A Comparison of Open-Construct PEEK Suture Anchor and Non-Vented Biocomposite Suture Anchor in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare radiologic bone ingrowth and the clinical outcomes of an open-construct (PEEK) (polyether ether ketone) suture anchor with those of a non-vented biocomposite suture anchor in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups based on type of suture anchors used for rotator cuff repair; group 1: open-construct PEEK anchor (36 patients), group 2: non-vented biocomposite anchor (33 patients). The status of bone ingrowth into the anchor and the presence of cyst formation were evaluated at 6 months postoperatively by computed tomography scan using the Modified Barber's ossification scale. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, and visual analog scale score for pain and range of motion were evaluated. Magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography was performed at 12 months postoperatively to examine the integrity of the repaired rotator cuff tendon. RESULTS: Significant improvements in shoulder function and pain relief were observed regardless of the anchor used (both Group 1 and 2; P < .001). No differences were found in functional scores and range of motion between the 2 groups. Group 1 showed better bone ingrowth grades than group 2 (poor 2.8 vs 24.2%, fair 27.8 vs 39.4%, good 38.9 vs 33.3%, and excellent 30.6 vs 3.0%; P < .001). The rate of cyst formation around the anchor on the 6 months' postoperative computed tomography (group 1: 14% and group 2: 12%) and re-tear rate at 12 months (5% each) showed no difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder function was improved after complete rotator cuff repair and similar clinical outcomes were achieved regardless of suture anchor material and shape. However, the open-construct PEEK anchor provided better bone ingrowth into the anchor than the non-vented biocomposite anchor at 6 months after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I; Prospective Randomized Trial.

Effect of biceps rerouting technique to restore glenohumeral joint stability for large irreparable rotator cuff tears: a cadaveric biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: The concept of stabilizing the humerus has taken on an important role in the treatment of irreparable cuff tears, and the biceps rerouting (BR) method is considered one of the most effective treatments in this field. The study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of BR for large irreparable rotator cuff tears (LICTs). METHODS: A total of 8 cadaveric shoulders were used for testing under 5 conditions: intact shoulder, LICT, partial repair (PR), BR, and biceps rerouting with side-to-side repair (BRSS). Total rotational range of motion was measured at 40°, then 20°, and finally 0° of glenohumeral (GH) abduction. Superior humeral translation and subacromial contact pressure were measured at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of external rotation at each abduction angle. Repeated-measures analyses of variance with Tukey post hoc tests were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: Superior humeral translation was significantly decreased in the BR and BRSS conditions compared with the LICT and PR conditions at 0° and 20° of GH abduction (P < .001). BR and BRSS significantly reduced subacromial contact pressure compared with LICT and PR at 0° of GH abduction (P < .001). There was no significant decrease in total rotational range of motion after BR at any abduction angle. CONCLUSION: BR biomechanically restored shoulder stability without overconstraining range of motion in an LICT model.

Does arthroscopic preemptive extensive rotator interval release reduce postoperative stiffness after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair?: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether preemptive extensive rotator interval (RI) release during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) would reduce postoperative stiffness. METHODS: From July 2015 to September 2016, a total of 80 patients who were scheduled for ARCR were enrolled and randomly allocated into 2 groups: the preemptive extensive RI release group (group 1, n=40) and the RI nonrelease group (group 2, n=40). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale, Constant score, Korean Shoulder Scale (KSS), visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated before surgery; 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery; and at last follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at postoperative 12 months. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 26.5 months. The functional and pain scores in both groups were significantly improved at the last follow-up (P < .05). Group 1 showed a significantly higher sum of ROM with a difference of 27° and 1.6 vertebral level of internal rotation compared to group 2 at postoperative 3 months (P < .05). Constant score and KSS were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 at this time point (P < .05). Functional scores and ROM were not significantly different between 2 groups at postoperative 6 or 12 months or at the last follow-up (P > .05). The retear rate and pathologic change of the long head of the biceps tendon during follow-up were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic preemptive extensive RI release can reduce early postoperative shoulder stiffness after ARCR but does not significantly change the overall clinical outcome after surgery.

Trends in High Tibial Osteotomy and Knee Arthroplasty Utilizations and Demographics in Korea From 2009 to 2013.

We analyzed the records of 29,895 high tibial osteotomies (HTOs), 12,589 unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKAs) and 363,386 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) performed from 2009 to 2013 in Korea. They were compared with the latest nationwide registry reports of seven Western countries. Over the last 5 years, in Korea, the number of HTO, UKA and TKA increased by 210%, 138%, and 18%, respectively. The largest increase was observed in 55-64 year olds in HTO and UKA, while the largest increase in TKA was in ≥75 year olds. Females commonly had a three- to seven-fold higher rate in all procedures. Worldwide, the use of HTO and UKA decreased or remained stable, whereas that of TKA increased steadily, even in younger patients.