Factors determining the short-term clinical outcomes of conservative treatment in patients with supraspinatus tear.

INTRODUCTION: To identify factors influencing the better and worse changes in the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index of patients undergoing conservative treatment for supraspinatus tendon tear. METHODS: The study included 30 patients with supraspinatus tendon tear who underwent conservative treatment. The average duration of intervention was 35.4 days. The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, shoulder range of motion, isometric muscle strength, supraspinatus tendon thickness, thickness of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles, and acromiohumeral interval were assessed before and after the intervention. In the statistical analyses, change in the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index was the dependent variable, and the amount of change in each measurement variable before and after the intervention was the independent variable. RESULTS: The average Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index improved from 1067 at pre-treatment to 997 at post-treatment, but without a significant difference (p = 0.29). A multiple regression analysis revealed that supraspinatus tendon thickness and muscle strength in shoulder external rotation at 90° scaption had a significant effect on the change in the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (R2 = 0.44, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Supraspinatus tendon thickness and muscle strength in shoulder external rotation at 90° scaption were important factors for the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index score in the early stages of conservative treatment for patients with supraspinatus tendon tear.

Subacromial balloon spacer massive rotator cuff tear treatment systematic review and meta-analysis: Patient selection and physical therapy may be keys to outcome success.

PURPOSE: Subacromial balloon spacer implantation (SBSI) efficacy for massive rotator cuff tear treatment was evaluated based on perceived shoulder function, active shoulder mobility, pain, complications and research study methodological quality. The purpose was to better discern the efficacy of this device from both surgical and rehabilitative perspectives to improve patient outcomes. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched (1 January 2010 to 1 June 2024) using 'balloon spacer', 'subacromial spacer', 'subacromial balloon spacer', 'shoulder spacer' and 'inspace' terms. Pre-surgery (baseline), 12-month (12-m) and 24-month (24-m) post-SBSI mean changes were compared using one-way ANOVA and Scheffe post hoc tests, and comparative study effect sizes were calculated (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: This review consists of 27 studies with 894 patients (67.8 ± 5 years of age) and 29.4 ± 17-month follow-up. Modified Coleman Methodology Scores (MCMS) revealed fair overall quality (mean = 61.4 ± 11). Constant-Murley scores improved from 34.8 ± 6 (baseline), to 64.2 ± 9 (12-m) and 67.9 ± 8 (24-m) (12-m, 24-m > baseline, p < 0.001). ASES scores improved from 35.1 ± 14 (baseline), to 83.3 ± 7 (12-m) and 81.8 ± 5 (24-m)(12-m, 24-m > baseline, p < 0.001). VAS pain scores improved from 6.6 ± 1 (baseline), to 2.6 ± 1 (12-m) and 2.0 ± 1 (24-m) (12-m, 24-m < baseline, p < 0.001). Flexion increased from 108.5 ± 25° (baseline), to 128.5 ± 30° (12-m) and 151.2 ± 14° (24-m) (24-m > 12-m, baseline, p = 0.01). Abduction increased from 97.7 ± 24° (baseline) to 116.3 ± 23° (12-m) and 142.3 ± 15° (24-m) (24-m > 12-m, baseline, p = 0.02). External rotation (ER) in adduction changed from 33.1 ± 7° (baseline) to 32.5 ± 4° (12-m) and 53.9 ± 9° (24-m)(24-m > 12-m, baseline, p = 0.01). ER at 90° abduction increased from 56.3 ± 3° (baseline) to 83.5 ± 5° (12-m) and 77.1 ± 4° (24-m) (24-m, 12-m > baseline, p = 0.01). Comparison studies, however, displayed insignificant results with small effect sizes. CONCLUSION: Despite overall fair MCMS scores, at 24-m post-SBSI, shoulder function improved and pain decreased. More rigorous comparative studies, however, revealed insignificant findings. Patients with the potential to re-establish the essential glenohumeral joint force couple that depresses the humeral head on the glenoid fossa and who comply with physical therapy may be more likely to achieve success following SBSI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

A Triad of Shoulder Injuries Following Cardioversion: A Case Report.

