent model (p = 0.005). We further confirmed significantly increased levels of cytokine and apoptotic genes in human supraspinatus and subscapularis tendon harvested from patients with rotator cuff tears (p = 0.0008). These findings suggest that pro-inflammatory cytokines may play a role in tendinopathy and may provide a target for preventing tendinopathies

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 subscapularis tendon of radiological classification Hamada 0 to 4. The surgical technique comprised two components: first, superior capsular reconstruction using an artificial ligament as an “internal brace” protective device for a fascia lata patch. The second was fascia lata autograft bridging repair for the torn supraspinatus. In all, 26 patients with a mean age 63.4 years (SD 6.2) were included. Results. All patients underwent more than two years of follow-up (mean 33.5 months (24 to 45)). All clinical scores were also improved at two-year follow-up (mean visual analogue scale 0.7 (SD 0.5) vs 6.1 (SD 1.2); p < 0.001; mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score 93.5 (SD 5.3) vs 42.5 (SD 10.8); p < 0.001; mean University of California, Los Angeles score, 31.7 (SD 3.7) vs 12.0 (SD 3.1); p < 0.001; and mean Constant-Murley score 88.7 (SD 3.5) vs 43.3 (SD 10.9); p < 0.001), and 24 of 26 fascia lata grafts were fully healed on MRI (92%). One patient had haematoma formation at the harvesting side of the fascia lata at two days postoperatively. Conclusion. The fascia lata autograft bridging repair combined with artificial ligament internal brace reinforcement technique achieved good functional outcomes, with a high rate of graft healing at two-year follow-up. Although the short-term results are promising, further studies with a greater number of patients would provide clearer results. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1619–1626

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 subscapularis tendons of older patients (n = 5, mean age = 74.6 years) and supraspinatus tendons of younger patients (n = 16, mean age = 23.3) served as controls. Ultra- and micro-structural characteristics were assessed using atomic force microscopy and polarised light microscopy respectively. . Results. Significant structural differences existed between torn and control groups. Differences were identifiable early in the disease spectrum, and increased with increasing tear size. Neither SCI nor SAD surgery altered the structural properties of partially torn tendons seven weeks after treatment. . Conclusions . These findings may suggest the need for early clinical intervention strategies for torn rotator cuff tendons in order to prevent further degeneration of the tissue as tear size increases. Further work is required to establish the long-term abilities of SCI and SAD to prevent, and even reverse, such degeneration. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:252–61

We examined macroscopically and microscopically 55 cadaver rotator-cuff tendons attached to their humeral heads to determine the distance between the edge of the articular cartilage and the tendon insertion of the supraspinatus (the width of the sulcus) and the score of regressive changes at the sulcus. In 33 specimens we measured the tensile strength. The width of the sulcus was correlated with the score of regressive changes and with the ultimate tensile strength of the supraspinatus tendon. The width of the sulcus correlated positively with the score of regressive changes (r = 0.66, p < 0.0001), but there was a negative correlation between the latter and the ultimate tensile strength (r = −0.81, p = 0.001) and between the width of the sulcus and the ultimate tensile strength (r = −0.74, p = 0.004). We believe that the width of the sulcus is a simple and useful clinical indicator of the integrity and the tensile strength of the supraspinatus tendon

We have established a reference standard for the cross-sectional area (CSA) of supraspinatus as measured by diagnostic ultrasound. The influence of hand dominance and of ageing on the CSA was also assessed. We examined 72 subjects aged from 20 to 79 years. Standard values of the CSA were determined with a high measure of interobserver reliability. Although the CSA on the dominant side was significantly larger (p < 0.001) by 0.16 cm. 2. (95% CI 0.072 to 0.249) than that on the non-dominant side, this difference had no clinical significance. The CSA of supraspinatus decreased significantly with ageing

We have performed a controlled, randomised study to analyse the effects of low-energy shock-wave therapy (ESWT) on function and pain in tendinitis of the supraspinatus without calcification. There were 20 patients in the treatment group and 20 in the control group. The former group received 6000 impulses (energy flux density, 0.11 mJ/mm. 2. ) in three sessions after local anaesthesia. The control group had 6000 impulses of sham ESWT after local anaesthesia. The patients were examined at six and 12 weeks after treatment by an independent observer who evaluated the Constant score and level of pain. We found an increase in function and a reduction of pain in both groups (p ≤ 0.001). Statistical analysis showed no difference between the groups for the Constant score and for pain. We therefore do not recommend ESWT for the treatment of tendinitis of supraspinatus

In 14 rabbits we determined the origin of the cells effecting healing of the tendon of supraspinatus inserted into a bony trough. After two weeks both the cellularity of the underlying bone and the thickness of the subacromial bursa were significantly increased in the operated compared with the control shoulders. The cellularity of the stump of the tendon, however, was significantly decreased in the operated shoulders. In this model, both the underlying bone and the subacromial bursa but not the stump of the tendon contributed to the process of repair. We conclude that the medial stump should be debrided judiciously but that cutting back to bleeding tissue is not necessary during repair of the rotator cuff. Moreover, great care should be taken to preserve the subacromial bursa since it seems to play an important role in the healing process

Aims. Rotator cuff muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration affect the clinical outcomes of rotator cuff tear patients. However, there is no effective treatment for fatty infiltration at this time. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) helps to activate beige adipose tissue. The goal of this study was to test the role of HIIT in improving muscle quality in a rotator cuff tear model via the β3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR). Methods. Three-month-old C57BL/6 J mice underwent a unilateral rotator cuff injury procedure. Mice were forced to run on a treadmill with the HIIT programme during the first to sixth weeks or seventh to 12th weeks after tendon tear surgery. To study the role of β3AR, SR59230A, a selective β3AR antagonist, was administered to mice ten minutes before each exercise through intraperitoneal injection. Supraspinatus muscle, interscapular brown fat, and inguinal subcutaneous white fat were harvested at the end of the 12th week after tendon tear and analyzed biomechanically, histologically, and biochemically. Results. Histological analysis of supraspinatus muscle showed that HIIT improved muscle atrophy, fatty infiltration, and contractile force compared to the no exercise group. In the HIIT groups, supraspinatus muscle, interscapular brown fat, and inguinal subcutaneous white fat showed increased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and uncoupling protein 1, and upregulated the β3AR thermogenesis pathway. However, the effect of HIIT was not present in mice injected with SR59230A, suggesting that HIIT affected muscles via β3AR. Conclusion. HIIT improved supraspinatus muscle quality and function after rotator cuff tears by activating systemic sympathetic nerve fibre near adipocytes and β3AR. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(8):455–466

Aims. Favourable short-term outcomes have been reported following latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for patients with an irreparable subscapularis (SSC) tendon tear. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of this transfer in these patients. Methods. This was a retrospective study involving 30 patients with an irreparable SSC tear and those with a SSC tear combined with a reparable supraspinatus tear, who underwent a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Clinical scores and active range of motion (aROM), SSC-specific physical examination and the rate of return to work were assessed. Radiological assessment included recording the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), the Hamada grade of cuff tear arthropathy and the integrity of the transferred tendon. Statistical analysis compared preoperative, short-term (two years), and final follow-up at a mean of 8.7 years (7 to 10). Results. There were significant improvements in clinical scores, in the range and strength of internal rotation and aROM compared with the preoperative values in the 26 patients (87%) who were available for long-term follow-up. These improvements were maintained between short- and long-term follow-ups. Although there was a decreased mean AHD of 7.3 mm (SD 1.5) and an increased mean Hamada grade of 1.7 (SD 0.5) at final follow-up, the rate of progression of cuff tear arthropathy remained low-grade. Comparison between the isolated SSC and combined SSC and reparable supraspinatus tear groups showed no significant differences. At final follow-up, one patient (3.8%) had undergone revision surgery to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). No neurological complications were associated with the procedure. Conclusion. Latissimus dorsi transfer for an irreparable SSC tendon tear resulted in a significant clinical improvement, particularly in pain, range and strength of internal rotation and aROM, which were maintained over a mean of 8.7 years following surgery. Given that this was a long-term outcome study, there was a low-grade progression in the rate of cuff tear arthropathy. Thus, the long-term clinical efficacy of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients with irreparable SSC was confirmed as a joint-preserving procedure for these patients, suggesting it as an effective alternative to RSA in young, active patients without degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):957–963

