The relationship between publication of high-quality evidence and changes in the volume and trend of subacromial decompression surgery for patients with subacromial pain syndrome in hospitals across Australia, Europe and the United States: a controlled interrupted time series analysis.

AIMS: To evaluate the extent to which publication of high-quality randomised controlled trials(RCTs) in 2018 was associated with a change in volume or trend of subacromial decompression(SAD) surgery in patients with subacromial pain syndrome(SAPS) treated in hospitals across various countries. METHODS: Routinely collected administrative data of the Global Health Data@work collaborative were used to identify SAPS patients who underwent SAD surgery in six hospitals from five countries (Australia, Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States) between 01/2016 and 02/2020. Following a controlled interrupted time series design, segmented Poisson regression was used to compare trends in monthly SAD surgeries before(01/2016-01/2018) and after(02/2018-02/2020) publication of the RCTs. The control group consisted of musculoskeletal patients undergoing other procedures. RESULTS: A total of 3.046 SAD surgeries were performed among SAPS patients treated in five hospitals; one hospital did not perform any SAD surgeries. Overall, publication of trial results was associated with a significant reduction in the trend to use SAD surgery of 2% per month (Incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.984[0.971-0.998]; P = 0.021), but with large variation between hospitals. No changes in the control group were observed. However, publication of trial results was also associated with a 2% monthly increased trend (IRR 1.019[1.004-1.034]; P = 0.014) towards other procedures performed in SAPS patients. CONCLUSION: Publication of RCT results was associated with a significantly decreased trend in SAD surgery for SAPS patients, although large variation between participating hospitals existed and a possible shift in coding practices cannot be ruled out. This highlights the complexities of implementing recommendations to change routine clinical practice even if based on high-quality evidence.

The reliability of revision rates following primary shoulder arthroplasty as a quality indicator to rank hospital performance: a national registry analysis including 13,104 shoulders and 87 hospitals.

BACKGROUND: To assess the extent of between-hospital variation in revision following primary shoulder arthroplasty (SA), both overall and for specific revision indications to guide quality improvement initiatives, and to assess whether revision rates are suitable as quality indicators to reliably rank hospital performance. METHODS: All primary SAs performed between 2014 and 2018 were included from the Dutch Arthroplasty Register to examine 1-year revision and all primary SAs performed between 2014 and 2016 for 1- and 3-year revisions. For each hospital, the observed number (O) of revisions was compared with that expected (E) based on case-mix and depicted in funnel plots with 95% control limits to identify outlier hospitals. The rankability (ie, the reliability of ranking hospitals) was calculated as the percentage of total hospital variation due to true between-hospital differences rather than chance and categorized as low (<50%), moderate (50%-75%), and high (>75%). RESULTS: A total of 13,104 primary SAs (87 hospitals) in 2014-2018 were included, of which 7213 were performed between 2014 and 2016. Considerable between-hospital variation was found in 1-year revision in 2014-2016 (median 1.6%, interquartile range 0.0%-3.1%), identifying 3 outlier hospitals having overall significantly more revisions than expected (O/E range 1.9-2.3) and for specific indications (cuff pathology and infection). Results for 2014-2018 were similar. For 3-year revision, 3 outlier hospitals were identified (O/E range 1.7-3.3). Rankabilities for all outcomes were low. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable between-hospital variation was observed for 1- and 3-year revision rates following primary SA, where outlier hospitals could be identified based on large differences in revision for specific indications to direct quality improvement initiatives. However, rankabilities were low, meaning that much of the other (smaller) variation in performance could not be detected, rendering revisions unsuitable to rank hospital performances following primary SA.