Transthoracic defibrillation and cardioversion are commonly used techniques to resuscitate a patient during acute cardiac arrhythmic events. There are numerous complications associated with these procedures. We report a previously unreported complication where a patient suffered from a supraspinatus tear after cardioversion for ventricular tachycardia. There are numerous complications associated with these procedures. We report a previously unreported complication where a middle-aged Chinese patient with no previous trauma history suffered from a supraspinatus tear after cardioversion for ventricular tachycardia.

Subacromial contact after acromioplasty in the rotator cuff deficient shoulder.

Subacromial impingement (SAI) is associated with shoulder pain and dysfunction and is exacerbated by rotator cuff tears; however, the role of acromioplasty in mitigating subacromial contact in the rotator cuff deficient shoulder remains debated. This study aimed to quantify the influence of isolated and combined tears involving the supraspinatus on subacromial contact during abduction; and second, to evaluate the influence of acromioplasty on joint space size and subacromial contact under these pathological conditions. Eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric upper limbs were mounted to a computer-controlled testing apparatus that simulated joint motion by simulated force application. Shoulder abduction was performed while three-dimensional joint kinematics was measured using an optoelectronic system, and subacromial contact evaluated using a digital pressure sensor secured to the inferior acromion. Testing was performed after an isolated tear to the supraspinatus, as well as tears involving the subscapularis and infraspinatus-teres minor, both before and after acromioplasty. Rotator cuff tears significantly increased peak subacromial pressure (p < 0.001), average subacromial pressure (p = 0.001), and contact force (p = 0.034) relative to those in the intact shoulder. Following acromioplasty, significantly lower peak subacromial contact pressure, force and area were observed for all rotator cuff tears involving the supraspinatus at 30° of abduction (p < 0.05). Acromioplasty predominantly reduces acromion thickness anteriorly thereby reducing subacromial contact in the rotator cuff deficient shoulder, particularly in early to mid-abduction where superior glenohumeral joint shear force potential is large. These findings provide a biomechanical basis for acromioplasty as an intervention for SAI syndrome and as an adjunct to rotator cuff repairs.

Middle trapezius tendon transfer using Achilles allograft for irreparable isolated supraspinatus tendon tears effectively restores the superior stability of the humeral head without restricting range of motion: a biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: Middle trapezius tendon (MTT) transfer has been suggested for promising treatment of irreparable isolated supraspinatus tendon tears (IISTTs). However, there have been no attempts to assess the biomechanical efficacy of MTT transfer. This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical efficacy of MTT transfer in the setting of IISTTs. METHODS: Eight fresh frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested in 3 conditions: (1) intact rotator cuff, (2) IISTT, and (3) MTT transfer using Achilles allograft for IISTTs. Total humeral rotational range of motion (ROM), superior translation of the humeral head, and subacromial contact characteristics were measured at 0°, 20°, and 40° glenohumeral abduction (representing 0°, 30°, and 60° shoulder abduction). Superior translation and subacromial contact pressures were measured at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° external rotation (ER). Two different MTT muscle loading conditions were investigated. A linear mixed effects model and Tukey post hoc test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Total ROM was significantly increased after IISTT at 20° abduction (P = .037). There were no changes in total ROM following MTT transfer compared to the IISTT condition (P > .625 for all comparisons). The IISTT condition significantly increased superior translation compared to the intact rotator cuff condition in 0° and 20° abduction with all ER angles (P < .001), 40° abduction-30° ER (P = .016), and 40° abduction-60° ER (P = .002). MTT transfer significantly decreased superior translation of the humeral head at all abduction angles compared to the IISTT condition (P < .026). MTT transfer significantly decreased peak contact pressure by 638.7 kPa (normal loading) and 726.8 kPa (double loading) at 0° abduction-30° ER compared to the IISTT condition (P < .001). Mean contact pressure was decreased by 102.8 kPa (normal loading) and 118.0 kPa (double loading) at 0° abduction-30° ER (P < .001) and 101.0 kPa (normal loading) and 99.2 kPa (double loading) at 0° abduction-60° ER (P < .001). MTT transfer at 20° abduction-30° ER with 24 N loading significantly decreased contact pressure by 91.2 kPa (P = .035). CONCLUSIONS: The MTT transfer biomechanically restored the superior humeral head translation and reduced the subacromial contact pressure in a cadaveric model of IISTT, while not restricting total ROM. These findings suggest that MTT transfer may have potential as a surgical treatment for IISTTs.

