Does Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage for Physical Therapy Visits for Common Orthopedic Diagnoses? A Survey Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the association between physical therapists' recommended number of visits for a full recovery from common orthopedic injuries/surgeries and the extent of insurance coverage for these visits. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted with board-certified physical therapists. A qualitative questionnaire was used to gather physical therapists' demographics and the recommended number of physical therapy visits to achieve a full recovery after 11 common orthopedic diagnoses. Physical therapists also were asked to report whether they believe that insurance provides an adequate number of visits overall. In addition to the qualitative survey, insurance coverage details of major Alabama companies were obtained for comparison. Descriptive statistics of the participating therapists were analyzed for sex, age, degree/training, and years of experience. Kruskal-Wallis statistics were used to analyze variance between the aforementioned groupings when compared with the reported average number of sessions. RESULTS: The survey (N = 251) collected data on the average number of physical therapy sessions that are necessary for a complete recovery as recommended by physical therapists for 11 common orthopedic diagnoses. From this survey, the average number of necessary visits ranged from 11.3 visits (ankle sprains) to 37.3 visits (anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction), with the overall average number of visits being 23.8. Only 24% of physical therapists believed that insurance companies provided enough coverage. Insurance coverage varied but often required additional procedures to allocate the adequate number of visits for the studied orthopedic pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of practicing physical therapists in Alabama perceive insufficient insurance coverage for physical therapy visits for most orthopedic diagnoses. This study has implications for healthcare decision making and patient-centered rehabilitation goals. Physicians and physical therapists can use this information to optimize treatment decisions and rehabilitation goals. Patients will benefit from improved physical and economic well-being. This study has the potential to drive further research and influence national insurance policies to better serve patients' needs.

The use of actigraphy to objectively define motion and function before and after shoulder arthroplasty.

Introduction: Actigraphy is a quantitative means of measuring activity data that has proven viable in post-surgery recovery analysis for arthroplasties in lower extremities, but scant literature has been published on the utilization actigraphy to evaluate shoulder motion and function before and after shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to identify if actigraphy can serve as a valid means for objective evaluation of shoulder function and motion before and after shoulder arthroplasty. Secondarily, the data collected by the actigraphy can be analyzed with standard patient-reported outcomes to report correlations between the subjective and objective methods used in this study. Materials and methods: Sixty-four subjects wore an actigraphy device for one day at pre-op, six, twelve and twenty-four weeks. In addition, subjects completed three patient-reported outcome surveys at each time-point. Student t-tests were used to compare percent activity preoperatively with 24-weeks and to compare PROs preoperatively with 24-week results; categorical variables were compared with one-way ANOVAs. Results: All Patient reported outcome scores significantly improved following arthroplasty (p-value<0.001). The percent of physical activity was highly correlated with vector magnitude (p-value<0.001), but neither percent activity or the vector magnitude were correlated with any of the PROs: UCLA Pain p-value = 0.656, SANE p-value = 0.328, UCLA Function p-value = 0.532. Conclusions: Actigraphy results from this study mirror findings in previous literature utilizing the technology in similar manners and demonstrate its potential for motion and function analysis before and after total shoulder arthroplasties. Despite both being suitable methods independently for the evaluation of shoulder function, there was no significant correlation between standard actigraphy measurements and PROs at 24-weeks. Future research to determine clinical utility and an overall broader scope for actigraphy monitoring could benefit from improved technology, such as increased battery life for prolonged durations of data collection during observation periods.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction using Bone-Tendon-Bone Allograft: Surgical Technique Using Augmentation with Bio-Composite Scaffold.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture rates remain high; the incidence of isolated ACL ruptures is 68.6 per 100,000. This Technical Note introduces a technique for ACL reconstruction (ACLR) using a bone-tendon-bone (BTB) allograft augmented with BioBrace, a biocomposite scaffold. The BioBrace scaffold is sutured onto the BTB allograft to reinforce the ligament and accelerate healing. Graft preparation with BioBrace, ACLR, and graft passage is described. This technique aims to reduce re-rupture risk, enhance graft healing, and improve patient-reported outcomes. BioBrace offers advantages over other augmentation approaches and synthetic materials, providing improved remodeling, biologic integration, and increased mechanical strength. Feasibility and efficacy have been demonstrated in animal models and human applications. This technique presents a promising approach to enhance ACLR outcomes.