Aims. Rotator cuff tear (RCT) is the leading cause of shoulder pain, primarily associated with age-related tendon degeneration. This study aimed to elucidate the potential differential gene expressions in tendons across different age groups, and to investigate their roles in tendon degeneration. Methods. Linear regression and differential expression (DE) analyses were performed on two transcriptome profiling datasets of torn supraspinatus tendons to identify age-related genes. Subsequent functional analyses were conducted on these candidate genes to explore their potential roles in tendon ageing. Additionally, a secondary DE analysis was performed on candidate genes by comparing their expressions between lesioned and normal tendons to explore their correlations with RCTs. Results. We identified 49 genes in torn supraspinatus tendons associated with advancing age. Among them, five age-related genes showed DE in lesioned tendons compared to normal tendons. Functional analyses and previous studies have highlighted their specific enrichments in biological functions, such as muscle development (e.g. myosin heavy chain 3 (MYH3)), transcription regulation (e.g. CCAAT enhancer binding brotein delta (CEBPD)), and metal ion homeostasis (e.g. metallothionein 1X (MT1X)). Conclusion. This study uncovered molecular aspects of tendon ageing and their potential links to RCT development, offering insights for targeted interventions. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of tendon degeneration, allowing potential strategies to be made for reducing the incidence of RCT. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(9):474–484

The December 2024 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup. 360. looks at: Predicting recurrence of instability after a primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation; Predictors of surgery and long-term outcomes in nonoperative management of full-thickness rotator cuff tears; Reverse shoulder arthroplasty viable despite acquired acromial compromise, but higher infection risk noted; LP-PRP reduces retear rates in rotator cuff repair but shows no functional outcome advantage; Long-term clinical outcomes of arthroscopic supraspinatus tendon repair using the single anchor tension band technique – minimum five-year follow-up; Arthroscopic stabilization for anterior shoulder dislocation shows low recurrence rates regardless of prior dislocations; ORIF outperforms arthroplasty for complex radial head fractures: mid-term outcomes; Routine use of surgical helmet systems may not reduce infection risk in shoulder arthroplasty

Aims. Rotator cuff (RC) tears are common musculoskeletal injuries which often require surgical intervention. Noninvasive pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) devices have been approved for treatment of long-bone fracture nonunions and as an adjunct to lumbar and cervical spine fusion surgery. This study aimed to assess the effect of continuous PEMF on postoperative RC healing in a rat RC repair model. Methods. A total of 30 Wistar rats underwent acute bilateral supraspinatus tear and repair. A miniaturized electromagnetic device (MED) was implanted at the right shoulder and generated focused PEMF therapy. The animals’ left shoulders served as controls. Biomechanical, histological, and bone properties were assessed at three and six weeks. Results. Extension of the tendon from preload to the maximum load to failure was significantly better in the PEMF-treated shoulders at three weeks compared to controls (p = 0.038). The percentage strain was significantly higher in the PEMF group at both timepoints (p = 0.037). Collagen organization was significantly better (p = 0.034) as was tissue mineral density in the PEMF-treated group at three weeks (p = 0.028). Tendon immunohistochemistry revealed a prominent increase in type I collagen at the repair site at three weeks following continuous PEMF treatment compared with controls. None of the other tested parameters differed between the groups. Conclusion. MED-generated PEMF may enhance early postoperative tendon-to-bone healing in an acute rat supraspinatus detachment and repair model. Superior biomechanical elasticity parameters together with better collagen organization suggest improved RC healing. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(5):298–306

The April 2024 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup. 360. looks at: Acute rehabilitation following traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (ARTISAN): pragmatic, multicentre, randomized controlled trial; Prevalence and predisposing factors of neuropathic pain in patients with rotator cuff tears; Are two plates better than one? The clavicle fracture reimagined; A single cell atlas of frozen shoulder capsule identifies features associated with inflammatory fibrosis resolution; Complication rates and deprivation go hand in hand with total shoulder arthroplasty; Longitudinal instability injuries of the forearm; A better than “best-fit circle” method for glenoid bone loss assessment; 3D supraspinatus muscle volume and intramuscular fatty infiltration after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

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

Aims. The 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. Methods. 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. Results. Rotator cuff muscle volume was significantly decreased in patients with OA, CTA, and IRCT compared to healthy patients (p < 0.0001). Atrophy was comparable for all muscles between CTA, IRCT, and OA patients, except for the supraspinatus, which was significantly more atrophied in CTA and IRCT (p = 0.002). In healthy shoulders, the anterior cuff represented 45% of the entire cuff, while the posterior cuff represented 40%. A similar partition between anterior and posterior cuff was also found in both CTA and IRCT patients. However, in OA patients, the relative volume of the anterior (42%) and posterior cuff (45%) were similar. Conclusion. This study shows that rotator cuff muscle volume is significantly decreased in patients with OA, CTA, or IRCT compared to healthy patients, but that only minimal differences can be observed between the different pathological groups. This suggests that the influence of rotator cuff muscle volume and atrophy (including intramuscular fat) as an independent factor of outcome may be overestimated. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(7):552–561

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 subscapularis worsened significantly (p = 0.034 and p = 0.008, respectively). Mean postoperative pain VAS (male = 1.2 (SD 1.8), female = 1.3 (SD 2.0)) and ASES scores (male = 88.7 (SD 15.5), female = 86.0 (SD 16.8)) were similar in male and female patients (p = 0.700 and p = 0.475, respectively). Regression analysis showed age was not a prognostic factor of postoperative pain VAS or ASES scores (p = 0.188 and p = 0.150, respectively). Conclusion. Older age and female sex were associated with reverse L-shaped tears. Although the postoperative functional outcomes of patients with reverse L-shaped tears were satisfactory, the clinical scores were poorer than those of patients with L-shaped tears. Surgeons should be aware of the differences in clinical outcome between L-shaped and reverse L-shaped rotator cuff tears. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):394–400

Aims. 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. Methods. 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. Results. The postoperative CSA (12.5 mm. 2. (SD 8.3) was significantly larger than preoperative CSA (11.5 mm. 2. (SD 7.5); p = 0.005). In total, 32 patients (19.8%) showed morphological changes in the untreated LHBT 24 months after rotator cuff repair. Univariate regression analysis revealed that the factor chiefly related to the change in LHBT status was an eccentric LHBT position within the groove found on preoperative MRI (p = 0.011). Multivariate analysis using logistic regression also revealed that an eccentric LHBT position was a factor related to postoperative change in untreated LHBTs (p = 0.011). Conclusion. The CSA of the LHBT inside the biceps groove increased after rotator cuff repair. The preoperative presence of an eccentrically positioned LHBT was associated with further changes of the tendon itself after rotator cuff repair. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1194–1199

