The Fragility Index Minimally Improves Interpretation of the Medical Literature: A Boat Made of Bricks in a Sea of Uncertainty.

The fragility index (FI) is statistical significance in a costume. Perhaps attractive and amusing, but behind the mask it's nothing more than spin, dichotomizing results as "statistically significant" versus "not". In the medical literature, we must stop dichotomizing and start measuring the magnitude of effect and the uncertainty in this estimate. Statistical significance is thought stifling. Yet, it is the tool with which the medical research community has been provided. No wonder we dichotomize results; we've been encouraged to do so. The question is, "Will we recognize the folly in this exercise and move on to more critical questions of relevance and accuracy of published research?" The FI is heralded as a metric that provides insight beyond statistical significance. Rather than provide a measure of uncertainty, which is what fragility implies, it quantifies the number of patients needed to produce a p-value that's greater than 0.05. Unfortunately, while well intended the FI is not a surrogate for robustness of clinical trial data, nor the underlying statistical analysis. In contrast, reporting and interpreting a confidence interval more effectively provides a sense of uncertainty. While far from perfect, the confidence interval provides a range of values that are compatible with the observed study data. This makes the uncertainty of the data transparent. Advancing our understanding of the data starts with stepping away from statistical significance.

Biologic Adjuvants to Rotator Cuff Repairs Induce Anti-inflammatory Macrophage 2 Polarization and Reduce Inflammatory Macrophage 1 Polarization In Vitro.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of various biologic adjuvants on the polarization of macrophages in an in vitro model for rotator cuff tears. METHODS: Tissue was harvested from 6 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. An in vitro model of the supraspinatus and subacromial bursa was created and treated with control, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), autologous activated serum (AAS), or a combination of PRP+AAS. The effect of treatment on macrophage polarization between M1 proinflammatory macrophages or M2 anti-inflammatory macrophages was measured using gene expression, protein expression, flow cytometry, and nitric oxide production. RESULTS: Tendon and bursa treated with PRP, AAS, and PRP+AAS significantly decreased the gene expression of M1 markers interleukin (IL)-12 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha while significantly increasing the expression of M2 markers arginase, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-ß (P < .05) compared with treatment with control. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis of protein production demonstrated that, compared with control, coculture treated with PRP, AAS, and PRP+AAS significantly decreased markers of M1-macrophages (IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) while significantly increasing the expression of markers of M2-macrophages (arginase, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-beta) (P < .05). Flow cytometry analysis of surface markers demonstrated that compared with control, tendon and bursa treated with PRP, AAS, and PRP+AAS significantly decreased markers of M1-macrophages (CD80, CD86, CD64, CD16) while significantly increasing the expression of markers of M2-macrophages (CD163 and CD206) (P < .05). Treatment of the coculture with PRP, AAS, and PRP+AAS consistently demonstrated a decrease in nitric oxide production (P < .05) compared with control. AAS and PRP+AAS demonstrated an increased macrophage shift to M2 compared with PRP alone, whereas there was not as uniform of a shift when comparing PRP+AAS with AAS alone. CONCLUSIONS: In an in vitro model of rotator cuff tears, the treatment of supraspinatus tendon and subacromial bursa with PRP, AAS, and PRP+AAS demonstrated an increase in markers of anti-inflammatory M2-macrophages and a concomitant decrease in markers of proinflammatory M1-macrophages. AAS and PRP+AAS contributed to a large shift to macrophage polarization to the anti-inflammatory M2 compared with PRP. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The mechanism of biologic adjuvant effects on the rotator cuff remains poorly understood. This study suggests that they may contribute to polarization of macrophages for their proinflammatory (M1) state to the anti-inflammatory (M2) state.

