Heated Tobacco Products Have Detrimental Effects on Rotator Cuff Healing, Similar to Conventional Cigarettes.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking impairs rotator cuff healing, but no study, to our knowledge, has focused on the association between heated tobacco products and rotator cuff tears. METHODS: This study retrospectively investigated 1,133 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of symptomatic rotator cuff tears between March 2011 and April 2021. Patients were grouped on the basis of their smoking patterns as nonsmokers, cigarette smokers, and heated tobacco smokers. Propensity score matching was used to reduce selection bias, and 45 subjects were selected from each group via 1:1:1 matching. Functional scores and active range of motion were compared among the 3 groups preoperatively and at a 2-year follow-up. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was performed 6 months after the surgical procedure to assess structural integrity. RESULTS: Except for sex, similar baseline characteristics were achieved after propensity score matching. There were no differences in the clinical scores or range of motion between the matched groups either preoperatively or at the 2-year follow-up. However, the retear rate for the matched nonsmoker group was significantly lower (8.9%) than those for the matched cigarette smoker group (31.1%) and the heated tobacco smoker group (28.9%) (p = 0.022). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the retear rates were 3.403 times higher for the cigarette smoker group and 3.397 times higher for the heated tobacco smoker group than that for the nonsmoker group. CONCLUSIONS: Heated tobacco users, like conventional cigarette smokers, have worse clinical outcomes with respect to rotator cuff healing than nonsmokers. Regardless of the type of cigarette, abstinence from smoking is necessary for patients undergoing rotator cuff repair surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comparing the Biomechanical Stability of Cerclage Cable with Plate Insert Versus Locking Screw in Periprosthetic Humeral Fracture.

BACKGROUND: In the setting of periprosthetic humeral fractures, the humeral stem of the implant represents a substantial challenge to the optimal method of proximal fixation. This study aimed to compare the initial biomechanical stability provided by cerclage cables with a locking plate insert versus bicortical locking screws (i.e., the gold standard for fixation) in fresh cadaveric humeri. METHODS: After calculating the sample size, we utilized 10 sets of cadaveric specimens and created a 5-mm osteotomy gap 120 mm distal to the tip of the greater tuberosity, simulating a Wright and Cofield type-B periprosthetic humeral fracture on each specimen. Using 3 locking screws for distal fragment fixation, identical in all specimens, the specimens were assigned to Group A (3 cerclage cables with a plate insert) or Group B (3 locking bicortical screws) for proximal fragment fixation. Biomechanical tests included stiffness in varus and valgus bending, torsion, and axial compression, and a single load to failure. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the biomechanical metrics between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that fixation with use of cerclage cables with a plate insert demonstrated biomechanical stability comparable with that of bicortical locking screw fixation when addressing the proximal fragment in Wright and Cofield type-B periprosthetic humeral fractures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For proximal fragment fixation of periprosthetic humeral fractures, cerclage cables with a plate insert can be utilized as an effective fixation method that offers initial fixation strength that is comparable to the use of 3 locking bicortical screws.

Effect of cigarette smoking on the maintenance of reduction after treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation with hook plate fixation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between smoking and clinical outcomes of hook plate fixation for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries. METHODS: This study retrospectively investigated 82 patients who underwent hook plate fixation for acute AC joint dislocation between March 2014 to June 2022. The patients were grouped by smoking status, with 49 in group N (nonsmokers) and 33 in group S (smokers). Functional scores and active range of motion were compared among the groups at the 1-year follow-up. Coracoclavicular distance (CCD) was measured, and difference with the uninjured side was compared at initial injury and 6 months after implant removal. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the two groups in demographic factors such as age and sex, as well as parameters related to initial injury status, which included time from injury to surgery, the preoperative CCD difference value, and the Rockwood classification. However, the postoperative CCD difference was significantly higher in group S (3.1±2.6 mm) compared to group N (1.7±2.4 mm). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that smoking and the preoperative CCD difference independently contributed to an increase in the postoperative CCD difference. Despite the radiographic differences, the postoperative clinical outcome scores and active range of motion measurements were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking had a detrimental impact on ligament healing after hook plate fixation for acute AC joint dislocations. This finding emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation to optimize reduction maintenance after AC joint injury. Level of evidence: III.