Treatment of neurogenic scapular winging: a systematic review on outcomes after nonsurgical management and tendon transfer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Scapular winging is a rare condition of the shoulder girdle that presents challenging treatment decisions for clinicians. To inform clinical practice, clinicians need guidance on what the best treatment decision is for their patients, and such recommendations should be based on the total evidence available. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to systematically review the evidence regarding nonsurgical management and tendon transfer surgery of patients with neurologic scapular winging due to serratus anterior (SA) or trapezius (TP) palsy. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Emcare, and Academic Search Premier were searched up to April 5, 2022, for studies reporting on clinical outcomes after nonsurgical management and tendon transfer surgery of scapular winging due to weakness of the SA or TP muscle. The Integrated quality Criteria for Review Of Multiple Study (ICROMS) tool was used to classify the quality of the studies. Primary outcomes were the fraction of patients with spontaneous recovery after nonsurgical management and improvement in shoulder function, pain scores, and shoulder scores after tendon transfer surgery. Data were pooled if data on the same outcome were available for at least 3 studies, using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-three (10 moderate-quality [MQ] and 13 low-quality) studies were included. Six studies (3 MQ; 234 shoulders) reported on outcomes after nonsurgical management of SA palsy, whereas 12 (6 MQ; 221 shoulders) and 6 studies (1 MQ; 80 shoulders) evaluated the outcomes of tendon transfer for SA or TP palsy (1 study addressed both). Spontaneous recovery of scapular winging with nonsurgical management varied between 21% and 78% across studies after a median follow-up of 72 months. For surgical management of SA palsy, pooling data in a meta-analysis showed that patients on average improved by 47° (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34-61, P ≤ .001) in active forward flexion, had lower visual analog scale scores for pain (mean difference [MD]: -3.0, 95% CI: -4.9 to -1.0, P = .003), and had substantial improvements in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (MD: 24, 95% CI: 9-39, P = .002) and Constant scores (MD: 45, 95% CI: 39-51, P ≤ .001). Patients with TP palsy on average improved by 36° (95% CI: 21-51, P ≤ .001) in active forward flexion after tendon transfer. Statistical pooling was not possible for other outcome measures as insufficient data were available. CONCLUSION: A substantial part of nonsurgically managed patients with scapular winging seem to have persistent complaints, which should be part of the information provided to patients. Data pooling demonstrated significant improvements in shoulder function, pain scores, and shoulder scores after tendon transfer surgery, but higher quality evidence is needed to allow for more robust recommendations and guide clinical decision-making on when to perform such functional surgery.

Reduced psychosocial functioning in subacromial pain syndrome is associated with persistence of complaints after 4 years.

BACKGROUND: Patients with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) frequently present with coexisting psychosocial problems; however, whether this also associates with long-term outcome is currently unknown. We assessed whether psychosocial functioning in patients with SAPS is associated with persistence of complaints after 4 years of routine care. METHODS: In a longitudinal study, 34 patients with SAPS were selected after clinical and radiologic evaluation and assessed at baseline and after 4 years. For the assessment of psychosocial functioning, the RAND-36 questionnaire domains of social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, mental health, vitality, and general health were evaluated. Complaint persistence at follow-up was assessed by (1) an anchor question (reduced, persistent, or increased symptoms), (2) change in pain (change in visual analog scale score), and (3) change in quality of life (change in Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index score). RESULTS: Lower baseline mental health (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-0.98; P = .013), vitality (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83-0.98; P = .011), and general health (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98; P = .009) were associated with persistent complaints as reported by the anchor question, change in visual analog scale score, and change in Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index score. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluating psychosocial functioning parallel to physical complaints is currently not standard procedure in the treatment of SAPS. In this study, we showed that factors related to psychosocial functioning are associated with long-term persistence of complaints in SAPS. Future studies may investigate whether a multimodal treatment with assessment of psychosocial functioning may facilitate pain relief and recovery in SAPS.

What Range of Motion is Achieved 5 Years After External Rotationplasty of the Shoulder in Infants with an Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury?

