Insertion sites of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer performed during reverse shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with concurrent latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) is a potential treatment option for restoration of external rotation (ER). Biomechanical studies have emphasized the importance of the insertion site location for achieving optimal outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to describe what insertion sites for LDT are utilized during concomitant RSA and their associated clinical outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed per PRISMA guidelines. We queried PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to identify articles reporting on patients who received RSA with LDT to restore ER and specified the site of tendon transfer insertion on the humerus. We first describe reported insertion sites in the literature. Secondarily, we present preoperative and postoperative range of motion and Constant score for different insertion sites as well as reported complications. RESULTS: Sixteen studies, analyzed as 19 separate cohorts (by insertion site and tendon-transfer), reporting on 264 RSAs with LDT (weighted mean age 66 years, follow-up 39 months, 61% female) were evaluated. Of these, 143 (54%) included a concomitant teres major transfer (LDT/TMT) and 121 (46%) were LDT-only. Fourteen cohorts (14/19, 74%) reported insertion at the posterolateral aspect of the greater tuberosity, four cohorts (4/19, 21%) reported insertion site at the lateral bicipital groove, and one cohort (1/19, 5%) reported separate LDT and TMT with insertion of the TMT to the posterolateral aspect of the greater tuberosity and LDT to the lateral bicipital groove. Meta-analysis revealed no differences in range of motion or Constant score based on humeral insertion site or whether the LDT was transferred alone or with TMT. Leading complications included dislocation, followed by infection and neuropraxia. No discernible correlation was observed between postoperative outcomes and the strategies employed for tendon transfer, prosthesis design, or subscapularis management. CONCLUSION: The posterolateral aspect of the greater tuberosity was the most-utilized insertion site for LDT performed with RSA. However, in the current clinical literature, LDT with or without concomitant TMT result in similar postoperative ROM and Constant score regardless of insertion site. Analysis of various proposed transfer sites reinforce the ability of LDT with RSA to restore both FE and ER in patients with preoperative active elevation and external rotation loss. Meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in range of motion and Constant score regardless of humeral insertion site or whether the LDT was transferred alone or with TMT, although future studies are needed to determine whether an ideal tendon transfer technique exists. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty megaprosthesis for surgical management of severe proximal humeral bone loss.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder arthroplasty in the setting of severe proximal humerus bone loss can be challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a modular segmental megaprosthesis when implanted in a reverse configuration for complex primary arthroplasty, reconstruction at the time of oncologic resection, and revision shoulder arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Joint Registry Database was queried to identify all shoulder arthroplasties performed at a single institution using the Comprehensive Segmental Revision System reverse shoulder arthroplasty (SRS-RSA; Zimmer Biomet). A retrospective review of electronic medical records and radiographs was performed to record demographic data, indication, outcomes, complications, and revision surgery. RESULTS: Between February 2012 and October 2022, a total of 76 consecutive SRS-RSAs were implanted. An analysis of patients with minimum 12-month follow-up yielded 53 patients with a mean follow-up of 4.1 ± 2.43 years. Surgical complication rate in this cohort was observed in 41.5% (22 of 53) of cases. Overall, the revision rate at final follow-up was 26.4% (14 of 53), with a significant difference between the primary and revision cohorts. The number of prior surgeries was a significant risk factor for revision surgery, with a hazard ratio of 1.789 (95% confidence interval 1.314-2.436, P < .001). When analyzing aseptic humeral loosening rates across study cohorts, a significant difference was found between the primary arthroplasty (0%, n = 0) and the revision arthroplasty cohorts (22.2%, n = 6) (P = .04). DISCUSSION: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty using a modular segmental megaprosthesis remains a reasonable salvage option for shoulder reconstruction in the setting of proximal humeral bone loss. Because of the substantial bone loss and soft tissue deficiencies typically present in these cases, surgeons should educate patients on the relatively high complication rate, particularly when used in the setting of a previous failed arthroplasty.

