Age, Tear Size, Extent of Retraction, and Fatty Infiltration Associated With a High Chance of a Similar Rotator Cuff Tear in the Contralateral Shoulder Regardless of Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Cuff Repair in the Index Shoulder.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of a contralateral rotator cuff tear (RCT) in patients with a symptomatic RCT requiring repair and to determine whether findings from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected shoulder can predict the presence of a contralateral tear. METHODS: Patients with atraumatic RCTs who had undergone arthroscopic repair between March 2019 and February 2021 were reviewed in this study. MRI of both shoulder joints was performed to evaluate the bilaterality of RCT. Demographic factors and MRI findings of index shoulders were assessed using logistic regression analysis to reveal any correlations with the presence of RCT in the contralateral shoulder. RESULTS: A total of 428 patients were enrolled in this study. When the affected shoulders had a posterosuperior rotator cuff (PSRC) or subscapularis tear including either an isolated or combined tear, 63.6% and 67.8% had the same tears on the contralateral side, respectively. A contralateral-side tear was found in 74.6% (185/248) of symptomatic cases and 44.8% (65/145) of asymptomatic cases, which represents a significant difference (P < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age ≥67.5 years, tear size ≥17 mm, Goutallier grade ≥1.5, and Patte grade ≥1.5 were found to be indicative of potential contralateral PSRC tears. By contrast, the presence of a subscapularis tear in the affected shoulder was the only significant risk factor in predicting a potential subscapularis tear in the contralateral shoulder. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with a symptomatic RCT requiring arthroscopic repair, 63.6% with a PSRC tear and 67.8% with a subscapularis tear in the affected shoulder were found to have a similar tear in the contralateral shoulder regardless of symptoms. Age, tear size, extent of retraction, fatty infiltration of PSRC tears, and the presence of subscapularis tears were identified as factors predictive of tears on the contralateral side. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

High failure rate after conservative treatment for recurrent shoulder dislocation without subjective apprehension on physical examination.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes of conservative treatment for recurrent shoulder dislocation without subjective apprehension, despite the presence of a Bankart lesion or glenoid defect. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for 92 patients with recurrent shoulder dislocation treated with conservative treatment due to negative apprehension between 2009 and 2018. The failure of the conservative treatment was defined as a dislocation or subluxation episode or subjective feeling of instability based on a positive apprehension. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate failure rates over time, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to determine a cut-off value for a glenoid defect. The clinical outcomes were compared between patients who completed conservative treatment without recurrence of instability (Group A) and those who failed and subsequently underwent surgical treatment (Group B) using shoulder functional scores and sports/recreation activity level. RESULTS: This retrospective study included 61 of 92 eligible patients with recurrent shoulder dislocation. Among the 61 patients, conservative treatment failed in 46 (75.4%) over the 2-year study period. The cut-off value for a glenoid defect was 14.4%. The association between glenoid defect size (≥ 14.4% or as a continuous variable) and survival was statistically significant (p = 0.039 and p < 0.001, respectively). The mean glenoid defect size in Group B increased from 14.6 ± 3.0% to 17.3 ± 3.1% (p < 0.001), and clinical outcomes for Group A were inferior to those for Group B at the 24-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment for recurrent shoulder dislocation in patients without subjective apprehension showed a high failure rate during the study period, especially if the glenoid defect was ≥ 14.4% in size. Despite clinical improvement in patients who completed conservative treatment without recurrence, functional outcome scores and sport/recreation activity levels were better in the patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair. Therefore, for recurrent anterior shoulder instability, even without subjective apprehension, surgical treatment is warranted over conservative treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Effects of neuromuscular electrical muscle stimulation on the deltoid for shoulder function restoration after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in the early recovery period: a prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a treatment modality that has been used to accelerate the rehabilitation of patients with neurological damage. However, it is unclear whether NMES of the deltoid can lead to the early restoration of shoulder function after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective and randomized study, 88 patients who underwent RSA with the same prosthesis design for cuff tear arthropathy or irreparable rotator cuff tear were assessed. The patients were divided into two groups (NMES group and non-NMES group, 44 patients each). For the NMES group, two pads of the NMES device were placed over the middle and posterior deltoid area, and NMES was maintained for 1 month after surgery. Shoulder functional outcomes and deltoid thickness were compared at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Shoulder functional outcomes were assessed based on the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Constant scores and the range of motion (ROM) and power of the affected shoulder. The thickness of the anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid was measured by ultrasonography. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients (NMES group, 33 patients; non-NMES group, 43 patients) were enrolled in the final analysis. The preoperative demographics and status of the remaining rotator cuff of both groups were not significantly different. At postoperative 3 months, the ROM and power of external rotation of the NMES group were significantly greater than those of the non-NMES group (ROM, 36° ± 14° vs. 29° ± 12°; P = .003; power, 4.8 kg ± 1.8 kg vs. 3.8 kg ± 1.0 kg; P < .002). The ROM of external rotation of the NMES group at postoperative 6 months was also greater than that of the non-NMES group (41° ± 12° vs. 34° ± 11°; P = .013). However, there was no significant difference in the VAS, ASES, and Constant scores at all follow-up points despite gradual improvements until 1 year postoperatively. Serial measurements of the thickness of the anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid of both groups did not show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative NMES of the deltoid after RSA contributed to significantly faster ROM restoration and considerable improvement in the power of external rotation. Therefore, NMES following RSA could lead to the early restoration of external rotation and recovery of deltoid function.