Eccentric Hamstring Strength Imbalance among Football and Soccer Athletes.

OBJECTIVES: Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are common among football and soccer athletes. Eccentric strength imbalance is considered a contributing factor for HSI. There is, however, a paucity of data on hamstring imbalances of soccer and American football athletes as they age and advance in skill level. High school athletes will display greater interlimb discrepancies compared with collegiate and professional athletes. In addition, soccer athletes will exhibit greater hamstring asymmetry than American football athletes. METHODS: Hamstring testing was performed on soccer and American football athletes using the NordBord Hamstring Testing System (Vald Performance, Albion, Australia). Age, sex, weight, sport specialization, and sport level were recorded. Maximum hamstring forces (N), torque (N · m), and work (N · s) were measured. Hamstring imbalance (%) was calculated by dividing the absolute value of the difference in leg forces divided by their sum. One-way analysis of variance and independent sample t tests compared measurements between athlete groups. RESULTS: A total of 631 athletes completed measurements, including 88 high school male soccer, 25 college male soccer, 23 professional male soccer, 83 high school female soccer, 28 college female soccer, 288 high school football, and 96 college football athletes. High school soccer players displayed significantly greater imbalances for torque (P = 0.03) and work (P < 0.01) than football athletes. Imbalances for maximum force (P = 0.035), torque (P = 0.018), and work (P = 0.033) were significantly higher for male soccer athletes in high school compared with college- and professional-level athletes. Female high school soccer players had significantly higher imbalance in torque (P = 0.045) and work (P = 0.001) compared with female collegiate soccer players. Football athletes did not experience significant changes in force imbalances between skill levels. CONCLUSIONS: High school soccer athletes exhibit greater hamstring imbalances than football athletes. Higher levels of play in soccer, for both male and female athletes, correlate with less hamstring asymmetry.

Comparison of Step-Based Metrics Under Laboratory and Free-Living Conditions in Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.

CONTEXT: Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) causes pain and functional limitations. Little is known regarding walking characteristics, volume and intensity evaluated in laboratory and free-living conditions and whether these measures differ between those with FAIS and uninjured individuals. OBJECTIVE: To examine the differences in laboratory gait measures and free-living step-based metrics between individuals with FAIS and uninjured control participants. DESIGN: Comparative, cross-sectional study. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: We enrolled 25 participants with FAIS and 14 uninjured controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We evaluated laboratory spatiotemporal gait measures (cadence, velocity, step length, stride length) during self-selected and fast walking speeds using an instrumented walkway. Participants then wore an accelerometer around the waist during waking hours for 7 consecutive days. Free-living step-based metrics included average daily steps, peak 1- and 30-minute cadence, and average daily time spent in walking cadence bands. We compared laboratory gait measures and step-based metrics between groups. RESULTS: The groups did not differ in laboratory spatiotemporal gait measures during both speeds (all p>0.05). The FAIS group took fewer daily steps (5,346±2,141 vs. 7,338±2,787 steps/day; p=0.030) and had a lower peak 1-minute (92.9±23.9 vs. 119.6±16.3 steps/min; p<0.001) and 30- minute cadences (60.9±27.1 vs. 86.8±22.4 steps/min; p=0.003) compared with uninjured controls, respectively. The FAIS group also spent less time in slow (6.0±3.6 vs. 10.3±3.4 min/day; p=0.001), medium (4.5 + 4.2 vs. 8.9±4.4 min/day; p=0.005), and brisk/moderate (4.5±6.2 vs. 12.2±10.3; p=0.020) cadence bands compared with uninjured controls. CONCLUSIONS: Considering only clinical/laboratory gait measures may not be representative of real- world walking-related PA behavior in individuals with FAIS.

