Aims. The aim of this study was to analyze how proximal radial neck resorption (PRNR) starts and progresses radiologically in two types of press-fit radial head arthroplasties (RHAs), and to investigate its clinical relevance. Methods. A total of 97 patients with RHA were analyzed: 56 received a bipolar RHA (Group 1) while 41 received an anatomical implant (Group 2). Radiographs were performed postoperatively and after three, six, nine, and 12 weeks, six, nine, 12, 18, and 24 months, and annually thereafter. PRNR was measured in all radiographs in the four radial neck quadrants. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and the patient-assessed American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score - Elbow (pASES-E) were used for the clinical assessment. Radiological signs of implant loosening were investigated. Results. The mean follow-up was six years (2 to 14). PRNR started after a mean of 7.5 weeks (SD 2.1) and progressed significantly during the first two years, by the end of which the bone resorption stabilized. PRNR was detected in 81% (n = 45) of patients in Group 1 and 88% (n = 36) in Group 2. The final mean PRNR was 3.0 mm (SD 2.3) in Group 1 and 3.7 mm (SD 2.5) in Group 2. The mean MEPS, QuickDASH, and pASES-E were 95.9 (SD 11.5), 4.4 (SD 9.2), and 94.8 (SD 10.9) in Group 1 and 92.2 (SD 16.2), 9.9 (SD 21.5), and 90.8 (SD 15) in Group 2, respectively. No significant differences were observed between groups in the clinical and radiological outcomes. No correlations were found between PRNR and the clinical results. Conclusion. PRNR after press-fit RHA is a common radiological finding that develops in the first 24 months before stabilizing definitively. PRNR does not affect the clinical results or implant survival in the mid term. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):905–911

Aims. There are concerns regarding complications and longevity of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in young patients, and the few previous publications are mainly limited to reports on linked elbow devices. We investigated the clinical outcome of unlinked TEA for patients aged less than 50 years with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 26 elbows of 21 patients with RA who were aged less than 50 years who underwent primary TEA with an unlinked elbow prosthesis. The mean patient age was 46 years (35 to 49), and the mean follow-up period was 13.6 years (6 to 27). Outcome measures included pain, range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), radiological evaluation for radiolucent line and loosening, complications, and revision surgery with or without implant removal. Results. The mean MEPS significantly improved from 47 (15 to 70) points preoperatively to 95 (70 to 100) points at final follow-up (p < 0.001). Complications were noted in six elbows (23%) in six patients, and of these, four with an ulnar neuropathy and one elbow with postoperative traumatic fracture required additional surgeries. There was no revision with implant removal, and there was no radiological evidence of loosening around the components. With any revision surgery as the endpoint, the survival rates up to 25 years were 78.1% (95% confidence interval 52.8 to 90.6) as determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Conclusion. The clinical outcome of primary unlinked TEA for young patients with RA was satisfactory and comparable with that for elderly patients. A favourable survival rate without implant removal might support the use of unlinked devices for young patients with this disease entity, with a caution of a relatively high complication rate regarding ulnar neuropathy. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(1):19–26

Aims. Frozen shoulder is a common, painful condition that results in impairment of function. Corticosteroid injections are commonly used for frozen shoulder and can be given as glenohumeral joint (GHJ) injection or suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). Both injection types have been shown to significantly improve shoulder pain and range of motion. It is not currently known which is superior in terms of relieving patients’ symptoms. This is the protocol for a randomized clinical trial to investigate the clinical effectiveness of corticosteroid injection given as either a GHJ injection or SSNB. Methods. The Therapeutic Injections For Frozen Shoulder (TIFFS) study is a single centre, parallel, two-arm, randomized clinical trial. Participants will be allocated on a 1:1 basis to either a GHJ corticosteroid injection or SSNB. Participants in both trial arms will then receive physiotherapy as normal for frozen shoulder. The primary analysis will compare the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at three months after injection. Secondary outcomes include OSS at six and 12 months, range of shoulder movement at three months, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale, abbreviated Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and EuroQol five-level five-dimension health index at three months, six months, and one year after injection. A minimum of 40 patients will be recruited to obtain 80% power to detect a minimally important difference of ten points on the OSS between the groups at three months after injection. The study is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT04965376. Conclusion. The results of this trial will demonstrate if there is a difference in shoulder pain and function after GHJ injection or SSNB in patients with frozen shoulder. This will help provide effective treatment to patients with frozen shoulder. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(3):205–209