Subscapularis tendon tears hidden by the medial biceps sling can be missed on arthroscopic examination.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate (1) the prevalence of "hidden lesions" and "non-hidden lesions" of subscapularis tendon tears requiring repair during arthroscopic examination that would be missed by a 30° arthroscope, but could be identified by a 70° arthroscope, from the standard posterior portal and (2) the correlation of preoperative internal rotation weakness and findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicating hidden lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined 430 patients who underwent arthroscopic subscapularis repair between was initially nonvisible with a 30° arthroscope but became visible only with a 70° arthroscope from the standard posterior portal. The preoperative and intraoperative findings of the hidden lesion group (n = 82) were compared with those of the non-hidden lesion group (n = 348). 2016 and 2020. A hidden lesion was defined as a subscapularis tendon tear requiring repair that preoperative internal rotation weakness was assessed using the modified belly-press test. Preoperative MR images were reviewed using a systemic approach. RESULTS: The prevalence of hidden lesions was 19.1% (82/430). No significant difference was found in preoperative internal rotation weakness between the groups. Preoperative MRI showed a significantly lower detection rate in the hidden lesion group than in the non-hidden group (69.5% vs. 84.8%; P = 0.001). The hidden lesions were at a significantly earlier stage of subscapularis tendon tears than the non-hidden lesions, as revealed by the arthroscopic findings (Lafosse classification, degree of retraction; P = 0.003 for both) and MR findings (muscle atrophy, fatty infiltration; P = 0.001, P = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Among the subscapularis tears requiring repair, 19.1% could be identified by a 70° arthroscope, but not by a 30° arthroscope, through the posterior portal. The hidden lesions showed a significantly lower detection rate on preoperative MRI than the non-hidden lesions. Thus, for subscapularis tears suspected on preoperative physical examination, the 70° arthroscope would be helpful to avoid a misdiagnosis.

Comparison of arthroscopic primary and revision Bankart repair for capsulolabral restoration: a matched-pair analysis.

INTRODUCTION: There have been no previous studies comparing serial radiologic results between primary and revision Bankart repair despite the significance of capsulolabral height and slope restoration. The purpose of this study was (1) to compare serially the height and slope of the repaired labrum in the early postoperative period among primary and revision Bankart repair groups, and (2) to compare clinical outcomes between the two groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included each 24 patients who underwent arthroscopic primary Bankart repair (Group A) and revision Bankart repair (Group B) matched by age, sex, and glenoid defect ratio. Postoperative serial radiologic assessment of the repaired labral height and slope was proceeded using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) at 3 weeks and 6 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in labral height and slope at 3 weeks and 6 months postoperatively in Group A. However, significant reductions in labral height and slope were evident between 3 weeks and 6 months postoperatively in Group B (P < 0.05). Group A yielded superior results to Group B with respect to labral height and slope at each time point (P < 0.05) in between-group analyses. The clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups except for the patients' return to their premorbid sports activity level (P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: The height and slope of the repaired capsulolabral structures in the early postoperative period after arthroscopic revision Bankart repair group were significantly lower than those of the primary Bankart repair group. Also the reduction of labral height and slope was significant in the revision Bankart repair group over time. Nonetheless, clinical outcomes did not differ significantly except return to premorbid sports activity level at final follow-up.