Variations in the Anatomic Morphology of the Scapular Spine and Implications on Fracture After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the role of anatomic scapular morphology in acromion and scapular spine fracture (SSAF) risk after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). METHODS: Twelve scapular measurements were captured based on pilot study data, including scapular width measurements at the acromion (Z1), middle of the scapular spine (Z2), and medial to the first major angulation (Z3). Measurements were applied to 3D-CT scans from patients who sustained SSAF after RSA (SSAF group) and compared with those who did not (control group). Measurements were done by four investigators, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated. Regression analysis determined trends in fracture incidence. RESULTS: One hundred forty-nine patients from two separate surgeons (J.L., A.M.) were matched by age and surgical indication of whom 51 sustained SSAF after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Average ages for the SSAF and control cohorts were 78.6 and 72.1 years, respectively. Among the SSAF group, 15 were Levy type I, 26 Levy type II, and 10 Levy type 3 fractures. The intraclass correlation coefficient of Z1, Z2, and Z3 measurements was excellent (0.92, 0.92, and 0.94, respectively). Zone 1 and 3 measurements for the control group were 18.6 ± 3.7 mm and 3.2 ± 1.0 mm, respectively, compared with 22.5 ± 5.9 mm and 2.0 ± 0.70 mm in the SSAF group, respectively. The fracture group trended toward larger Z1 and smaller Z3 measurements. The average scapular spine proportion (SSP), Z1/Z3, was significantly greater in the control 6.20 ± 1.80 versus (12.60 ± 6.30; P < 0.05). Regression analysis showed a scapular spine proportion of ≤5 was associated with a fracture risk <5%, whereas an SSP of 9.2 correlated with a 50% fracture risk. DISCUSSION: Patients with a thicker acromions (Z1) and thinner medial scapular spines (Z3) have increased fracture risk. Understanding anatomic scapular morphology may allow for better identification of high-risk patients preoperatively.

Editorial Commentary: The Difficulties of Assessing Return to Play and Return to Performance After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction.

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears have moved from a career-ending injury to one in which success is almost expected from reconstruction. In reality, however, success from a UCL reconstruction is not guaranteed. As we have attempted to assess the true success rate of UCL reconstructions, we have also learned the difficulties of this assessment. Rates of return to sport after UCL reconstruction vary by level of play, the primary or revision status of the repair, along with the specific surgical techniques performed, the chronicity of the tear, the rehabilitation protocols associated with the surgery, and more. Return to sport is difficult to assess, as high school, collegiate, and even professional careers can be variable and there are no standard definitions of "returning to play." These variables also affect our assessments of performance after UCL reconstruction. Decisions for UCL reconstructions and appropriate counseling of patients regarding the likelihood of success currently remain an individual process.

Current Concepts in Management of Acromioclavicular Joint Injury.

Background: The management of acromioclavicular joint injuries requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the joint, as well as knowledge of the pertinent physical exam findings and classification to determine an appropriate treatment approach, whether operative or nonoperative. In this article, we present a narrative review of the current state of understanding surrounding these issues. Although there are a large number of options for operative intervention, we additionally present our experience with anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (ACCR) with imbrication of the deltoid fascia. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data on a total of 45 patients who had undergone ACCR between 2003 and 2016 were collected. Results: We found that improvements were seen in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES) (53 ± 19 to 81 ± 23), Simple Shoulder Test (SST) (6 ± 3 to 12 ± 13), Constant-Murley (CM) (60 ± 18 to 92 ± 8), and Rowe (67 ± 14 to 89 ± 11) and the mean post-operative SANE score was 86 ± 17. Conclusions: ACCR has the advantage of addressing both horizontal and vertical stability with good outcomes.

Advances with Platelet-Rich Plasma for Bone Healing.

Despite significant advances in the understanding and delivery of osteosynthesis, fracture non-union remains a challenging clinical problem in orthopaedic surgery. To bridge the gap, basic science characterization of fracture healing provides a platform to identify and target biological strategies to enhance fracture healing. Of immense interest, Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a point of care orthobiologic that has been extensively studied in bone and soft tissue healing given its relative ease of translation from the benchtop to the clinic. The aim of this narrative review is to describe and relate pre-clinical in-vitro and in-vivo findings to clinical observations investigating the efficacy of PRP to enhance bone healing for primary fracture management and non-union treatment. A particular emphasis is placed on the heterogeneity of PRP preparation techniques, composition, activation strategies, and delivery. In the context of existing data, the routine use of PRP to enhance primary fracture healing and non-union management cannot be supported. However, it is acknowledged that extensive heterogeneity of PRP treatments in clinical studies adds obscurity; ultimately, refinement (and consensus) of PRP treatments for specific clinical indications, including repetition studies are warranted.

Long-Term Functional Outcomes and Athletic Ability in Shoulder Sports After Anatomic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction for Chronic Type 3 and 5 Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries.