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. Methods. This was retrospective analysis of 50 and 33 RSAs using a standard (33.8 mm, ST group) and a small (29.5 mm, SM group) baseplate of the Equinoxe reverse shoulder system, which were undertaken between January 2017 and March 2021. Radiological evaluations included the size of the glenoid, the β-angle, the inclination of the glenoid component, inferior overhang, scapular notching, the location of the central cage in the baseplate within the vault and the mismatch in size between the glenoid and baseplate. Clinical evaluations included the range of motion (ROM) and functional scores. In subgroup analysis, comparisons were performed between those in whom the vault of the glenoid was perforated (VP group) and those in whom it was not perforated (VNP group). Results. Perforation of the vault of the glenoid (p = 0.018) and size mismatch in height (p < 0.001) and width (p = 0.013) were significantly more frequent in the ST group than in the SM group. There was no significant difference in the clinical scores and ROM in the two groups, two years postoperatively (all p > 0.05). In subgroup analysis, the VP group had significantly less inferior overhang (p = 0.009), more scapular notching (p = 0.018), and more size mismatch in height (p < 0.001) and width (p = 0.025) than the VNP group. Conclusion. In Asian patients with a small glenoid, using a 29.5 mm small baseplate at the time of RSA was more effective in reducing size mismatch between the glenoid and the baseplate, decreasing the incidence of perforation of the glenoid vault, and achieving optimal positioning of the baseplate compared with the use of a 33.8 mm standard baseplate. However, longer follow-up is required to assess the impact of these findings on the clinical outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1189–1195

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

Aims. Vascular compromise due to arterial injury is a rare but serious complication of a proximal humeral fracture. The aims of this study were to report its incidence in a large urban population, and to identify clinical and radiological factors which are associated with this complication. We also evaluated the results of the use of our protocol for the management of these injuries. Methods. A total of 3,497 adult patients with a proximal humeral fracture were managed between January 2015 and December 2022 in a single tertiary trauma centre. Their mean age was 66.7 years (18 to 103) and 2,510 (72%) were female. We compared the demographic data, clinical features, and configuration of those whose fracture was complicated by vascular compromise with those of the remaining patients. The incidence of vascular compromise was calculated from national population data, and predictive factors for its occurrence were investigated using univariate analysis. Results. A total of 18 patients (0.5%) had a proximal humeral fracture and clinical evidence of vascular compromise, giving an annual incidence of 0.29 per 100,000 of the population. Their mean age was 68.7 years (45 to 92) and ten (56%) were female. Evidence of a mixed pattern neurological deficit (brachial plexus palsy) (odds ratio (OR) 380.6 (95% CI 85.9 to 1,685.8); p < 0.001), complete separation of the proximal shaft from the humeral head with medial displacement (OR 39.5 (95% CI 14.0 to 111.8); p < 0.001), and a fracture-dislocation (OR 5.0 (95% CI 1.6 to 15.3); p = 0.015) were all associated with an increased risk of associated vascular compromise. A policy of reduction and fixation of the fracture prior to vascular surgical intervention had favourable outcomes without vascular sequelae. Conclusion. The classic signs of distal ischaemia are often absent in patients with proximal injuries to major vessels. We were able to identify specific clinical and radiological ‘red flags’ which, particularly when present in combination, should increase the suspicion of a fracture with an associated vascular injury, and facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate combined orthopaedic and vascular intervention. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):842–848

Aims. Stemless humeral implants have been developed to overcome stem-related complications in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). However, stemless implant designs may hypothetically result in less stable initial fixation, potentially affecting long-term survival. The aim of this study is to investigate early fixation and migration patterns of the stemless humeral component of the Simpliciti Shoulder System and to evaluate clinical outcomes. Methods. In this prospective cohort study, radiostereometric analysis (RSA) radiographs were obtained in 24 patients at one day, six weeks, six months, one year, and two years postoperatively. Migration was calculated using model-based RSA. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Results. At two years, median translation along the x-, y-, and z-axis was -0.12 mm (interquartile range (IQR) -0.18 to 0.02), -0.17 mm (IQR -0.27 to -0.09), and 0.09 mm (IQR 0.02 to 0.31). Median rotation around the x-, y-, and z-axis was 0.12° (IQR -0.50 to 0.57), -0.98° (IQR -1.83 to 1.23), and 0.09° (IQR -0.76 to 0.30). Overall, 20 prostheses stabilized within 12 months postoperatively. Four prostheses showed continuous migration between 12 and 24 months. At two-year follow-up, with the exception of one revised prosthesis, all clinical scores improved significantly (median VAS difference at rest: -3.0 (IQR -1.5 to -6.0); OSS 22.0 (IQR 15.0 to 25.0); CMS 29.5 (IQR 15.0 to 35.75); and DASH -30.0 (IQR -20.6 to -41.67) (all p < 0.001)) with the exception of one revised prosthesis. Conclusion. In conclusion, we found that 20 out of 24 implants stabilized within 12 months postoperatively. The significance of continuous migration in four implants is unclear and future research on the predictive value of early migration for future loosening in TSA is required. Clinical results revealed a clinically relevant improvement. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):76–82