Deubiquitinating Enzyme USP7 Is Required for Self-Renewal and Multipotency of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is highly expressed in a variety of malignant tumors. However, the role of USP7 in regulating self-renewal and differentiation of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs) remains unknown. Herein, we report that USP7 regulates self-renewal of hBMSCs and is required during the early stages of osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. USP7, a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), was found to be downregulated during hBMSC differentiation. Furthermore, USP7 is an upstream regulator of the self-renewal regulating proteins SOX2 and NANOG in hBMSCs. Moreover, we observed that SOX2 and NANOG are poly-ubiquitinated and their expression is downregulated in USP7-deficient hBMSCs. Overall, this study showed that USP7 is required for maintaining self-renewal and multipotency in cultured hBMSCs. Targeting USP7 might be a novel strategy to preserve the self-renewal capacity of hBMSCs intended for stem cell therapy.

Does an "Off-Track" Hill-Sachs Lesion That Is Misclassified as "Non-Engaging" Affect Outcomes From Bankart Repair Alone Compared With Bankart Repair Combined With Remplissage?

PURPOSE: To determine how intraoperative assessment (engagement test) may affect recurrent dislocation rate and to compare the clinical outcomes, recurrence rates, and presence of on-/off-track conditions between cases that received arthroscopic Bankart repair alone (nonengaged Hill-Sachs lesion) and Bankart repair with remplissage (engaged Hill-Sachs lesion). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 213 patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair alone (186 patients with nonengaging lesions, group A) or with remplissage (27 patients with engaging lesion, group B) for recurrent anterior shoulder instability with <25% glenoid bone defect. The presence of an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion was determined during arthroscopic evaluation. On-track or off-track lesions were assessed retrospectively from preoperative 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: Mean glenoid bone defect was 13.7% in group A and 20.7% in group B (P < .001). Off-track lesions were identified in 8.1% (15/186) and 100% (27/27) in group B. At the final follow-up (minimum 2 years; mean follow-up periods after surgery of 50.1 months in group A and 47.7 months in group B), there were no significant differences in shoulder functional scores and recurrence rates between groups, despite improvement after surgery. In the off-track lesion (group A-1: nonengaging but off-track lesion), recurrence instability occurred in 9 patients (60%, 9/15). Also, comparing group A-1 and group B, we noted significant differences in shoulder functional scores and recurrence rates (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Of 186 patients, 8.1% with nonengaging Hill-Sachs lesions during direct arthroscopic examination under anesthesia actually demonstrated off-track lesions on preoperative 3D CT scans retrospectively, with 60% experiencing recurrent instability. Intraoperative manual assessment for Hill-Sachs engagement was inferior to 3D CT scan in establishing the presence of off-track defects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative study.