Background: Promising short- and midterm outcomes have been seen after anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (ACCR) for chronic acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries. Purpose/Hypothesis: To evaluate long-term outcomes and shoulder-related athletic ability in patients after ACCR for chronic type 3 and 5 ACJ injuries. It was hypothesized that these patients would maintain significant functional improvement and sufficient shoulder-sport ability at a long-term follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Included were 19 patients (mean age, 45.9 ± 11.2 years) who underwent ACCR for type 3 or 5 ACJ injuries between January 2003 and August 2014. Functional outcome measures included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Rowe, Constant-Murley, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores as well as the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, which were collected preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Postoperative shoulder-dependent athletic ability was assessed using the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System (ASOSS). Shoulder activity level was evaluated using the Shoulder Activity Scale (SAS), while the Subjective Patient Outcome for Return to Sports (SPORTS) score was collected to assess the patients' ability to return to their preinjury sporting activity. Results: The mean follow-up time was 10.1 ± 3.8 years (range, 6.1-18.8 years). Patients achieved significant pre- to postoperative improvements on the ASES (from 54.2 ± 22.6 to 83.5 ± 23.1), Rowe (from 66.6 ± 18.1 to 85.3 ± 19), Constant-Murley (from 64.6 ± 20.9 to 80.2 ± 22.7), SST (from 7.2 ± 3.4 to 10.5 ± 2.7), SANE (from 30.1 ± 23.2 to 83.6 ± 26.3), and VAS pain scores (from 4.7 ± 2.7 to 1.8 ± 2.8) (P < .001 for all), with no significant differences between type 3 and 5 injuries. At the final follow-up, patients achieved an ASOSS of 80.6 ± 32, SAS level of 11.6 ± 5.1, and SPORTS score of 7.3 ± 4.1, with no significant differences between type 3 and 5 injuries. Four patients (21.1%) had postoperative complications. Conclusion: Patients undergoing ACCR using free tendon allografts for chronic type 3 and 5 ACJ injuries maintained significant improvements in functional outcomes at the long-term follow-up and achieved favorable postoperative shoulder-sport ability, activity, and return to preinjury sports participation.

Anterior Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Irreparable Subscapularis Tears Improves Shoulder Kinematics in a Dynamic Biomechanical Cadaveric Shoulder Model.

BACKGROUND: In young patients with irreparable subscapularis deficiency (SSC-D) and absence of severe osteoarthritis, anterior latissimus dorsi transfer (aLDT) has been proposed as a treatment option to restore the anteroposterior muscular force couple to regain sufficient shoulder function. However, evidence regarding the biomechanical effect of an aLDT on glenohumeral kinematics remains sparse. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an aLDT on range of glenohumeral abduction motion, superior migration of the humeral head (SM), and cumulative deltoid force (cDF) in a simulated SSC-D model using a dynamic shoulder model. It was hypothesized that an aLDT would restore native shoulder kinematics by reestablishing the insufficient anteroposterior force couple. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested using a validated shoulder simulator. Glenohumeral abduction angle (gAA), SM, and cDF were compared across 3 conditions: (1) native, (2) SSC-D, and (3) aLDT. gAA and SM were measured using 3-dimensional motion tracking, while cDF was recorded in real time during dynamic abduction motion by load cells connected to actuators. RESULTS: The SSC-D significantly decreased gAA (Δ-9.8°; 95% CI, -14.1° to -5.5°; P < .001) and showed a significant increase in SM (Δ2.0 mm; 95% CI, 0.9 to 3.1 mm; P = .003), while cDF was similar (Δ7.8 N; 95% CI, -9.2 to 24.7 N; P = .586) when compared with the native state. Performing an aLDT resulted in a significantly increased gAA (Δ3.8°; 95% CI, 1.8° to 5.7°; P < .001), while cDF (Δ-36.1 N; 95% CI, -48.7 to -23.7 N; P < .001) was significantly reduced compared with the SSC-D. For the aLDT, no anterior subluxation was observed. However, the aLDT was not able to restore native gAA (Δ-6.1°; 95% CI, -8.9° to -3.2°; P < .001). CONCLUSION: In this cadaveric study, performing an aLDT for an irreparable subscapularis insufficiency restored the anteroposterior force couple and prevented superior and anterior humeral head migration, thus improving glenohumeral kinematics. Furthermore, compensatory deltoid forces were reduced by performing an aLDT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Given the favorable effect of the aLDT on shoulder kinematics in this dynamic shoulder model, performing an aLDT may be considered as a treatment option in patients with irreparable SSC-D.

Editorial Commentary: Utility of Patient-Reported Outcome Threshold Scores to Estimate Patient Satisfaction: 'Let's Ask the Patient!'

