Predictive factors for postoperative outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has increased at a greater rate than other shoulder procedures. In general, clinical and functional outcomes after RTSA have been favorable regardless of indication. However, little evidence exists regarding patient specific factors associated with clinical improvement after RTSA. Predicting postoperative outcomes after RTSA may support patients and physicians to establish more accurate patient expectations and contribute in treatment decisions. The aim of this study was to determine predictive factors for postoperative outcomes after RTSA for patients with degenerative shoulder disorders. METHODS: EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library and PEDro were searched to identify cohort studies reporting on predictive factors for postoperative outcomes after RTSA. Authors independently screened publications on eligibility. Risk of bias for each publication was assessed using the QUIPS tool. A qualitative description of the results was given. The GRADE framework was used to establish the quality of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 1986 references were found of which 11 relevant articles were included in the analysis. Risk of bias was assessed as low (N = 7, 63.6%) or moderate (N = 4, 36.4%). According to the evidence synthesis there was moderate-quality evidence indicating that greater height predicts better postoperative shoulder function, and greater preoperative range of motion (ROM) predicts increased postoperative ROM following. CONCLUSION: Preoperative predictive factors that may predict postoperative outcomes are: patient height and preoperative range of motion. These factors should be considered in the preoperative decision making for a RTSA, and can potentially be used to aid in preoperative decision making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I; Systematic review.

Acute-on-Chronic Axillary Artery Thrombus After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Failed Proximal Humerus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: A Case Report.

CASE: A 71-year-old woman presented with post-traumatic arthritis 11 months after open reduction and internal fixation for a left proximal humerus fracture (PHF) dislocation. After revision to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), the patient's left upper extremity was found to be avascular. An emergent thrombectomy was performed with restoration of arterial flow after removal of an acute-on-chronic axillary artery thrombus. CONCLUSION: Although rare, as rTSA becomes more common for management of PHF, incidence of associated vascular injuries is likely to rise. Screening methods and clinical vigilance in diagnosis are advised for patients with anterior PHF dislocations and arterial injury risk factors.

Serum and Synovial Markers in the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Hip, Knee, and Shoulder: An Algorithmic Approach.

➤ No single test has demonstrated absolute accuracy for the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).➤ Physicians rely on a combination of serological tests, synovial markers, and clinical findings plus clinical judgment to help to guide preoperative decision-making.➤ Several organizations have proposed criteria for the diagnosis of hip or knee PJI on which we now rely.➤ Given that shoulder arthroplasty has only recently become popular, it is possible that a shoulder-specific definition of PJI will be introduced in the coming years.➤ Although a number of serum and synovial markers have demonstrated high accuracy for the diagnosis of PJI of the hip and knee, further research is needed in order to identify markers that may be more suitable for the diagnosis of shoulder PJI and for the potential development and identification of specific serological tests as screening tools for PJI.

Subscapularis Management in Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty A Review.

Surgical management of the subscapularis tendon is critical to a successful outcome following anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. However, the optimal surgical technique for adequate exposure of the glenohumeral joint while mini-mizing complications resulting from subscapularis tendon dysfunction continues to be controversial. Common surgical techniques for the management of the subscapularis tendon include tenotomy, peeling, sparing, and lesser tuberosity oste-otomy. Despite a number of published studies comparing these techniques, no consensus has been reached regarding optimal management. This article reviews the extensive literature on the biomechanical, radiologic, and clinical outcomes of each technique, including recently published comparison studies.

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.