Suprascapular Nerve Pulsed Radiofrequency as an Effective Pain Relief Strategy in Supraspinatus Muscle Tendon Tears.

INTRODUCTION: The supraspinatus muscle tendon is the most frequently rotator cuff muscle torn. Reliable shoulder pain relief strategies are needed for patients with severe pain, refractory to conservative management, and without surgical indication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis in a Portuguese reference Rehabilitation Centre during the 1st of January 2020 and the 30th of June 2021, including all patients with partial or complete supraspinatus tendon tear, older than 50 years, who presented with severe pain and who were submitted to suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency. RESULTS: We included 32 patients in our retrospective analysis, mainly female (53%) with a mean age of 66.50 years old. Most of the patients reported right shoulder pain (21 patients, 66%). The mean baseline pain, reported on the numeric rating scale, was 8.00 ± 0.88. Compared to baseline, mean pain reduced 4.00 ± 3.19 at three months (p<0.001), 3.59 ± 3.13 at six months (p<0.001) and 2.94 ± 2.78 at 12 months (p<0.001). From the 3rd to the 12th month there was an increase of 1.06 ± 2.77 in mean pain (p=0.038). There was no difference (p>0.05) in average pain at 0, 3, 6, or 12 months between patients who were simultaneously submitted to an intra-articular shoulder injection. DISCUSSION: Our analysis revealed 36% average shoulder pain reduction for, at least, 12 months following suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency, with a peak pain reduction of 50% at three months. Slow fading of pain reduction in the following nine months was seen, however, compared to baseline, pain reduction was always statistically significant. Cortico-anaesthetic intra-articular shoulder injections seem not to add benefit in shoulder pain reduction when performed simultaneously with suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency. CONCLUSION: Suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency seems to be an effective strategy for shoulder pain reduction, in patients with severe pain, refractory to other management modalities. Nonetheless, larger prospective studies, analyzing shoulder functionality and quality of life lost scores, besides pain reduction, should be pursued.

Open Displaced Fracture of Acromion with Associated Complete Supraspinatus Tear: A Rare Case Report.

Introduction: Isolated acromion fractures are rare and in that too, orthopaedicians rarely come across open acromial fractures. Hence literature regarding their management, outcome and any associated complications is obscure. In an extensive search for literature related to our case we found very few articles. We hereby report a case of Gustilo IIIA open acromial fracture with associated supraspinatus, deltoid and capsular injury managed with tension band wiring (TBW) and soft tissue repair with 6 month follow up. Case Report: A 21-year-old male was admitted in our hospital for wound of right shoulder with pain and inability to move this arm with a history of direct trauma with sharp object 3 days back. On examination, a wound 15 cm in length on the superior aspect of the right shoulder with its depth extending up to the glenohumeral joint was noted. The glenohumeral joint was exposed with a Gustilo Anderson type IIIA acromion fracture and injury of supraspinatus and capsule with no associated vascular or neurological injury. Wound was thoroughly irrigated and was used to approach the fracture site for repair. Capsule of shoulder was carefully closed with absorbable suture followed by suturing of supraspinatus with non-absorbable suture. Our initial plan to fix the acromial fracture to spinous process of scapula with 2 4 mm cannulated cancellous screw placed orthogonal to fracture site was modified intraoperative due to screw cut out and we went ahead with TBW with 1 screw and 1 Kirschner wire to prevent further fragmentation of the fragment. Wound was healing and healthy. Patient was started on a passive pendular exercises after 4 weeks and active exercises at 6 weeks. Six months postoperatively patient had complete range of shoulder rotation with forward flexion of 80° and abduction possible till 45°. Patient was able to do most of his activities of daily living barring overhead activities. Conclusion: As there are very limited cases of this sort of injury, this case report will cast a light on management options and outcomes of such injuries. We received fair results in our study with good healing and painless functional shoulder joint. However, long term and multi centric studies are required for further information pertaining to such scenarios.

Midterm Clinical Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Olympic Volleyball Players: Return to Sports and Return to Performance.