Subscapularis re-tears associated with preoperative advanced fatty infiltration and greater subscapularis involvement, leading to inferior functional outcomes and decreased acromiohumeral distance.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the influence of repaired subscapularis integrity on midterm results for anterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) treated with partial rotator cuff repair. METHODS: This study included 57 patients who underwent arthroscopic partial repair for an anterosuperior MRCT. They were assigned to the healed subscapularis group (Group H 37 patients) or subscapularis re-tear group (Group R 20 patients). Preoperative and postoperative functional scores and active ranges of motion (ROMs) were assessed. Preoperative and 6-month follow-up magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA)/computed tomography arthrography (CTA) images were compared between groups. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, mean functional shoulder scores including ROMs improved significantly in both groups compared to preoperative values (p < 0.001), except for forward flexion and internal rotation in Group R. All final functional values and ROMs (excluding external rotation) were better in Group H than in Group R (p < 0.001). Preoperative stage of fatty infiltration in the subscapularis muscle was significantly worse in Group R (p < 0.001). On follow-up MRA/CTA, the immediate residual defect after partial repair increased in 81% (30/37; mean, 17.8 mm) of patients in Group H and 100% (mean 24.6 mm) in Group R (p < 0.001). At final follow-up, mean acromiohumeral distance significantly decreased from 8.2 to 6.0 mm in Group H (p < 0.001) and from 8.3 to 4.9 mm in Group R (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in final acromiohumeral distance between groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: After a minimum 5-year follow-up after arthroscopic partial repair of anterosuperior MRCT, subscapularis re-tear was identified in 35% of patients (20/57) on early postoperative follow-up MRA/CTA. The subscapularis re-tear group exhibited more preoperative advanced fatty infiltration and greater extents of subscapularis involvement, which led to statistically inferior functional outcomes and decreased acromiohumeral distance at final follow-up. Nonetheless, in terms of a minimal clinically important difference, substantial clinical benefit, and patient-acceptable symptomatic state for clinical significance, there were no significant differences between the groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Anterior rotator cable disruption does not affect outcomes in rotator cuff tear with subscapularis involvement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes after arthroscopic repair of two different rotator cuff tear configurations: anterosuperior rotator cuff tear and rotator cuff tears with subscapularis involvement. It was hypothesized that, although both tear configurations would show significant improvement in clinical outcomes after arthroscopic repair, the rotator cuff tears with subscapularis involvement where the anterior rotator cable maintains its integrity would have better clinical outcomes and structural integrity. METHODS: This study included 226 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears (n = 107, group A) and rotator cuff tears with subscapularis involvement (n = 119, group B). The visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, subjective shoulder value (SSV), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, and active range of motion (ROM) were assessed. Modified belly press test was performed to assess the strength of the subscapularis muscle. Cuff integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance arthrography or computed tomographic arthrography at 6 months after operation. RESULTS: At 3-year follow-up, the VAS score, SSVs, ASES scores, UCLA shoulder scores, active ROM, and modified belly press test showed significant improvement in both groups (p < 0.001). However, these improvements showed no statistical significance between the two groups. On follow-up radiologic evaluations, no significant difference in re-tear rates between group A (25 of 107, 23.4%) and group B (23 of 119, 19.3%) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of anterior cable involvement of the anterosuperior rotator cuff tear did not affect postoperative clinical outcomes and re-tear rate compared to rotator cuff tears with subscapularis involvement where the anterior cable integrity was maintained, although the anterosuperior rotator cuff tear was associated with more significant preoperative supraspinatus fatty infiltration. Therefore, the present study determined that it would not be necessary to differentiate treatment protocols between these patterns. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Early restoration of shoulder function in patients with the Grammont prosthesis compared to lateralized humeral design in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and radiographic parameters of patients after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) between the Grammont prosthesis and lateralized humeral design prosthesis. METHODS: A total of 114 patients who underwent RSA with a lateralized humeral design (group L; 71 shoulders) and medialized humeral design (group M; 43 shoulders) prosthesis for cuff tear arthropathy or irreparable rotator cuff tear were enrolled. Clinical outcomes including visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), and Constant scores and range of motion (ROM) were serially followed up at postoperative 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Radiographic parameters were measured to evaluate preoperative and postoperative status. RESULTS: Both prostheses demonstrated similar clinical outcomes and shoulder function preoperatively and at postoperative 2 years (P >.05). However, patients in group M had significantly better postoperative active forward flexion (postoperative 3 months, 115° ± 12° vs. 101° ± 14°; P <.001; 6 months, 125° ± 13° vs. 118° ± 13°; P <.013) and abduction (3 months, 105° ± 12° vs. 98° ± 12°; P = .002); VAS (3 months, 3.1 ± 1.2 vs. 3.7 ± 1.4; P = .031; 6 months, 2.3 ± 1.1 vs. 2.8 ± 1.3; P = .038); ASES (3 months, 64.2 ± 7.0 vs. 60.4 ± 9.2; P = .022; 6 months, 70.6 ± 6.0 vs. 66.6 ± 8.1; P = .007); and Constant scores (6 months, 59.6 ± 6.9 vs. 55.7 ± 9.3; P = .020). Group L showed a significantly lower rate of scapular notching than group M (15.5% vs. 41.8%; P < .001). The position of the proximal humerus in group L was more lateralized and less distalized than in group M after RSA. CONCLUSIONS: RSA with both the Grammont and lateralized humeral design prostheses provided similar shoulder ROM restoration and functional improvements at a minimum of 2 years. However, patients with a humeral lateralized prosthesis showed slower recovery of shoulder function and ROM up to postoperative 6 months despite a lower incidence of scapular notching.