Aims. Our aim was to describe the atypical pattern of increased fatty degeneration in the infraspinatus muscle compared with the supraspinatus in patients with a massive rotator cuff tear. We also wished to describe the nerve conduction and electromyography findings in these patients. Patients and Methods. A cohort of patients undergoing surgery for a massive rotator cuff tear was identified and their clinical records obtained. Their MRI images were reviewed to ascertain the degree of retraction of the torn infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscles, and the degree of fatty degeneration in both muscles was recorded. Nerve conduction studies were also performed in those patients who showed more degeneration in the infraspinatus than in the supraspinatus. Results. Out of a total of 396 patients who underwent surgery for a massive rotator cuff tear between 2006 and 2015, 35 who had more severe fatty degeneration in the infraspinatus than in the supraspinatus were identified. There were 13 men and 22 women. Their mean age was 67.2 years (56 to 81). A total of 20 (57%) had grade 4 fatty degeneration as classified by Fuchs et al, in the infraspinatus. Patte grade 3 muscle retraction was seen in 25 patients (71%). In all, eight patients (23%) had abnormal nerve conduction studies. The mean retraction of the infraspinatus was 3.6 cm (2.1 to 4.8) in patients with more severe fatty degeneration in the infraspinatus, versus 3.0 cm (1.7 to 5.5) in those with more severe degeneration in the supraspinatus (p = 0.003). The retraction ratios were 0.98 (0.61 to 1.57) and 0.77 (0.38 to 1.92), respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Fatty degeneration affecting the infraspinatus more than the supraspinatus may be, in the context of a massive rotator cuff tear, due to entrapment of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1505–9

This study examined the role of vitamin D as a factor accounting for fatty degeneration and muscle function in the rotator cuff. There were 366 patients with disorders of the shoulder. A total of 228 patients had a full-thickness tear (group 1) and 138 patients had no tear (group 2). All underwent magnetic resonance arthrography and an isokinetic muscle performance test. The serum concentrations of vitamin D (25(OH)D. 3. ) were measured. In general, a lower serum level of vitamin D was related to higher fatty degeneration in the muscles of the cuff. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were 0.173 (p = 0.001), −0.181 (p = 0.001), and −0.117 (p = 0.026) for supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularis, respectively. In group 1, multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the serum level of vitamin D was an independent variable for fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. The serum vitamin D level has a significant negative correlation with the fatty degeneration of the cuff muscle and a positive correlation with isokinetic muscle torque

Previous perfusion studies of the rotator cuff have demonstrated an area of hypovascularity in the distal part of the supraspinatus tendon. This has been implicated in the pathogenesis of its rupture. We performed a quantitative histological analysis of the vascularity of the tendons of supraspinatus and infraspinatus. Vessel number, size and the percentage of the tendon occupied by vessels were measured at 5 mm intervals from the humeral insertions to the muscle bellies. Both tendons were hypovascular in their distal 15 mm. No significant difference was demonstrated between the vascularity of supraspinatus and infraspinatus. We conclude that factors other than vascularity are important in the pathogenesis of supraspinatus rupture

Objectives. Rotator cuff tears are among the most frequent upper extremity injuries. Current treatment strategies do not address the poor quality of the muscle and tendon following chronic rotator cuff tears. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that activates many genes that are important in skeletal muscle regeneration. HIF-1α is inhibited under normal physiological conditions by the HIF prolyl 4-hydroxylases (PHDs). In this study, we used a pharmacological PHD inhibitor, GSK1120360A, to enhance the activity of HIF-1α following the repair of a chronic cuff tear, and measured muscle fibre contractility, fibrosis, gene expression, and enthesis mechanics. Methods. Chronic supraspinatus tears were induced in adult rats, and repaired 28 days later. Rats received 0 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kg GSK1120360A daily. Collagen content, contractility, fibre type distribution and size, the expression of genes involved in fibrosis, lipid accumulation, atrophy and inflammation, and the mechanical properties of the enthesis were then assessed two weeks following surgical repair. Results. At two weeks following repair, treatment groups showed increased muscle mass but there was a 15% decrease in force production in the 10 mg/kg group from controls, and no difference between the 0 mg/kg and the 3 mg/kg groups. There was a decrease in the expression of several gene transcripts related to matrix accumulation and fibrosis, and a 50% decrease in collagen content in both treated groups compared with controls. Additionally, the expression of inflammatory genes was reduced in the treated groups compared with controls. Finally, PHD inhibition improved the maximum stress and displacement to failure in repaired tendons. Conclusions. GSK1120360A resulted in improved enthesis mechanics with variable effects on muscle function. PHD inhibition may be beneficial for connective tissue injuries in which muscle atrophy has not occurred. Cite this article: J. P. Gumucio, M. D. Flood, A. Bedi, H. F. Kramer, A. J. Russell, C. L. Mendias. Inhibition of prolyl 4-hydroxylase decreases muscle fibrosis following chronic rotator cuff tear. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:57–65. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016-0232.R1

Differential strain has been proposed to be a causative factor in failure of the supraspinatus tendon. We quantified the strains on the joint and bursal sides of the supraspinatus tendon with increasing load (20 to 200 N) and during 120° of glenohumeral abduction with a constant tensile load (20 to 100 N). We tested ten fresh frozen cadaver shoulders on a purpose-built rig. Differential variable reluctance extensometers allowed calculation of the strain. Static loading to 100 N or more increased strains on the joint side significantly more than on the bursal side. During glenohumeral abduction an increasing and significant difference in strain was measured between the joint and bursal sides of the supraspinatus tendon, which reached a maximum of 10.6% at abduction of 120°. The joint side strain of 7.5% reached values which were previously reported to cause failure. Differential strain causes shearing between the layers of the supraspinatus tendon, which may contribute to the propagation of intratendinous defects that are initiated by high joint side strains

Aims

Rotator cuff (RC) injuries are characterized by tendon rupture, muscle atrophy, retraction, and fatty infiltration, which increase injury severity and jeopardize adequate tendon repair. Epigenetic drugs, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis), possess the capacity to redefine the molecular signature of cells, and they may have the potential to inhibit the transformation of the fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) within the skeletal muscle into adipocyte-like cells, concurrently enhancing the myogenic potential of the satellite cells.

Rotator cuff pathology is the main cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in older adults. When a rotator cuff tear involves the subscapularis tendon, the symptoms are usually more severe and the prognosis after surgery must be guarded. Isolated subscapularis tears represent 18% of all rotator cuff tears and arthroscopic repair is a good alternative primary treatment. However, when the tendon is deemed irreparable, tendon transfers are the only option for younger or high-functioning patients. The aim of this review is to describe the indications, biomechanical principles, and outcomes which have been reported for tendon transfers, which are available for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis tears.

The best tendon to be transferred remains controversial. Pectoralis major transfer was described more than 30 years ago to treat patients with failed surgery for instability of the shoulder. It has subsequently been used extensively to manage irreparable subscapularis tendon tears in many clinical settings. Although pectoralis major reproduces the position and orientation of the subscapularis in the coronal plane, its position in the axial plane – anterior to the rib cage – is clearly different and does not allow it to function as an ideal transfer. Consistent relief of pain and moderate recovery of strength and function have been reported following the use of this transfer. In an attempt to improve on these results, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer was proposed as an alternative and the technique has evolved from an open to an arthroscopic procedure. Satisfactory relief of pain and improvements in functional shoulder scores have recently been reported following its use. Both pectoralis minor and upper trapezius transfers have also been used in these patients, but the outcomes that have been reported do not support their widespread use.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):970–977.