BACKGROUND: Obstetric brachial plexus injuries result from traction injuries during delivery, and 30% of these children have persisting functional limitations related to an external rotation deficit of the shoulder. Little is known about the long-term effect of soft-tissue procedures of the shoulder in patients with obstetric brachial plexus injuries. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) After soft-tissue release for patients with passive external rotation less than 20° and age younger than 2 years and for patients older than 2 years with good external rotation strength, what are the improvements in passive external rotation and abduction arcs at 1 and 5 years? (2) For patients who underwent staged tendon transfer after soft-tissue release, what are the improvements in active external rotation and abduction arcs at 1 and 5 years? (3) For patients with passive external rotation less than 20° and no active external rotation, what are the improvements in active external rotation and abduction arcs at 1 and 5 years? METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a longitudinally maintained institutional database. Between 1996 and 2009, 149 children underwent a soft-tissue procedure of the shoulder for an internal rotation contracture. The inclusion criteria were treatment with an internal contracture release and/or tendon transfer, a maximum age of 18 years at the time of surgery, and a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. Six patients were older than 18 years at the time of surgery and 31 children were seen at our clinic until 1 year postoperatively, but because they had good clinical results and lived far away from our center, these children were discharged to physical therapists in their hometown for annual follow-up. Thus, 112 children (59 boys) were available for analysis. Patients with passive external rotation less than 20° and age younger than 2 years and patients older than 2 years with good external rotation strength received soft-tissue release only (n = 37). Of these patients, 17 children did not have adequate active external rotation, and second-stage tendon transfer surgery was performed. For patients with passive external rotation less than 20° with no active external rotation, single-stage contracture release with tendon transfer was performed (n = 68). When no contracture was present (greater than 20° of external rotation) but the patient had an active deficit (n = 7), tendon transfer alone was performed; this group was not analyzed. A functional assessment of the shoulder was performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, and annually thereafter and included abduction, external rotation in adduction and abduction, and the Mallet scale. RESULTS: Internal contracture release resulted in an improvement in passive external rotation in adduction and abduction of 29° (95% confidence interval, 21 to 38; p < 0.001) and 17° (95% CI, 10 to 24; p < 0.001) at 1 year of follow-up and 25° (95% CI, 15-35; p < 0.001) and 15° (95% CI, 7 to 24; p = 0.001) at 5 years. Because of insufficient strength of the external rotators after release, 46% of the children (17 of 37) underwent an additional tendon transfer for active external rotation, resulting in an improvement in active external rotation in adduction and abduction at each successive follow-up visit. Patients with staged transfers had improved active function; improvements in active external rotation in adduction and abduction were 49° (95% CI, 28 to 69; p < 0.05) and 45° (95% CI, 11 to 79; p < 0.001) at 1 year of follow-up and 38° (95% CI, 19 to 58; p < 0.05) and 23° (95% CI, -8 to 55; p < 0.001) at 5 years. In patients starting with less than 20° of passive external rotation and no active external rotation, after single-stage contracture release and tendon transfer, active ROM was improved. Active external rotation in adduction and abduction were 75° (95% CI, 66 to 84; p < 0.001) and 50° (95% CI, 43 to 57; p < 0.001) at 1 year of follow-up and 65° (95% CI, 50 to 79; p < 0.001) and 40° (95% CI, 28 to 52; p < 0.001) at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Young children with obstetric brachial plexus injuries who have internal rotation contractures may benefit from soft-tissue release. When active external rotation is lacking, soft-tissue release combined with tendon transfer improved active external rotation in this small series. Future studies on the degree of glenohumeral deformities and functional outcome might give more insight into the level of increase in external rotation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Altered Cocontraction Patterns of Humeral Head Depressors in Patients with Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Electromyography Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In approximately 29% to 34% of all patients with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) there is no anatomic explanation for symptoms, and behavioral aspects and/or central pain mechanisms may play a more important role than previously assumed. A possible behavioral explanation for pain in patients with SAPS is insufficient active depression of the humerus during abduction by the adductor muscles. Although the adductor muscles, specifically the teres major, have the most important contribution to depression of the humerus during abduction, these muscles have not been well studied in patients with SAPS. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Do patients with SAPS have altered contraction patterns of the arm adductors during abduction compared with asymptomatic people? METHODS: SAPS was defined as nonspecific shoulder pain lasting for longer than 3 months that could not be explained by specific conditions such as calcific tendinitis, full-thickness rotator cuff tears, or symptomatic acromioclavicular arthritis, as assessed with clinical examination, radiographs, and magnetic resonance arthrography. Of 85 patients with SAPS who met the prespecified inclusion criteria, 40 were eligible and agreed to participate in this study. Thirty asymptomatic spouses of patients with musculoskeletal complaints, aged 35 to 60 years, were included; the SAPS and control groups were not different with respect to age, sex, and hand dominance. With electromyography, we assessed the contraction patterns of selected muscles that directly act on the position of the humerus relative to the scapula (the latissimus dorsi, teres major, pectoralis major, and deltoid muscles). Cocontraction was quantified through the activation ratio ([AR]; range, -1 to 1). The AR indicates the task-related degree of antagonist activation relative to the same muscle's degree of agonist activation, equaling 1 in case of sole agonist muscle activation and equaling -1 in case of sole antagonistic activation (cocontraction). We compared the AR between patients with SAPS and asymptomatic controls using linear mixed-model analyses. An effect size of 0.10 < AR < 0.20 was subjectively considered to be a modest effect size. RESULTS: Patients with SAPS had a 0.11 higher AR of the teres major (95% CI, 0.01-0.21; p = 0.038), a 0.11 lower AR of the pectoralis major (95% CI, -0.18 to -0.04; p = 0.003), and a 0.12 lower AR of the deltoid muscle (95% CI, -0.17 to -0.06; p < 0.001) than control participants did. These differences were considered to be modest. With the numbers available, we found no difference in the AR of the latissimus dorsi between patients with SAPS and controls (difference = 0.05; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.12; p = 0.120). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SAPS showed an altered adductor cocontraction pattern with reduced teres major activation during abduction. The consequent reduction of caudally directed forces on the humerus may lead to repetitive overloading of the subacromial tissues and perpetuate symptoms in patients with SAPS. Physical therapy programs are frequently effective in patients with SAPS, but targeted approaches are lacking. Clinicians and scientists may use the findings of this study to assess if actively training adductor cocontraction in patients with SAPS to unload the subacromial tissues is clinically effective. The efficacy of training protocols may be enhanced by using electromyography monitoring. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study.