Hydrogen Peroxide May Reduce the Risk for Revision Surgery and Infection in Primary Shoulder Arthroplasty: Two-year Follow-up From a Prospective, Blinded, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of hydrogen peroxide to the preoperative skin preparation for primary total shoulder arthroplasty is associated with a difference in patient-reported outcomes, risk for postoperative infection, and risk for revision surgery at a minimum of 2-year follow-up. METHODS: This was a prospective, blinded, and controlled trial, which included a consecutive series of patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty. The control group underwent standard sterile skin preparation using ethyl alcohol and ChloraPrep applicators, and the peroxide group had the same preparation with the addition of hydrogen peroxide between the alcohol and ChloraPrep applications. We then compared patient-reported outcome scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score [ASES], simple shoulder test [SST], visual analog scale [VAS]), infections, and revision surgeries between the two groups at 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 61 patients included in the original study, 52 of 58 (85%) living patients agreed to participate in this study. No preoperative differences were observed between groups. No difference was observed in ASES, SST, or VAS scores at 2 years. More revision surgeries were done in the control group (7 versus 2, P = 0.268) and Cutibacterium acnes infections (2 versus 0, P = 0.168). CONCLUSION: The addition of hydrogen peroxide to the preoperative skin preparation before primary shoulder arthroplasty is safe, and additional research is warranted to investigate whether it may decrease the risk for revision surgery and postoperative C acnes infection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Delayed elective total shoulder arthroplasty: causes and eventual outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors for delays in planned total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and determine the perioperative outcomes of TSAs that experienced a delay. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2006 to 2019 for primary TSA. Delayed TSA was defined as surgery that occurred greater than one day after hospital admission. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and post-operative complications were collected and compared; the incidence of delayed TSA was analyzed. RESULTS: The delayed patients were older, had a higher BMI, a higher rate of recent prior major surgery, and more comorbidities. Delayed patients had higher rates of postoperative complications, return to the OR, and 30-day readmission. Between 2006 and 2019, the rate of delayed TSA decreased. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should take care to ensure that patients with comorbidities undergo thorough preoperative clearance to prevent same-day cancellations and postoperative complications.

Does the proximal humeral bone quality influence alignment after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with short humeral stems?

PURPOSE: When compared to standard-length humeral stem in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), short humeral stems in RTSA require good proximal humeral metaphyseal bone quality to gain proper and secure fixation during prosthetic implantation. Shorter humeral stems potentially carry more risk of misalignment than standard or long humeral stems. The hypothesis was that misalignment of the short humeral stems is influenced by regional bone quality. METHODS: RTSA with a short curved humeral stem with neck-shaft angle (NSA) default of 132.5° was reviewed. The study group included 35 cases at a mean age of 75.97 (± 6.23) years. Deltoid-tuberosity index (DTI) was measured to evaluate proximal humeral bone quality. The deltoid tuberosity index was measured at immediately above position of the upper end of the deltoid tuberosity. Stem alignment was given by the angle measured in degrees between the intramedullary humeral shaft axis and the axis of the humeral implant stem. RESULTS: The patient's mean DTI was 1.37 ± 0.16 (median, 1.32; range, 1.12-1.80). 22 patients had poor bone quality (DTI < 1.4), compared to 13 patients with acceptable bone quality (DTI > 1.4). After RTSA, ten humeral components (29%) were neutrally aligned, whereas 25 humeral components (71%) were misaligned. There was no correlation between misalignment and DTI (r = 0.117; p = 0.504). But there was a strong correlation between misalignment and the patient's own NSA (r = - 0.47; p = 0.004). The postoperative stem position and stem misalignment are not associated with functional outcomes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The misalignment of the short curved humeral stem frequently occurs. Poor reginal humeral bone quality does not influence misalignment after RTSA with a short humeral stem. Postoperative stem alignment is associated with the patient's preoperative NSA and method of neck cut. The misalignment does not affect functional outcomes for midterm follow-up. Further long-term follow-up studies are needed to confirm its clinical relevance.

Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty Is Associated With Higher 30-Day Complication Rates Compared With Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) have both been shown to have good outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint. However, evidence comparing perioperative complications between these procedures in this population is heterogeneous. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried between the years 2012 and 2021 (10 years in total) for records of patients who underwent either TSA or HA for osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint. Patients in each group underwent a 1:1 propensity match for demographic variables. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare complications and risk factors between these cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 4376 propensity-matched patients, with 2188 receiving TSA and 2188 receiving HA, were included in the primary analyses. The HA cohort had a higher rate of any adverse event (7.18% vs 4.8%, P=.001), death (0.69% vs 0.1%, P=.004), sepsis (0.46% vs 0.1%, P=.043), postoperative transfusion (4.62% vs 2.2%, P<.001), postoperative intubation (0.5% vs 0.1%, P=.026), and extended length of stay (23.77% vs 13.1%, P<.001). HA was found to increase the odds of developing these complications when baseline demographics were controlled. Older age (odds ratio, 1.040; 95% CI, 1.021-1.059; P<.001) and lower body mass index (odds ratio, 0.949; 95% CI, 0.923-0.975; P<.001) increased the odds of having any adverse event in the HA cohort but not in the TSA cohort. CONCLUSION: Compared with TSA, HA appears to be associated with significantly higher rates of 30-day postoperative complications when performed for glenohumeral osteoarthritis. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(4):217-224.].