Outcomes of Shoulder Instability Surgery in Competitive Wrestlers: Outcomes, Reoperations, and Return to Play at 5 Years' Mean Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Wrestling is a physically demanding sport with young athletes prone to traumatic shoulder instability and a paucity of data evaluating the results of shoulder instability surgery (SIS). PURPOSE: To assess reoperation rates, patient-reported outcomes, and return to wrestling (RTW) after SIS in a cohort of competitive wrestlers. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: All competitive wrestlers with a history of shoulder instability and subsequent surgery at a single institution between 1996 and 2020 were identified. All directions of shoulder instability (anterior shoulder instability [ASI], posterior shoulder instability [PSI], and traumatic multidirectional shoulder instability [TMDI]) were analyzed. Exclusions included revision SIS and <2 years of follow-up. Athletes were contacted for determination of complications, RTW, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores. RESULTS: Ultimately, 104 wrestlers were included with a mean age at initial instability of 16.9 years (range, 12.0-22.7 years), mean age at surgery of 18.9 years (range, 14.0-29.0 years), and a mean follow-up of 5.2 years (range, 2.0-22.0 years). A total of 58 (55.8%) wrestlers were evaluated after a single shoulder instability event, while 46 (44.2%) sustained multiple events before evaluation. ASI was the most common direction (n = 79; 76.0%), followed by PSI (n = 14; 13.5%) and TMDI (n = 11; 10.6%). Surgical treatment was most commonly an arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization (n = 88; 84.6%), with open soft tissue repair (n = 13; 12.5%) and open bony augmentation (n = 3; 2.9%) performed less frequently. RTW occurred in 57.3% of wrestlers at a mean of 9.8 months. Recurrent instability was the most common complication, occurring in 18 (17.3%) wrestlers. Revision SIS was performed in 15 (14.4%) wrestlers. Across the entire cohort, survivorship rates free from recurrent instability and revision surgery were 90.4% and 92.5% at 2 years, 71.9% and 70.7% at 5 years, and 71.9% and 66.5% at 10 years, respectively. Preoperative recurrent instability was an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrent instability (hazard ratio, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.33-11.03; P = .012). CONCLUSION: Competitive wrestlers with multiple dislocations before initial clinical evaluation were 3.8 times more likely to experience postoperative recurrent instability. Patients should be counseled that despite SIS, only 57.3% returned to wrestling after surgery.

Lower Trapezius Transfer Improves Clinical Outcomes With a Rate of Complications and Reoperations Comparable to Other Surgical Alternatives in Patients with Functionally Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical outcomes of lower trapezius transfer (LTT) for patients with functionally irreparable rotator cuff tears (FIRCT) and summarize the available literature regarding complications and reoperations. METHODS: After registration in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO [CRD42022359277]), a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Inclusion criteria were English, full-length, peer-reviewed publications with a level of evidence IV or higher reporting on clinical outcomes of LTT for FIRCT. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus via Elsevier databases were searched. Clinical data, complications and revisions were systematically recorded. RESULTS: Seven studies with 159 patients were identified. The mean age range was 52 to 63 years, 70.4% of the patients included were male, and the mean follow-up time ranged between 14 and 47 months. At final follow-up, LTT lead to improvements in range of motion, with reported forward elevation (FE) and external rotation (ER) mean gains of 10° to 66° and 11° to 63°, respectively. ER lag was present before surgery in 78 patients and was reversed after LTT in all shoulders. Patient-reported outcomes were improved at final follow-up, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Society score, Shoulder Subjective Value and Visual Analogue Scale. The overall complication rate was 17.6%, and the most reported complication was posterior harvest site seroma/hematoma (6.3%). The most common reoperation was conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (5%) with an overall reoperation rate of 7.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Lower trapezius transfer improves clinical outcomes in patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears with a rate of complications and reoperations comparable to other surgical alternatives in this group of patients. Increases in forward flexion and ER are to be expected, as well as a reversal of ER lag sign when present before surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level III-IV studies.