Background: The decision-making process and predicting the time to return to sport (RTS) and return to performance (RTP) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) in elite volleyball players are difficult issues to address, even among experienced shoulder surgeons. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the results in Olympic-level volleyball players treated with arthroscopic supraspinatus repair and to report the RTS and the RTP. It was hypothesized that these athletes had higher RTS and faster RTP. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study included 17 elite volleyball athletes (11 male, 6 female; mean age, 26.2 years) who underwent ARCR for partial- and full-thickness supraspinatus tears that did not improve despite nonoperative treatment. The clinical results were evaluated at 12 months postoperatively. The authors compared the athletes' preoperative, 6-month, and 12-month Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) scores and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain after competition and conducted 6- and 12-month isometric strength analyses. The athletes' RTS and RTP times were recorded. Results: All tears were on the dominant side (15 right, 2 left), and 82% were partial tears (14 partial thickness, 3 full thickness). The mean time from the onset of symptoms to surgery was 11.3 ± 6.7 months. While the mean Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score was 31 preoperatively, it was 89 after 6 months (P < .001 vs preoperative) and 96 after 12 months (P = .003 vs 6 months). The mean VAS for pain was 7.9 preoperatively, 0.4 at 6 months (P < .001 vs preoperative), and 0.1 at 12 months (P = .02 vs 6 months). All athletes were able to reach their preinjury level, with RTS at a mean of 6.9 months and RTP at a mean of 12.4 months. Conclusion: ARCR appears to be an effective option for Olympic-level volleyball players who do not benefit from nonoperative treatment. All athletes returned to their preinjury level of sports. The surgeon and athlete can plan surgical decision-making and timing based on the mean RTS time of 6.9 months and mean RTP time of 12.4 months.

The preferable shoulder position can isolate supraspinatus activity superior to the classic empty can test: an electromyographic study.

BACKGROUND: Supraspinatus (SSP) strength tests are an important shoulder examination tool for clinical evaluations of patients with a suspected SSP tear. While the empty can (EC) test is widely used to diagnose SSP dysfunction, the test cannot selectively activate SSP activity. The aim of this study was to access the electromyographic (EMG) activity within SSP, deltoid, and surrounding periscapular muscles after resisted abduction force to determine which shoulder position helps best isolate SSP from deltoid activity. METHODS: A controlled laboratory EMG study was conducted. Specifically, we conducted an EMG analysis of the seven periscapular muscles (i.e., the middle deltoid, anterior deltoid, SSP, upper trapezius, posterior deltoid, infraspinatus, and pectoralis major) in 21 healthy participants, without any history of shoulder disorder, aged 29 ± 0.9 years old with a dominant-right arm. EMG activities were measured during resisted abduction force according to comprehensive shoulder positions in abduction, horizontal flexion, and humeral rotation. The supraspinatus to middle deltoid (S:D) ratio was calculated using the standardized weighted EMG and the maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the SSP and middle deltoid muscles, for each shoulder position to determine the best isolated SSP muscle strength test position. Results were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test for non-normally distributed data. RESULTS: Shoulder abduction, horizontal flexion, and humeral rotation significantly affected the activity of the middle deltoid, SSP, and S:D ratio (P < 0.05). The S:D ratio increased significantly in lower degrees of shoulder abduction, lower degrees of horizontal flexion, and external humeral rotation over internal rotation. The greatest S:D ratio (3.4 (0.5-9.1)) occurred at the shoulder position of 30° shoulder abduction combined with 30° horizontal flexion and external humeral rotation. Conversely, the classic EC position manifested nearly the smallest S:D ratio (0.8 (0.2-1.2)). CONCLUSION: Application of the SSP strength test in the shoulder position of 30 degrees abduction, 30 degrees horizontal flexion, and external humeral rotation offers the best position to isolate the abducting activity of the SSP from that of the deltoid, which could help with diagnosis among patients with chronic shoulder pain with a suspected SSP tear condition.