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

1. In ten healthy young men an experimental paralysis of the supraspinatus muscle was induced with the aid of Xylocaine injected in or near the suprascapular nerve. 2. The completeness of the paralysis was checked by electromyography. 3. With the supraspinatus muscle completely eliminated, all subjects could move the arm against gravity through its full range in the shoulder joint, though the force and the power of endurance during abduction were diminished. 4. It is concluded that the role of the supraspinatus muscle is of a quantitative nature only

1. The "frozen" shoulder syndrome is due to an inflammatory lesion in the musculotendinous cuff invoked by a local area of degeneration. 2. The available evidence suggests that the primary site of the degenerative lesion is in the supraspinatus tendon. 3. Other causes of shoulder pain which must be differentiated from "frozen" shoulder are peritendinitis of the long head of biceps, degeneration or tears of the supraspinatus, and calcified deposits in the supraspinatus. 4. An explanation of the pathogenesis of lesions of the musculo-tendinous cuff is submitted in which the different types of clinico-pathological syndrome are correlated. This hypothesis is in accord with the experimental, clinical and operative findings

Objectives . 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. Methods . 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. Results . Chronic cuff tears in nude rats resulted in a 30% to 40% decrease in muscle mass, a 23% reduction in production of muscle force, and an induction of genes that regulate atrophy, fibrosis, lipid accumulation, inflammation and macrophage recruitment. Marked large lipid droplet accumulation was also present. Conclusions . The extent of degenerative changes in nude rats was similar to what was observed in T-cell competent rats. T cells may not play an important role in regulating muscle degeneration following chronic muscle unloading. The general similarities between nude and T-cell competent rats suggest the nude rat is likely an appropriate preclinical model for the study of xenografts that have the potential to enhance the treatment of chronically torn rotator cuff muscles. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:262–72

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 subscapularis muscles in both shoulders in every person. Torque of the force was calculated and normalised to lean body mass. The profiles of mean torque-time curves for each age and gender group were compared. Results. Our data showed that men gradually gained maximal strength in the fifth decade, and showed decreased strength in the sixth. In women the maximal strength was gained in the fourth decade with gradual decline to the sixth decade of life. The dominant arm was stronger in most of the tested groups. The torque profiles of the rotator cuff muscles in men at all ages were significantly higher than that in women. Conclusions. We found previously unrecognised variations of rotator cuff muscles’ isometric strength according to age, gender and dominancy in a normal population. The presented data may serve as a basis for the future studies for identification of the abnormal patterns of muscle isometric strength in patients with pathology of the rotator cuff muscles. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:214–19

While the evolution of the bony skeleton of the shoulder girdle is well described, there is little information regarding the soft tissues, in particular of the rotator cuff. We dissected the shoulders of 23 different species and compared the anatomical features of the tendons of the rotator cuff. The alignment and orientation of the collagen fibres of some of the tendons were also examined histologically. The behaviour of the relevant species was studied, with particular reference to the extent and frequency of forward-reaching and overhead activity of the forelimb. In quadrupedal species, the tendons of supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor were seen to insert into the greater tuberosity of the humerus separately. They therefore did not form a true rotator cuff with blending of the tendons. This was only found in advanced primates and in one unusual species, the tree kangaroo. These findings support the suggestion that the appearance of the rotator cuff in the evolutionary process parallels anatomical adaptation to regular overhead activity and the increased use of the arm away from the sagittal plane

Aims

It has been established that mechanical stimulation benefits tendon-bone (T-B) healing, and macrophage phenotype can be regulated by mechanical cues; moreover, the interaction between macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) plays a fundamental role in tissue repair. This study aimed to investigate the role of macrophage-mediated MSC chondrogenesis in load-induced T-B healing in depth.

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

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

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: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:523–9

The establishment of a suitable animal model of repair of the rotator cuff is difficult since the presence of a true rotator cuff anatomically appears to be restricted almost exclusively to advanced primates. Our observational study describes the healing process after repair of the cuff in a primate model. Lesions were prepared and repaired in eight ‘middle-aged’ baboons. Two each were killed at four, eight, 12 and 15 weeks post-operatively. The bone-tendon repair zones were assessed macroscopically and histologically. Healing of the baboon supraspinatus involved a sequence of stages resulting in the reestablishment of the bone-tendon junction. It was not uniform and occurred more rapidly at the sites of suture fixation than between them. Four weeks after repair the bone-tendon healing was immature. Whereas macroscopically the repair appeared to be healed at eight weeks, the Sharpey fibres holding the repair together did not appear in any considerable number before 12 weeks. By 15 weeks, the bone-tendon junction was almost, but not quite mature. Our results support the use of a post-operative rehabilitation programme in man which protects the surgical repair for at least 12 to 15 weeks in order to allow maturation of tendon-to-bone healing

We compared time-dependent changes in the biomechanical properties of single-and double-row repair of a simulated acute tear of the rotator cuff in rabbits to determine the effect of the fixation techniques on the healing process. A tear of the supraspinatus tendon was created in 80 rabbits which were separated into two equal groups. A single-row repair with two suture anchors was conducted in group 1 and a double-row repair with four suture anchors in group 2. A total of ten intact contralateral shoulder joints was used as a control group. Biomechanical testing was performed immediately post-operatively and at four and eight weeks, and histological analysis at four and eight weeks. The mean load to failure in group 2 animals was greater than in group 1, but both groups remained lower than the control group at all intervals. Histological analysis showed similar healing properties at four and eight weeks in both groups, but a significantly larger number of healed tendon-bone interfaces were identified in group 2 than in group 1 at eight weeks (p < 0.012). The ultimate load to failure increased with the number of suture anchors used immediately post-operatively, and at four and eight weeks. The increased load to failure at eight weeks seemed to be related to the increase in the surface area of healed tendon-to-bone in the double-row repair group

CT arthrography and arthroscopy were used to assess tears of the rotator cuff in 259 shoulders. Tear size was determined in the frontal and sagittal planes according to the classification of the French Arthroscopy Society. CT arthrography had a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of tears of supraspinatus. For infraspinatus these figures were 97.44% and 99.52%, respectively and, for subscapularis, 64.71% and 98.17%. For lesions of the long head of the biceps, the sensitivity was 45.76% and the specificity was 99.57%. Our study showed an excellent correlation between CT arthrography and arthroscopy when assessing the extent of a rotator cuff tear. CT arthrography should, therefore, be an indispensable part of pre-operative assessment. It allows determination of whether a tear is reparable (retraction of the tendon and fatty degeneration of the corresponding muscle) and whether this is possible by arthroscopy (degree of tendon retraction and extension to subscapularis)

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.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis performed without repairing the rotator cuff defect.

We undertook clinical and ultrasonographic examination of the shoulders of 420 asymptomatic volunteers aged between 50 and 79 years. MRI was performed in selected cases. Full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff were detected in 32 subjects (7.6%). The prevalence increased with age as follows: 50 to 59 years, 2.1%; 60 to 69 years, 5.7%; and 70 to 79 years, 15%. The mean size of the tear was less than 3 cm and tear localisation was limited to the supraspinatus tendon in most cases (78%). The strength of flexion was reduced significantly in the group with tears (p = 0.01). Asymptomatic tears of the rotator cuff should be regarded as part of the normal ageing process in the elderly but may be less common than hitherto believed