Increasing severity of preoperative anemia is associated with higher postoperative medical and surgical complications after primary shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a major cause of morbidity worldwide and compounds numerous medical conditions. Studies have found associations between anemia and both medical and surgical complications after shoulder arthroplasty (SA); however, most of these studies have used commercially available national databases with limited information on outcomes and typically short-term follow-up. Our study sought to evaluate the midterm outcomes of primary SA at a single institution when stratified by the degree of preoperative anemia. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2020, 5231 primary SA (477 hemiarthroplasties, 2091 anatomic total SA, and 2335 reverse SA) with preoperative hematocrit values available and a minimum follow-up of 2 years were collected from a single-institution joint registry database. The severity of anemia was subclassified as no anemia (hematocrit >39% for males, >36% for females; n = 4194 [80.2%]), mild anemia (hematocrit 33%-39% for males, 33%-36% for females; n = 742 [14.2%]), and moderate-to-severe anemia (hematocrit <33% for both males and females; n = 295 [5.6%]). The mean follow-up time for the entire cohort was 5.9 years (range, 2-22 years). Medical and surgical complications, reoperations, revisions, and implant survivorship were assessed. RESULTS: SA with moderate-to-severe anemia had the highest rate of nonfatal and nontransfusion medical complications (5.1%) relative to the nonanemic (1.2%; P < .001) and mild anemic groups (1.5%; P < .001). Similarly, SA with moderate-to-severe anemia had the highest rate of surgical complications (19.3%) compared with mild anemia (14.3%; P = .044) and no anemia (11.6%; P < .001). Postoperative transfusion was most frequent in the moderate-to-severe anemia cohort (40.3%) compared with the mild anemia (14.2%; P < .001) and nonanemic groups (2.5%; P < .001). Furthermore, SA who received postoperative transfusions had a higher risk of nonfatal medical complications (8.2% vs. 1.0%; P < .001), 90-day mortality (1.5% vs. 0.03%; P = .001), and surgical complications (19.5% vs. 12.0%; P < .001) when compared with those without transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-to-severe anemia (hematocrit <33% for both males and females) was identified in approximately 5.6% of patients who underwent SA at a single institution and was associated with increased medical and surgical complications. Patients who received postoperative transfusions presented elevated rates of medical complications, 90-day mortality, and surgical complications. Health care teams should be aware of these risks in order to provide more individualized medical optimization and postoperative monitoring.

Venous thromboembolism following surgical management of proximal humerus fractures: a systematic review.

Background: Currently, there is limited information on the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs). Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the incidence of VTE, DVT, and PE following surgery for PHFs. Methods: A comprehensive search of several databases was performed from inception to May 27, 2022. Studies were screened and evaluated by 2 reviewers independently utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Only original, English studies that evaluated the incidences of VTE following surgical management of PHFs were included. Surgical procedures consisted of shoulder arthroplasty (SA) including both hemiarthroplasty (Hemi) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in addition to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). A pooled incidence for postoperative DVT, PE, and overall VTE was reported. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 18,238 patients. The overall DVT, PE, and VTE rates were 0.14%, 0.59%, and 0.7%, respectively. VTE was more frequently reported after SA than ORIF, (1.27% vs. 0.53%, respectively). Among SA patients, a higher rate of DVT was seen with RSA (1.2%) with the lowest DVT rate was observed for ORIF with 0.03%. Conclusions: Symptomatic VTEs following surgical treatment of PHFs, are rare, yet still relevant as a worrisome postoperative complication. Among the various procedures, VTE was the most frequently reported after SA when compared to ORIF, with RSA having the highest VTE rate.

Current clinical applications of artificial intelligence in shoulder surgery: what the busy shoulder surgeon needs to know and what's coming next.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a continuously expanding field with the potential to transform a variety of industries-including health care-by providing automation, efficiency, precision, accuracy, and decision-making support for simple and complex tasks. Basic knowledge of the key features as well as limitations of AI is paramount to understand current developments in this field and to successfully apply them to shoulder surgery. The purpose of the present review is to provide an overview of AI within orthopedics and shoulder surgery exploring current and forthcoming AI applications. Methods: PubMed and Scopus databases were searched to provide a narrative review of the most relevant literature on AI applications in shoulder surgery. Results: Despite the enormous clinical and research potential of AI, orthopedic surgery has been a relatively late adopter of AI technologies. Image evaluation, surgical planning, aiding decision-making, and facilitating patient evaluations over time are some of the current areas of development with enormous opportunities to improve surgical practice, research, and education. Furthermore, the advancement of AI-driven strategies has the potential to create a more efficient medical system that may reduce the overall cost of delivering and implementing quality health care for patients with shoulder pathology. Conclusion: AI is an expanding field with the potential for broad clinical and research applications in orthopedic surgery. Many challenges still need to be addressed to fully leverage the potential of AI to clinical practice and research such as privacy issues, data ownership, and external validation of the proposed models.

Gluteal Tendinopathy: Critical Analysis Review of Current Nonoperative Treatments.

¼ Gluteal tendinopathy/greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is the most prevalent of all lower limb tendinopathies, affecting 1 in 4 women older than 50 years and commonly individuals within their fifth and sixth decades of life regardless of activity level.¼ The condition is believed to originate from age-related degenerative changes about the hip abductor tendon insertions and the surrounding bursae, and is exacerbated by congenital and acquired abnormal hip biomechanics.¼ Treatment of gluteal tendinopathy/GTPS often begins with noninvasive nonoperative modalities such as activity modifications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. For recalcitrant symptoms, additional nonoperative therapies have been used; however, there remains a lack of comparative efficacy between these adjunct treatments.¼ In this article, we examine the available literature regarding the nonoperative management of gluteal tendinopathy/GTPS and provide insight into the effectiveness of current treatment modalities.