Anchor-Based Meniscal Ramp Repair.

Ramp lesions of the medial meniscus are underdiagnosed because of difficulty in visualizing via magnetic resonance imaging and during arthroscopy. They most often occur simultaneously with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury but may also be associated with posterior plateau contusions, steeper medial tibial plateau slope, and excess varus alignment. Upwards of 24% of ACL reconstructions have concomitant ramp lesions. Failure to repair the ramp lesion is associated with increased rotational laxity, tibial translocation, persistent pivot shift, and poorer outcomes after ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this article is to describe an all-suture anchor-based repair of a meniscal ramp lesion, which confers several advantages over traditional repair techniques.

Why Your Patient May Need an ACL Reconstruction Plus Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis Procedure.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common knee injuries experienced by active individuals engaging in cutting sports. Despite improved surgical techniques and rehabilitation, the return to sport rate and re-tear rates remain unsatisfactory. Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is a procedure that has been growing in interest when performed in conjunction with ACL reconstruction. The benefits of adding an LET procedure to an ACL surgery may include greater rotational stability, decreased re-tear rates, and improved return to play. Level of evidence: V.

Suspensory fixation for bone transfer procedures in shoulder instability is superior to screws in an angled construct: a biomechanical analysis.

Background: The Latarjet procedure is a common bony augmentation procedure for anterior shoulder instability. Historically, screw fixation is used to secure the coracoid graft to the anterior glenoid surface; however, malpositioning of the graft leads to oblique screw insertion that contributes to complications. Suture buttons (SBs) are a more recent fixation technique that have not been studied alongside standard screw fixation in the context of biomechanical models of angulated fixation. This study aims to compare the biomechanical strength of single and double, screw and SB fixation at various levels of angulation. Methods: Testing was performed using polyurethane models from Sawbones. The graft piece was secured with screw fixation (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) or suspensory button (ABS Tightrope, Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA). Single or double constructs of screws and SBs were affixed at 0°, 15°, and 30° angles to the face of the glenoid component. An aluminum testing jig held the samples securely while a materials testing system applied loads. Five constructs were used for each condition and assessed load to failure testing. Results: For single fixation constructs, suspensory buttons were 60% stronger than screws at 0° (P < .001), and 52% stronger at 15° (P = .004); however, at 30°, both were comparable (P = .180). Interestingly, single suspensory button at 15° was equivalent to a single screw at 0° (P = .310). For double fixation, suspensory buttons (DT) were 32% stronger than screws at 0° (P < .001) and 35% stronger than screws at 15° (P < .001). Both double fixation methods were comparable at 30° (P = .061). Suspensory buttons at 15° and 30° were equivalent to double screws at 0 (P = .280) and 15° (P = .772), respectively. Conclusion: These measurements indicate that the suspensory button has a significantly higher load to failure capacity over the screw fixation technique, perpendicularly and with up to 15° of angulation. These analyses also indicate that the suspensory button fixation offers superior strength even when positioned more obliquely than the screw fixation. Therefore, suspensory button fixation may confer more strength while offering greater margin for error when positioning the graft.

Regional Anesthesia for Arthroscopic Knee Repair in a Patient With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) Under Monitored Anesthesia Care With Dexmedetomidine Infusion.

Patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) who are scheduled for elective, noncardiac surgery present a distinctive challenge for perioperative healthcare providers. The use of general anesthesia and neuraxial anesthesia carries the risk of unpredictable hemodynamic changes and potential complications. Regional anesthesia (RA) emerges as a prudent and effective option for HOCM patients. RA provides advantages such as minimizing hemodynamic fluctuations, avoiding intubation, reducing pharmacologic side effects, facilitating enhanced recovery after surgery, and contributing to greater patient satisfaction. We share the case of a 15-year-old individual diagnosed with HOCM and exercise intolerance, undergoing arthroscopic repair for right patellar instability. In this instance, the patient received preoperative peripheral nerve blocks for surgical anesthesia and underwent repair utilizing monitored anesthesia care (MAC) with a dexmedetomidine (DEX) infusion.

Impact of Sling Use on Functional Mobility in a Geriatric Population.

OBJECTIVES: Sling immobilization is commonly used following rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this study was to determine the detrimental impact of sling usage on mobility and balance in an older adult population through validated gait and balance testing. The authors hypothesize that sling use will negatively affect balance and stability. METHODS: This institutional review board-approved and registered randomized prospective clinical trial enrolled patients from 2019 to 2021. Following informed consent, patients were randomized into two groups: a sling worn (group 1) and no sling worn (group 2). Participants were assessed via the Edmonton Frail Scale as well as Tinetti gait and balance scoring. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study, 23 (46%) men and 27 (54%) women, with a mean age of 72.2 years. The balance score median was 16.00 for participants not wearing a sling and 15.00 for participants wearing a sling. The gait score median was 12.00 for participants not wearing a sling and 11.50 for participants wearing a sling. The balance and gait scores were significantly greater when patients were not wearing a shoulder sling with P values of 0.006 and 0.011, respectively. The overall combined gait and balance score was significantly greater, with median values of 27.00 for participants not wearing a sling and 26.00 for participants wearing a sling (P = 0.001). Patients reported little to no anxiety about falling while wearing the sling, with a score of 0.16. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative sling immobilization negatively affects balance and gait in the geriatric population, potentially increasing the risk of postoperative falls in an already at-risk population.

Cardiovascular disease in retired NFL players: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Despite robust research endeavors exploring post-play health implications in former NFL players, the impact of former-player status on long-term cardiovascular health has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the available research on the cardiovascular health in former NFL players. METHODS: Relevant studies were included from the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. Studies were evaluated in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers conducted the title/abstract screenings and risk of bias determinations. The results of the studies were extracted for inclusion in the review. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. Though evidence was discordant among studies, former NFL players appeared to possess more favorable metabolic profiles and decreased mortality compared to community controls. Of note, 90% of former players were found to be overweight or obese. CONCLUSION: Though cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among former NFL players, they possess comparable metabolic and cardiovascular profiles to community controls. Further research is necessary to ascertain the impact of NFL play on cardiovascular health and develop tailored preventative care strategies for former players.

The Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

CONTEXT: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries greatly impact patients in terms of future performance, reduced physical activity and athletic participation, and overall economic burden. Decades of research have investigated how to improve ACL reconstruction (ACLR) outcomes. Recently, there has been growing interest to understand the effects of psychosocial factors on patient outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical review. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A search of the PubMed database was performed in March 2023. Articles were reviewed by at least 2 authors to determine relevance. We highlighted publications of the past 5 years while incorporating previous pertinent studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. RESULTS: There is no standardization of psychosocial factors regarding ACLR. As such, there is a lack of consensus regarding which psychosocial measures to use and when. There is a need for clarification of the complex relationship between psychosocial factors and physical function. Despite this, psychosocial factors have the potential to help predict patients who are more likely to return to sport: (1) desire/motivation to return; (2) lower levels of kinesiophobia; (3) higher levels of self-efficacy, confidence, and subjective knee function; (4) risk acceptance; and (5) social support. However, there are no standardized interventions to improve psychosocial factors after ACLR. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial factors affect outcomes after ACLR. However, the interplay between psychosocial factors and physical function is complex. There is emerging evidence that testing and interventions may improve ACLR outcomes. There is a lack of standardized interventions to determine or improve psychosocial factors after ACLR. Further research is needed to identify psychosocial factors and to develop standardized interventions for clinicians to implement to improve clinical outcomes.

