Subscapularis tenotomy versus lesser tuberosity osteotomy during total shoulder arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is no current consensus on subscapularis mobilization during total shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this prospective, randomized controlled trial was to compare functional and radiographic outcomes of the more traditional subscapularis tenotomy (ST) versus lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO). METHODS: This study enrolled 60 shoulders in 59 patients with primary osteoarthritis. Thirty shoulders were preoperatively randomized to each group. Preoperative and 6-week, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year postoperative data were collected. Ultrasound was performed at 3 months to evaluate subscapularis healing in tenotomy subjects, whereas radiographs were used to evaluate osteotomy healing. Intraoperative data included operative time, tenotomy or osteotomy repair time, and osteotomy thickness. RESULTS: No significant differences in range of motion or clinical outcomes occurred at baseline or 1 year postoperatively between the 2 groups. The mean total case duration for ST was significantly less than that for LTO (129.3 minutes vs 152.7 minutes), along with a significantly shorter subscapularis repair time for ST (34.3 minutes vs 39.3 minutes, P = .024). At final follow-up, 27 of 29 LTO shoulders (93.1%) showed bone-to-bone healing on radiographs, whereas 26 of 30 ST shoulders (86.7%) had no full-thickness tear of the subscapularis on ultrasound at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques produced successful objective and subjective clinical outcomes. LTO heals more reliably than ST. Mean total case and subscapularis repair times were significantly greater for LTO than for ST.

Glenoid component loosening associated with increased critical shoulder angle at midterm follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Glenoid component loosening is a common failure mode of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). A larger critical shoulder angle (CSA) may cause superior glenoid component loading and more rapid component loosening. The purpose of this study was to define the relationship between the CSA and glenoid component loosening in midterm follow-up after TSA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 61 primary TSAs for osteoarthritis with an average follow-up of 5.0 ± 2.2 years without surgical revision. Standard true anteroposterior radiographs postoperatively and at longest follow-up were graded in a blinded and repetitive nature for pegged glenoid radiolucent lines and measured for the CSA. An "at-risk" glenoid was defined as grade 3 or higher lucency. RESULTS: The average CSA was 32° ± 5°, median midterm lucency grade was 2 (range, 0-5), and median progression of lucency grade was 1 (range, -1 to 4). At midterm follow-up, 20% of TSAs were grade 3 or higher mean glenoid lucency, with an average CSA of 36°. There was a statistically significant correlation between CSA and both glenoid lucency grade (odds ratio, 1.20 per degree CSA) and progression of lucency grade (odds ratio, 1.24). An increase in CSA of 10° was associated with a 6.2-fold increased odds of having an at-risk glenoid. CONCLUSION: This study identifies the CSA as a risk factor for glenoid component loosening after TSA. Our findings suggest that the CSA may be a modifiable factor during surgery to improve glenoid component outcomes.

Reliability of 3-Dimensional Glenoid Component Templating and Correlation to Intraoperative Component Selection.

Although implant-specific intraoperative targeting devices for glenoid sizing exist, a validated method for preoperatively templating glenoid component size in primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) based on digital imaging does not. We conducted a study to determine if 3-dimensional (3-D) digital imaging could be used for preoperative templating of glenoid component size and to compare templated glenoid sizes with implanted glenoid sizes. We created 3-D digital models from 3 glenoid component implant sizes and preoperative scapular computed tomography scans of 24 patients who underwent primary TSA. In study arm 1, surgeons templated the 3-D components using only 2 df (superior-inferior and anterior-posterior planes). In study arm 2, surgeons templated the 3-D components using 6 df (superior-inferior, anterior-posterior, and rotational planes). Overall intraobserver agreement was substantial (0.67) in study arm 1 (P < .001) and moderate (0.58) in study arm 2 (P < .001). In arm 1, overall interobserver agreement was fair (0.36) for trial 1 (P < .001) and fair (0.32) for trial 2 (P < .001). In arm 2, overall interobserver agreement was moderate (0.54) for trial 1 (P < .001) and moderate (0.43) for trial 2 (P < .001). In both arms, surgeons tended to template glenoid components smaller than those implanted intraoperatively, particularly for female patients. Our findings show that 3-D digital models can be consistently and reliably used for preoperative templating of glenoid com-ponent size.