Arthroscopic Lysis of Adhesions for Arthrofibrosis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Arthrofibrosis (AF) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) remains a challenge. There is a paucity of data on arthroscopic interventions for AF after ACLR. PURPOSE: To (1) describe the patient, injury, and surgical characteristics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of those requiring an arthroscopic intervention for loss of motion after ACLR and (2) compare outcomes between patients undergoing an early intervention (within 3 months) versus those undergoing a late intervention (after 3 months). STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patients with a history of ACLR and a subsequent operative procedure for postoperative AF at a single institution between 2000 and 2018 were retrospectively identified. Arthroscopic interventions included lysis of adhesions, capsular release with or without manipulation under anesthesia, and excision of cyclops lesions. Patients were excluded if they had a knee dislocation or multiple-ligament injury, a periarticular fracture, or less than 2-year follow-up from the arthroscopic intervention. PROs including the Tegner activity score, visual analog scale pain score, and International Knee Documentation Committee score as well as knee range of motion (ROM) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included with a mean age of 27.2 years (range, 11.0-63.8 years) at surgery and a mean follow-up of 10.0 years (range, 2.9-20.7 years). The mean preoperative flexion and extension were 102° (range, 40°-150°) and 8° (range, 0°-25°), respectively. The mean postoperative flexion and extension were 131° (range, 110° to 150°) and 0° (range, -10° to 5°), respectively. After the arthroscopic intervention, the mean ROM improved from 94° (range, 40°-140°) preoperatively to 131° (range, 107°-152°) at final follow-up (P < .001), and the visual analog scale pain score improved from 3.0 preoperatively to 1.2 postoperatively (P = .001). Overall, 13 patients (32.5%) underwent an intervention within 3 months and 27 (67.5%) after 3 months. The early intervention group had a higher postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee score compared with the late intervention group (86.8 vs 71.7, respectively; P = .035). CONCLUSION: An arthroscopic intervention for AF after ACLR successfully improved knee ROM and pain. Patients who underwent either early or late surgery obtained satisfactory motion and function, although improved PROs were observed when the intervention occurred within 3 months of the primary procedure.

Subacromial Balloon Implantation for the Treatment of Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears.

Despite the development of various therapeutic options, surgical management of irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs) remains controversial. Recently, implantation of a biodegradable subacromial balloon spacer (InSpace, Stryker Corporation; Kalamazoo, MI) has gained considerable interest for the treatment of certain IRCTs. The reported outcome of balloon implantation has not been consistent, likely due to differing indications and technical approaches. The purpose of this article is to present a reproducible arthroscopic technique for implantation of a subacromial balloon and to review the literature published to date, regarding the efficacy and outcomes of this procedure.

Impact of Biologic Augmentation on Revision Surgery Rates After Meniscus Repair: A Matched-Cohort Analysis of 3420 Patients.

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) have gained popularity in recent years as biologic approaches to potentially augment healing after meniscus repair. There have been few studies comparing outcomes in patients undergoing meniscus repair with versus without biologic augmentation and, furthermore, little clarity on the role of biologic augmentation for meniscus repairs performed with concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose: To determine the association of BMAC or PRP augmentation with revision surgery after both isolated meniscus repair and meniscus repair performed concomitantly with ACLR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The PearlDiver Mariner dataset was queried to identify all patients who underwent primary meniscus repair, both with and without concomitant ACLR, and who received ipsilateral BMAC or PRP at the time of surgery. Patients who underwent similar surgery but without BMAC or PRP augmentation were then identified and matched in a 5:1 ratio according to age, sex, body mass index, and various comorbidities to 3 separate BMAC/PRP augmentation groups: overall cohort (with and without ACLR), repair with concomitant ACLR, and isolated repair. The primary outcome was revision meniscus surgery (meniscectomy or revision meniscus repair). Results: Overall, 3420 patients (570 with BMAC/PRP augmentation; 2850 matched controls without augmentation) were included. There were no significant differences in the reported demographics or comorbidities between any of the BMAC/PRP groups and their respective matched controls (P > .05 for all comparisons). There was no difference in revision rate between BMAC/PRP-augmented isolated meniscus repairs and matched controls (P = .235). Patients who underwent BMAC/PRP-augmented meniscus repair with concomitant ACLR experienced a significantly lower incidence of revision surgery compared with matched controls without BMAC/PRP augmentation (5.2% vs 7.9% respectively; odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.27-0.63; P < .001), but the number of revisions was relatively small. Conclusion: There was no association between BMAC or PRP augmentation and the incidence of revision surgery after isolated primary meniscus repair. There was a statistically significant decrease in the rate of revision meniscus surgery when BMAC or PRP was used to augment meniscus repairs in the setting of concurrent ACLR; however, the overall revision rates were small.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty using an onlay humeral prosthesis, offset humeral tray, and augmented glenoid baseplate: surgical technique and review of the impact of prosthesis design on scapular fractures following reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has become the most utilized form of arthroplasty of the shoulder. Acromial stress fractures and scapular spine stress fractures are rare, yet well-recognized complications of RSA with ongoing studies identifying whether patient factors or prosthetic designs serve as risk factors. Specifically, it remains unclear if or how the position of the humeral tray (inlay or onlay) in RSA affects rates of periscapular fractures. The purpose of this article is to describe our technique for RSA using an onlay prosthesis, a variable-offset humeral tray, and an augmented glenoid baseplate, as well as to review the published results of acromial and scapular spine fractures after RSA based on humeral implant design.