Obesity does not impact complications and conversion to total knee arthroplasty after high tibial osteotomy: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review is to consolidate outcomes of obese patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy and to investigate the effect of obesity on postoperative outcomes, including symptomatic relief and time to conversion to arthroplasty. METHODS: Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched from database inception up to April 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines by two reviewers. Search terms including 'obesity', 'BMI', 'osteotomy' and 'high tibial osteotomy (HTO)' were included to identify all relevant articles. Only studies that explicitly reported outcomes for obese patients were included. Disagreements in study inclusion or quality assessment were resolved by a senior third reviewer. Metrics compared include time to arthroplasty, preoperative and postoperative mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA), patient-reported satisfaction scores and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Nine studies comparing 973 patients were included. The mean age was 52.7 ± 4.2 years old and 38.4% were male. Six studies performed the medial opening-wedge HTO, and three utilized the medial wedge closing technique. Most studies indicated significant improvement following surgical intervention with satisfactory outcomes in obese and nonobese patients. In addition, differences in complication rates were minimal between obese and nonobese patients (n.s.), while functional scores did not vary significantly. Conversion to total knee arthroplasty was not found to increase in obese patients (n.s.). CONCLUSION: Obesity does not appear to carry a greater complication risk or worse outcomes following high tibial osteotomies, and surgeons should consider HTO a viable option for young obese patients with symptomatic unicompartmental chondral wear with coronal limb malalignment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Partial rotator cuff repair versus debridement for irreparable rotator cuff tears: A systematic review.

Introduction: Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCT) are a significant cause of shoulder disability and pain, presenting a unique challenge in terms of management with multiple options for care ranging from debridement alone to partial rotator cuff repair. In this study we investigate how clinical outcomes and complications of partial rotator cuff repair compare to simple debridement in the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears. Materials and methods: A total of 1594 publications were identified on PubMed from 1946 to 2017 with 16 level III to level IV studies that were reviewed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: A total of 709 shoulders from 706 patients were reviewed, with 380 patients receiving a partial repair and 329 shoulders receiving debridement. Fifteen outcome measures were utilized with visual analog scale (VAS) pain score and patient satisfaction being the most common. Pre- and post-operative mean VAS scores reported in 155 shoulders treated with partial repair were 6.0 (5.1-6.9) and 2.0 (1.7-3.2), respectively. Pre- and post-operative mean VAS scores in 113 shoulders treated with debridement were 6.5 (4.5-7.9) and 1.9 (1-2.9), respectively. Patient satisfaction in 111 shoulders treated with partial repair was reported as 75 % (51.6-92). In 153 shoulders treated with debridement, post-operative satisfaction was 80.7 % (78-83.9). Conclusion: This systematic review study demonstrates that both partial repair and debridement alone can result in acceptable clinical outcomes with no significant differences noted for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears in short to mid-term follow up.

Posterior lateral meniscal overhang is associated with ACL tears: A retrospective case-control study.

Introduction: There have been several described imaging findings that correlate with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The investigators in this study observed a higher frequency of posterior translation of the lateral meniscus beyond the posterior border of the tibial plateau in patients with ACL tears. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency and degree of posterior lateral meniscal overhang (LMO) of the lateral meniscus in patients with ACL tears compared to uninjured controls. Materials and methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was analyzed in 117 knees with ACL tears and compared to a control group of 89 knees without injury. Lateral meniscus diameter, LMO, knee flexion angle, and lateral tibial plateau diameter were measured and compared between the two groups. Exclusion criteria included displaced and macerated lateral meniscus tears, multi-ligamentous knee injuries, and periarticular fractures. Difference in mean lateral meniscal overhang between ACL injured and control groups was tested using a paired T-test (alpha = 0.01). Assumptions for normality and variance were tested prior to analysis. Results: In patients with ACL tears, average LMO was significantly greater compared to the control group (0.95 mm vs. 0.08 mm; p < 0.001). Additionally, measurable LMO was found in 42.7 % of patients with ACL tears compared to 4.5 % uninjured knees (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with ACL injury show higher incidence of LMO compared to uninjured controls. Future studies are necessary to better understand its clinical significance.