Increased co-contraction of arm adductors is associated with a favorable course in subacromial pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Enhancement of arm adductor activity during abduction (ie, adductor co-contraction), may be effective in the treatment of subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). We assessed whether an increase of adductor co-contraction is associated with a favorable course of SAPS. METHODS: At baseline and after nearly 4 years of follow-up, electromyography of the latissimus dorsi (LD), teres major (TM), pectoralis major, and deltoid muscle was obtained during isometric abduction and adduction tasks in 26 patients with SAPS. Changes in co-contraction were assessed with change in the activation ratio (ΔAR). The AR ranges between -1 and 1, where lower values indicate more co-contraction. Clinical course was determined from an anchor question (reduced, persistent, or increased complaints), the visual analog scale for pain (VAS), and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff score (WORC). RESULTS: In patients indicating persistent complaints (31%), the VAS and WORC remained stable. In patients who indicated reduced complaints (69%), the VAS reduced (z score, -3.4; P = .001) and WORC increased (z score, 3.6; P < .001). Unchanged ARs associated with complaints persistence, whereas decreased AR of the LD (ΔARLD, -0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.36 to -0.06) and TM (ΔARTM, -0.17; 95% CI, -0.34 to -0.00) coincided with reduced complaints. There was a significant between-group difference in ΔARLD (-0.35; 95% CI, -0.60 to 0.10) and ΔARTM (-0.36; 95% CI, -0.66 to -0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased co-contraction of the LD and TM is associated with a favorable course of SAPS. This may be explained by widening of the subacromial space accomplished by adductor co-contraction.

Supination Contractures in Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy: Long-Term Upper Limb Function and Recurrence After Forearm Osteotomy or Nonsurgical Treatment.