Evaluation of the Differences in the MRI Findings Related to Primary and Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to describe the radiological findings of adhesive capsulitis due to different etiological factors and reveal that different clues due to different etiological causes should be considered in the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis. Methods: The study group comprised 24 primary and 22 supraspinatus tendon rupture-related adhesive capsulitis patients with 24 individuals without adhesive capsulitis and with normal shoulder magnetic resonance imaging. Independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance tests were used to compare the measurements between the groups. Paired sample t-test and Cohen's kappa statistic were used to determine inter-observer reliability. The chi-squared test was used to determine the relationships between groups and categorical variables. Study participants were evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative measurements included the thickness of the humeral and glenoid segment of the joint capsule and the thickness of the anterior joint capsule and the fluid depth within the biceps tendon sheath. The qualitative assessments included the detection of any signal abnormality at the rotator interval, the grading of the humeral and glenoid segment of the joint capsule, and the detection of any signal abnormality in respect of the anterior joint capsule. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the groups of patients with primary adhesive capsulitis and with supraspinatus tear-related adhesive capsulitis in terms of the thickness of the humeral segment of the joint capsule at the axillary recess level (AUC = .729) (P: .006). Furthermore, setting the cutoff value for the thickness of the humeral segment of the capsule to 4.6 mm allowed the differentiation of primary adhesive capsulitis and supraspinatus tear-related adhesive capsulitis with a sensitivity of 70.8% and a specificity of 87.3%. Conclusion: In conclusion, the humeral segment of the joint capsule thickness at the axillary recess was found to be affected by different degrees depending on whether it is a primary or supraspinatus tear-related adhesive capsulitis.

Effect of shape and size of supraspinatus tears on rotator cuff strain distribution: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the size and shape of a supraspinatus tear on the strain of the intact rotator cuff and the kinematics of the shoulder is still unknown. This, however, can be relevant when deciding whether surgical reconstruction is required to prevent an increase in a tendon defect. In this study, the effect of tear width and shape on rotator cuff strain and glenohumeral kinematics was evaluated during active abduction. METHODS: Twelve fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders with intact rotator cuffs were used in this study. We created 50% and 100% wide (full-thickness) crescent-shaped (CS) tears (n = 6) and reverse L-shaped (rLS) tears (n = 6) in the supraspinatus tendon and measured strain and kinematics during active humeral elevation until 30°. RESULTS: Both tear shapes and sizes led to an increase in internal rotation, supraspinatus loading force, and superior translation of the humerus. For the 100% wide tear size, anterior translation was observed in the CS tear group, whereas in the rLS tear group, this translation occurred mainly in the posterior direction. Strain was higher in the infraspinatus during the first 25° of abduction in comparison with the supraspinatus tendon in both tear shape groups. An analysis of the anterior and posterior tear borders showed a higher strain concentration on the same side of the tear in the CS tear group with 50% and 100% wide tears. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of different tear shapes on translation in the anterior-posterior direction was evident as both CS and rLS tears led to an oppositely directed translation of the humeral head. The strain analysis showed a stress-shielding effect of the infraspinatus at the beginning of abduction. Therefore, special attention must be paid to correctly identify the tear extension and adequately reconstruct the rotator cuff footprint. Moreover, the constant location of maximum strain in the CS tear group may lead to an earlier progression than in the rLS tear group.

Three-Dimensional Software- and MR-Imaging-Based Muscle Volumetry Reveals Overestimation of Supraspinatus Muscle Atrophy Using Occupation Ratios in Full-Thickness Tendon Tears.

Supraspinatus muscle atrophy is widely determined from oblique-sagittal MRI by calculating the occupation ratio. This ex vivo and clinical study aimed to validate the accuracy of 3D software- and MR-imaging-based muscle volumetry, as well as to assess the influence of the tear pattern on the occupation ratio. Ten porcine muscle specimens were volumetrized using the physical water displacement volumetry as a standard of reference. A total of 149 individuals with intact supraspinatus tendons, partial tears, and full-thickness tears had 3T MRI. Two radiologists independently determined occupation ratio values. An excellent correlation with a Pearson's r of 0.95 for the variables physical volumetry using the water displacement method and MR-imaging-based muscle volumetry using the software was found and formed the standard of reference for the patient study. The inter-reader reliability was 0.92 for occupation ratios. The correlation between occupation ratios and software-based muscle volumes was good in patients with intact tendons (0.84) and partial tears (0.93) but considerably lower in patients with full-thickness tears (0.68). Three-dimensional-software- and MR-imaging-based muscle volumetry is reliable and accurate. Compared to 3D muscle volumetry, the occupation ratio method overestimates supraspinatus muscle atrophy in full-thickness tears, which is most likely due to the medial retraction of the myotendinous unit.