The relationship between rotator cuff tear and four acromion types: cross-sectional study based on shoulder magnetic resonance imaging in 227 patients.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tear (RCT) has been believed to be related to specific types of the acromion. However, most of the studies were performed on a small number of patients with surgical findings not considering the severity of RCT. PURPOSE: To analyze the relationship between age, gender, the side of the shoulder, the acromion type, and the severity of RCT using shoulder magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 277 shoulder MRA findings were analyzed by a radiologist specializing in the musculoskeletal system. The relationship between variables (age, gender, side of the shoulder, and acromion type) and the injury of the supraspinatus (no rupture, partial rupture, full rupture, complete rupture) was confirmed. The partial tear of the supraspinatus tendon was divided into bursal and articular side tear in order to investigate the damage caused by the anatomical difference of the acromion. We also confirmed the differences between single supraspinatus injury and multiple RCTs. RESULTS: The severity of supraspinatus tear and multiple RCTs were statistically significant with the old age and the right side of the shoulder, but not with a specific acromion type. In supraspinatus partial tear, there was no statistical difference between bursal and articular side tears. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that the age at which degeneration could occur also was associated with multiple RCTs and is considered to be the most important factor in RCT, not anatomical structures such as acromion type.

The Fate of the Contralateral Knee in Patients With a Lateral Discoid Meniscus.

PURPOSE: To analyze the survivorship of the lateral meniscus (LM) in the contralateral knee after surgery for symptomatic torn discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) and to determine its associated factors. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-six patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy for torn symptomatic DLM were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were classified into subgroups based on demographic, clinical, and radiologic variables. The survivorship analysis of the LM on the contralateral knee was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and comparison among the subgroups was conducted using the log-rank test. The predicted prognostic factors associated with survivorship were determined using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 296 patients, 51 (17%) had arthroscopic surgery in the contralateral knee during the study period. The group ≥40 years old had significantly worse survival than the group <40 (log-rank test, P < .001). In terms of radiologic variables, the group with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4 had significantly poorer survivorship than that with grade 1 or 2 (log-rank test, P = .045). Age ≥40 years was associated with poorer survivorship (hazard ratio, 3.235; 95% confidence interval, 1.782-5.875; P < .001). Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3 and 4 in the contralateral knee were associated with poorer survival (hazard ratio, 2.071; 95% confidence interval, 1.061-4.043; P = .033). The cumulative survival rate at 10 years of the LM in the contralateral knee after surgery for symptomatic torn DLM was 81%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a lateral discoid meniscus have a risk of a similar condition in the contralateral knee. Increased risks of symptomatology are associated with age and degenerative changes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective uncontrolled case series.

Intra-articular injection of steroids in the early postoperative period does not have an adverse effect on the clinical outcomes and the re-tear rate after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and structural integrity following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, either with intra-articular injection of corticosteroids in the early postoperative period using ultrasound guidance or without it. METHODS: This study included 318 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for either a partial-thickness or small-to-medium-sized full-thickness rotator cuff tear from 2012 to 2015. Patients were divided into two groups based on the administration of an intra-articular corticosteroids injection at 3 months after the surgery: group A (with corticosteroid injection, n = 56) and group B (without corticosteroid injection, n = 262). Functional outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, subjective shoulder value (SSV), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, and active range of motion (ROM). Postoperative magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) was performed 6 months postoperatively to assess structural integrity. RESULTS: At the 2-year follow-up, both groups showed no significant differences in VAS pain score (group A/B, 1.1 ± 0.9/1.1 ± 1.1), functional scores including SSV (88.5 ± 10.8/88.3 ± 10.0), ASES (90.8 ± 6.6/90.4 ± 6.9), and UCLA scores (30.2 ± 5.6/30.7 ± 5.2), and active ROM including forward flexion (151° ± 8°/153° ± 7°), external rotation (54° ± 5°/55° ± 7°), and internal rotation (10 ± 1/10 ± 2). Follow-up MRA imaging collected 6 months after surgery showed no significant difference in the re-tear rate (n.s.) between group A and B (n = 10/56, 17.9% and 45/262, 17.2%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular corticosteroids injection in the early postoperative period after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair provided satisfactory pain relief and ROM improvement without increasing the re-tear rate or deteriorating clinical outcomes at the 2-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