Aims. It has been hypothesized that proximal radial neck resorption (PRNR) following press-fit radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is due to stress-shielding. We compared two different press-fit stems by means of radiographs to investigate whether the shape and size of the stems are correlated with the degree of PRNR. Methods. The radiographs of 52 RHAs were analyzed both at 14 days postoperatively and after two years. A cylindrical stem and a conical stem were implanted in 22 patients (group 1) and 30 patients (group 2), respectively. The PRNR was measured in the four quadrants of the radial neck and the degree of stem filling was calculated by analyzing the ratio between the prosthetic stem diameter (PSD) and the medullary canal diameter (MCD) at the proximal portion of the stem (level A), halfway along the stem length (level B), and distally at the stem tip (level C). Results. Overall, 50 of the 52 patients displayed PRNR. The mean PRNR observed was 3.9 mm (0 to 7.4). The degree of endomedullary stem filling at levels A, B, and C was 96%, 90%, and 68% in group 1, and 96%, 72%, and 57%, in group 2, with differences being significant at levels B (p < 0.001) and C (p < 0.001). No significant correlations emerged between the severity of PRNR and the three stem/canal ratios either within each group or between the groups. Conclusion. PRNR in press-fit RHA appears to be independent of the shape and size of the stems. Other causes besides stem design should be investigated to explain completely this phenomenon. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):530–535

Aims. Long-term outcomes following the use of human dermal allografts in the treatment of symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears are not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate these outcomes, and to investigate whether this would be a good form of treatment in young patients in whom a reverse shoulder arthroplasty should ideally be avoided. Methods. This prospective study included 47 shoulders in 45 patients who underwent an open reconstruction of the rotator cuff using an interposition GraftJacket allograft to bridge irreparable cuff tears, between January 2007 and November 2011. The Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), pain score, and range of motion (ROM) were recorded preoperatively and at one year and a mean of 9.1 years (7.0 to 12.5) postoperatively. Results. There was significant improvement in the mean OSS from 24.7 (SD 5.4) preoperatively to 42.0 (SD 6.3) at one year, and this improvement was maintained at 9.1 years (p < 0.001), with a score of 42.8 (SD 6.8). Similar significant improvements in the pain score were seen and maintained at the final follow-up from 6.1 (SD 1.6) to 2.1 (SD 2.3) (p < 0.001). There were also significant improvements in the ROM of the shoulder, and patient satisfaction was high. Conclusion. The use of an interposition human dermal allograft in patients with an irreparable rotator cuff tear leads to good outcomes that are maintained at a mean of nine years postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):91–96

Aims. To report early (two-year) postoperative findings from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating disease-specific quality of life (QOL), clinical, patient-reported, and radiological outcomes in patients undergoing a total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with a second-generation uncemented trabecular metal (TM) glenoid versus a cemented polyethylene glenoid (POLY) component. Methods. Five fellowship-trained surgeons from three centres participated. Patients aged between 18 and 79 years with a primary diagnosis of glenohumeral osteoarthritis were screened for eligibility. Patients were randomized intraoperatively to either a TM or POLY glenoid component. Study intervals were: baseline, six weeks, six-, 12-, and 24 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder QOL score. Radiological images were reviewed for metal debris. Mixed effects repeated measures analysis of variance for within and between group comparisons were performed. Results. A total of 93 patients were randomized (46 TM; 47 POLY). No significant or clinically important differences were found with patient-reported outcomes at 24-month follow-up. Regarding the glenoid components, there were no complications or revision surgeries in either group. Grade 1 metal debris was observed in three (6.5%) patients with TM glenoids at 24 months but outcomes were not negatively impacted. Conclusion. Early results from this RCT showed no differences in disease-specific QOL, radiographs, complication rates, or shoulder function between uncemented second-generation TM and cemented POLY glenoids at 24 months postoperatively. Revision surgeries and reoperations were reported in both groups, but none attributed to glenoid implant failure. At 24 months postoperatively, Grade 1 metal debris was found in 6.5% of patients with a TM glenoid but did not negatively influence patient-reported outcomes. Longer-term follow-up is needed and is underway. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(9):728–736