Patient Self-Reported Allergies and Their Correlation with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is an uncommon neurovascular disorder that presents as neck and upper extremity pain secondary to brachial plexus trunk or subclavian vasculature compression. The orthopedic literature has correlated patient-reported allergies to postoperative patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores for a variety of surgical procedures. We sought to evaluate patient-reported allergies and PROs following surgical decompression for TOS. METHODS: A chart review was conducted after identifying patients who underwent surgical thoracic outlet decompression by a single surgeon. Patients were contacted and administered five PRO questionnaires via telephone: the QuickDASH Outcome Measure questionnaire (disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand [DASH]), the Cervical Brachial Symptom Questionnaire, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, the 12-Item Short Form Survey, and the Numeric Rating Scale (a visual analogue scale). A bivariate analysis of Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was used to determine the associations of allergies with questionnaires and demographic variables. RESULTS: Of the 393 patients (128 males and 265 females) identified in the study, 75 (24%) responded and completed all of the questionnaires, 18 (24%) males and 57 (76%) females. A significant correlation was found between the number of allergies reported and the QuickDASH Outcome Measure questionnaire (r = 0.375, P < 0.001), the Cervical Brachial Symptom Questionnaire (r = 0.295, P = 0.01), change in the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (r = -0.310, P < 0.01), change in the visual analogue scale (r = 0.244, P = 0.035), sex (r = 0.245, P = 0.034), and the number of medications (r = 0.642, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The increased frequency of patient-reported allergies is significantly associated with worse PRO scores for women undergoing TOS surgical decompression. Better understanding this association can help physicians counsel patients on expected outcomes.

Impact of irradiation on load-to-failure in bone-patellar tendon-bone allografts: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: To evaluate the impact various levels of irradiation have on bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) allograft load-to-failure. Materials and methods: Pubmed, Google Scholar and Embase were searched for studies reporting load-to-failure measurements of BTB allografts following gamma or eBeam irradiation. All systematic reviews, editorials, as well as studies that utilized animal models and/or other graft sources (achilles, hamstring, quadriceps) were excluded. Meta-analysis was performed to compare the impact of low dose (19 ≤ kGy), intermediate (20-49 kGy) and high dose (>50 kGy) gamma and eBeam radiation on load-to-failure. Results: Twelve studies, containing a total of 429 BTB allografts (159 controls, 270 irradiated), were identified. Load-to-failure of BTB allograft was significantly decreased at intermediate (20-49 kGy) doses of radiation, while low (≤19 kGy) and high (>50 kGy) doses did not significantly change load-to-failure. Conclusions: Intermediate doses of radiation may negatively impact the biomechanical integrity of BTB allograft in vitro. Future studies are required to examine clinical outcomes at varying irradiation levels.

A Systematic Review of Screw and Suture Button Glenoid Augmentation Constructs.

