Increased Failure Rates After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair After Second Dislocation Compared to Primary Dislocation With Comparable Clinical Outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare rates of recurrent dislocation and postsurgical outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability immediately after a first-time traumatic anterior dislocation versus patients who sustained a second dislocation event after initial nonoperative management. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients undergoing primary arthroscopic stabilization for anterior shoulder instability without concomitant procedures and minimum 2-year clinical follow-up. Primary outcome was documentation of a recurrent shoulder dislocation. Secondary clinical outcomes included range of motion, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES), and Shoulder Activity Scale (SAS). RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (mean age 21.3 years ± 7.3 years) met inclusion criteria. Sixty-three shoulders underwent surgical stabilization after a single shoulder dislocation, and 14 underwent surgery after 2 dislocations. Average follow-up was 35.9 months. The rate of recurrent dislocation was significantly higher in the 2-dislocation group compared to single dislocations (42.8% vs 14.2%, P = .03). No significant difference was present in range of motion, VAS, ASES, and SAS scores. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was 1.4 for VAS and 1.8 for SAS scores. The MCID was met or exceeded in the primary dislocation group in 31/38 (81.6%) patients for VAS, 23/31 (74.1%) for ASES, and 24/31 for SES (77.4%) scores. For the second dislocation cohort, MCID was met or exceeded in 7/9 (77.8%) for VAS, 4/7 (57.1%) for ASES, and 5/7 for SES (71.4%) scores. CONCLUSION: Immediate arthroscopic surgical stabilization after a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation significantly decreases the risk of recurrent dislocation in comparison to those who undergo surgery after 2 dislocation events, with comparable clinical outcome scores. These findings suggest that patients who return to activities after a primary anterior shoulder dislocation and sustain just 1 additional dislocation event are at increased risk of a failing arthroscopic repair. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study; Level of evidence, 3.

Liposomal bupivacaine infiltration in the surgical site for analgesia after rotator cuff repair: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is among the most painful of orthopedic surgeries. Liposomal bupivacaine is Food and Drug Administration approved for administration into surgical sites to provide postsurgical analgesia and has been used to address postoperative pain after many types of surgery, including total shoulder arthroplasty. However, its efficacy for pain control after rotator cuff repair is unclear. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we compared liposomal bupivacaine with an equivalent volume of saline injected into the subacromial space and arthroscopy portal sites in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair under the interscalene block with sedation. The primary outcome measure was numeric rating pain score at the time of block resolution, as reported during the follow-up phone call on postoperative day 1. Secondary outcomes included mean pain scores at rest as well as oral morphine equivalent requirements on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. This study provides Level 1 evidence. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the primary outcome of numeric rating pain scores on resolution of the interscalene nerve block, nor in those reported on postoperative day 1 or 2. There was a minor but statistically significant difference in mean resting pain scores on day 3, though opioid consumption and patient satisfaction score did not differ between groups. In those instructed to perform passive range-of-motion exercises, there was no difference in reported mean pain scores among the groups. DISCUSSION: In this study of patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, we found no statistically significant difference in mean pain scores on interscalene block resolution, a result consistent with a number of studies investigating liposomal bupivacaine for total shoulder arthroplasty. A modest reduction in pain was evident only on day 3, and there was no impact on perioperative opioid requirements, opioid-related side effects, or pain with motion. Liposomal bupivacaine, when injected into the subacromial space and the tissues around the arthroscopy port sites, provided minimal improvement in pain control in this patient population.