Risk factors associated with blood transfusion after shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Closed-suction drainage has been studied extensively in hip and knee arthroplasty literature. However, little is known about outcomes in patients treated with drainage after shoulder arthroplasty, particularly relative to transfusion requirements. METHODS: All primary total and reverse total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs and RSAs) performed at a single institution during a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included patient demographic information, estimated blood loss (EBL), drain output, length of drain use, changes in hemoglobin (Hgb) level postoperatively, transfusions, and complications. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for transfusion. RESULTS: There were no differences in surgery duration, EBL, or complications between TSA and RSA patients (P > .05). Patients undergoing RSA were older (74.0 vs. 68.4 years; P < .001) and had lower preoperative and postoperative Hgb levels (P < .001) compared with TSA patients. Reverse arthroplasty was also associated with longer hospital stays (2.8 vs. 2.2 days; P < .001), longer drain durations (1.6 vs. 1.2 days; P < .001), increased total wound drainage (209 vs. 168 m; P = .006), and higher transfusion rates (11.7% vs. 3.1%; P = .002). Independent risk factors for transfusion included low preoperative Hgb levels in both TSA (P = .024) and RSA (P = .002) and higher EBL in TSA (P = .031). CONCLUSION: Low preoperative Hgb level is an independent risk factor for requiring blood transfusion after TSA and RSA. Increased wound drainage was not a risk factor for transfusion, and the 40-mL increase in wound drainage found in RSA is of questionable clinical significance.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty With a Hybrid Dual-Radii Glenoid Component.

In total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), glenoid prostheses have conforming or nonconforming designs. A hybrid glenoid was designed with dual radii of curvature: a central conforming region surrounded by an outer nonconforming region. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 169 patients who underwent 196 hybrid glenoid prosthesis TSAs for primary glenohumeral arthritis. Clinical data, retrieved for 178 shoulders at a mean follow-up of 4.8 years, included physical examination, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), subjective Neer criteria, and postoperative complication data. Radiographic data were retrieved for 136 shoulders at a mean of 3.7 years. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with glenoid or humeral revision as the endpoint. All range of motion and survey measures improved in a statistically significant manner (P < .001). Of 139 respondents, 130 (93.5%) stated they were satisfied or very satisfied with their TSA. Of 178 patients, only 3 (1.7%) required revision for component loosening: 2 glenoid and 1 humeral. Of 136 shoulders, 86 (63.2%) had no glenoid lucencies, and 91 (66.9%) had no humeral stem lucencies. Use of a hybrid-congruency glenoid prosthesis had excellent intermediate clinical and radiographic outcomes in the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

Sports activity after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with minimum 2-year follow-up.

There is limited information on activity levels of patients with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). We conducted a study of the types of sporting activities in which 78 patients with RTSA could participate. Mean follow-up was 4.8 years. Mean (SD) age at surgery was 75.3 (7.5) years. Seventy-five percent of the patients were women. Sixty-one percent underwent surgery for cuff tear arthropathy, 31% for revision of previous arthroplasty or internal fixation, 7% for complex fractures, and 1% for tumor. Mean (SD) postoperative ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form score was 77.5 (23.4). After surgery, mean active forward elevation was 140°, mean external rotation was 48°, and mean internal rotation was to S1. Four patients played golf; none were able to play tennis. Eighteen patients (23.1%) engaged in 24 high-intensity activities, such as hunting, golf, and skiing; 48.7% engaged in moderate-intensity activities, such as swimming, bowling, and raking leaves; and 28.2% engaged only in low-intensity activities. Regarding reasons for their limited activity, 59% of the patients cited medical problems, 19.2% cited shoulder limitations, 2.5% cited fear of injury, and 19.2% reported not being limited. RTSA results in good pain relief and motion, with a variety of postoperative overhead activities enjoyed by some patients who are not limited by comorbidities.

Intermediate and long-term follow-up of total shoulder arthroplasty for the management of postcapsulorrhaphy arthropathy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the subjective and objective outcomes in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty for treatment of postcapsulorrhaphy arthropathy (CA) and compare them with outcomes in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Total shoulder arthroplasty was used to treat 25 consecutive CA patients (25 shoulders) at our institution; of these, 22 patients were available for follow-up. An age-matched cohort of 19 consecutive patients (20 shoulders) who were treated with total shoulder arthroplasty for primary glenohumeral OA was compared with the CA group. Patients were evaluated by physical examination and patient outcome measures (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons assessment and Simple Shoulder Test). Complications, reoperations, and subscapularis function was also recorded. RESULTS: Compared with the CA group, the OA group achieved greater forward elevation (165° vs 147°; P = .036) and greater external rotation (56° vs. 45°; P = .04); however, no significant differences were seen in subjective patient scores between the 2 groups for Simple Shoulder Test (P = .90), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons assessment (P = .65), and pain scores (P = .80). The difference in the number of revision surgeries in the OA group compared with the CA group (1 vs 4) was not significant (P = .35). A significantly higher number of patients in the CA group had subscapularis insufficiency compared with the OA group (5 CA vs 0 OA; P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that when compared with patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty for primary OA, CA patients experience similar outcomes with respect to revision surgery, pain relief, and subjective self-assessment and have a higher incidence of subscapularis insufficiency.