The reporting and analysis of patient-reported outcome measures have come a long way. Since the concept of the minimally clinically important difference was first introduced in 1989, threshold scores have grown to include substantial clinical benefit and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS). The initial motivation for developing these thresholds was rooted in separating clinical significance from statistical. These thresholds provide insight into the relationship between scores on patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) and patient-reported improvement and satisfaction. It follows that in order to evaluate PROM scores, the best method for deriving the threshold typically uses an anchor-based methodology, i.e., "ask the patient." Specifically, patients are asked how much change they've experienced and whether they consider their current state to be satisfactory. The responses to these questions are compared with the scores on PROMs to find outcome thresholds that best separate patients who reported no improvement from those who reported minimal improvement, substantial improvement, and satisfaction with their current state of health (PASS). The PASS is of particular importance as it speaks to what arguably matters most to patients-a satisfactory state of health. Finally, viewing the PASS from the perspective of variation from study to study rather than as a uniform classifier is needed to make use of the growing number of papers reporting these thresholds. Examining differences in PASS values across papers can provide insight into how well PROM scores reflect patient satisfaction in different settings.

Human Rotator Cuff Tears Reveal an Age-Dependent Increase in Markers of Cellular Senescence and Selective Removal of Senescent Cells With Dasatinib + Quercetin Increases Genetic Expression of COL1A1 In Vitro.

PURPOSE: To quantify cellular senescence in supraspinatus tendon and subacromial bursa of humans with rotator cuff tears and to investigate the in vitro efficacy of the senolytic dasatinib + quercetin (D+Q) to eliminate senescent cells and alter tenogenic differentiation. METHODS: Tissue was harvested from 41 patients (mean age, 62 years) undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs. In part 1 (n = 35), senescence was quantified using immunohistochemistry and gene expression for senescent cell markers (p16 and p21) and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) (interleukin [IL] 6, IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase [MMP] 3, monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP] 1). Senescence was compared between patients <60 and ≥60 years old. In part 2 (n = 6) , an in vitro model of rotator cuff tears was treated with D+Q or control. D+Q, a chemotherapeutic and plant flavanol, respectively, kill senescent cells. Gene expression analysis assessed the ability of D+Q to kill senescent cells and alter markers of tenogenic differentiation. RESULTS: Part 1 revealed an age-dependent significant increase in the relative expression of p21, IL-6, and IL-8 in tendon and p21, p16, IL-6, IL-8, and MMP-3 in bursa (P < .05). A significant increase was seen in immunohistochemical staining of bursa p21 (P = .028). In part 2, D+Q significantly decreased expression of p21, IL-6, and IL-8 in tendon and p21 and IL-8 in bursa (P < .05). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis showed decreased release of the SASP (IL-6, MMP-3, MCP-1; P = .002, P = .024, P < .001, respectively). Tendon (P = .022) and bursa (P = .027) treated with D+Q increased the expression of COL1A1. CONCLUSIONS: While there was an age-dependent increase in markers of cellular senescence, this relationship was not consistently seen across all markers and tissues. Dasatinib + quercetin had moderate efficacy in decreasing senescence in these tissues and increasing COL1A1 expression. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study reveals that cellular senescence may be a therapeutic target to alter the biological aging of rotator cuffs and identifies D+Q as a potential therapy.

The effect of augmenting suture material with magnesium and platelet-rich plasma on the in vitro adhesion and proliferation potential of subacromial bursa-derived progenitor cells.