An intact subscapularis tendon and compensatory teres minor hypertrophy yield lower failure rates for non-operative treatment of irreparable, massive rotator cuff tears.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether subscapularis integrity and compensatory teres, minor hypertrophy is associated with maintaining relatively good function and tolerable pain levels during non-operative treatment. METHODS: This study included 108 patients with irreparable, massive rotator cuff tears involving at least two tendons and stage III or IV muscle hypotrophy and fatty infiltration on oblique sagittal magnetic resonance imaging, in which even a partial repair does not seem feasible. All supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were grade IV; if the subscapularis was involved, only stage III or IV was included. Patients were divided into two groups: group A consisted of 67 patients with both an intact subscapularis and teres minor hypertrophy; group B consisted of 41 patients lacking either one or both. The Visual Analogue Scale pain score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the University of California at Los Angeles shoulder score, and active range of motion (ROM) were assessed. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, failure of non-operative treatment was found in 29 (43%) patients in group A and 28 (68%) in group B (p = 0.012). Conversion to surgery was noted in 26 (39%) patients in group A and 27 (66%) in group B (p = 0.006). Among the remaining nonsurgical patients, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the groups except ROM in internal rotation at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although conservative treatment was not always successful in patients with irreparable, massive cuff tears, patients with both an intact subscapularis tendon, and teres minor hypertrophy experienced significantly lower incidences of failure and conversion to surgery, since force couple is maintained in the setting of minimal arthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Attrition of rotator cuff without progression to tears during 2-5 years of conservative treatment for impingement syndrome.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the natural history of intact rotator cuff in impingement syndrome patients with concomitant spur protruding from the undersurface of acromion. METHODS: This retrospective study included 119 patients with an intact rotator cuff who underwent conservative treatment for a spur protruding from the undersurface of the acromion. The protruded spur was defined as a trapezoid- or tetragon-shaped bony protrusion with a downward peak extending more than 3 mm in length from the baseline drawn along the acromial undersurface on the coronal view of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography arthrography (CTA). Functional outcomes were evaluated by the visual analogue scale for pain, subjective shoulder value, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, University of California Los Angeles shoulder score, and active range of motion (ROM). To evaluate cuff integrity, follow-up MRI, CTA, or ultrasound were performed at least 2 years after the initial presentation. RESULTS: No new rotator cuff tears were noted in any patient during the follow-up imaging studies. However, 18 patients (15%) underwent arthroscopic acromioplasty during the study period. During the arthroscopic examinations, moderate to severe attrition of the cuff was identified, although no tears were seen. At the final follow-up, pain level and shoulder function, including ROM, showed satisfactory outcomes. CONCLUSION: Spurs protruding from the acromial undersurface did not lead to rotator cuff tears during 2-5 years of conservative treatment. However, attrition of the rotator cuff was found during arthroscopic acromioplasty, suggesting that the protruding spurs caused extrinsic impingement of the cuff. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic case series Level IV.

Retrospective Comparative Outcomes Analysis of Arthroscopic Versus Open Bone Graft and Fixation for Unstable Scaphoid Nonunions.