Management of normal long head of the biceps tendon in isolated grade-1 supraspinatus tear: Research protocol for a multicenter prospective single-blind randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon is a common locus of pain in rotator cuff tear and of residual pain after tendon repair. Therefore, systematic LHB tenotomy, with or without tenodesis, is usually recommended. However, the recent literature suggests that long-term functional results of supraspinatus tendon repair are comparable between conservation of a normal biceps and tenotomy. The study objective is to compare functional results between sectioning and sparing a normal LHB in treating isolated grade-1 supraspinatus tendon tear. The study hypothesis is that sparing the normal LHB is clinically preferable to sectioning in the particular case of distal supraspinatus tear. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A French nationwide prospective single-blind randomized clinical study will include 194 patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of grade-1 supraspinatus tear with normal LHB. They will be randomized to 2 parallel groups: LHB sparing and sectioning. The main endpoint is Constant-Murley score, and secondary endpoints comprise ASES and SSV scores, clinical assessment of the biceps, pain on VAS, ultrasound assessment of cuff repair healing and conserved LHBs, impact on return to work and sport, pathologic assessment of sectioned LHBs, and analysis of risk factors for cuff repair failure. ETHICAL APPROVAL AND PUBLICATION: The protocol has been approved by the data protection committee (art.L.1122-1) and meets the criteria of the Declaration of Helsinki and of the SPIRIT statement defining standard protocol items for clinical trials. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: not applicable.

Diagnostic Dilemma: Which Clinical Tests Are Most Accurate for Diagnosing Supraspinatus Muscle Tears and Tendinosis When Compared to Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

BACKGROUND:  The study aims to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of five clinical shoulder tests in the diagnosis of supraspinatus tears and tendinosis when compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS:  A total of 116 shoulders of 106 consecutive patients who experienced shoulder pain were assessed for this cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study. Patients were assessed with the most commonly used clinical shoulder tests, including the Jobe test (empty can), Neer test, drop arm test, Hawkins test, and full can test to identify supraspinatus tears and tendinosis. MRI examinations were performed on a 1.5 Tesla MRI system, and images were assessed by a blinded radiologist. The primary outcomes were to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the five clinical tests and to establish their correlation with MRI for supraspinatus tears and tendinosis. RESULTS: The Hawkins test had a higher sensitivity and accuracy when diagnosing tears (sensitivity 89.66% [95% CI, 78.83-96.11] and accuracy 56.03% [95% CI, 46.51-65.23], respectively) and higher sensitivity in tendinosis (79.07% [95% CI, 63.96-89.96]). The drop arm test had a lower sensitivity but higher specificity in both tendinosis and tears (sensitivity 0% [95% CI, 0-8.22] and 12.07% [95% CI, 4.99-23.29], respectively, and specificity 87.67% [95% CI, 77.88-94.21] and 96.5% [95% CI, 88.09-99.58], respectively). The Neer test had a higher positive predictive value (PPV) of 37.21% in diagnosing tendinosis. When compared to the Hawkins test, the combination of the clinical tests had no statistically significant contribution to sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSION: The Hawkins test had higher accuracy in diagnosing tears and was the most sensitive in diagnosing supraspinatus tendinosis and tears when compared to the MRI findings. The Neer test may also be another reliable tool for the diagnosis of tendinosis due to its higher PPV.

A Biomechanical Analysis of Shoulder Muscle Excursions During Abduction, After the Treatment of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears Using Superior Capsular Reconstruction (SCR), Bursal Acromial Reconstruction (BAR), and SCR with BAR.

Introduction: Current understanding of the biomechanical effects of treatment options for irreparable rotator cuff (RC) tears is lacking. This study examines how shoulder muscle lengths and excursions are affected by superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), bursal acromial reconstruction (BAR), and SCR with BAR, following a complete supraspinatus tear. Method: Six fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were examined. Deltoid and RC muscle lengths were measured at 0, 30, 45, 60, and 90° of shoulder abduction under six conditions: (1) intact, (2) partially torn supraspinatus, (3) completely torn supraspinatus, (4) SCR, (5) SCR with BAR, and (6) BAR. Muscle excursions from 0-90° of abduction were then calculated. Results: Subscapularis muscle lengths after SCR, BAR, and SCR with BAR were significantly greater (post-hoc Tukey HSD test; p < .01) compared to the other conditions. Supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and deltoid lengths were not significantly different (ANOVA test; p > .01) between the conditions. All muscle excursions remained statistically similar between the conditions (ANOVA test; p > .01). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the use of SCR, BAR, or SCR with BAR for a complete supraspinatus tear, may increase subscapularis muscle length while maintaining other shoulder muscle lengths. An increase in subscapularis length can allow for more effective subscapularis muscle strengthening and increased compensatory function in the long term. Additionally, all shoulder muscle excursions are preserved after partial or complete supraspinatus tears and after SCR, BAR, or SCR with BAR. Therefore, these surgical treatments can initially normalize shoulder muscle function during 0-90° of abduction, after an irreparable supraspinatus tear.