The Relationship Between Preoperative International Normalized Ratio and Postoperative Major Bleeding in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the relationship between preoperative international normalized ratio (INR) levels and major postoperative bleeding events after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for TSA from 2011 to 2020. A final cohort of 2405 patients with INR within 2 days of surgery were included. Patients were stratified into four groups: INR ≤ 1.0, 1.0 < INR ≤ 1.25, 1.25< INR ≤ 1.5, and INR > 1.5. The primary outcome was bleeding requiring transfusion within 72 hours, and secondary outcome variables included complication, revision surgery, readmission, and hospital stay duration. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses adjusted for relevant comorbidities were done. RESULTS: Of the 2,405 patients, 48% had INR ≤ 1.0, 44% had INR > 1.0 to 1.25, 7% had INR > 1.25 to 1.5, and 1% had INR > 1.5. In the adjusted model, 1.0 < INR ≤ 1.25 (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.176 to 2.459), 1.25 < INR ≤ 1.5 (OR 2.508, 95% CI 1.454 to 4.325), and INR > 1.5 (OR 3.200, 95% CI 1.233 to 8.302) were associated with higher risks of bleeding compared with INR ≤ 1.0. DISCUSSION: The risks of thromboembolism and bleeding lie along a continuum, with higher preoperative INR levels conferring higher postoperative bleeding risks after TSA. Clinicians should use a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach to balance competing risks.

Reverse total shoulder replacement versus anatomical total shoulder replacement for osteoarthritis: population based cohort study using data from the National Joint Registry and Hospital Episode Statistics for England.

OBJECTIVES: To answer a national research priority by comparing the risk-benefit and costs associated with reverse total shoulder replacement (RTSR) and anatomical total shoulder replacement (TSR) in patients having elective primary shoulder replacement for osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Population based cohort study using data from the National Joint Registry and Hospital Episode Statistics for England. SETTING: Public hospitals and publicly funded procedures at private hospitals in England, 2012-20. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 60 years or older who underwent RTSR or TSR for osteoarthritis with intact rotator cuff tendons. Patients were identified from the National Joint Registry and linked to NHS Hospital Episode Statistics and civil registration mortality data. Propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting were used to balance the study groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measure was revision surgery. Secondary outcome measures included serious adverse events within 90 days, reoperations within 12 months, prolonged hospital stay (more than three nights), change in Oxford Shoulder Score (preoperative to six month postoperative), and lifetime costs to the healthcare service. RESULTS: The propensity score matched population comprised 7124 RTSR or TSR procedures (126 were revised), and the inverse probability of treatment weighted population comprised 12 968 procedures (294 were revised) with a maximum follow-up of 8.75 years. RTSR had a reduced hazard ratio of revision in the first three years (hazard ratio local minimum 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.18 to 0.59) with no clinically important difference in revision-free restricted mean survival time, and a reduced relative risk of reoperations at 12 months (odds ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.25 to 0.83) with an absolute risk difference of -0.51% (95% confidence interval -0.89 to -0.13). Serious adverse events and prolonged hospital stay risks, change in Oxford Shoulder Score, and modelled mean lifetime costs were similar. Outcomes remained consistent after weighting. CONCLUSIONS: This study's findings provide reassurance that RTSR is an acceptable alternative to TSR for patients aged 60 years or older with osteoarthritis and intact rotator cuff tendons. Despite a significant difference in the risk profiles of revision surgery over time, no statistically significant and clinically important differences between RTSR and TSR were found in terms of long term revision surgery, serious adverse events, reoperations, prolonged hospital stay, or lifetime healthcare costs.