Hemiarthroplasty versus total shoulder arthroplasty in B2 glenoids with an intact rotator cuff: a long-term matched cohort analysis.

Background: Walch B2 glenoids present unique challenges to the shoulder arthroplasty surgeon, particularly in young, active patients who may wish to avoid the restrictions typically associated with an anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Long-term data are limited when comparing hemiarthroplasty (HA) and TSA for patients with an intact rotator cuff. The purpose of our study was to compare the long-term outcomes of HA vs. TSA in a matched analysis of patients with B2 glenoids, primary osteoarthritis (OA), and an intact rotator cuff. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent HA or TSA between January 2000 and December 2011 at a single institution. Inclusion criteria were primary OA, Walch B2 glenoid morphology, an intact rotator cuff intraoperatively, at least 2 years of clinical follow-up, or revision within 2 years of surgery. Fifteen HAs met inclusion criteria and were matched 1:2 with 30 TSAs using age, sex, body mass index, and implant selection. Clinical outcomes including range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, subjective shoulder value score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, complications, and revisions were recorded. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to assess for stem loosening, humeral head subluxation, glenoid loosening, and glenoid erosion. Results: A total of 15 HAs and 30 TSAs met inclusion criteria at a mean follow-up of 9.3 years. The mean age at the time of surgery was 60.2 years for HA and 65.4 years for TSA (P = .08). Both cohorts had significant improvements in ROM, subjective shoulder value, and VAS pain scores (P < .001). TSA had higher postoperative ASES scores compared to HA (P = .03) and lower postoperative VAS pain scores (P = .03), although the decrease in pain from preoperatively to final follow-up was not significantly different between HA and TSA (P = .11). HAs were more likely to have posterior humeral subluxation (P < .001) and stem lucencies (P = .02). Revisions occurred in 11.1% of the cohort with no difference for HA and TSA (P = .73). Conclusions: At nearly 10 years of follow-up, HA and TSA both showed significant improvements in ROM and pain when performed for primary glenohumeral OA in B2 glenoids with intact rotator cuffs. Compared to HA, TSAs had less posterior humeral subluxation, less stem lucencies, higher ASES scores, and lower postoperative VAS pain scores. However, our study failed to demonstrate a difference in ROM, complication, or revision rates between HA and TSA.

Allograft-Prosthetic Composite Reconstruction for Proximal Humerus Bone Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Outcomes and Complications.