Infraspinatus Muscle Fiber Moment Arms During Abduction: A Biomechanical Comparison of Values for Intact Rotator Cuff, Supraspinatus Tear, Superior Capsular Reconstruction, and Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Background: Lines of action of the superior, middle, and inferior infraspinatus muscle fibers work together to produce moment arms that change throughout abduction in an intact shoulder, after a supraspinatus tear, and after superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). Purpose: To use moment arm values to indicate the efficacy of SCR and rTSA to restore infraspinatus function during shoulder abduction. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 5 human cadaveric shoulders placed in a testing apparatus were each actively abducted (0°-90°) under the following 4 conditions: intact, complete supraspinatus tear, SCR, and rTSA. The 3-dimensional coordinates of points were tracked along the origin and insertion of the superior, middle, and inferior infraspinatus fibers during abduction. Moment arm values were calculated using the origin-insertion method to determine abduction contribution of infraspinatus fiber sections. Analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey testing were used to compare differences in moment arms between the 4 conditions and between fiber sections. Results: In the intact condition, the superior infraspinatus fibers had an abduction moment that decreased with elevation until shifting to adduction. Conversely, the middle and inferior fibers had an adduction moment that turned to abduction (mean moment arm values from 0° to 90°: inferior, from -5.9 to 19.4 mm; middle, from -4.7 to 15.9 mm; superior, from 5.6 to -5.1 mm; P < .05). After a supraspinatus tear, superior fibers lacked any torque, and inferior and middle fibers lost adduction potential (inferior, from 4.8 to 14.0 mm; middle, from -0.2 to 9.6 mm; superior, from 1.0 to 0.7 mm; P < .05). SCR restored the initial superior fiber abduction moment (5.6 mm at 0°; P < .05); middle and inferior fibers had some restoration but were weaker than intact fibers. Loss of abduction moment in all fibers was seen with rTSA (inferior, from -9.6 to -1.6 mm; middle, from -10.5 to -3.6 mm; superior, from -1.7 to -4.6 mm; P < .05). Conclusion: Infraspinatus fiber groups had different and inverse moment arms during scapular plane elevation. SCR most closely resembled the intact shoulder, whereas rTSA transformed the infraspinatus into an adductor. Clinical Relevance: These results support the efficacy of SCR at restoring biomechanical muscle function and suggest that the changes in moment arms for each fiber group be considered when choosing treatment modalities and rehabilitation protocols after rotator cuff tear.

Coracoid Impingement and Morphology Is Associated with Fatty Infiltration and Rotator Cuff Tears.

This study describes measurements between the coracoid, glenoid, and humerus; characterizes coracoid shape, rotator cuff fatty infiltration, and quantitatively evaluates coracoid impingement and its association with anterosuperior rotator cuff tears (ASCT). 193 shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans demonstrating: rotator cuff tear; isolated tear of the supraspinatus; tear of supraspinatus and subscapularis, were included. MRI measurements included coracohumeral interval (CHI), coracoid overlap (CO), coracoid recess (CR), coracoglenoid angle (CGA), and coracoglenoid interval (CGI) on axial slices; acromiohumeral interval (AHI) on coronal slices; and coracohumeral interval (CHI) and coracoacromial ligament (CAL) thickness on sagittal slices. The coracoid shape was classified as flat, curved, or hooked. An Independent T-test was used to compare the MRI measurements and the different rotator cuff tear groups. In 79% of the patients with ASCT tears, the coracoid was curved. Axial CHI, CGA, sagittal CHI, and AHI were decreased in ASCT when compared to no tears and isolated supraspinatus tears (p < 0.05). CO was increased in ASCT compared to no tears and isolated supraspinatus tears (p < 0.05). Patients with an ASCT had a significantly increased subscapularis and supraspinatus Goutallier fatty infiltration score when compared to no tear and isolated supraspinatus tears (p < 0.05). These quantitative measurements may be useful in identifying patients at risk for ASCT. Level of Evidence III.