1. The avascular zone in the tendon of the supraspinatus near its insertion was not seen in the other tendons comprising the rotator cuff, except for the superior portion of the insertion of the infraspinatus which, on occasions, showed a small avascular area. The biceps tendon, however, also showed an avascular zone as it coursed over the head of the humerus. It is suggested that the anatomical disposition of these tendons makes them subject to constant pressure from the head of the humerus, which tends to wring out the blood supply to these tendons when the arm is held in the resting position of adduction and neutral rotation. 2. Although this study did not produce any evidence that the relative avascularity of the tendons over a prolonged period could be indicted as the sole cause of the degenerative changes that so commonly occur, it was noted that the degenerative changes occurred first and that they were always most extensive in the areas of avascularity. It was also observed that the zones of relative avascularity preceded, and were not the result of, the degenerative changes. 3. With the onset of tendon degeneration, secondary vascular phenomena were observed. Firstly, there was a reaction that appeared to be a foreign body inflammatory response with the development of vascular tufts of granulation tissue. It was thought that these vascular changes were secondary to the breakdown in the tendons and were not the cause of the breakdown as previously suggested by Anderson and Moore. it was noted, moreover, that with the progression of degenerative changes in the supraspinatus tendon, the tendon became much attenuated and, as it did so, the zone of relative avascularity appeared to extend. This secondary shut-down of the vascular bed might well be caused by an increased tension in the tendon. In those tendons in which spontaneous rupture had occurred, it was noted that the major part of the tendon proximal to the rupture was avascular and showed evidence of much degenerative change. This study therefore suggests that in the operative repair of such lesions it is necessary to excise the degenerate avascular tendon in order to effect a sound repair. It is also suggested that detachment of the supraspinatus muscle from the supraspinous fossa in order to advance the whole muscle belly is the only technique possible to enable the surgeon to replace healthy tendon directly into bone, as suggested by Debeyre and his colleagues

Aims

This study aimed to assess the impact of using the metal-augmented glenoid baseplate (AGB) on improving clinical and radiological outcomes, as well as reducing complications, in patients with superior glenoid wear undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA).

Antegrade nailing of proximal humeral fractures using a straight nail can damage the bony insertion of the supraspinatus tendon and may lead to varus failure of the construct. In order to establish the ideal anatomical landmarks for insertion of the nail and their clinical relevance we analysed CT scans of bilateral proximal humeri in 200 patients (mean age 45.1 years (. sd. 19.6; 18 to 97) without humeral fractures. The entry point of the nail was defined by the point of intersection of the anteroposterior and lateral vertical axes with the cortex of the humeral head. The critical point was defined as the intersection of the sagittal axis with the medial limit of the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon on the greater tuberosity. The region of interest, i.e. the biggest entry hole that would not encroach on the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon, was calculated setting a 3 mm minimal distance from the critical point. This identified that 38.5% of the humeral heads were categorised as ‘critical types’, due to morphology in which the predicted offset of the entry point would encroach on the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon that may damage the tendon and reduce the stability of fixation. We therefore emphasise the need for ‘fastidious’ pre-operative planning to minimise this risk. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:249–53

1. In a series of one hundred personal cases of "painful shoulder" rupture of the musculotendinous cuff was proved by operation in eighteen cases and was presumed in eight further cases, namely, in about one quarter of the series. 2. Of the eighteen cases treated by operation through the transacromial approach, perfect results were obtained only in four. The other results were unsatisfactory. In five, movement was good but there was pain or weakness of the limb. In nine the condition was unaltered or made worse. 3. Conservative treatment of traumatic lesions of the supraspinatus tendon is therefore advocated. The advisability of rest of the shoulder joint in an abduction splint for five or six weeks is stressed. Operative exposure, through a transacromial approach, is recommended only when conservative measures have failed. 4. When there is rupture of the cuff there is evidence that simple longitudinal suture of the gap after freshening of the margins is likely to give better results than attempts to suture the medial end of the rupture to the greater tuberosity. Most ruptures have a longitudinal extension of the initial transverse tear, and direct suture of the medial edge of the gap to the greater tuberosity may lead to shortening of the tendon and interference with its function. 5. Ruptures of the supraspinatus tendon may cause no symptoms, lead to complete loss of function, or cause a painful arc of movement during mid-elevation. The clinical state depends upon whether or not the condition of the ruptured tendon is causing pain, and whether the other short rotator muscles of the shoulder can compensate in tensor and fixator actions for the loss of action of the supraspinatus. 6. Capsulitis is a convenient term by which to describe inflammatory lesions of the capsule and bursae around the shoulder joint. The initial stage of irritative capsulitis may develop to the later stage of adhesive capsulitis. Differentiation is important because treatment in the first stage is by rest, and in the second by manipulation and exercise. 7. The subdeltoid bursa is the "peritoneum" of the spinatus tendons; like the peritoneum it shares the pathology of the organs it protects and is itself seldom the site of primary pathological processes. 8. The management of the "frozen shoulder," whether loss of movement is protective or adhesive, calls for time and patience but the ultimate outlook is good

Introduction. 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. Methods. We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results. A total of 101 studies met the inclusion criteria: 92 studies used human subjects exclusively, seven used animal overuse models, and the remaining two studies involved both humans and an animal overuse model. A total of 58 studies analysed supraspinatus tendon exclusively, 16 analysed subacromial bursal tissue exclusively, while the other studies analysed other tissue or varying combinations of tissue types including joint fluid and muscle. The molecular biomarkers that were altered in RCD included matrix substances, growth factors, enzymes and other proteins including certain neuropeptides. Conclusions. The pathogenesis of RCD is being slowly unravelled as a result of the significant recent advances in molecular medicine. Future research aimed at further unlocking these key molecular processes will be pivotal in developing new surgical interventions both in terms of the diagnosis and treatment of RCD

Antegrade intramedullary nailing of fractures of the shaft of the humerus is reported to cause impairment of the shoulder joint. We have reviewed 33 patients with such fractures to assess how many had injuries to the ipsilateral shoulder. All had an MR scan of the shoulder within 11 days of injury. The unaffected shoulder was also scanned as a control. There was evidence of abnormality in 21 of the shoulders (63.6%) on the injured side; ten had bursitis of the subacromial space, five evidence of a partial tear of the rotator cuff, one a complete rupture of the supraspinatus tendon, four inflammatory changes in the acromioclavicular joint and one a fracture of the coracoid process. These injuries may contribute to pain and dysfunction of the shoulder following treatment, and their presence indicates that antegrade nailing is only partly, if at all, responsible for these symptoms

Objectives. 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. Methods. 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. Results. There was significant loss of muscle weight and volume after one week (p = 0.004 and 0.003, respectively), and two weeks (both p < 0.001) in the experimental group; which recovered to control values after six weeks. I-fat accumulated one week after immediate repair, greater than in the control group and statistically significant at the mid-part of the muscle (mean 2.7% vs 1.5%, p = 0.008). I-fat continued to accumulate up to six weeks at all sites of the SSP muscle (all 3, p < 0.001). More fat accumulated closer to the musculotendinous junction than at the mid-part after two and six weeks (p = 0.012 and 0.019, respectively). Conclusion. Muscle atrophy and i-fat accumulation occur early after SSP tendon tear and immediate repair. While early repair benefitted muscle recovery, it did not prevent fat accumulation. SSP muscle retraction was not essential to the muscle alterations. The divergent evolution of muscle and fat points to different pathophysiologies. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:117–22

The December 2023 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup³⁶⁰ 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 subscapularis tears; Long-term follow-up following closed reduction and early movement for simple dislocation of the elbow; Sternoclavicular joint reconstruction for traumatic acute and chronic anterior and posterior instability.

The June 2024 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Reverse versus anatomical total shoulder replacement for osteoarthritis? A UK national picture; Acute rehabilitation following traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (ARTISAN): pragmatic, multicentre, randomized controlled trial; acid for rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials; Metal or ceramic humeral head total shoulder arthroplasty: an analysis of data from the National Joint Registry; Platelet-rich plasma has better results for long-term functional improvement and pain relief for lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials; Quantitative fatty infiltration and 3D muscle volume after nonoperative treatment of symptomatic rotator cuff tears: a prospective MRI study of 79 patients; Locking plates for non-osteoporotic proximal humeral fractures in the long term; A systematic review of the treatment of primary acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis.