Background: Connective tissue subacromial bursa-derived progenitor cells (SBDCs) have been suggested as a potent biologic augment to promote healing of the repaired rotator cuff tendon. Maximizing the amount of retained progenitor cells at the tendon repair site is essential for ensuring an optimal healing environment, warranting a search for proadhesive and proliferative adjuvants. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of magnesium (Mg), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and a combination of both adjuvants on the in vitro cellular adhesion and proliferation potential of SBDCs on suture material commonly used in rotator cuff surgery. Methods: SBDCs were isolated from subacromial bursa samples harvested during rotator cuff repair and cultured in growth media. Commercially available collagen-coated nonabsorbable flat-braided suture was cut into 1-inch pieces, placed into 48-well culture dishes, and sterilized under ultraviolet light. Either a one-time dose of 5 mM sterile Mg, 0.2 mL of PRP, or a combination of both adjuvants was added, while a group without treatment served as a negative control. Cellular proliferation and adhesion assays on suture material were performed for each treatment condition. Results: Augmenting the suture with Mg resulted in a significantly increased cellular adhesion (total number of attached cells) of SBDCs compared to PRP alone (31,527 ± 19,884 vs. 13,619 ± 8808; P < .001), no treatment (31,527 ± 19,884 vs. 21,643 ± 8194; P = .016), and combination of both adjuvants (31,527 ± 19,884 vs. 17,121 ± 11,935; P < .001). Further, augmentation with Mg achieved a significant increase in cellular proliferation (absorbance) of SBDCs on suture material when compared to the PRP (0.516 ± 0.207 vs. 0.424 ± 0.131; P = .001) and no treatment (0.516 ± 0.207 vs. 0.383 ± 0.094; P < .001) group. The combination of Mg and PRP showed a significantly higher proliferation potential compared to PRP alone (0.512 ± 0.194 vs. 0.424 ± 0.131; P = .001) and no treatment (0.512 ± 0.194 vs. 0.383 ± 0.094; P < .001). There were no significant differences in the remaining intergroup comparisons (P > .05, respectively). Conclusion: Augmenting suture material with Mg resulted in a significantly increased cellular adhesion of SBDCs compared to untreated suture material, as well as augmentation with PRP alone or a combination of both adjuvants. Further, Mg with or without PRP augmentation achieved a significant increase in the cellular proliferation of SBDCs on suture material compared to untreated sutures and augmentation with PRP alone. Application of Mg may be a clinically feasible approach to optimizing the use of SBDCs as a biological augment in rotator cuff repair, while combined augmentation with PRP may harness the full potential for optimized tissue recovery due to the high concentration of PRP-derived growth factors.

Acromioclavicular Joint Anatomy and Biomechanics: The Significance of Posterior Rotational and Translational Stability.

The shoulder girdle extends from the sternoclavicular joint to the scapular stabilizing muscles posteriorly. It consists of 3 joints and 2 mobile regions. The shoulder girdle is statically stabilized by the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular capsuloligamentous structures and dynamically stabilized by the trapezius, deltoid, and deltotrapezial fascia. During humerothoracic elevation, the clavicle elevates, protracts, and rotates posteriorly through the sternoclavicular joint while the scapula tilts posteriorly and rotates upward. The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy and biomechanics of the acromioclavicular joint and the shoulder girdle.

Contact Mechanics of Elliptical and Spherical Head Implants during Axial Rotation in Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Biomechanical Comparison.

BACKGROUND: Elliptical humeral head implants have been proposed to result in more anatomic kinematics following total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). The purpose of this study was to compare glenohumeral contact mechanics during axial rotation using spherical and elliptical humeral head implants in the setting of aTSA. METHODS: Seven fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were utilized for biomechanical testing in neutral (NR), internal (IR), and external (ER) rotation at various levels of abduction (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°) with lines of pull along each of the rotator cuff muscles. Each specimen underwent the following three conditions: (1) native, and TSA using (2) an elliptical and (3) spherical humeral head implant. Glenohumeral contact mechanics, including contact pressure (CP; kPa), peak contact pressure (PCP; kPa), and contact area (CA; mm2), were measured in neutral rotation as well as external and internal rotation using a pressure mapping sensor. RESULTS: Elliptical head implants showed a significantly lower PCP in ER compared to spherical implants at 0° (Δ-712.0 kPa; p = 0.034), 15° (Δ-894.9 kPa; p = 0.004), 30° (Δ-897.7 kPa; p = 0.004), and 45° (Δ-796.9 kPa; p = 0.010) of abduction, while no significant difference was observed in ER at 60° of abduction or at all angles in NR and IR. Both implant designs had similar CA in NR, ER, and IR at all tested angles of abduction (p > 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of aTSA, elliptical heads showed significantly lower PCP during ER at 0° to 45° of abduction, when compared to spherical head implants. However, in NR and IR, PCP was similar between implant designs. Both designs showed similar CA during NR, ER, and IR at all abduction angles. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: basic science; controlled laboratory study.

The importance of a structured failure analysis in revision acromioclavicular joint surgery: A multi-rater agreement on the causes of stabilization failure from the ISAKOS shoulder committee.