Complications and Reinterventions of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in a Korean Population: 14-Year Experience in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Background: There are few reports on the revision or reintervention of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the true incidence of complications and reintervention of RTSA and clinical and radiological outcomes based on our 14-year experience in RTSA in a Korean population. Methods: Between March 2008 and June 2022, 412 consecutive cases of RTSA were performed in 388 patients with an average age of 74.4 years at our institute. Excluding 23 patients lost to follow-up, 365 patients (373 shoulders including 8 bilateral cases) who underwent primary RTSA with more than 6 months of follow-up were enrolled in this study. We evaluated those who had complications or reintervention including revision RTSA for failed RTSA. Patient charts were reviewed, and clinical outcomes including clinical scores, complications, and reintervention and radiologic outcomes were evaluated at the last follow-up. Results: Among the 373 shoulders that underwent primary RTSA, complications were found in 50 patients (13.94%, 10 men and 40 women with a mean age of 75.9 ± 6.7 years [range, 51-87 years]). The causes of complications were as follows: 13 acromion, coracoid, or scapular spine fractures, 10 loosening (glenoid: 5, humeral stem: 5), 5 infections, 4 periprosthetic fractures, 2 instability, 2 neurologic complications, and 14 miscellaneous complications. Twenty patients (5.63%, 4 men and 16 women with a mean age of 74.2 ± 8.2 years [range, 51-87 years]) underwent reintervention. The interval to the first reintervention was 27.8 ± 23.1 months (range, 0.1-78 months). The causes of reintervention (20 cases) were 8 loosening (glenoid: 4, humeral stem: 4), 5 infections, 5 fractures, and 2 instability. Among them, 15 component revisions (4.02%) were performed. At the last follow-up, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, University of California at Los Angeles, and Simple Shoulder Test scores were improved from 25.4, 12.4, and 1.6 preoperatively to 40.4, 16.2, and 3.2, respectively. Forward flexion (48° to 87°), abduction (52° to 79°), external rotation (18° to 22°), and internal rotation (buttock to L2) were improved. Conclusions: After primary RTSA in a Korean population, the complication, reintervention, and revision rates were 13.94%, 5.63%, and 4.02%, respectively. Careful evaluation of the complications and adequate treatments should be performed.

The Influence of Component Design and Positioning on Soft-Tissue Tensioning and Complications in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Review.

¼ Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was designed to function in the rotator cuff deficient shoulder by adjusting the glenohumeral center of rotation (COR) to maximize deltoid function.¼ Adjustments in the COR ultimately lead to changes in resting tension of the deltoid and remaining rotator cuff, which can affect implant stability and risk of stress fracture.¼ Soft-tissue balance and complication profiles can be affected by humeral component (version, neck shaft angle, and inlay vs. onlay) and glenoid component (sagittal placement, version, inclination, and lateralization) design and application.¼ A good understanding of the effects on soft-tissue balance and complication profile is critical for surgeons to best provide optimal patient outcomes.

The influence of depression on clinical outcomes of total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Much of the current literature on total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has assessed the impact of preoperative medical comorbidities on postoperative clinical outcomes. The literature concerning the impact of psychological disorders such as depression on TSA has increased in popularity in recent years, but there lacks a thorough review of the influence of depression on postoperative pain and functional outcomes. METHODS: We queried PubMed/MEDLINE and identified six clinical studies that evaluated the influence of a psychiatric diagnosis of depression on patient outcomes after TSA. Studies that discussed the impacts of depression on TSA, including PROs or adverse events in adults, were included. Studies focused on other psychologic pathology, non-TSA shoulder treatments, or TSA not for primary osteoarthritis were excluded. Non-clinical studies, systematic reviews, letters to the editor, commentaries, dissertations, books, and book chapters were excluded. RESULTS: Three cohort studies described patient-reported pain and functional outcomes and three database studies assessed the risk of postoperative complications. Cohort studies demonstrated that the prevalence of depression in patients undergoing TSA decreased from preoperatively to 12-months postoperatively. Two studies demonstrated that depression is an independent predictor of less pre- to postoperative improvement in the ASES score at minimum 2-year follow-up; however, one study found the difference between patients with and without depression did not exceed the minimum clinically important difference. Database studies demonstrated that depression was associated with higher rates of blood transfusion (n = 1, OR = 1.8), anemia (n = 1, OR = 1.65), wound infection (n = 2, OR = 1.41-2.09), prosthetic revision (n = 1, OR = 1.92), and length of hospital stay (n = 3, LOS = 2.5-3 days). CONCLUSION: Although patients with a preoperative diagnosis of depression undergoing TSA can achieve satisfactory relief of shoulder pain and restoration of function, they may experience poorer patient-reported outcomes and a higher risk of postoperative adverse events compared to their peers. Surgeons should be cognizant of the influence of depression in their patients to facilitate proper patient selection that maximizes patient satisfaction, function, and minimizes the risk of adverse events following TSA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Elevated alkaline phosphatase independently predicts early postoperative complications in noninfectious revision total shoulder arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the association between preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase levels and 30 day postoperative complications following noninfectious revision total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). We hypothesize that elevated alkaline phosphatase levels are significantly associated with an increased 30 day postoperative complication rate. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients who underwent noninfectious revision TSA from 2015 to 2022. The study population was divided into two groups based on preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase: normal (44-147 IU/L) and elevated (> 147 IU/L). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between elevated alkaline phosphatase levels and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Compared to normal levels, elevated alkaline phosphatase was independently associated with a significantly greater likelihood of experiencing any complications (odds ratio [OR] 2.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-4.55; P = .002), sepsis (OR 9.96, 95% CI 1.67-59.29; P = .012), blood transfusions (OR 3.77, 95% CI 1.48-9.61; P = .005), readmission (OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.48-9.01; P = .005), and length of stay > 2 days (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.31-4.30; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated preoperative alkaline phosphatase was associated with a greater rate of early postoperative complications following noninfectious revision TSA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Prognosis Study.