PURPOSE: Forearm osteotomy for supination deformity in brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) may lead to improved function of the upper limb. However, recurrence rates are high and limit satisfactory results. METHODS: We reviewed the long-term outcome of the entire upper limb of 22 BPBP patients with a supination contracture who were treated by forearm osteotomy and compared them with an age-matched group that was treated nonsurgically (n = 28). Recurrence was defined as a passive pronation below 30°. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 5.0 years (range, 1.5-14 years). The mean passive pronation after forearm osteotomy, including patients with recurrence at follow-up, improved from -1° (SD, 9°) to 33° (SD, 48°) at final follow-up, mean active wrist extension improved from 23° (SD, 40°) to 41° (SD, 38°). An overall improvement of wrist and hand strength was present. In patients without recurrence, pronation improved to a mean of 66° (SD, 23°) at final follow-up. Recurrence of the supination contracture was present in 9 cases (41%) and was only present in patients with a single bone osteotomy. Recurrence was associated with lower age at surgery (recurrence mean, 4 [SD, 1.2] and no recurrence 8 [SD 4.5]), lower shoulder external rotation (recurrence mean, 28 [SD, 17] and no recurrence 49 [SD, 23]), and overall lower hand function at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Forearm osteotomy improves forearm pronation and hand function. Recurrence should be considered as a potential complication after forearm osteotomy and is associated with young age and lower function of shoulder and hand. Single-bone osteotomy might also be a risk factor for recurrence. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Three-dimensional shoulder motion after teres major or latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for posterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: Teres major (TM) transfer and latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer are essential treatment options in patients with posterosuperior rotator cuff (RC) tears. The purpose of this study was to quantify shoulder kinematics before and after TM transfer and LD transfer in posterosuperior RC tear patients. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we quantitatively measured shoulder movements using an electromagnetic tracking device (Flock of Birds) preoperatively and 1 year after either TM (n = 13) or LD (n = 9) tendon transfer. Additional outcome measures included the Constant score (CS), patient-reported pain, and quantitative range of motion. Scapular kinematics were evaluated during arm abduction. RESULTS: By use of a quantitative assessment, forward flexion (from 87° to 106°, P = .007), abduction (from 86° to 106°, P = .010), and external rotation in abduction (from 52° to 70°, P = .019) improved. Both transfers reduced pain (from 50 to 10 mm, P < .001), and the CS improved (from 37 to 62 points, P < .001). No significant differences in postoperative improvement in pain and function were found between TM and LD tendon transfers. The TM transfer group showed increased scapular lateral rotation compared with the LD transfer group (13°; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8° to 21.7°; P = .003). We were unable to detect differences between TM transfer and LD transfer in the change in protraction (3.2°; 95% CI, -6.3° to 12.8°; P = .489) and posterior tilt (3.5°; 95% CI, -3.5° to 10.5°; P = .313). CONCLUSION: Tendon transfer surgery resulted in an overall improvement in CS, pain relief, and quantitative range of motion in the treatment of an irreparable posterosuperior RC tear. Scapular lateral rotation gradually increased after TM transfer, reminiscent of RC function, whereas such an increase was not observed after LD transfer.

Botulinum Toxin Injection for Internal Rotation Contractures in Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy. A Minimum 5-Year Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Brachial plexus birth palsy is frequently associated with internal rotation contractures of the shoulder as a result of muscle imbalance. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection in the subscapular (SC) muscle on external rotation and the need for tendon transfer for external rotation of the shoulder. METHODS: A prospective comparative study was performed including 15 consecutive patients treated with BTX-A and a historic control group of 67 patients with mean age 30 months (SD 10). The BTX-A injection (2 IU/kg body weight) was performed immediately following MRI under general anesthesia in the SC muscle. Passive external rotation, the need for tendon transfer surgery, glenohumeral deformity, and muscle degeneration were evaluated. The hazard ratio for no relapse of internal rotation contracture after BTX-A injection compared with no BTX-A injection was calculated. RESULTS: In the BTX-A group, the passive external rotation in adduction increased from -1 degree (95% CI, -10 to 8) to 32 degrees (95% CI, 17-46) at 3 months and 6 patients were indicated for surgery compared with a decline from -2 degrees (95% CI, -7 to 3) to -11 degrees (95% CI, -17 to -6) in the control group with 66 indications for surgery. At 5 years of follow-up, 10 patients in the BTX-A group were indicated for surgery with a hazard ratio of 4.0 (95% CI, 1.9 to 8.4). CONCLUSIONS: BTX-A injection in the SC muscle of brachial plexus birth palsy patients can reduce internal rotation contractures and subsequently the need for tendon transfer surgery. At 5 years of follow-up a relapse was seen in 67% of the patients treated with BTX-A. Because at MRI less SC degeneration was found in the good responders on BTX-A treatment, this group seems to be the best target group. Further research is needed on patient selection for BTX-A injection including glenohumeral deformity, SC degeneration, as well as doses of BTX-A to be used. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-prospective comparative study.

Radiological and clinical predictors of long-term outcome in rotator cuff calcific tendinitis.