BACKGROUND: Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) stabilizations are associated with a high overall failure rate with 9.5% of these patients requiring subsequent revision surgery. Consequently, understanding the specific cause of primary ACJ stabilization failure is paramount to improving surgical decision-making in this challenging patient cohort. PURPOSE: To (1) identify risk factors and mechanisms for failure following primary arthroscopically-assisted ACJ stabilization to highlight the importance of conducting a detailed failure analysis and to (2) establish revision strategies based on real-life cases of primary failed ACJ stabilization. STUDY DESIGN: Level of evidence IV. METHODS: A survey was shared internationally among members of the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) shoulder committee. The survey contained failure analysis of 11 real-life cases of failed primary arthroscopically-assisted ACJ stabilization. For each case, a thorough patient history, standardized radiographs, and CT scans were provided. Participants were asked to give their opinion on bone tunnel placement, cause of failure (biological, technical, traumatic, or combined), the stabilization technique used, as well as give a recommendation for revision. RESULTS: Seventeen members of the ISAKOS shoulder committee completed the survey. Biological failure was considered the most common cause of failure (47.1%), followed by technical (35.3%) and traumatic (17.6%) failure. The majority deemed two modifiable factors (i.e., patient's profession and sport) as well as non-modifiable factors (i.e., patient's age and time from trauma to initial surgery) to be risk factors for failure. In 10 of 11 cases, the correct fixation device was used in the primary setting (90.9%; 52.8-82.4% agreement); however, in eight of those cases, the technique was not performed correctly (80.0%; 58.8-100% agreement). In 8 of all 11 cases, the majority recommended an arthroscopically assisted technique with graft augmentation for revision (52.9-58.8% agreement). CONCLUSION: Biological failure and technical failure are the most common reason for failure in primary ACJ stabilization followed by traumatic failure. Besides, biological failure can be triggered by technical errors such as clavicular or coracoidal tunnel misplacement. Consequently, a detailed failure analysis including preoperative CT should be conducted on the causes of primary ACJ failure, and, if possible, an arthroscopically-assisted technique with graft augmentation should be prioritized in revision ACJ surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ACJ stabilizations are associated with a high overall failure rate - potentially due to biological and technical properties. When encountering failed arthroscopically-assisted ACJ stabilization, a detailed failure analysis should be conducted on the causes of primary ACJ failure. Furthermore, an arthroscopically-assisted revision stabilization is feasible in most cases.

Plate vs. intramedullary screw fixation of chevron olecranon osteotomies: a biomechanical study.

Background: Intra-articular distal humerus fractures frequently require olecranon osteotomies for adequate exposure, but fixation of olecranon osteotomies is associated with high rates of hardware-related complications requiring subsequent reoperation for removal. Intramedullary screw fixation is an attractive option to attempt to minimize hardware prominence. The purpose of this biomechanical study is to directly compare intramedullary screw fixation (IMSF) with plate fixation (PF) of chevron olecranon osteotomies. It was hypothesized that PF would be biomechanically superior to IMSF. Methods: Chevron olecranon osteotomies of 12 matched pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric elbows were repaired with either precontoured proximal ulna locking plates or cannulated screws with a washer. Displacement and amplitude of displacement at the dorsal and medial aspects of the osteotomies under cyclic loading conditions were measured. Finally, the specimens were loaded to failure. Results: The IMSF group had significantly greater medial displacement (P = .034) and dorsal amplitude (P = .029) than the PF group. Medial displacement was negatively correlated with bone mineral density in the IMSF group (r = -0.66, P = .035) but not in the PF group (r = .160, P = .64). Mean load to failure between groups, however, was not statistically significant (P = .183). Conclusions: While there was no statistically significant difference in the load to failure between the two groups, IMSF repair resulted in significantly greater displacement of the medial osteotomy site during cyclic loading and greater amplitude of displacement dorsally with loading force. Decreased bone mineral density was associated with an increased displacement of the medial repair site. These results suggest that IMSF of olecranon osteotomies may result in increased fracture site displacement when compared to PF; this displacement may be greater in patients with poor bone quality.

Dual Bracing for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries Restores Native Valgus Laxity and Native Medial Joint Gapping of the Elbow.