Aims

A revision for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has a major effect on the patient’s quality of life, including walking capacity. The objective of this case control study was to investigate the histological and ultrastructural changes to the gluteus medius tendon (GMED) in patients revised due to a PJI, and to compare it with revision THAs without infection performed using the same lateral approach.

Aims

Frozen shoulder is a common and debilitating condition characterized by pain and restricted movement at the glenohumeral joint. Various treatment methods have been explored to alleviate symptoms, with suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) emerging as a promising intervention. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of SSNB in treating frozen shoulder.

Bone defects are frequently observed in anterior shoulder instability. Over the last decade, knowledge of the association of bone loss with increased failure rates of soft-tissue repair has shifted the surgical management of chronic shoulder instability. On the glenoid side, there is no controversy about the critical glenoid bone loss being 20%. However, poor outcomes have been described even with a subcritical glenoid bone defect as low as 13.5%. On the humeral side, the Hill-Sachs lesion should be evaluated concomitantly with the glenoid defect as the two sides of the same bipolar lesion which interact in the instability process, as described by the glenoid track concept. We advocate adding remplissage to every Bankart repair in patients with a Hill-Sachs lesion, regardless of the glenoid bone loss. When critical or subcritical glenoid bone loss occurs in active patients (> 15%) or bipolar off-track lesions, we should consider anterior glenoid bone reconstructions. The techniques have evolved significantly over the last two decades, moving from open procedures to arthroscopic, and from screw fixation to metal-free fixation. The new arthroscopic techniques of glenoid bone reconstruction procedures allow precise positioning of the graft, identification, and treatment of concomitant injuries with low morbidity and faster recovery. Given the problems associated with bone resorption and metal hardware protrusion, the new metal-free techniques for Latarjet or free bone block procedures seem a good solution to avoid these complications, although no long-term data are yet available.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1100–1110.

Aims

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.

1. The results of operation in sixty-three patients with rupture of the rotator cuff of the shoulder have been reviewed. 2. In seventeen patients the classical delto-pectoral route was found to give poor access and mediocre results. 3. In forty-six patients a superior approach along the supraspinatus fossa and through the divided acromion process was found to give excellent access and to permit lateral advancement of the supraspinatus muscle in order to enable wide gaps to be closed. With this improved surgical access the proportion of good results has been doubled. 4. It is suggested that when a case of rupture of the cuff, confirmed by arthrography, fails to respond to physiotherapy, operative repair should be undertaken

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.

We measured the isokinetic strength of abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation in ten patients with full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus and ten with partial-thickness tears. The measurements were repeated after intra-articular or intrabursal injection of local anaesthetic. Pain blocks produced significant increases in strength in both full and partial-thickness tears. After the block, the strength in full-thickness tears compared with the opposite side was 67% to 81% in abduction and 67% to 78% in external rotation, both significantly smaller than those on the uninvolved side (p = 0.0064, p = 0.0170). In partial-thickness tears the strength after the block ranged from 82% to 111%, with no significant differences between the involved and uninvolved sides. The decreases in strength of 19% to 33% in abduction and 22% to 33% in external rotation after full-thickness tears appear to represent the contribution of supraspinatus to the strength of the shoulder

Aims

This study aimed to define the histopathology of degenerated humeral head cartilage and synovial inflammation of the glenohumeral joint in patients with omarthrosis (OmA) and cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). Additionally, the potential of immunohistochemical tissue biomarkers in reflecting the degeneration status of humeral head cartilage was evaluated.

Aims

Myokine developmental endothelial locus-1 (DEL-1) has been documented to alleviate inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in various cell types. However, the effects of DEL-1 on inflammation, ER stress, and apoptosis in tenocytes remain unclear.

1. The end-results of conservative treatment of supraspinatus tears have been studied in a series of 109 patients graded on a clinical basis, and in a further series of twenty-seven patients assessed initially by procaine infiltration. 2. In 87 per cent. of patients with mild lesions, full function was regained in an average period of five and a half weeks. In more than 50 per cent. of patients with apparently severe lesions, there was full functional recovery in eleven to thirteen weeks. 3. Clinical assessment, other than as mild or apparently severe, is unreliable in the early stages. 4. Procaine infiltration of recent tears, by abolishing pain and spasm, allows more accurate assessment of supraspinatus function and gives a more clear indication as to the advisability of conservative or early operative treatment. If such infiltration of the torn segment of tendon fails to restore voluntary abduction power, early operative repair is indicated. 5. Six patients with negative procaine tests, in whom the shoulder cuff was subsequently explored, all showed extensive tears

A cadaver study was performed to determine the effect of arm position and capsular release on rotator cuff repair. Artificial defects were made in the rotator cuff to include only the supraspinatus (small) or both supraspinatus and infraspinatus (large). The defects were repaired in a standard manner with the shoulder abducted 30 degrees at the glenohumeral joint. Strain gauges were placed on the lateral cortex of the greater tuberosity and measurements were recorded in 36 different combinations of abduction, flexion/extension, and medial/lateral rotation. Readings were obtained before and after capsular release. With small tears, tension in the repair increased significantly with movement from 30 degrees to 15 degrees of abduction (p < 0.01) but was minimally affected by changes in flexion or rotation. Capsular release significantly reduced the force (p < 0.01) at 0 degree and 15 degrees abduction. For large tears, abduction of 30 degrees or more with lateral rotation and extension consistently produced the lowest values. Capsular release resulted in 30% less force at 0 degree abduction (p < 0.05)

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 subscapularis force at 30° when compared with the control (p = 0.02). At 60°, the subscapularis force increased a mean of 82% (p < 0.001) and the middle deltoid force increased a mean of 26% (p = 0.04). Scapular plane elevation may still be possible following an RTSR in the setting of anterior deltoid deficiency. When the anterior deltoid is deficient, there is a compensatory increase in the force required by the subscapularis and middle deltoid. Attempts to preserve the subscapularis, if present, might maximise post-operative function

Tendon is a bradytrophic and hypovascular tissue, hence, healing remains a major challenge. The molecular key events involved in successful repair have to be unravelled to develop novel strategies that reduce the risk of unfavourable outcomes such as non-healing, adhesion formation, and scarring. This review will consider the diverse pathophysiological features of tendon-derived cells that lead to failed healing, including misrouted differentiation (e.g. de- or transdifferentiation) and premature cell senescence, as well as the loss of functional progenitors. Many of these features can be attributed to disturbed cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) or unbalanced soluble mediators involving not only resident tendon cells, but also the cross-talk with immigrating immune cell populations. Unrestrained post-traumatic inflammation could hinder successful healing. Pro-angiogenic mediators trigger hypervascularization and lead to persistence of an immature repair tissue, which does not provide sufficient mechano-competence. Tendon repair tissue needs to achieve an ECM composition, structure, strength, and stiffness that resembles the undamaged highly hierarchically ordered tendon ECM. Adequate mechano-sensation and -transduction by tendon cells orchestrate ECM synthesis, stabilization by cross-linking, and remodelling as a prerequisite for the adaptation to the increased mechanical challenges during healing. Lastly, this review will discuss, from the cell biological point of view, possible optimization strategies for augmenting Achilles tendon (AT) healing outcomes, including adapted mechanostimulation and novel approaches by restraining neoangiogenesis, modifying stem cell niche parameters, tissue engineering, the modulation of the inflammatory cells, and the application of stimulatory factors.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(8):561–574.