OBJECTIVES: Knowledge on the epidemiology and long-term course of rotator cuff calcific tendinitis (RCCT) is scarce. We assessed demographics, radiological characteristics, and their association with long-term outcomes in a large patient group. METHODS: Baseline demographics, radiological characteristics and treatment were recorded in 342 patients. Interobserver agreement of radiological measures was analyzed. Long-term outcome was evaluated with questionnaires (WORC, DASH). The association of baseline characteristics with outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Mean age was 49.0 (SD = 10.0), and 59.5 % were female. The dominant arm was affected in 66.0 %, and 21.3 % had bilateral disease. Calcifications were on average 18.7 mm (SD = 10.1, ICC = 0.84 (p < 0.001)) and located 10.1 mm (SD = 11.8) medially to the acromion (ICC = 0.77 (p < 0.001)). Gärtner type I calcifications were found in 32.1 % (Kappa = 0.47 (p < 0.001)). After 14 years (SD = 7.1) of follow-up, median WORC was 72.5 (range, 3.0-100.0; WORC < 60 in 42 %) and median DASH 17.0 (range, 0.0-82.0). Female gender, dominant arm involvement, bilateral disease, longer duration of symptoms, and multiple calcifications were associated with inferior WORC. DASH results were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Many subjects have persisting shoulder complaints years after diagnosis, regardless of treatment. Female gender, dominant arm involvement, bilateral disease, longer duration of symptoms, and multiple calcifications were associated with inferior outcome. Radiological measures had moderate-to-good reliability and no prognostic value. KEY POINTS: • Most RCCT studies report on short-term outcome and/or small patients groups. • In this large, long-term observational study, RCCT appeared to not be self-limiting in many subjects. • Negative prognostic factors included female gender, more calcifications, dominant arm affected, and longer duration of symptoms. • Interobserver agreement of general radiological RCCT measures is moderate to good. • More rigorous diagnostics and treatment might be needed in specific RCCT cases.

The minimal detectable change of the Constant score in impingement, full-thickness tears, and massive rotator cuff tears.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to determine the minimal detectable change (MDC) for the Constant score in patients with impingement, a supraspinatus tear, or a massive rotator cuff (RC) tear as observed changes smaller than the MDC might be the result of measurement error. METHODS: The Constant score was recorded in a total of 180 patients, including 34 patients with impingement, 105 with supraspinatus tears, and 41 with massive RC tears. We assessed the MDC in the 3 subgroups and total group using the samples standard deviation (SD), internal consistency (Cronbach α), and standard error of the measurement. Floor and ceiling effects were also reported. RESULTS: The absolute mean Constant score was 72 (SD, 11.2) in the impingement group, 44 (SD, 14.7) in the supraspinatus tear group, and 46 (SD, 18.9) in the massive RC tear group. There were no floor and ceiling effects for the absolute Constant score. In the total group, the internal consistency was 0.8 and the standard error of the measurement was 8. The MDC was 23 points on the Constant score in the total group and 17, 18, and 23 points on the Constant score for impingement, RC tears, and massive RC tears, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the MDCs of the Constant score are different in patients with impingement, supraspinatus tears, and massive RC tears. Studies reporting the Constant score should be interpreted by use of the population-specific MDC and minimal clinical important change.

Posttraumatic midshaft clavicular shortening does not result in relevant functional outcome changes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Shoulder function may be changed after healing of a nonoperatively treated clavicular fracture, especially in cases of clavicular shortening or mal-union. We investigated scapular orientations and functional outcome in healed clavicular fractures with and without clavicular shortening. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 32 participants with a healed nonoperatively treated midshaft clavicular fracture were investigated. Motions of the thorax, arm, and shoulder were recorded by standardized electromagnetic 3D motion tracking. The DASH score and Constant-Murley score were used to evaluate functional outcome. Orientation of the scapula and humerus at rest and during standardized tasks, and strength and function of the affected shoulders were compared with corresponding values for the uninjured contralateral shoulders. RESULTS: Mean clavicular shortening was 25 mm (SD 16). Scapula protraction had increased by mean 4.4° in rest position in the affected shoulders. During abduction, slightly more protraction, slightly more lateral rotation, and slightly less backward tilt was found for the affected shoulders. For anteflexion, the scapular orientations of the affected shoulders also showed slightly increased protraction, slightly increased lateral rotation, and slightly reduced backward tilt. Scapulohumeral kinematics, maximum humerus angles, and strength were not associated with the degree of clavicular shortening. All participants had excellent performance on the Constant-Murley score and DASH score. INTERPRETATION: Scapulohumeral kinematics in shoulders with a healed clavicular fracture differ from those in uninjured shoulders, but these changes are small, do not result in clinically relevant changes in outcome, and do not relate to the amount of clavicular shortening. These findings do not support routine operative reduction and fixation of shortened midshaft clavicular fractures based on the argument of functional outcome.

Does the latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for massive rotator cuff tears remain active postoperatively and restore active external rotation?