Safety and Early Results for Off-Label Use of Intranasal Calcitonin for Treatment of Nondisplaced Acromial and Scapular Spine Stress Fractures After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Immobilization for acromial and scapular spine stress AU4fractures (AF/SSF) after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is associated with patient dissatisfaction. Our study reports the effects and safety of intranasal calcitonin alongside sling immobilization on pain and function in the treatment of AF/SSF after RSA. The treatment was regimented calcitonin (salmon) 200 unit/actuation nasal spray (1 spray/day) for 6 weeks with sling immobilization for 4 weeks. Each patient was monitored through blood work. Visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and active range of motion were collected preoperatively, postoperatively, at presentation of AF/SSF, and after completion of calcitonin treatment. Two hundred eighty-two RSAs were performed by two board-certified orthopaedic surgeons, of which 18 patients sustained AF/SSF (6.4%). Ten patients met inclusion criteria (nine AFs and one SSF). After calcitonin treatment, patients demonstrated an average improvement of visual analog scale of 5.8 points, active range of motion of 46_, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score of 43.6 points at average 7.53 months after RSA. No medical complications were reported at 6-month follow-up after calcitonin treatment. The use of intranasal calcitonin was not associated withadverse events including no aberrations/signs of cancer at 6-month follow-up after administration. Calcitonin with sling immobilization markedly improved clinical and functional outcomes of patients with nondisplaced AF/SSF and may be considered by orthopaedic surgeons for symptom management.

The effect of cuff arthropathy stage on sleep disturbance and kinesiophobia in reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients.

BACKGROUND: The current study aimed to determine the changes in pre-and post-operative Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) and Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK) values ​​according to the Hamada classification in patients who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA). METHODS: One hundred and eight patients who underwent RSA for RCTA were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups with low grade (stages 1-2-3) (n = 49) and high grade (stages 4a-4b-5) (n = 59) according to the Hamada classification, which is the radiographic evaluation of RCTA. PSQI and TSK values ​​were calculated preoperatively, and post-operatively at the 6th week, 6th month, and 1st year. The change in PSQI and TSK values ​​between the evaluations and the effect of staging according to the Hamada classification on this change was examined. RESULTS: When compared in preoperative evaluations, PSQI and TSK scores were found to be lower in low-grade group 1 (7.39 ± 1.56, 51.88 ± 4.62, respectively) than in high-grade group 2 (10.47 ± 2.39, 57.05 ± 3.25, respectively) according to Hamada classification (both p < 0.001). In the postoperative evaluations, PSQI and TSK results decreased gradually compared to the preoperative evaluations, and there was a severe decrease in both parameters between the 6th-week and 6th-month evaluations (both p < 0.001). Preoperatively, 102 (95%) patients had sleep disturbance (PSQI ≥ 6), and 108 (100%) patients had high kinesiophobia (TSK > 37). In the 1st year follow-ups, sleep disturbance was observed in 5 (5%) patients and kinesiophobia in 1 (1%) patient. When the Hamada stages were compared, it was seen that there was a significant difference before the operation (both p < 0.001), but the statistically significant difference disappeared in the PSQI value in the 1st year (p = 0.092) and in the TSK value in the 6th month (p = 0.164) post-operatively. It was observed that Hamada staging caused significant differences in PSQI and TSK values ​​in the preoperative period but did not affect the clinical results after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: RSA performed based on RCTA improves sleep quality and reduces kinesiophobia. RCTA stage negatively affects PSQI and TSK before the operation but does not show any effect after the treatment.