Background: Glenohumeral dislocations often lead to glenoid bone loss and recurrent instability, warranting bony augmentation. While numerous biomechanical studies have investigated fixation methods to secure a graft to the glenoid, a review of available constructs has yet to be performed. Purpose: To synthesize the literature and compare the biomechanics of screw and suture button constructs for anterior glenoid bony augmentation. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. There were 2 independent reviewers who performed a literature search using the PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases of studies published between 1950 and 2020. Studies were included that compared the biomechanical outcomes of fixation for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. Results: Overall, 13 of the 363 studies screened met the inclusion criteria. The included studies measured the biomechanical strength of screws or suture buttons on a cadaveric or synthetic Latarjet construct. Screws and suture buttons were biomechanically similar, as both constructs exhibited comparable loads at failure and final displacement. Screw type (diameter, threading, or composition) did not significantly affect construct strength, and double-screw fixation was superior to single-screw fixation. Additionally, 2 screws augmented with a small plate had a higher load at failure than screws that were not augmented. Unicortical double-screw fixation was inferior to bicortical double-screw fixation, although construct strength did not significantly decrease if 1 of these screws was unicortical. Further, 2 screws inserted at 15° off axis experienced significantly higher graft displacement and lower ultimate failure loads than those inserted at 0° parallel to the glenoid. Conclusion: Suture buttons provided comparable strength to screws and offer an effective alternative to reduce screw-related complications. Augmentation with a small plate may clinically enhance construct strength and decrease complications through the dispersion of force loads over a greater surface area. Differences in screw type did not appear to alter construct strength, provided that screws were placed parallel to the articular surface and were bicortical.

Variability in physical therapy protocols following total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Physical therapy (PT) plays an important role in the recovery of function following anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). While several PT protocols have been published for these patients, there is no standardized protocol for aTSA rehabilitation. This lack of standardization may lead to confusion between patients and physicians, possibly resulting in suboptimal outcomes. This study examines how PT protocols provided by academic orthopedic surgery programs vary regarding therapeutic goals and activities following aTSA. METHODS: PT protocols for aTSA available online from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredited orthopedic surgery programs were included for review. Each protocol was analyzed to evaluate it for differences in recommendation of length of immobilization, range of motion (ROM) goals, start time for and progression of therapeutic exercises, and timing for return to functional activity. RESULTS: Of 175 accredited programs, 25 (14.2%) had protocols publicly available, programs (92%) recommended sling immobilization outside of therapy for an average of 4.4±2.0 weeks. Most protocols gave recommendations on starting active forward flexion (24 protocols, range 1-7 weeks), external rotation (22 protocols, range 1-7 weeks), and internal rotation (18 protocols, range 4-7 weeks). Full passive ROM was recommended at 10.8±5.7 weeks, and active ROM was 13.3±3.9 weeks, on average. ROM goals were inconsistent among protocols, with significant variations in recommended ROM and resistance exercise start times. Only 13 protocols (52%) gave recommendations on resuming recreational activities (mean, 17.4±4.4 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: Publicly available PT protocols for aTSA rehabilitation are highly variable. Level of evidence: IV.

The incidence of shoulder arthroplasty infection presents a substantial economic burden in the United States: a predictive model.

Background: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a major cause of morbidity after shoulder arthroplasty. Prior national database studies have estimated the trends of shoulder PJI up to 2012.21 Since 2012, the landscape of shoulder arthroplasty has changed drastically with the expanding popularity of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The dramatic growth in primary shoulder arthroplasties is likely paralleled with an increase of PJI case volume. The purpose of this study is to quantify the rise in shoulder PJIs and the economic stress they currently place on the American healthcare system as well as the toll they will incur over the coming decade. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried for primary and revision anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, and hemiarthroplasty from 2011-2018. Multivariate regression was used to predict cases and charges through the year 2030 adjusted to 2021 purchasing power parity. Results: From 2011 to 2018, PJI was found to be 1.1% shoulder arthroplasties, from 0.8% (2011) to 1.4% (2018). Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty experienced the greatest proportion of infections at 2.0%, followed by hemiarthroplasty at 1.0% and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty at 0.3%. Total hospital charges grew 324%, from $44.8 million (2011) to $190.3 million (2018). Our regression model projects 176% growth in cases and 141% growth in annual charges by 2030. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the large economic burden that shoulder PJIs pose on the American healthcare system, which is predicted to reach nearly $500 million in charges annually by 2030. Understanding trends in procedure volume and hospital charges will be critical in evaluating strategies to reduce shoulder PJIs.