Factors affecting satisfaction and shoulder function in patients with a recurrent rotator cuff tear.

BACKGROUND: It is widely accepted that most patients treated with rotator cuff repair do well regardless of the integrity of the repair. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to reexamine this concept and identify the factors affecting the outcomes of patients with a recurrent tear. METHODS: A cohort of patients who had been treated with rotator cuff repair completed a survey regarding satisfaction with the operatively treated shoulder, physical activity, and shoulder function. Ultrasonography was performed to determine rotator cuff integrity. Patients were divided into three age categories: younger than fifty-five years, fifty-five to sixty-five years, and sixty-six years or older. The relationships of the outcomes to patient age, repair integrity, and other demographic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-seven (26%) of the 180 enrolled patients had a retear, defined as a full-thickness defect. In each age category, the satisfaction, ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons), and SST (Simple Shoulder Test) scores in the retear group were significantly poorer than those in the no-retear group (p < 0.05). Within the retear group, all three scores were significantly better in the oldest age category (p < 0.05); there were no significant differences among the age categories within the no-retear group (p > 0.05). Simple regression analysis showed that younger age, a Workers' Compensation claim, and lower education level were significant predictors of poorer scores in patients with a retear (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis of the retear group showed that (1) lower education level and a Workers' Compensation claim were independent predictors of a poorer satisfaction score; (2) lower education level, younger age, and a Workers' Compensation claim were independent predictors of a poorer ASES score; and (3) lower education level was the only independent predictor of a poorer SST score (p < 0.01 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a retear negatively affected the clinical outcomes following rotator cuff repair. This finding refutes the widely held concept that patients typically do well regardless of the repair integrity following rotator cuff repair. In patients with a retear, nonanatomic factors including younger age, lower education level, and a Workers' Compensation claim were associated with poorer outcomes.

Hemiarthroplasty for head-split fractures of the proximal humerus.

Hemiarthroplasty has been recommended for 3- and 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus. Outcomes are most affected by final implant and tuberosity position. Reports of outcome and management of head-split fractures with humeral head replacement are lacking. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes after humeral head replacement and the radiographic characteristics identified in head-split fractures. Thirty-five hemiarthroplasties performed for the acute treatment of 3- and 4-part or head-split fractures were retrospectively reviewed in a blinded database. Thirty patients (8 head-split fractures) with a mean age of 67±12 years were followed for a mean of 52±32 months. Clinical, radiographic, and objective outcomes of the head-split fractures were collected at a minimum of 12 months' follow-up and compared with a control group of 22 three- and 4-part fractures. Radiographs were reviewed to identify characteristic features of the head-split fractures. Head-split fractures demonstrated superior forward elevation (138°±50° vs 106°±54°) but similar American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (68±33 vs 63±29) and Simple Shoulder Test (7.4±4.8 vs 7.0±4.0) scores compared with the control group. The pelican sign, a radiographic representation of the tuberosity and attached articular surface, was identified on preoperative radiographs. Head-split fractures are rare and commonly missed on preoperative radiographs. The recognition of the pelican sign improves the detection of head-split fractures. After hemiarthroplasty, forward elevation is improved in patients with head-split fractures compared with other fracture types.

Three-dimensional templating arthroplasty of the humeral head.

BACKGROUND: No anatomical study has been conducted over Asian population to design humeral head prosthesis for the population concerned. This study was done to evaluate the accuracy of commercially available humeral head prosthetic designs, in replicating the humeral head anatomy. METHODS: CT scan data of 48 patients were taken and their 3D CAD models were generated. Then, humeral head prosthetic design of a BF shoulder system produced by a standardized, commercially available company (Zimmer) was used for templating shoulder arthroplasty and the humeral head size having the perfect fit was assessed. These data were compared with the available data in the literature. RESULTS: All the humeral heads were perfectly matched by one of the sizes available. The average head size was 48.5 mm and the average head thickness was 23.5 mm. The results matched reasonably well with the available data in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: The humeral head anatomy can be recreated reasonably well by the commercially available humeral head prosthetic designs and sizes. Their dimensions are similar to that of the published literature.