Humeral stem loosening is not always prosthetic joint infection.

BACKGROUND: Aseptic humeral stem loosening is an uncommon complication of shoulder arthroplasty, and its presence has been considered a highly specific predictor of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Literature on aseptic humeral stem loosening is sparse. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the rate of aseptic humeral loosening in revision shoulder arthroplasty. Secondarily, we sought to identify predictors of septic and aseptic humeral loosening. METHODS: Our institutional revision shoulder arthroplasty database was reviewed. Inclusion criteria were patients with humeral stem loosening as indicated in the operative report. Patient demographics, index surgery and indication, revision surgery and indication, and operative data were recorded. Charts were manually reviewed, and PJI scores were calculated using the International Consensus Meeting scoring criteria. International Consensus Meeting classifications of PJI "unlikely" and "possible" were considered aseptic, and PJI "probable" and "definite" were considered septic. Statistical analysis was performed to determine associations between the abovementioned variables and aseptic humeral loosening. RESULTS: Forty-six patients with 48 shoulders were included in our analysis. Ten cases (21%) were classified as definite PJI, 13 cases (27%) were classified as probable PJI, 4 cases (8%) were classified as possible PJI, and 21 cases (44%) were classified as PJI unlikely. On analysis of stem design, there were no statistically significant associations with aseptic loosening; although, a lack of proximal porous ingrowth surface trended toward higher rates of aseptic loosening in all patients and in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) subgroup analyses. In the index RTSA subgroup, aseptic loosening was associated with female sex (P = .005). Seventeen of 39 shoulders (44%) that underwent either index ATSA or RTSA demonstrated concomitant glenoid loosening. The absence of glenoid loosening was associated with aseptic humeral loosening in index ATSA and RTSA (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Fifty-two % of revision shoulder arthroplasty cases with humeral loosening performed at our institution were aseptic. There appear to be distinct demographic and radiographic factors that are more commonly associated with aseptic as opposed to septic humeral loosening. Our data demonstrate that demographic predictors of aseptic loosening of RTSA include female sex. The absence of glenoid component loosening is associated with aseptic humeral loosening and concomitant glenoid loosening is associated with septic humeral loosening. Understanding of these factors can guide the preoperative index of suspicion for PJI in the setting of humeral stem loosening.

Neuropathy of the suprascapular and axillary nerves in rotator cuff arthropathy: a prospective electrodiagnostic study.

PURPOSE: Prevalence of axillary (AN) and/or suprascapular (SSN) neuropathy in rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA) is unknown. We aimed to prospectively evaluate for preoperative neurodiagnostic abnormalities in order to determine their prevalence, location, and influence on reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent RSA for RCTA were prospectively included. An electromyography and nerve conduction study were performed pre and post-surgery. Clinical situation: VAS, Relative Constant-Murley Score (rCMS) and ROM over a minimum of two years follow-up. RESULTS: Forty patients met the inclusion criteria; mean follow-up was 28.4 months (SD 4.4). Injuries in RCTA were present in 83.9% (77.4% in AN and 45.2% in SSN). There were no differences on preoperative VAS, ROM, and rCMS between patients with and without preoperative nerve injuries. Four acute postoperative neurological injuries were registered under chronic preoperative injuries. Six months after RSA, 69% of preoperative neuropathies had improved (82.14% chronic injuries and 77.7% disuse injuries). No differences in improvement between disuse and chronic injuries were found, but patients with preoperative neuropathy that had not improved at the postoperative electromyographic study at six months, scored worse on the VAS (1.44 vs 2.66; p .14) and rCMS (91.6 vs 89.04; p .27). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of axillary and suprascapular neuropathies in RCTA is much higher than expected. Most of these injuries improve after surgery, with almost complete neurophysiological recovery and little functional impact on RSA. However, those patients with preoperative neuropathies and absence of neurophysiological improvement six months after surgery have lower functional results.