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 subscapularis tears (p < 0.0001). It appears that the natural history of the tenotomised long head of biceps tendon is to tenodese itself inside or just outside the bicipital groove, while its pre-operative condition and coexistent subscapularis tears play a significant role in the occurrence of a Popeye sign

Operative release for entrapment of the suprascapular nerve was carried out in 35 patients. They were assessed at an average of 30 months (12 to 98) after operation using the functional shoulder score devised by Constant and Murley. The average age at the time of surgery was 40 years (17 to 67). Entrapment was due to injury in ten patients and no cause was found in three; 34 had diffuse posterolateral shoulder pain. The strength of abduction was reduced in all the patients. The average Constant score, unadjusted for age or gender, before operative release was 47% (28 to 53). In 25 of the patients both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were atrophied and seven had isolated atrophy of the infraspinatus muscle. The average conduction time from Erb’s point to the supraspinatus muscle and to the infraspinatus muscle was 5.7 ms (2.8 to 12.8) and 7.4 ms (3.4 to 13.4), respectively. In two patients MRI revealed a ganglion in the infraspinatus fossa and, in another, a complete rupture of the rotator cuff. The average time from the onset of symptoms to operation was ten months (3 to 36). A posterior approach was advocated. The average Constant score, after operative release, unadjusted for age or gender was 77% (35 to 91). The overall result was excellent in ten of the patients, very good in seven, good in 14, fair in two, and poor in two. The symptomatic and functional outcome in our series confirmed the usefulness and safety of operative decompression for entrapment of the suprascapular nerve

Our aim in this prospective study was to evaluate the outcome of total shoulder replacement in the treatment of young and middle-aged active patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. We reviewed 21 patients (21 shoulders) with a mean age of 55 years (37 to 60). The mean follow-up was seven years (5 to 9). The same anatomical, third-generation, cemented implant had been used in all patients. All the patients were evaluated radiologically and clinically using the Constant and Murley score. No patients required revision. In one a tear of the supraspinatus tendon occurred. Overall, 20 patients (95%) were either very satisfied (n = 18) or satisfied (n = 2) with the outcome. Significant differences (p < 0.0001) were found for all categories of the Constant and Murley score pre- and post-operatively. The mean Constant and Murley score increased from 24.1 points (10 to 45) to 64.5 points (39 to 93), and the relative score from 30.4% (11% to 50%) to 83% (54% to 116%). No clinical or radiological signs of loosening of the implant were seen. For young and middle-aged patients with osteoarthritis, third-generation total shoulder replacement is a viable method of treatment with a low rate of complications and excellent results in the mid-term

Aims

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.

We have studied cellular and vascular changes in different stages of full thickness tears of the rotator cuff. We examined biopsies from the supraspinatus tendon in 40 patients with chronic rotator cuff tears who were undergoing surgery and compared them with biopsies from four uninjured subscapularis tendons. Morphological and immunocytochemical methods using monoclonal antibodies directed against leucocytes, macrophages, mast cells, proliferative and vascular markers were used. Histological changes indicative of repair and inflammation were most evident in small sized rotator cuff tears with increased fibroblast cellularity and intimal hyperplasia, together with increased expression of leucocyte and vascular markers. These reparative and inflammatory changes diminished as the size of the rotator cuff tear increased. Marked oedema and degeneration was seen in large and massive tears, which more often showed chondroid metaplasia and amyloid deposition. There was no association between the age of the patient and the duration of symptoms. In contrast, large and massive tears showed no increase in the number of inflammatory cells and blood vessels. Small sized rotator cuff tears retained the greatest potential to heal, showing increased fibroblast cellularity, blood vessel proliferation and the presence of a significant inflammatory component. Tissue from large and massive tears is of such a degenerative nature that it may be a significant cause of re-rupture after surgical repair and could make healing improbable in this group

Aims

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.

Aims

Despite recent advances in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, re-tear rates remain high. New methods to improve healing rates following rotator cuff repair must be sought. Our primary objective was to determine if adjunctive bone marrow stimulation with channelling five to seven days prior to arthroscopic cuff repair would lead to higher Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) scores at 24 months postoperatively compared with no channelling.

1. Two cases of deposition of calcium in the medial ligament of the knee are described. Pain was a prominent feature in both. 2. A review of the literature suggests this is an uncommon condition. 3. The condition closely resembles supraspinatus calcification, and the etiology is probably similar. 4. Both cases were treated by operation, with complete relief of symptoms

1. The supraspinatus group of lesions constitutes one of the two common causes of the painful shoulder. 2. Most, but not all, of these lesions resolve either spontaneously or after conservative treatment. 3. When conservative treatment fails symptoms can be relieved by excision of the acromion process, provided that sufficient bone is removed to relieve all pressure on the tendon throughout a full range of shoulder movement. 4. Excision of the acromion is contra-indicated if there is doubt as to the diagnosis or if there is true limitation of shoulder movement

Using 26 cadaver shoulders, we produced a standard defect in the supraspinatus tendon and performed one of three types of repair. Their strength was found by testing in tension the force required to produce a gap of 3 mm, then 6 mm, and finally total disruption of the repair. The use of a polyethylene patch to spread the forces over the lateral bone surface and of extra sutures to grasp the tendon end raised by 2.6 times the load at which a 3 mm gap in the repair occurred and by 1.7 times the load to failure

We describe five patients, seen since 1984, with posterior shoulder pain and isolated wasting and weakness of the infraspinatus. In four of these a ganglion in the spinoglenoid notch was demonstrated by MRI and in one recent case ultrasound scans were positive. Three patients have been treated by operation, but there was recurrence in one after five years. In each confirmed case, the ganglion straddled the base of the spine of the scapula, extending into both supraspinatus and infraspinatus fossae. The nerve was either compressed against the spine or stretched over the posterior aspect of the ganglion. Adequate surgical exposure is essential to preserve the nerve to the infraspinatus and to allow complete removal of the ganglion. This is difficult because of the location and thin-walled nature of the cysts

1. Three cases of localised deposition of calcium salts deep to the origin of the common extensors of the forearm with acute symptoms clinically indistinguishable from "tennis elbow" are described. 2. Reports of nine similar cases have been found in the literature. 3. It is suggested that "tennis elbow" is caused by a lesion, probably an adventitial bursa, in the tissue space between the tendon of origin of the forearm extensors and the capsule of the radio-humeral joint; and that it is the sudden precipitation of calcium phosphate at this site which causes the lesion here described. 4. Acute calcification near the elbow joint is compared with the similar calcification which may occur in the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon. 5. Operative treatment is advised

We studied five cadaver shoulders to determine the strength relationship of the four rotator cuff muscles. The mean fibre length and volume of each muscle were measured, from which the physiological cross-sectional area was calculated. This value was used to estimate the force which each muscle was capable of generating. The lever arm of each muscle about the humeral head was then measured and the moment exerted was calculated. The strength ratios between the muscles were more or less constant in the five specimens. Subscapularis was the most powerful muscle and contributed 53% of the cuff moment; supraspinatus contributed 14%, infraspinatus 22% and teres minor 10%. The force-generating capacity of the subscapularis was equal to that of the other three muscles combined

We describe 11 cases of posterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder that required open reduction and fixation. Difficulties with access through anterior approaches led us to use the superior subacromial approach. This is an extension of the approach often used to expose the rotator cuff; the joint is opened by splitting the supraspinatus tendon 5 mm behind the cuff interval. The glenoid, proximal humerus and any fracture fragments can be seen from above, allowing reduction of the dislocation and osteosynthesis to be performed with minimal risk of damage to the humeral head and its blood supply. The proximity of the axillary nerve limits the exposure of the proximal humeral shaft. The superior subacromial approach is ideal for posterior dislocation with fracture of the articular segment, but is not suitable when there is a fracture of the proximal humeral shaft