Comparison of a Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection and a Conventional Steroid Injection for Pain Relief and Functional Improvement of Partial Supraspinatus Tears.

BACKGROUND: Partial supraspinatus tendon tears have frequently been treated using a subacromial corticosteroid injection or surgery. The clinical use of a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is an alternative treatment method for the condition, despite the paucity of evidence of its efficacy. PURPOSE: To compare pain relief, functional improvement, and complications after an intratendinous PRP injection versus a subacromial corticosteroid injection for partial supraspinatus tears. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A total of 32 patients with partial supraspinatus tears were randomly assigned to receive a leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) injection or a corticosteroid injection. One patient withdrew from the PRP group, leaving 15 patients in the PRP group and 16 patients in the corticosteroid group. The ultrasound-guided procedures were performed by a single experienced pain physician. Pain relief and functional improvement were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), respectively. Treatment efficacy and complications were documented, and the 2 groups were compared at 1- and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: There were no differences in VAS and OSS scores between the PRP and corticosteroid groups at 1-month follow-up. However, the PRP group had better scores than the corticosteroid group had on both the VAS and OSS at 6-month follow-up (VAS: 14.5 ± 15.4 vs 37.5 ± 24.9, respectively; OSS: 16.2 ± 3.9 vs 25.0 ± 10.2, respectively; P < .01 for both). Both groups showed significant improvement in VAS and OSS scores from before treatment to 1-month follow-up (mean difference, 35.67 and 11.47 points, respectively, for the PRP group; mean difference, 29.69 and 11.13 points, respectively, for the corticosteroid group; P < .01 for all). The VAS and OSS scores did not change significantly at 6-month follow-up in the corticosteroid group; however, the PRP group showed continued improvement in both VAS and OSS scores between 1- and 6-month follow-up (mean difference, 15.87 and 7.40 points, respectively; P < .01 for both). There were no complications in either group. CONCLUSION: An injection using either a corticosteroid or LP-PRP resulted in a similar reduction in pain and improvement in function at 1 month in patients with a partial supraspinatus tear. However, PRP showed superior benefits over the corticosteroid at 6-month follow-up.

Arthroscopic release combined with single-row fixation or double-row suture bridge fixation in patients with traumatic supraspinatus tear and adhesive capsulitis non-responsive to conservative management: A prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: There are few previous studies on traumatic supraspinatus tear with adhesive capsulitis. This study used arthroscopic release with single-row fixation or double-row suture bridge fixation to treat adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder with rotator cuff tears. Further, the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic release with single-row fixation and double-row suture bridge fixation was compared. HYPOTHESES: Arthroscopic release combined with single-row fixation or double-row suture bridge fixation showed good clinical outcomes in patients with traumatic supraspinatus tear with adhesive capsulitis. METHODS: A single-center prospective randomized trial was performed from June 2013 to June 2017. Of the 68 patients with traumatic supraspinatus tear and adhesive capsulitis who underwent arthroscopic release, 34 (22 with tear measuring≤3cm and 12 with tear measuring>3cm) were included in the single-row fixation group and 34 (20 with tear measuring≤3cm and 14 with tear measuring>3cm) were included in the double-row suture bridge fixation group. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder scores, range of motion, time to achieve satisfactory scores, and rotator cuff re-tear rate were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The range of motion, VAS score, UCLA and ASES shoulder scores significantly improved after surgery in both groups. There was a significant difference in the UCLA and ASES shoulder scores, time to achieve satisfactory scores, and rotator cuff re-tear rates in patients with tears measuring>3cm between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic release combined with single-row fixation or double-row suture bridge fixation showed good clinical outcomes in patients with traumatic supraspinatus tear with adhesive capsulitis. Therefore, the capsule of the shoulder should be thoroughly released to achieve such outcomes. For patients with rotator cuff tears measuring>3cm, double-row suture bridge fixation was superior to single-row fixation and the rotator cuff re-tear rate was low. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I; prospective, randomized trial, treatment study.