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the muscle activity with surface electromyography (EMG) and the clinical outcome of the latissimus dorsi transfer. It remains unclear whether the clinical results of the latissimus dorsi transfer for massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears are achieved either by active muscle contractions or by a passive tenodesis effect of the transfer. METHODS: Eight patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 year (SD, 0.1) after the latissimus dorsi transfer. Clinical evaluation of outcomes included active range of motion, Constant score, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and activities of daily living (ADL). Muscle activity was recorded with EMG during directional isometric abduction and adduction tasks. RESULTS: The external rotation in adduction improved from 23° to 51° (P = .03). The external rotation in abduction improved from 10° to 70° (P = .02). The mean Constant score improved from 39 to 62 postoperatively (P = .01). The VAS for pain at rest improved from 3.3 preoperatively to 0.1 (P = .02). The VAS for ADL improved from 4.9 to 2.3 (P = .05). The transferred latissimus dorsi remained active in all cases, as reflected by increased latissimus dorsi EMG activity during abduction tasks. In addition, the latissimus dorsi EMG activity shifted from preoperative antagonistic co-activation in adduction to synergistic activation in abduction. CONCLUSION: The latissimus dorsi has synergistic muscle activity after transfer. Apart from a tenodesis effect, directional muscle activity seems relevant for improved clinical outcome and pain relief. A specific gain was observed for external rotation in elevated arm positions, a motion essential for ADL tasks.

Long-term outcomes of pectoralis major transfer for scapular winging due to long thoracic nerve palsy: results after a median follow-up of 17 years.

Background: A pectoralis major (PM) transfer is a viable treatment option for patients with scapular winging due to long thoracic nerve (LTN) palsy not responding to nonsurgical management. However, the long-term outcomes remain unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of shoulder function (ie, minimum follow-up of 10 years) and quality-of-life (QoL) of patients treated for scapular winging due to LTN palsy with a PM transfer. Methods: This observational cohort study included 15 patients (16 shoulders) who underwent PM transfer, using a tendoachilles allograft, between 1995 and 2012. Shoulder forward flexion and abduction were analyzed preoperatively, 1 year after surgery and at the final follow-up. SF-36 component scores (physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS)) were used to evaluate the QoL. Results: Shoulder forward flexion and abduction measured in degrees improved from 86 (SD 14.5) and 82 (SD 33.8) preoperatively to 140 (SD 27.3) and 138 (31.3) at 1 year postoperatively. After a median follow-up of 17 years, mean shoulder functions were slightly lower than at 1 year postoperatively, but still better than preoperative function, ie, forward flexion 121 (SD 41.9) and abduction 122 (SD 44.5). The mean PCS score at the final follow-up was 41.9 (SD 9.7), and the mean MCS score was 49.9 (SD 12.5). Better shoulder function at the final follow-up was significantly associated with higher QoL in terms of PCS scores (P = .023), but not MCS scores (P = .287). Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that PM transfer augmented with an achilles tendon allograft for scapular winging due to LTN palsy leads to functional improvements that persist in long term. These functional improvements likely translate to better QoL based on their association.

Ageing and joint position sense of the asymptomatic shoulder: An observational study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to quantify the extent to which age was associated with joint position sense (JPS) of the asymptomatic shoulder as measured by joint position reproduction (JPR) tasks and assess the reproducibility of these tasks. METHODS: 120 Asymptomatic participants aged 18-70 years each performed 10 JPR-tasks. Both contralateral and ipsilateral JPR-tasks were evaluated on accuracy of JPR under active- and passive conditions at two levels within the shoulder forward flexion trajectory. Each task was performed three times. In a subgroup of 40 participants, the reproducibility of JPR-tasks was assessed one week after initial measurement. Reproducibility of JPR-tasks was evaluated by both reliability (intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC's)) and agreement (standard error of measurement (SEM)) measures. RESULTS: Age was not associated with increased JPR-errors for any of the contralateral or ipsilateral JPR-tasks. ICC's ranged between 0.63 and 0.80 for contralateral JPR-tasks, and from 0.32 to 0.48 for ipsilateral tasks, except for one ipsilateral task where the reliability was similar to contralateral tasks (0.79). The SEM was comparable and small for all JPR-tasks, ranging between 1.1 and 2.1. CONCLUSION: No age-related decline in JPS of the asymptomatic shoulder was found, and good agreement between test and re-test measurements for all JPR-tasks as indicated by the small SEM.