BACKGROUND: In smaller studies, allograft-prosthetic composite (APC) has been used for proximal humerus bone loss with some success, although with notable complication risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to describe outcomes and complications after proximal humerus APC and how major APC complications are defined in the literature. METHODS: A systematic review was performed per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane were queried for articles on APC for proximal humeral bone loss secondary to tumor, fracture, or failed arthroplasty. Primary outcomes included postoperative range of motion, outcome scores (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society [MSTS], Simple Shoulder Test [SST], American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], Constant, visual analog scale [VAS], and subjective shoulder value [SSV]), and complication incidence. We also described individual study definitions of APC malunion/nonunion, methods of postoperative evaluation, malunion/nonunion rates, allograft fracture/fragmentation rates, and mean union time, when available. Secondarily, we compared hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. RESULTS: Sixteen articles including 375 shoulders were evaluated (average age: 49 years, follow-up: 54 months). Fifty-seven percent of procedures were performed for tumors, 1% for proximal humerus trauma sequelae, and 42% for revision arthroplasty. Average postoperative forward elevation was 82° (69-94°), abduction 60° (30-90°), and external rotation 23° (17-28°). Average MSTS score was 82% (77%-87%), SST score 5.3 (4.5-6.1), ASES score 64 (54-74), Constant score 44 (38-50), VAS score 2.2 (1.7-2.7), and SSV 51 (45-58). There was a 51% complication rate with an 18% nonallograft surgical complication rate, 26% APC nonunion/malunion/resorption rate, and 10% APC fracture/fragmentation rate. Fifteen percent of nonunited APCs underwent secondary bone grafting; 3% required a new allograft; and overall revision rate was 12%. APC nonunion/malunion was defined in 2 of 16, malunion/nonunion rates in 14 of 16, fracture/fragmentation rates in 6 of 16, and mean union time (7 months) in 4 of 16 studies. CONCLUSION: APC reconstruction of the proximal humerus remains a treatment option, albeit with substantial complication rates. In addition, there is a need for APC literature to report institutional definitions of nonunion/malunion, postoperative evaluation, and time to union for a more standardized evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; systematic review. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Patients with poor early clinical outcomes after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty have sustained poor performance at 2 years from surgery.

PURPOSE: We sought to define the risk of persistent shoulder dysfunction after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) beyond the early postoperative period and identify risk factors for persistent poor performance. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 144 primary aTSAs performed for primary osteoarthritis with early poor performance and 2-year minimum follow-up. Early poor performance was defined as a postoperative ASES score below the 20th percentile at 3- or 6-months (62 and 72 points, respectively). Persistent poor performance at 2 years was defined as failing to achieve the patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) [ASES = 81.7 points]. RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, 51% (n = 74) of patients with early poor performance at either 3- or 6-month follow-up had persistent poor performance. There was no difference in the rate of persistent poor performance if patients were poor performers at the 3-, 6-month follow-up, or both (50% vs. 49% vs. 56%, P = .795). Of aTSAs achieving the PASS at 2-year follow-up, a greater proportion exceeded the minimal clinically important differences (MCID) [Forward elevation, external rotation, and all outcome scores] and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) [external rotation and all outcome scores] compared to persistent poor performers. However, over half of persistent poor performers still exceeded the MCID for all outcome measures (56-85%). Independent predictors of persistent poor performance were hypertension (2.61 [1.01-6.72], P = .044) and diabetes (5.14 [1.00-26.4], P = .039). CONCLUSION: Over half of aTSAs with an ASES score < 20th percentile at early follow-up had continued poor shoulder function at 2-years postoperatively. Persistent poor performance was best projected by preoperative hypertension and diabetes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison using Large Database; Treatment Study.

Surgical Stabilization for Recurrent Patellar Instability in Competitive Wrestlers: Outcomes, Reoperations, and Return to Play at 6-Year Mean Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The extent to which recurrent patellar instability (RPI) affects wrestlers has not been thoroughly examined. PURPOSE: To assess return to wrestling (RTW), patient-reported outcomes, and reoperation rates after patellofemoral stabilization surgery (PFSS) for RPI in a cohort of competitive wrestlers. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: All competitive wrestlers with a history of RPI and subsequent PFSS performed at a single institution between 2000 and 2020 were identified. Primary PFSS procedures included medial patellofemoral (MPFL) reconstruction (n = 31; 50%); MPFL repair (n = 22; 35.5%); or other PFSS (n = 9; 14.5%), such as tibial tubercle osteotomy, lateral retinacular release, and/or medial retinacular reefing. Exclusion criteria included revision PFSS or concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction or multiligament knee injury. Surgical failure was defined as subsequent patellar dislocation despite operative management or need for secondary PFSS. RESULTS: Ultimately, 62 knees in 56 wrestlers with a mean age of 17.0 years (range, 14.0-22.8 years) were included at a mean follow-up of 6.6 years (range, 2.0-18.8 years). RTW occurred in 55.3% of wrestlers at a mean ± SD 8.8 ± 6.7 months. Among PFSS types, no differences were observed in rates of RTW (P = .676), postoperative pain (P = .176), Tegner activity level (P = .801), International Knee Documentation Committee (P = .378), Lysholm (P = .402), or Kujala scores (P = .370). RPI was the most common postoperative complication (n = 13; 21.0%). MPFL reconstruction had the lowest rate of RPI (6.5% vs 27.3% [repair] vs 55.6% [other]; P = .005) and surgical failure (9.7% vs 31.8% [repair] vs 55.6% [other]; P = .008). Kaplan-Meier survivorship free from surgical failure of the entire cohort was 91.9% at 1 year, 77.7% at 5 years, and 65.7% at 15 years. MPFL reconstruction had the highest survivorship when compared with MPFL repair and other PFSS up to 10 years after the index surgery (90.3% vs 64.1% vs 27.8%; P = .048). CONCLUSION: RPI remains a concern for competitive wrestlers after PFSS. MPFL reconstruction may serve as a more durable surgical treatment option with lower rates of RPI and failure when compared with other PFSS procedures at up to 10 years after surgery.