Glenoid implant orientation and cement failure in total shoulder arthroplasty: a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: To minimize glenoid implant loosening in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), the ideal surgical procedure achieves correction to neutral version, complete implant-bone contact, and bone stock preservation. These goals, however, are not always achievable, and guidelines to prioritize their impact are not well established. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the degree of glenoid correction affects potential cement failure. METHODS: Eight patient-specific computer models were created for 4 TSA scenarios with different permutations of retroversion correction and implant-bone contact. Two bone models were used: a homogeneous cortical bone model and a heterogeneous cortical-trabecular bone model. A 750-N load was simulated, and cement stress was calculated. The risk of cement mantle fracture was reported as the percentage of cement stress exceeding the material endurance limit. RESULTS: Orienting the glenoid implant in retroversion resulted in the highest risk of cement fracture in a homogeneous bone model (P < .05). In the heterogeneous bone model, complete correction resulted in the highest risk of failure (P = .0028). A positive correlation (ρ = 0.901) was found between the risk of cement failure and amount of exposed trabecular bone. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating trabecular bone into the model changed the effect of implant orientation on cement failure. As exposed trabecular bone increased, the risk of cement fracture increased. This may be due to shifting the load-bearing support underneath the cement from cortical bone to trabecular bone.

Glenoid articular conformity affects stress distributions in total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The stress applied to the glenoid component in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) remains an important concern because of the risk of wear and loosening. The purpose of this study was to determine the stress pattern in the glenoid component with 3 different surface designs. METHODS: Computer models of 9 scapulae of patients scheduled for TSA were created from computerized tomography images. Each glenoid was virtually reamed, and 3 different glenoid component designs (conforming, nonconforming, and hybrid) were placed. Using finite element analysis, superior translation of the humeral head was modeled. Maximum stress and shear stress were measured at 3 different locations in the glenoid component: center, transition, and superior regions. RESULTS: All 3 designs showed a similar level of maximum stress at the center and transition regions, while the maximum stress at the superior periphery was significantly higher in the conforming design than in the other 2 designs (P = .0017). The conforming design showed significantly higher shear stress at the superior periphery (P < .0001). DISCUSSION: Stress from periphery loading is higher than from the center and transition region regardless of component design and is highest in the conforming design. The stress at the transition region of the hybrid design was not higher than the other 2 designs. The hybrid design has favorable characteristics based on its low stress at the periphery and greater contact area with the humeral head at the center. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic Science Study, Biomechanical Computer Simulation Study.

Glenoid morphology after reaming in computer-simulated total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The relationships between reaming parameters for glenoid-implant surface area and bone loss in total shoulder arthroplasty have not been well established. The hypotheses of this study are: (1) for large version corrections, a large reaming depth of 5 mm is not sufficient to obtain complete glenoid implant contact; (2) glenoid bone is removed in a linear proportion with reaming depth; and (3) initial reamer placement has no effect on glenoid bone removal. METHODS: Ten computer models from computed tomography scans of patients with advanced osteoarthritis were created for computer-simulated reaming as performed during total shoulder arthroplasty. Reaming variables studied included reaming depth, reamer placement, and version correction. The resulting reamed glenoid surface area available for implantation and bone volume removed were calculated for each permutation. RESULTS: Reamed surface area significantly increased with larger depths of reaming (P < .0001) and smaller version corrections (P < .0001). Bone volume removed and reaming depth had a strong quadratic relationship (r(2) = 0.999). With off-center reamer placement, volume removed when deviating in the posterior direction was significantly greater than when deviating in the anterior, superior, or inferior direction (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Performing smaller version corrections allows for greater attainable implant-bone surface contact because increasing reaming depth results in small increases in conforming surface area but large losses in glenoid bone stock. Bone volume removed was most sensitive to off-center position errors in the posterior direction.