Impact of Active Disinvestment on Decision-Making for Surgery in Patients With Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Qualitative Semi-structured Interview Study Among Hospital Sales Managers and Orthopedic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Withdrawal of reimbursement for low-value care through a policy change, ie, active disinvestment, is considered a potentially effective de-implementation strategy. However, previous studies have shown conflicting results and the mechanism through which active disinvestment may be effective is unclear. This study explored how the active disinvestment initiative regarding subacromial decompression (SAD) surgery for subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) in the Netherlands influenced clinical decision-making around surgery, including the perspectives of orthopedic surgeons and hospital sales managers. METHODS: We performed 20 semi-structured interviews from November 2020 to October 2021 with ten hospital sales managers and ten orthopedic surgeons from twelve hospitals across the Netherlands as relevant stakeholders in the active disinvestment process. The interviews were video-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts independently by two authors and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. RESULTS: Two overarching themes were identified that negatively influenced the effect of the active disinvestment initiative for SAPS. The first theme was that the active disinvestment represented a "Too small piece of the pie" indicating little financial consequences for the hospital as it was merely used in negotiations with healthcare insurers to reduce costs, required a disproportionate amount of effort from hospital staff given the small saving-potential, and was not clearly defined nor enforced in the overall healthcare insurer agreements. The second theme was "They [healthcare insurer] got it wrong," as the evidence and guidelines had been incorrectly interpreted, the active disinvestment was at odds with clinician experiences and beliefs and was perceived as a reduction in their professional autonomy. CONCLUSION: The two overarching themes and their underlying factors highlight the complexity for active disinvestment initiatives to be effective. Future de-implementation initiatives including active disinvestment should engage relevant stakeholders at an early stage to incorporate their different perspectives, gain support and increase the probability of success.

Substantial Variation in Decision Making to Perform Subacromial Decompression Surgery for Subacromial Pain Syndrome Between Orthopaedic Shoulder Surgeons for Identical Clinical Scenarios: A Case-Vignette Study.

Purpose: To provide further insight into the variation in decision making to perform subacromial decompression (SAD) surgery in patients with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) and its influencing factors. Methods: Between November 2021 and February 2022, we invited 202 Dutch Shoulder and Elbow Society members to participate in a cross-sectional Web-based survey including 4 clinical scenarios of SAPS patients. Scenarios varied in patient characteristics, clinical presentation, and other contextual factors. For each scenario, respondents were asked (1) to indicate whether they would perform SAD surgery, (2) to indicate the probability of benefit of SAD surgery (i.e., pain reduction), (3) to indicate the probability of harm (i.e., complications), and (4) to rank the 5 most important factors influencing their treatment decision. Results: A total of 78 respondents (39%) participated. The percentage of respondents who would perform SAD surgery ranged from 4% to 25% among scenarios. The median probability of perceived benefit ranged between 70% and 79% across scenarios for respondents indicating to perform surgery compared with 15% to 29% for those indicating not to perform surgery. The difference in the median probability of perceived harm ranged from 3% to 9% for those indicating to perform surgery compared with 8% to 13% for those indicating not to perform surgery. Surgeons who would perform surgery mainly reported patient-related factors (e.g., complaint duration and response to physical therapy) as the most important factors to perform SAD surgery, whereas surgeons who would not perform surgery mainly reported guideline-related factors. Conclusions: Overall, Dutch orthopaedic shoulder surgeons are reluctant to perform SAD surgery in SAPS patients. There is substantial variation among orthopaedic surgeons regarding decisions to perform SAD surgery for SAPS even when evaluating identical scenarios, where particularly the perceived benefit of surgery differed between those who would perform surgery and those who would not. Surgeons who would not perform SAD surgery mainly referred to guideline-related factors as influential factors for their decision, whereas those who would perform SAD surgery considered patient-related factors more important. Clinical Relevance: There is substantial variation in decision making to perform SAD surgery for SAPS between individual orthopaedic surgeons for identical case scenarios.

Bony avulsion of the supraspinatus origin from the scapular spine.

We describe a case of an avulsion of the scapular spine at the origin of the supraspinatus muscle, with successful conservative treatment. An isolated avulsion is rare, as most avulsions occur in combination with other (more severe) injuries such as fractures of the scapula body or neck, coracoid process, glenoid or humerus. These injuries are mostly seen in high-energy trauma cases and need their own specific treatment. One should therefore always rule out concurrent trauma before treating conservatively.