Improved Yet Varied Clinical Outcomes Observed With Comparison of Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction Versus Arthroscopy-Assisted Lower Trapezius Transfer for Patients With Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and arthroscopy-assisted lower trapezius tendon transfer (LTT) for posterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs). METHODS: Over an almost 6-year period (October 2015 to March 2021), all patients who underwent IRCT surgery with a minimum 12-month follow-up period were identified. For patients with a substantial active external rotation (ER) deficit or lag sign, LTT was preferentially selected. Patient-reported outcome scores included the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, strength score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score. RESULTS: We included 32 SCR patients and 72 LTT patients. Preoperatively, LTT patients had more advanced teres minor fatty infiltration (0.3 vs 1.1, P = .009), a higher global fatty infiltration index (1.5 vs 1.9, P = .035), and a higher presence of the ER lag sign (15.6% vs 48.6%, P < .001). At a mean follow-up of 2.9 ± 1.3 years (range, 1.0-6.3 years), no differences in patient-reported outcome scores were observed. Postoperatively, SCR patients had a lower VAS score (0.3 vs 1.1, P = .017), higher forward elevation (FE) (156° vs 143°, P = .004), and higher FE strength (4.8 vs 4.5, P = .005) and showed greater improvements in the VAS score (6.8 vs 5.1, P = .009), FE (56° vs 31°, P = .004), and FE strength (1.0 vs 0.4, P < .001). LTT patients showed greater improvement in ER (17° vs 29°, P = .026). There was no statistically significant between-cohort difference in complication rate (9.4% vs 12.5%, P = .645) or reoperation rate (3.1% vs 10%, P = .231). CONCLUSIONS: With adequate selection criteria, both SCR and LTT provided improved clinical outcomes for posterosuperior IRCTs. Additionally, SCR led to better pain relief and restoration of FE whereas LTT provided more reliable improvement in ER. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, treatment study with retrospective cohort comparison.

Platelet-Rich Plasma and Marrow Venting May Serve as Cost-Effective Augmentation Techniques for Isolated Meniscal Repair: A Decision-Analytical Markov Model-Based Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 3 isolated meniscal repair (IMR) treatment strategies: platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-augmented IMR, IMR with a marrow venting procedure (MVP), and IMR without biological augmentation. METHODS: A Markov model was developed to evaluate the baseline case: a young adult patient meeting the indications for IMR. Health utility values, failure rates, and transition probabilities were derived from the published literature. Costs were determined based on the typical patient undergoing IMR at an outpatient surgery center. Outcome measures included costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). RESULTS: Total costs of IMR with an MVP were $8,250; PRP-augmented IMR, $12,031; and IMR without PRP or an MVP, $13,326. PRP-augmented IMR resulted in an additional 2.16 QALYs, whereas IMR with an MVP produced slightly fewer QALYs, at 2.13. Non-augmented repair produced a modeled gain of 2.02 QALYs. The ICER comparing PRP-augmented IMR versus MVP-augmented IMR was $161,742/QALY, which fell well above the $50,000 willingness-to-pay threshold. CONCLUSIONS: IMR with biological augmentation (MVP or PRP) resulted in a higher number of QALYs and lower costs than non-augmented IMR, suggesting that biological augmentation is cost-effective. Total costs of IMR with an MVP were significantly lower than those of PRP-augmented IMR, whereas the number of additional QALYs produced by PRP-augmented IMR was only slightly higher than that produced by IMR with an MVP. As a result, neither treatment dominated over the other. However, because the ICER of PRP-augmented IMR fell well above the $50,000 willingness-to-pay threshold, IMR with an MVP was determined to be the overall cost-effective treatment strategy in the setting of young adult patients with isolated meniscal tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, economic and decision analysis.

Hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures and for fracture sequelae: did not differ in their outcomes.

Background: The role of hemiarthroplasty (HA) in the management of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) and their sequalae has evolved with the development of contemporary internal fixation techniques and the widespread use of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. However, HA may still have a role in certain acute PHFs as well as select fracture sequalae. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the outcomes of HA when used in acute fractures and fracture sequelae. Methods: Over a 16-year period (2000 - 2016), 122 primary HA performed for either acute PHFs or fracture sequelae were identified. Of these, 70 (57.4%) HA were performed within 4 weeks of the injury, whereas 52 (42.6%) underwent HA for fracture nonunion, malunion, or avascular necrosis. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. Outcomes included the visual analog scale for pain, range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, complications, and reoperations inclusive of revision surgery. Cumulative incidence analysis was used to report implant survivorship with death as a competing risk. Results: The mean follow-up time after HA was 4.8 years (range, 2-15 years) with no differences between groups (P = .102). Cohort comparisons demonstrated an older age (67.8 vs. 60.1; P = .004), lower rate of previous procedure (4.3% vs. 51.9%; P < .001), lower bone graft use (28.6% vs. 59.6%; P < .001), and a longer length of stay (5.9 vs. 3.0 days; P < .001) in the acute HA group. Additionally, no differences were observed between the acute and sequalae cohort in pain (2.0 vs. 2.5; P = .523), forward elevation (98° vs. 93°; P = .627), external rotation (30° vs. 23°; P = .215), internal rotation score (4.0 vs. 4.5; P = .589), satisfaction (P = .592), ASES scores (64.4 vs. 57.1; P = .168), complications (27.1% vs. 28.8%; P = .836), or reoperations (11.4% vs. 19.2%; P = .229). When comparing acute fractures and sequalae, the 15-year complication rates were 32.4% and 43.3%, respectively (P = .172), with 15-year reoperation rates of 13.7% and 24%, respectively (P = .098). Conclusions: HA, whether performed acutely for a PHF or in a delayed fashion for fracture sequalae, demonstrated no statistically significant differences in outcomes for all examined parameters. HA in this setting may provide reasonable pain relief. However, limited motion, marginal ASES scores, and elevated rates of complications and reoperations can be expected up to 15 years postoperatively.

Demographics and Characteristics of Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program Directors: A Cross-sectional Review.

To date, there has been a paucity of research evaluating the demographics, characteristics, and surgical training of orthopaedic residency program directors (PDs). Purpose: To determine the objective characteristics of orthopaedic residency PDs by analyzing their demographic characteristics, academic backgrounds, institutional histories, research productivity, and professional leadership affiliations. Methods: Data for each PD were collected by searching publicly available curriculum vitae, LinkedIn, Healthgrades, Doximity, and/or institutional biographies and consolidated into a database. Research productivities were collected by searching PubMed and Scopus. Results: Of the 210 PDs, 188 (89.5%) were male and 22 (10.5%) were female. One hundred seventy-four (82.9%) were non-Hispanic White, 14 (6.7%) Asian American and Pacific Islander, 12 (5.7%) Black or African American, 4 (1.9%) Hispanic or Latino, and 6 (2.9%) other/unknown. Twenty-four (11.4%) PDs had a military affiliation. Moreover, the most common subspecialties among orthopaedic PDs were orthopaedic traumatology (19.5%, n = 41), sports medicine (15.7%, n = 33), and hand surgery (11.9%, n = 25). The mean Scopus h-index, total number of publications at the time of data collection (June 2022), and total number of citations for all orthopaedic residency PDs were 10.5 ± 9.5, 33.9 ± 51.0, and 801.9 ± 1,536.4, respectively. Among all PDs, the mean tenure in the position was 8.9 ± 6.2 years to date, and the mean time from completion of residency to appointment as PD was 10.0 ± 6.2 years. Conclusions: Among orthopaedic surgery residency PDs, there is sparse female and minority representation. Overarchingly, orthopaedic PDs are White men in their early 50s. Moreover, 59.1% of PDs were appointed at an institution where they completed medical school, residency, or fellowship. orthopaedic traumatology (19.5%), sports medicine (15.7%), and hand surgery (11.9%) were the subspecialties most represented in current orthopaedic surgery PDs. Clinical Relevance: This study outlines important demographic characteristics among orthopaedic surgery residency PDs. Level of Evidence: III.