PURPOSE: To compare union rates and clinical and radiologic outcomes after arthroscopic and open bone grafting and internal fixation for unstable scaphoid nonunions. METHODS: Between March 2009 and November 2014, patients with unstable scaphoid nonunion underwent arthroscopic (group A) or open (group O) bone grafting and internal fixation. One senior surgeon alternatively performed either arthroscopic or open osteosynthesis for the same surgical indications. Visual analog scale score, grip strength, active range of motion, Mayo wrist score (MWS), and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Union was determined by computed tomography 8 to 10 weeks postoperatively with bridging trabecula at the nonunion site. Scapholunate angle (SLA), radiolunate angle (RLA), and lateral intrascaphoid angle (LISA), plus height/length ratio (HLR) served to gauge carpal bone alignment in preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Those outcomes of patients with carpal collapse deformities, who met following conditions; (1) LISA of >45° or HLR of >0.65 on computed tomography images or (2) SLA of >60° or RLA of >10° on plain radiographs, were also compared. RESULTS: Overall, 62 patients qualified for study (group A, 28; group O, 34). Union rates did not differ by patient subset (group A, 96.4%; group O, 97.1%; P â‰’ 1); and visual analog scale score, grip strength, range of motion, Mayo Wrist Score, and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores were similar at last follow-up. In radiographic assessments, SLA, RLA, and LISA were similar, whereas scaphoid HLR excelled through open technique (group A, 0.59 ± 0.07; group O, 0.55 ± 0.05; P = .002). Subgroup analysis of patients with carpal collapse deformities (group A, 9; group O, 14) showed that all radiographic measures in group A (vs group O) reflected lesser correction (SLA, 56.7° ± 7.3° vs 49.2°±9.1° [P = .049]; RLA, 9.2° ± 2.0° vs 5.7° ± 3.0° [P = .005]; LISA, 34.8° ± 4.8° vs 25.6° ± 13.0° [P = .028]; HLR, 0.66 ± 0.04 vs 0.54 ± 0.07 [P < .001]). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic and open bone grafting and internal fixation in treating unstable scaphoid nonunions, did not show any significant differences in clinical and radiologic outcomes at the minimum of 2 years after operation. In scaphoid nonunions with carpal collapse deformities, open bone grafting restored better carpal alignment than arthroscopic bone grafting, although there were no differences in clinical outcomes between the 2 techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Arthroscopic Wafer Procedure Versus Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy as a Surgical Treatment for Idiopathic Ulnar Impaction Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical and radiologic outcomes and complication rates of the arthroscopic wafer procedure (AWP) and ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) for idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS). METHODS: From May 2009 to June 2014, 42 patients who were aged 45 years or older with idiopathic UIS underwent either the AWP or USO under the following identical surgical indications: (1) less than 4 mm of positive ulnar variance, (2) Palmer classification 2C or 2D lesion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, (3) stable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and/or lunotriquetral joint, and (4) no evidence of osteoarthritis of the DRUJ or ulnocarpal joint. The patient assignment was not randomized. Were used a visual analog scale for ulnar wrist pain; grip strength; range of motion; the Mayo Wrist Score (MWS); and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery to compare clinical outcomes. Ulnar variance, cystic changes of the lunate and triquetrum, and DRUJ arthritis on radiographs and operation-related complications were compared. RESULTS: This study evaluated 19 patients after the AWP and 23 patients after USO. At 3 months, the AWP produced significantly better outcomes than USO regarding grip strength (79.6% ± 14.3% vs 62.7% ± 12.6%, P < .001), MWS (81.8 ± 7.9 points vs 71.3 ± 14.2 points, P = .005), and DASH score (19.4 ± 8.4 vs 31.5 ± 14.0, P = .001); clinical outcomes were similar at 6, 12, and 24 months. The complication rates were 34.8% for USO and 10.5% for the AWP; complications included DRUJ arthritis (n = 4), implant irritation (n = 6), and refracture after implant removal (n = 2) in the USO group and secondary surgery (n = 1) and tendinopathy (n = 1) in the AWP group. CONCLUSIONS: The AWP and USO for idiopathic UIS with subtle positive ulnar variance achieved similar clinical and radiologic outcomes at 2 years after surgery. However, compared with USO, the AWP showed lower complication rates and better grip strength, MWS values, and DASH scores at 3 months after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative trial.

Concomitant coracoplasty during arthroscopic subscapularis repair does not yield better clinical outcomes and structural integrity.