Humeral head resurfacing is associated with less pain and clinically equivalent functional outcomes compared with stemmed hemiarthroplasty at mid-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: Humeral head resurfacing (HHR) is a less invasive, anatomic alternative to the conventional stemmed hemiarthroplasty in patients in whom isolated humeral head replacement is preferred. It was hypothesized that, in a mid-term cross-sectional subjective outcome analysis, HHR would have equivalent patient-reported and functional outcomes to stemmed hemiarthroplasty (HA). METHODS: A total of 213 HHR and 153 HA procedures were performed at a single academic institution from 2000 to 2014. Of these, 106 HHR and 47 HA patients corresponding with 120 HHR and 55 HA shoulders responded to a survey that collected patient demographics, surgical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and self-reported range of motion scores using both bespoke and validated metrics. RESULTS: Follow-up was longer in the HA group (9.4 ± 3.4 vs. 5.2 ± 1.8 years, p < 0.0001). Self-reported range of motion was equivalent between groups. Surgery was perceived as helpful following 76.7% of HHRs and 78.2% of HAs (p > 0.99). The ASES pain subscore was significantly worse in the HA group (25.2 ± 29.5 vs. 38.5 ± 12.7 after HHR, p < 0.0001), which translated into worse ASES total scores (45.1 ± 14.8 HA vs. 52.2 ± 23.7 HHR, p < 0.05). These findings were equivocal in responses received 2-8 years vs. ≥ 8 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Indications should be equivocal; humeral head resurfacing is a viable alternative to hemiarthroplasty, with equivalent patient satisfaction and reduced pain in the mid-term post-operative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Total Shoulder Arthroplasty is associated With Less Pain and Better Functional Outcomes, but Humeral Head Resurfacing may be Preferred in Younger, Higher Demand Patients: A Short-Term Outcomes Study in Patients with Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare short-term outcomes following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) and Humeral Head Resurfacing (HHR) in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA). Methods: A retrospective analysis included patients who had undergone either TSA or HHR for GHOA at a single institution. Baseline demographics, complications, range of motion (active forward flexion, FF and active external rotation, ER), visual analog scores (VAS), and Subjective Shoulder Values (SSV) were collected. Results: A total of 69 TSA and 56 HHR patients were analyzed. More HHR patients were laborers (44% versus 21%, P=0.01). There were more smokers in the TSA group (25% versus 11%, P=0.04) and more cardiovascular disease in the HHR cohort (64% versus. 6%, p<0.0001). Postoperative FF was similar, but ER was greater in the HHR (47° ± 15°) vs. TSA group (40° ± 12°, P = 0.01). VAS was lower after TSA vs. HHR (median 0, IQR 1 versus median 3.7, IQR 6.9, p<0.0001), and SSV was higher after TSA (89% ± 13% vs. 75% ± 20% after HHR; p<0.0001). Post-operative impingement was more common after HHR (32% vs. 3% for TSA, p<0.0001). All other complications were equivalent. Conclusion: While younger patients and heavy laborers had improved ER following HHR, their pain relief was greater after TSA. Decisions on surgical technique should be based on patient-specific demographic and anatomic factors.

Defining Critical Humeral Bone Loss: Inferior Craniocaudal Hill-Sachs Extension as Predictor of Recurrent Instability After Primary Arthroscopic Bankart Repair.

BACKGROUND: The glenoid track concept for shoulder instability primarily describes the medial-lateral relationship between a Hill-Sachs lesion and the glenoid. However, the Hill-Sachs position in the craniocaudal dimension has not been thoroughly studied. HYPOTHESIS: Hill-Sachs lesions with greater inferior extension are associated with increased risk of recurrent instability after primary arthroscopic Bankart repair. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of patients with on-track Hill-Sachs lesions who underwent primary arthroscopic Bankart repair (without remplissage) between 2007 and 2019 and had a minimum 2-year follow-up. Recurrent instability was defined as recurrent dislocation or subluxation after the index procedure. The craniocaudal position of the Hill-Sachs lesion was measured against the midhumeral axis on sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using either a Hill-Sachs bisecting line through the humeral head center (sagittal midpoint angle [SMA], a measure of Hill-Sachs craniocaudal position) or a line tangent to the inferior Hill-Sachs edge (lower-edge angle [LEA], a measure of Hill-Sachs caudal extension). Univariate and multivariate regression were used to determine the predictive value of both SMA and LEA for recurrent instability. RESULTS: In total, 176 patients were included with a mean age of 20.6 years, mean follow-up of 5.9 years, and contact sport participation of 69.3%. Of these patients, 42 (23.9%) experienced recurrent instability (30 dislocations, 12 subluxations) at a mean time of 1.7 years after surgery. Recurrent instability was found to be significantly associated with LEA >90° (ie, Hill-Sachs lesions extending below the humeral head equator), with an OR of 3.29 (P = .022). SMA predicted recurrent instability to a lesser degree (OR, 2.22; P = .052). Post hoc evaluation demonstrated that LEA >90° predicted recurrent dislocations (subset of recurrent instability) with an OR of 4.80 (P = .003). LEA and SMA were found to be collinear with Hill-Sachs interval and distance to dislocation, suggesting that greater LEA and SMA proportionally reflect lesion severity in both the craniocaudal and medial-lateral dimensions. CONCLUSION: Inferior extension of an otherwise on-track Hill-Sachs lesion is a highly predictive risk factor for recurrent instability after primary arthroscopic Bankart repair. Evaluation of Hill-Sachs extension below the humeral equator (inferior equatorial extension) on sagittal MRI is a clinically facile screening tool for higher-risk lesions with subcritical glenoid bone loss. This threshold for critical humeral bone loss may inform surgical stratification for procedures such as remplissage or other approaches for at-risk on-track lesions.