Background: Despite growing evidence on the role of the posterior ulnar collateral ligament (pUCL) in elbow stability, current ligament bracing techniques are mainly focused on the anterior ulnar collateral ligament (aUCL). A dual-bracing technique combines the repair of the pUCL and aUCL with a suture augmentation of both bundles. Purpose: To biomechanically assess a dual-bracing approach addressing aUCL and pUCL for humeral-sided complete UCL lesions to restore medial elbow laxity without overconstraining. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 21 unpaired human elbows (11 right, 10 left; 57.19 ± 11.7 years) were randomized into 3 groups to compare dual bracing with aUCL suture augmentation and aUCL graft reconstruction. Laxity testing was performed with 25 N applied 12 cm distal to the elbow joint for 30 seconds at randomized flexion angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120°) for the native condition and then for each surgical technique. A calibrated motion capture system was used for assessment, allowing the 3-dimensional displacement during the complete valgus stress cycle between the optical trackers to be quantified as joint gap and laxity. The repaired constructs were then cyclically tested through a materials testing machine starting with 20 N for 200 cycles at a rate of 0.5 Hz. The load was increased stepwise by 10 N for 200 cycles until displacement reached 5.0 mm or complete failure occurred. Results: Dual bracing and aUCL bracing resulted in significantly (P = .045) less joint gapping at 120° of flexion compared with aUCL reconstruction. No significant differences in valgus laxity were found among the surgical techniques. Within each technique, there were no significant differences between the native and the postoperative state in valgus laxity and joint gapping. No significant differences between the techniques were observed in cycles to failure and failure load. Conclusion: Dual bracing restored native valgus joint laxity and medial joint gapping without overconstraining and provided similar primary stability regarding failure outcomes as established techniques. Furthermore, it was able to restore joint gapping in 120° of flexion significantly better than aUCL reconstruction. Clinical Relevance: This study provides biomechanical data on the dual-bracing approach that may help surgeons to consider this new method of addressing acute humeral UCL lesions.

Physiological Tensioning During Lower Trapezius Transfer for Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears May Be Important for Improvement in Shoulder Kinematics.

BACKGROUND: Lower trapezius transfer (LTT) has been proposed for restoring the anteroposterior muscular force couple in the setting of an irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear (PSRCT). Adequate graft tensioning during surgery may be a factor critical for sufficient restoration of shoulder kinematics and functional improvement. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to evaluate the effect of tensioning during LTT on glenohumeral kinematics using a dynamic shoulder model. It was hypothesized that LTT, while maintaining physiological tension on the lower trapezius muscle, would improve glenohumeral kinematics more effectively than undertensioned or overtensioned LTT. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A total of 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested using a validated shoulder simulator. Glenohumeral abduction angle, superior migration of the humeral head, and cumulative deltoid force were compared across 5 conditions: (1) native, (2) irreparable PSRCT, (3) LTT with a 12-N load (undertensioned), (4) LTT with a 24-N load (physiologically tensioned according to the cross-sectional area ratio of the lower trapezius muscle), and (5) LTT with a 36-N load (overtensioned). Glenohumeral abduction angle and superior migration of the humeral head were measured using 3-dimensional motion tracking. Cumulative deltoid force was recorded in real time throughout dynamic abduction motion by load cells connected to actuators. RESULTS: Physiologically tensioned (Δ13.1°), undertensioned (Δ7.3°), and overtensioned (Δ9.9°) LTT each significantly increased the glenohumeral abduction angle compared with the irreparable PSRCT (P < .001 for all). Physiologically tensioned LTT achieved a significantly greater glenohumeral abduction angle than undertensioned LTT (Δ5.9°; P < .001) or overtensioned LTT (Δ3.2°; P = .038). Superior migration of the humeral head was significantly decreased with LTT compared with the PSRCT, regardless of tensioning. Physiologically tensioned LTT resulted in significantly less superior migration of the humeral head compared with undertensioned LTT (Δ5.3 mm; P = .004). A significant decrease in cumulative deltoid force was only observed with physiologically tensioned LTT compared with the PSRCT (Δ-19.2 N; P = .044). However, compared with the native state, LTT did not completely restore glenohumeral kinematics, regardless of tensioning. CONCLUSION: LTT was most effective in improving glenohumeral kinematics after an irreparable PSRCT when maintaining physiological tension on the lower trapezius muscle at time zero. However, LTT did not completely restore native glenohumeral kinematics, regardless of tensioning. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tensioning during LTT for an irreparable PSRCT may be important to sufficiently improve glenohumeral kinematics and may be an intraoperatively modifiable key variable to ensure postoperative functional success.

Biomechanical Evaluation of the Efficacy of Suture Tape Augmentation for Subscapularis Peel Repair.

