Superior functional outcome following reverse shoulder arthroplasty compared to hemiarthroplasty for displaced three- and four-part fractures in patients 65 and older: results from a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial - The shoulder hemiarthroplasty or reverse polarity arthoplasty (SHeRPA) trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute unreconstructible 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fractures can be treated with hemiarthroplasty or reverse polarity shoulder arthroplasty. Randomized trials using implants from multiple different companies or uncemented implants have found superior results with reverse polarity arthroplasty. HYPOTHESIS: We tested the hypothesis that cemented reverse polarity arthroplasty produces a superior outcome compared to cemented hemiarthroplasty using one implant system in patients aged 65 years and over at 12 months follow-up as measured with the Constant Score. METHODS: A prospective patient and assessor blinded multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted of shoulder hemiarthroplasty or reverse polarity arthroplasty in patients aged 65 years and older with acute 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fracture not amenable to osteosynthesis. The primary outcome was the Constant Score at 12 months with total follow-up to 24 months. Block randomization by site was undertaken using random number generation and sealed envelopes. Power analysis indicated that 17 patients were required in each arm to achieve 80% power with an alpha-value of 5%. Secondary outcome measures were the difference in the mean Constant Score, Quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH), Oxford Shoulder Score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score, and EQ5D-5L up to 2 years; differences in complication rate at 1 and 2 years; differences in revision and implant failure at 1 and 2 years. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were randomized to hemiarthroplasty and 18 to reverse polarity arthroplasty across 4 sites. The primary outcome as measured by the Constant Score at 12 months was better in the reverse polarity shoulder arthroplasty group (mean 51.1, s.d. 14.9) compared to the hemiarthroplasty group (mean 35.0, s.d. 13.5) (P = .004). No significant difference was reported at 24 months but this may be due to high rates of attrition (22%). The mean EQ-5D-5 L patient rated health status score was significantly higher in the reverse polarity shoulder arthroplasty group compared to the hemiarthroplasty group at 12 months. One hemiarthroplasty was revised due to implant uncoupling and one reverse polarity shoulder replacement was revised due to instability. No other complications were recorded. DISCUSSION: Treatment of unreconstructible 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fractures with reverse polarity shoulder arthroplasty results in a superior outcome compared to shoulder hemiarthroplasty at 12 months measured with the Constant Score with no increased risk of failure up to 24 months in patients age 65 years and over. High attrition rates are observed in this older population due to cognitive decline and death from other causes.

Two-year follow-up of the SMR stemless platform shoulder system: a multicenter, prospective clinical study.

Background: The use of stemless shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis has grown substantially over the past decades. The goal of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of the Lima SMR stemless anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Methods: Seventy-three implants in 73 patients (61 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties [aTSAs] and 12 reverse shoulder arthroplasties [RSAs]) were analyzed with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The average age in the aTSA group was 65.8 ± 8.7 and 78.3 ± 4.8 in the RSA group. Primary osteoarthritis was the indication in most cases (aTSA 93.7%, RSA 67%). Patients were evaluated preoperatively, at 4, 12, and 24 months postoperatively using the Constant score, the ASES, Oxford Shoulder Score, EuroQol 5 Dimensions 5 Levels questionnaire, range of motion scores, and radiographically. Statistical significance was evaluated using the paired t-test (P < .5). Results: At 2-year follow-up, the overall average Constant score significantly improved from 40.0 ± 16.7 to 80.9 ± 21.4 (P < .001). Improvement of the ASES (from 31.7 ± 15.6 to 82.5 ± 19.4) and Oxford Shoulder Score (from 19.1 ± 7.4 to 41.9 ± 7.9) was also significant (P < .001). In the aTSA group, all range of motion scores improved significantly (P < .001). In the RSA group, all range of motion scores improved but only active forward flexion and external rotation in abduction improved significantly (P < .05). Most patients were satisfied or completely satisfied at 24 months (aTSA 93.9%, RSA 100%). Two humeral implants in the RSA configuration showed loosening on the first postoperative day related to excessive forces exerted on the shoulder, both requiring revision to a stemmed implant. In the aTSA group, no signs of radiolucencies, osteolysis, gradual loosening, or migration of the components were seen at the final follow-up. In the RSA group, one case had radiolucent lines with subsidence of the humeral core at 12 months, which had not progressed at 24 months and was asymptomatic. All other RSA cases showed no radiolucent lines, migration, scapular notching, or osteolysis. Three anatomic implants were converted with retention of the glenoid baseplate and humeral core to a reverse arthroplasty due to atraumatic cuff failure (N = 2) and traumatic cuff failure (N = 1). After these procedures, patients were satisfied with their results. There were no other complications. Conclusion: The 2-year results presented in this study show good functional and radiological outcomes using the SMR stemless system.

Reducing unnecessary fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures.

PURPOSE: Displaced midshaft clavicle fractures have a non-union rate of 10-20%. Those who unite with conservative treatment have similar outcomes to those who undergo operative treatment; therefore, protocols to identify potential non-unions are important to avoid unnecessary surgery. The aim of this study is to report one such protocol. METHODS: A protocol was introduced, where all isolated closed displaced midshaft clavicle fractures were initially managed non-operatively in a sling. At 2 weeks patients were assessed clinically and those who were struggling with their symptoms were offered surgery, with the remainder mobilised as comfortable. All cases treated at one centre over a three-year period, with a minimum follow-up of one-year underwent case note review. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2017 613 clavicle fractures were managed through clinic. 347 were middle third (56%), 75% were male, mean age 41(range16-97). Forty-one middle third clavicle fracture patients underwent early fixation. Eleven patients required late fixation for symptomatic delayed, non- or malunion, 6 for symptomatic non-unions and 1 was a symptomatic malunion. For displaced fractures the early operative rate was 17.8%, and symptomatic non/malunion rate was 3.2%. This led to a total operative rate of 21%. CONCLUSION: A protocol for managing clavicle fractures has demonstrated an effective management of these injuries. It is cost-effective reducing the number of patients with displaced fractures requiring fixation with a fixation rate of 21% whilst reducing the rate of symptomatic non- and malunion (3.2%). The management pathway is simple and could be introduced into any orthopaedic outpatient department with ease.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome following surgery for scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective report of three cases outlining upper intestinal obstruction as a rare complication following surgery for scoliosis. OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical features, progression, and management of duodenal obstruction due to superior mesenteric artery compression after surgical treatment of scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Superior mesenteric artery or cast syndrome has been reported historically in the literature. Many causes are described, among which is the complication of the surgical and nonoperative treatment of scoliosis. METHODS: Three adolescent patients were investigated for nausea and vomiting following surgical correction of scoliosis. RESULTS: Contrast radiography confirmed extrinsic obstruction of the third part of the duodenum by the superior mesenteric artery in all three patients. They were jointly managed with the gastrointestinal surgeons. Two patients recovered with conservative treatments, but the third required operative intervention with a laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Vomiting following surgery for scoliosis should be investigated thoroughly, as superior mesenteric artery syndrome carries significant morbidity, protracted hospital stay, and potential mortality.