Recurrent Instability After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in Patients With Hyperlaxity and Near-Track Lesions.

Background: Recurrent anterior shoulder instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair presents a challenging clinical problem, with the primary stabilization procedure often portending the best chance for clinical success. Purpose: To determine if capsuloligamentous laxity affects failure (recurrent dislocation, subluxation, and/or perceived instability symptoms) after arthroscopic Bankart repair in patients with near-track lesions (ie, those with smaller distance to dislocation [DTD]). Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent primary arthroscopic Bankart repair for recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability at a single institution between 2007 and 2019 and who had at least 2 years of follow-up data. Patients with glenoid bone loss >20%, off-track lesions, concomitant remplissage, or rotator cuff tear were excluded. Capsuloligamentous laxity, or hyperlaxity, was defined as external rotation >85° with the arm at the side and/or grade ≥2 in at least 2 planes with the shoulder at 90° of abduction. Near-track lesions were defined as those with a DTD <10 mm. Results: Included were 173 patients (mean age, 20.5 years; mean DTD, 16.2 mm), of whom 16.8% sustained a recurrent dislocation and 6.4% had recurrent subluxations (defined as any subjective complaint of recurrent instability without frank dislocation), for an overall recurrent instability rate of 23.1%. The rate of revision stabilization was 15.6%. The mean time to follow-up was 7.4 years. Independent predictors of recurrent instability were younger age (P = .001), smaller DTD (P = .021), >1 preoperative instability episode (P < .001), and the presence of hyperlaxity during examination under anesthesia (P = .013). Among patients with near-track lesions, those with hyperlaxity had a recurrent instability rate almost double that of patients without hyperlaxity (odds ratio, 34.1; P = .04). The increased rate of failure and recurrent dislocation in the near-track hyperlaxity cohort remained elevated, even in patients with no bone loss. Conclusion: Capsuloligamentous shoulder laxity was a significant independent risk factor for failure after primary arthroscopic Bankart repair without remplissage and was more predictive of failure in patients with versus without near-track lesions.

Myotendinous junction tears of the pectoralis major are occurring more frequently and discrepancies exist between intraoperative and radiographic assessments.

Background: Pectoralis major (PM) tears have been shown to occur most frequently at the tendinous humeral insertion. However, no substantial updates on tear location have been published in 20 years or are based on relatively small sample sizes. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate PM tear location based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A secondary purpose was to evaluate agreement between MRI and intraoperative assessments of tear characteristics. We hypothesized that PM tears at the myotendinous junction (MTJ) occur at a higher rate than previously reported and that intraoperative and MRI assessments would demonstrate agreement in at least 80% of cases. Materials and methods: An observational study of consecutive patients evaluated for a PM tear at a single institution between 2010 and 2022 was conducted. Patient demographics as well as MRI and intraoperative assessments of tear location, extent of tear, and muscle head involvement were collected from the electronic medical record. Agreement was calculated by comparing radiographic and intraoperative assessments per variable and reported as percentages. Data and statistical analysis were performed with SPSS software with a significance level set to P < .05. Results: A total of 102 patients were included for analysis. Mean age was 35.8 ± 10.5 years and mean body mass index was 29.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2. 60.4% of the study population had tears of the MTJ, 34.9% of the tendinous humeral insertion, and 4.7% within the muscle belly, as determined intraoperatively. Complete tears had significantly higher agreement between MRI and intraoperative assessments relative to partial tears (83.9% and 62.5%, respectively; P ≤ .01). Discussion: The majority of PM tears occurred at the MTJ. Preoperative MRI and intraoperative assessments agreed in 80% of cases, a value that was significantly higher for complete over partial tears. These findings demonstrate that tears of the MTJ are increasingly more common and support the use of MRI in preoperative planning for complete PM tears.