PURPOSE: Few studies have examined whether concomitant coracoplasty is necessary to improve clinical and radiological outcomes after arthroscopic subscapularis repair. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and structural integrity after arthroscopic repair of isolated subscapularis full-thickness tear, either with or without concomitant coracoplasty. METHODS: This study included 62 patients who underwent arthroscopic subscapularis repair either with coracoplasty (Group A, 35 patients) or without coracoplasty (Group B, 27 patients). Preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale pain scores, subjective shoulder values, University of California at Los Angeles shoulder scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon scores, subscapularis strength, and shoulder active range of motion (ROM) were assessed. Postoperative magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) or computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) was performed 6 months postoperatively for structural integrity assessment. RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, all functional scores and ROM improved significantly in both groups compared with preoperative values (p < 0.001). However, none of these values differed significantly between groups. On follow-up MRA or CTA images, although postoperative coracohumeral distance was significantly greater in Group A (8.4 mm ± 2.3 mm versus 7.0 mm ± 2.0 mm) (p = 0.018), the re-tear rates were not significantly different between groups (5/35 (14%) in Group A and 4/27 (15%) in Group B). CONCLUSIONS: For isolated subscapularis full-thickness tears, concomitant coracoplasty with arthroscopic repair did not produce better clinical outcomes or structural integrity than repair without coracoplasty. This suggests that concomitant coracoplasty may not be imperative during arthroscopic repair of isolated subscapularis full-thickness tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The percutaneous pie-crusting medial release during arthroscopic procedures of the medial meniscus does neither affect valgus laxity nor clinical outcome.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of percutaneous pie-crusting medial release on valgus laxity before and after surgery and on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Eight-hundred fourteen consecutive patients who underwent an arthroscopic procedure for the medial compartment of the knee were evaluated retrospectively. Sex, age, type of operation (meniscectomy, meniscal repair, and posterior root repair), type of accompanying surgery (none, cartilage procedure, ligament procedure and osteotomy) were documented. Sixty-four patients who underwent percutaneous pie-crusting medial release (release group) and 64 who did not undergo medial release (non-release group) were matched using the propensity score method. Each patient was evaluated for the following variables: degree of valgus laxity on stress radiographs, Lysholm knee score, visual analog scale score, and International Knee Documentation Committee knee score and grade. RESULTS: At the 24-month follow-up, no significant increase in side-to-side differences in the valgus gap was observed in comparison to the preoperative value in the release group [preoperative, - 0.1 ± 1.3 mm; follow-up, - 0.1 ± 1.4 mm; (n.s.)]. The follow-up Lysholm score, visual analog scale score and International Knee Documentation Committee knee score and grade were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous pie-crusting medial release is an additional procedure that can be performed during arthroscopic surgery for patients with a narrow medial joint space of the knee. Percutaneous pie-crusting medial release reduces iatrogenic injury to the cartilage and does not produce any residual valgus laxity of the knee. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Which additional augmented fixation procedure decreases surgical failure after proximal humeral fracture with medial comminution: fibular allograft or inferomedial screws?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiologic results between treatment with locking plate fixation and fibular allograft augmentation (FA) and treatment with locking plate fixation and additional inferomedial screws (IMSs) in 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures with medial comminution in geriatric patients. METHODS: We enrolled 164 patients with 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures with medial comminution who were treated with locking plates. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to additional augmented fixation procedures. The IMS group was composed of patients treated with additional IMSs (80 patients), whereas the FA group was treated with an additional fibular allograft (84 patients). On the basis of fracture classification, the IMS group was subdivided into those with 3-part fractures (52 patients) and those with 4-part fractures (28 patients) and the FA group was subdivided into those with 3-part fractures (55 patients) and those with 4-part fractures (29 patients). Clinical and radiographic results were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: In patients with 3-part fractures, no differences in clinical outcomes were found regardless of additional procedures. However, the FA group showed superior clinical outcomes in patients with 4-part fractures (P = .038 for Constant score and P = .045 for visual analog scale score). The postoperative neck-shaft angle was maintained in the FA group compared with the IMS group with both fracture types at the last follow-up (P = .048 for IMS vs FA with 3-part fractures and P = .023 for IMS vs FA with 4-part fractures). The number of complications was significantly higher in the IMS group (5.5%) than in the FA group (1.2%) (P = .001). CONCLUSION: An FA technique is considered a primary additional procedure for medial support in patients with 4-part proximal humeral fractures involving medial metaphyseal comminution when treated with locking plate fixation.