We studied 54 patients operated on for combined supraspinatus and infraspinatus rotator-cuff tears. The presence or absence of the dropping and hornblower’s clinical signs of impaired external rotation were correlated with Goutallier stage-3 or stage-4 fatty degeneration of infraspinatus and teres minor. These grades of fatty degeneration have previously been correlated with a poorer outcome from reconstructive surgery. We found that hornblower’s sign had 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity for irreparable degeneration of teres minor and the dropping sign 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for similar degeneration of infraspinatus. In seven patients, teres minor showed hypertrophy. This muscle can give useful function for the activities of daily living in patients with rotator-cuff tears in whom it is intact

We treated 12 shoulders in ten patients with irreparable rotator-cuff tears by transfer of the latissimus dorsi. There were nine men and one woman. Their average age was 64.0 years and the average follow-up was 35.6 months (26 to 42). The results were excellent in four shoulders, good in four, fair in one, and poor in three. Active forward flexion improved from a preoperative average of 99° to a postoperative average of 135°. Osteoarthritic changes appeared in five shoulders and proximal migration of the humeral head progressed in six. EMG revealed that nine of the 12 transferred muscles showed activity which was synergistic with the supraspinatus on external rotation with abduction. We conclude that latissimus dorsi transfer can be effective in restoring shoulder function after massive irreparable tears of the rotator cuff

Ninety-seven patients suffering from painful arc syndrome of the shoulder were studied. Local anaesthetic and radiographic contrast investigations were carried out. One-third of the patients had lesions in the posterior part of the rotator cuff which resolved after injections of local anaesthetic and steroid. One-third had anterior lesions in the subscapularis tendon: almost all resolved under the same regime but two required division of the coraco-acromial ligament. The remaining third had lesions of the supraspinatus tendon, usually associated with degeneration of the acromio-clavicular joint: most of these failed to gain relief from the local anaesthetic and steroid. Twenty-two operations were performed either by a transcromial or by a deltoid splitting approach. Excision of the outer end of the clavicle and division of the coraco-acromial ligament abolished the pain in most cases

Age-related localised deposition of amyloid in connective tissue has been found in degenerative articular and periarticular tissue. Biopsies of the supraspinatus tendon of 28 patients undergoing repair of the rotator cuff were analysed histologically for the presence of localised deposition of amyloid. There was a long history of impingement in 20 patients, and eight patients had suffered an acute traumatic tear with no preceding symptoms. Localised deposition of amyloid identified by Congo Red staining was detected in 16 samples (57%). Amyloid was present in 14 (70%) of the degenerative tears, but in only two (25%) of the acute tears. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the amyloid deposits were positive for P component, but negative for κ and λ light chains, prealbumin, and β2 microglobulin. Critical electrolyte staining revealed highly-sulphated glycosaminoglycans at sites of deposition of amyloid. The presence of localised deposition of amyloid in tears of the rotator cuff is likely to represent irreversible structural changes. These findings support the theory that impingement and tears are due to intrinsic degenerative changes within the tendons of the rotator cuff

Most brachial plexus palsies are due to trauma, often resulting from motorcycle accidents. When nerve repair and physiotherapy are unsuccessful, muscle transfer may be considered. Paralysis of the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles can be addressed by transfer of the trapezius. Between March 1994 and June 1997 we treated 38 patients with brachial plexus palsy by trapezius transfer and reviewed 31 of these (7 women, 24 men) after a mean follow-up of 23.8 months (12 to 39), reporting the clinical and radiological results and subjective assessment. The mean age of the patients was 29 years (18 to 46). The operations had been performed according to the method of Saha described in 1967, involving transfer of the acromion with the insertion of the trapezius to the proximal humerus, and immobilisation in an abduction support for six weeks. Rehabilitation started on the first postoperative day with active exercises for the elbow, hand and fingers, and electrical stimulation of the transferred trapezius. All 31 patients had improved function with a decrease in multidirectional instability of the shoulder. The average increase in active abduction was from 7.3° (0 to 45) to 39° (25 to 80) at the latest review. The mean forward flexion increased from 20° (0 to 85) to 44° (20 to 90). Twenty-nine of the 31 were satisfied with the improvement in stability and function. Trapezius transfer for brachial plexus palsy involving the shoulder improves function and stability with clear subjective benefits

1. Arthrography demonstrates two types of injury to the capsule in acute anterior dislocations of the shoulder. 2. The first is a capsular rupture which does not appear to lead to recurrent dislocation of the shoulder unless there is concomitant humeral head damage. In this group healing is complete in ten days and it should be safe to start exercises early. 3. The second is associated with labral detachment from the glenoid and most heal with immobilisation for three weeks. Failure to heal leads to recurrent dislocation. It is not known whether immobilisation had any influence on healing of the lesion in these patients and this remains the subject of further investigation. 4. In recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder there is constant enlargement of the subscapular bursa, the outline of which becomes continuous with the inferior pouch. Axial arthrographs show either an absence of the glenoid labral outline or an enlarged entrance to the subscapular bursa. 5. Ruptures of the supraspinatus portion of the tendinous cuff were seen in five patients out of a total of twenty-seven acute dislocations, suggesting that this associated injury is more common than was previously believed. POSTERIOR DISLOCATIONS. 6. When the dislocation is voluntary there is marked elasticity of the capsule but the joint is only unstable in one direction when examined under anaesthesia. Both shoulders appear equally affected when examined radiologically under general anaesthesia even though the patient only has the ability to dislocate one. 7. All patients with voluntary dislocation had a curious voluntary muscle control and were able to contract the anterior and posterior parts of deltoid separately. Each dislocation was preceded by scapular movement. 8. No evidence of increased joint laxity was found in other joints in any of the patients. 9. In two patients with acute dislocations the defect of the humeral head was seen after the initial dislocation and in the third patient it occurred at the time of the second dislocation. In all three there was a spill of fluid beneath the subscapularis but no leakage into the axilla as occurred in anterior dislocation with capsular rupture. The capacity for healing appeared greater than in anterior dislocations with labral detachment; one patient treated in a sling had a better functional result than another treated with the shoulder in lateral rotation

Objectives

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography is an emerging technique that can provide detailed anatomical information during surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine whether ICG fluorescence angiography can be used to evaluate the blood flow of the rotator cuff tendon in the clinical setting.

Aims

In patients with a rotator cuff tear, tear pattern and tendon involvement are known risk factors for the development of pseudoparalysis of the shoulder. It remains unclear, however, why similar tears often have very different functional consequences. The present study hypothesizes that individual shoulder anatomy, specifically the moment arms (MAs) of the rotator cuff (RC) and the deltoid muscle, as well as their relative recruitment during shoulder abduction, plays a central role in pseudoparalysis.

Aims

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

Aims

Many biomechanical studies have shown that the weakest biomechanical point of a rotator cuff repair is the suture-tendon interface at the medial row. We developed a novel double rip-stop (DRS) technique to enhance the strength at the medial row for rotator cuff repair. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties of the DRS technique with the conventional suture-bridge (SB) technique and to evaluate the biomechanical performance of the DRS technique with medial row knots.

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

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of surgical repair to conservative treatment and subacromial decompression for the treatment of chronic/degenerative tears of the rotator cuff.

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.

Aims

We conducted a study to identify factors that are prognostic of the outcome of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.

Aims

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.

Objectives

Platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) has been proved to enhance tenocyte proliferation but has mixed results when used during rotator cuff repair. The optimal PRFM preparation protocol should be determined before clinical application. To screen the best PRFM to each individual’s tenocytes effectively, small-diameter culture wells should be used to increase variables. The gelling effect of PRFM will occur when small-diameter culture wells are used. A co-culture device should be designed to avoid this effect.