Background: Failure of a subscapularis repair construct after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty can result in difficulty with internal rotation and an increased likelihood of dislocation. Although suture tape has been demonstrated to be an efficacious augment for tendonous repairs elsewhere in the body, it has not been investigated as a method for augmenting subscapularis peel repairs. Purpose: To determine the biomechanical efficacy of suture tape augmentation for the repair of a subscapularis peel. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Twelve human cadaveric shoulders underwent a subscapularis peel. Specimens were randomly split into 2 groups: 6 specimens underwent repair using a transosseous bone tunnel technique with 3 high-strength sutures placed with a Mason-Allen configuration (control group), and 6 specimens underwent the control repair using augmentation with 2 suture tapes placed in an inverted mattress fashion and secured to the proximal humerus using a suture anchor (augmentation group). Shoulders underwent biomechanical testing to compare repair displacement with cyclic loading, load at ultimate failure, and construct stiffness. Results: There were no significant between-group differences in displacement after cyclic loading at the superior (P = .87), middle (P = .47), or inferior (P = .77) portions of the subscapularis tendon. Load to failure was significantly greater in the augmentation group (585.1 ± 97.4 N) than in the control group (358.5 ± 81.8 N) (P = .001). Stiffness was also greater in the augmentation group (71.8 ± 13.7 N/mm) when compared with the control group (48.7 ± 5.7 N/mm) (P = .003). Conclusion: Subscapularis peel repair with augmentation via 2 inverted mattress suture tapes secured with an anchor in the proximal humerus conferred significantly greater load at ultimate failure and construct stiffness when compared with a traditional repair using 3 Mason-Allen sutures. There was no difference in repair displacement with cyclic loading between the repair groups. Clinical Relevance: Suture tape augmentation of subscapularis peel repairs after shoulder arthroplasty provides an effective segment to the strength of the repair.

Anterior Bankart Repair With Superior Capsular Plication Causes Increased Mean Tension in Posterior Glenohumeral Capsule.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate if a biomechanical difference exists in the prerepair and postrepair states of the posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament (PIGHL) following anterior Bankart repair with respect to capsular tension, labral height, and capsular shift. Methods: In this study, 12 cadaveric shoulders were dissected to the glenohumeral capsule and disarticulated. The specimens were loaded to 5-mm displacement using a custom shoulder simulator, and measurements were taken for posterior capsular tension, labral height, and capsular shift. We measured the capsular tension, labral height, and capsular shift of the PIGHL in its native state and following repair of a simulated anterior Bankart lesion. Results: We found that there was a significant increase in the mean capsular tension of the posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament (Δ = 2.12 ± 2.10 N; P = .005), as well as posterior capsular shift (Δ = .362 ± 0.365 mm; P = .018). There was no significant change in posterior labral height (Δ = 0.297 ± 0.667 mm; P = .193). These results demonstrate the sling effect of the inferior glenohumeral ligament. Conclusion: Although the posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament is not directly manipulated during an anterior Bankart repair, when the anterior inferior glenohumeral ligament is plicated superiorly, some of the tension is transmitted to the posterior glenohumeral ligament as a result of the sling effect. Clinical Relevance: Anterior Bankart repair with superior capsular plication results in an increased mean tension of the PIGHL. Clinically, this may contribute to shoulder stability.

Is there value in the routine practice of discarding the incision scalpel from the surgical field to prevent deep wound contamination with Cutibacterium acnes? An update.

BACKGROUND: Cutibacterium acnes is the most common microbe implicated in periprosthetic infection in shoulder arthroplasty. We present an update of a previous pilot study in which we demonstrated the persistence of C acnes on the skin and contamination of the scalpel used for the initial skin incision despite a robust presurgical skin preparation protocol. METHODS: We collected a consecutive case series of patients undergoing primary or revision anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty performed by a single fellowship-trained surgeon at a tertiary referral hospital from November 2019 to December 2022. The scalpel blade used for the initial skin incision in each patient was swabbed, with cultures being held for 21 days according to a C acnes-specific protocol. Demographic data, medical comorbidities, surgical information, culture results, and infections were documented. RESULTS: We identified 100 patients (51 men and 49 women) who met the inclusion criteria (mean age, 66.91 years; age range, 44-93 years). Cultures returned positive findings for C acnes in 12 patients (12%), 11 of whom were men (odds ratio, 13.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.73-194.87). No association was found between positive culture findings and age, body mass index, medical comorbidities, or procedure type. No postoperative infections occurred in this patient cohort, and the patients will continue to be monitored for the development of infection. CONCLUSION: Despite stringent presurgical preparation and scrub protocols, a significant portion of patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty have C acnes in culturable quantities on their skin at the time of incision. C acnes contamination is much more common in male patients. These findings should be taken into consideration regarding preventive measures such as discarding the initial scalpel and avoiding unnecessary dermal contact during the procedure.