Aims

Arthroplasties of the elbow, including total elbow arthroplasty, radial head arthroplasty, distal humeral hemiarthroplasty, and radiocapitellar arthroplasty, are rarely undertaken. This scoping review aims to outline the current research in this area to inform the development of future research.

Aims. To investigate the impact of the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices on patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) following shoulder arthroplasty. Methods. Patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), or hemiarthroplasty (HA) from 2016 to 2018 were identified, along with the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidities listed as their secondary diagnoses in the electronic medical records. Patients were matched to our institution’s registry to obtain their PROMs, including shoulder-specific (American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) and Shoulder Activity Scale (SAS)) and general health scales (12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Pain Interference). Linear regression models adjusting for age and sex were used to evaluate the association between increasing number of comorbidities and PROM scores. A total of 1,817 shoulder arthroplasties were performed: 1,017 (56%) TSA, 726 (40%) RSA, and 74 (4%) HA. The mean age was 67 years (SD 10), and 936 (52%) of the patients were female. Results. The most common comorbidities were obesity (1,256, 69%) and hypertension (990, 55%). Patients with more comorbidities had lower ASES and SAS scores at baseline (p < 0.001). Elixhauser comorbidities continued to negatively impact ASES and SAS scores at one year (p = 0.002) and two-year follow-up (p = 0.002). Patients with more comorbidities reported greater pain interference on PROMIS at baseline (p = 0.007), but not at two years. Higher number of Charlson comorbidities were associated with lower scores on the SF-12 mental component at baseline (p < 0.001) and two years (p = 0.020). Higher number of Elixhauser comorbidities were associated with lower SF-12 physical component scores at baseline (p < 0.001) and two years (p = 0.004). Conclusion. Higher number of comorbidities was associated with lower baseline scores and worse outcomes on both shoulder-specific and general health PROMs. The presence of specific comorbidities may be used during shared decision-making to manage expectations for patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):964–970

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of recruiting and retaining patients to a patient-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing corticosteroid injection (CSI) to autologous protein solution (APS) injection for the treatment of subacromial shoulder pain in a community care setting. The study focused on recruitment rates and retention of participants throughout, and collected data on the interventions’ safety and efficacy.

Aims

The aim of this study was to characterize the influence of social deprivation on the rate of complications, readmissions, and revisions following primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), using the Social Deprivation Index (SDI). The SDI is a composite measurement, in percentages, of seven demographic characteristics: living in poverty, with < 12 years of education, single-parent households, living in rented or overcrowded housing, households without a car, and unemployed adults aged < 65 years.

Aims

The outcomes following nonoperative management of minimally displaced greater tuberosity (GT) fractures, and the factors which influence patient experience, remain poorly defined. We assessed the early patient-derived outcomes following these injuries and examined the effect of a range of demographic- and injury-related variables on these outcomes.

Aims

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

Aims

Metal and ceramic humeral head bearing surfaces are available choices in anatomical shoulder arthroplasties. Wear studies have shown superior performance of ceramic heads, however comparison of clinical outcomes according to bearing surface in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) is limited. This study aimed to compare the rates of revision and reoperation following metal and ceramic humeral head TSA and HA using data from the National Joint Registry (NJR), which collects data from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the States of Guernsey.

Aims

The open Latarjet procedure is a widely used treatment for recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder. Although satisfactory outcomes are reported, factors which influence a patient’s experience are poorly quantified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a range of demographic factors and measures of the severity of instability on patient-reported outcome measures in patients who underwent an open Latarjet procedure at a minimum follow-up of two years.

Aims

The aim of this study was to longitudinally compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) up to long-term follow-up, when using cemented keel, cemented peg, and hybrid cage peg glenoid components and the same humeral system.

Aims

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) can be used in complex cases when the glenoid requires reconstruction. In this study, a baseplate with composite bone autograft and a central trabecular titanium peg was implanted, and its migration was assessed for two years postoperatively using radiostereometric analysis (RSA).