Long-term follow-up of shoulder hemiarthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: There is major controversy surrounding the use of hemiarthroplasty as compared with total shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis, and long-term clinical outcomes of hemiarthroplasty are lacking. METHODS: Of a cohort of thirty patients (thirty-one shoulders) who were treated with hemiarthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis and followed longitudinally at our institution, twenty-five were available for long-term follow-up; five died, and one refused to participate. Three of the five patients who died had revision arthroplasty before death, and the data from those three were therefore included in the final follow-up (final follow-up data therefore included twenty-seven patients and twenty-eight shoulders). Follow-up through phone conversations and postal mail surveys included the following: Short Form-36, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder outcome score, EuroQol, Simple Shoulder Test, modified Neer Score, and a unique, validated self-administered range-of-motion questionnaire. Correlations between clinical outcome and age, type of glenoid wear, and cause of osteoarthritis were determined. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 17.2 years (range, thirteen to twenty-one years). There were eight revisions (three of fifteen shoulders with concentric glenoids, and five of sixteen shoulders with eccentric glenoids). For those shoulders not revised, the average ASES score was 70.54 (range, 36.67 to 91.67). Overall, active shoulder forward elevation and external rotation with the arm at 90° of abduction increased from 104° preoperatively to 141.8° (range, 45° to 180°) and 20.7° to 61.0° (range, 30° to 90°), respectively (p < 0.05), at the time of final follow-up. Of those who required revision arthroplasty, the average patient age at the time of the index procedure was 51.0 years (range, twenty-six to eighty-one years), while those not requiring revision averaged 57.1 years (range, twenty-seven to sixty-three years). The overall Neer satisfaction rating was 25%. The average Neer score and Neer rating for unrevised cases were significantly higher for concentric glenoid wear compared with eccentric glenoid wear (p = 0.015 and p = 0.001, respectively). Patients who had concentric glenoid wear had higher EuroQol scores (p = 0.020). The average Neer scores were 65.29 (range, forty-seven to seventy-eight) for primary osteoarthritis and 54.46 (range, forty to seventy-seven) for secondary osteoarthritis (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Only 25% of patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis treated with shoulder hemiarthroplasty are satisfied with their outcome at an average of seventeen years after the operation. Patients with concentric glenoid wear and primary osteoarthritis have better outcomes than those with eccentric glenoid wear and secondary osteoarthritis do, but patients in both groups experienced deterioration of results over time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Operative treatment of isolated greater tuberosity fractures: retrospective review of clinical and functional outcomes.

Displaced isolated greater tuberosity fractures are rare injuries that require operative treatment to optimize rotator cuff function and prevent painful subacromial impingement. A lack of consensus exists regarding ideal management of these injuries because of the paucity of literature on the subject.The outcomes of 17 patients treated with open (n=15) or arthroscopic (n=2) fixation at the authors' institution between 2001 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and overall patient satisfaction were recorded at final follow-up. At a mean of 5.2 years (range 1.5-9.7 years), average postoperative active forward elevation was 150.3° (range, 60°-180°), ASES score was 82.9 (range, 46.7-100), and VAS score was 1.4 (range, 0-5). According to Neer's criteria, the overall outcome was excellent in 11 (65%) patients, satisfactory in 5 (29%) patients, and unsatisfactory in 1 (6%) patient. Final postoperative radiographs were available for 15 patients at a mean of 6.64 months. Radiographic union with near-anatomic position of the greater tuberosity was achieved in 13 (87%) of 15 patients. The presence of rotator cuff and rotator interval tears requiring repair, history of dislocation, age 60 years or older, and delayed time to surgery ≥ 10 days did not significantly (P>.05) influence the patients' final active forward elevation and ASES scores.Favorable patient outcomes can be achieved when fractures with >5 mm of displacement are treated with anatomic reduction and secure fixation. For a specific injury, the ideal surgical approach and method of fixation is dictated by patient characteristics and fracture pattern.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for cuff tear arthropathy: the clinical effect of deltoid lengthening and center of rotation medialization.

BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for cuff tear arthropathy improves shoulder function and reduces pain. Implant position and soft tissue balancing are important factors to optimize outcome. Tensioning the deltoid and increasing the deltoid moment arm by medializing the center of rotation are biomechanically advantageous. The purpose of this study was to correlate RSA functional outcomes with deltoid lengthening and center of rotation medialization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled 49 consecutive patients who underwent RSA for cuff tear arthropathy. Preoperative and serial postoperative physical examinations, radiographs, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Simple Shoulder Test scores were evaluated. Deltoid lengthening and medialization of the center of rotation were measured radiographically and correlated with functional outcome scores, range of motion, and complications. RESULTS: At final follow-up (average, 16 ± 10 months), 37 of 49 patients (76%) were available for analysis. Deltoid lengthening (average, 21 ± 10 mm) correlated significantly (P = .002) with superior active forward elevation (average, 144° ± 19°). Medialization of the center of rotation (average, 18 ± 8 mm) did not correlate with active forward elevation or subjective outcomes. Deltoid lengthening that achieved an acromion-greater tuberosity distance exceeding 38 mm had a 90% positive predictive value of obtaining 135° of active forward elevation. Two patients (4%) required revision surgery, and 68% of patients developed scapular notching (average grade, 1.3 ± 1.2) at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Deltoid lengthening improves active forward elevation after RSA for cuff tear arthropathy.

In vivo strain analysis of the intact supraspinatus tendon by ultrasound speckles tracking imaging.

Limited data exist regarding why delaminated tears occur within the rotator cuff tendon, and no general agreement exists on how to handle this complicated tear. To analyze in vivo intratendinous strain of the supraspinatus tendon, the superficial, middle, and deep regions were marked with speckles using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) of 15 shoulders. The displacement and the strain of each speckle during isotonic and isometric shoulder motion were evaluated. Significantly different displacement and strains in the tendon were found between isometric and isotonic shoulder motions. In isometric motion, the average longitudinal displacement of the speckle at the superficial region (1.66 mm) was larger than at the deep region (0.61 mm), and the average peak strain at the superficial region (17.03%) was also higher than that at the deep region (3.42%). Conversely, in isotonic motion, the average longitudinal displacement of the speckle at the superficial region (0.70 mm) was less than that at the deep region (1.61 mm), and the average peak strain at the superficial region (4.73%) was also lower than that at the deep region (15.69%). A different strain was found between the superficial and deep regions within the intact live supraspinatus tendon. The strain and displacement patterns vary according to isometric versus isotonic shoulder motions. On the basis of our observations, we suggest that the delaminated tear of the rotator cuff tendon must be repaired separately layer by layer to resist the inhomogeneous strain after the repair.

Interleukin-1ß stimulates stromal-derived factor-1α expression in human subacromial bursa.

Chemokines produced by synoviocytes of the subacromial bursa are up-regulated in subacromial bursitis and rotator cuff disease. We hypothesized that SDF-1α production in bursal synoviocytes may be induced by local cytokines such as interleukin IL-1ß and IL-6. Subacromial bursa specimens were obtained from patients undergoing shoulder surgery. Bursal specimens were stained with anti-human antibodies to IL-1, IL-6, and SDF-1α by immunohistochemistry and compared to normal and rheumatoid controls. Bursal cells were also isolated from specimens and cultured. Early passaged cells were then treated with cytokines (IL-1ß and IL-6) and SDF-1α expression was measured by ELISA and RT-PCR. SDF-1α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were expressed at high levels in bursitis specimens from human subacromial bursa compared to normal controls. In cultured bursal synoviocytes, there was a dose-dependent increase in SDF-1α production in the supernatants of cells treated with IL-1ß. SDF-1α mRNA expression was also increased in bursal cells treated with IL-1ß. IL-6 caused a minimal but not statistically significant increase in SDF-1α expression. SDF-1α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 are expressed in the inflamed human subacromial bursal tissues in patients with subacromial bursitis. In cultured bursal synoviocytes, SDF-1α gene expression and protein production are stimulated by IL-1ß. IL-1ß produced by bursal syvoviocytes and inflammatory cells in the human subacromial bursa is an important signal in the inflammatory response that occurs in subacromial bursitis and rotator cuff disease.

Rotator cuff deficient arthritis of the glenohumeral joint.

Rotator cuff deficient arthritis of the glenohumeral joint, especially cuff tear arthropathy, has proved a challenging clinical entity for orthopaedic surgeons ever since Charles Neer originally detailed the problem in 1983. Understanding has improved regarding the pathophysiology and pathomechanics underlying cuff tear arthropathy. Surgical reconstruction options can lead to excellent outcomes for patients afflicted with these painful and functionally limited shoulders. Humeral hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty have jumped to the forefront in the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy. As studies continue to look at the results of these procedures in cuff tear arthropathy, existing indications and treatment algorithms will be further refined. In this article the history and pathophysiology of cuff tear arthropathy are reviewed. Additionally, the clinical findings and results of surgical reconstruction are discussed.