Posterior Labral Tear Extension Concomitant With Shoulder Bankart Injuries Is not Uncommon.

Purpose: To identify the rate and risk factors of posterior labral involvement in operatively managed Bankart lesions and assess the effectiveness of MRI arthrogram for preoperative identification of such injury patterns. Methods: A consecutive cohort of patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair were retrospectively reviewed. All subjects underwent a prearthroscopy MRI arthrogram. Operative findings were used as the gold standard for posterior labral tear extension. Patient demographic and surgical data were then analyzed to identify independent factors associated with the presence of concomitant posterior labral injury. Results: Of 124 patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart stabilization, 23 (19%) were noted to demonstrate posterior labral injury on arthroscopic evaluation. Factors associated with injury to the posterior labrum included those sustaining two or fewer dislocations events (P =.001), an earlier average presentation (P = .001), and a reported "contact" mechanism of dislocation (P = .02). Posterior labral involvement did not correlate with surgical positioning (beach-chair versus lateral) or the need for revision surgery. On the basis of review of preoperative imaging, MRI arthrogram demonstrated a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 95% for detection of posterior labral injury. Conclusions: Posterior propagation of Bankart lesions is relatively common following shoulder dislocations, with a rate of 18.5%. Risk factors for posterior labral extension include two or fewer dislocations, early presentation from the time of injury, and contact sports. On the basis of these findings, careful assessment of the posterior labrum on MRI arthrogram may reveal the majority, but not all, of these lesions. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective case-controlled study.

Distance to Dislocation and Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: Rethinking the Glenoid Track Concept.

BACKGROUND: The "distance to dislocation" (DTD) calculation has been proposed as 1 method to predict the risk of recurrent dislocation after arthroscopic Bankart repair for an "on-track" shoulder. Rates of recurrent dislocation at specific DTD values are unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Among patients with "on-track" shoulder lesions who underwent primary arthroscopic Bankart repair, the rate of recurrent dislocation would increase as DTD values decrease. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 188 patients with "on-track" shoulder lesions who underwent primary arthroscopic anterior labral repair between 2007 and 2019, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs interval, glenoid track, and DTD were determined from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans. The rate of recurrent dislocation was determined at 2-mm DTD intervals. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between recurrent dislocation, patient characteristics, and bone loss variables. A multivariate regression model was created to predict the probability of failure at continuous DTD values. A subgroup analysis of failure rate based on collision sports participation was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients (15.4%) sustained recurrent dislocations. Patient age (P = .046), multiple dislocations (P = .03), glenoid bone loss (P < .001), Hill-Sachs interval length (P < .001), and DTD (P < .001) were all independent predictors of failure. As the DTD decreased, the rate of recurrent dislocation increased. Below a DTD threshold of 10 mm, the recurrent dislocation rate increased exponentially. Up to a threshold of 24 mm, the failure rate for collision athletes remained >12.3%, independent of the DTD. Conversely, the failure rate among noncollision athletes decreased steadily as the DTD increased. CONCLUSION: For "on-track" shoulder lesions, as the DTD approached 0 mm ("off-track" threshold), the risk of recurrent dislocation after arthroscopic Bankart repair increased significantly. Below a DTD threshold of 10 mm, the risk of failure increased exponentially. The risk of recurrent dislocation for collision sports athletes remained elevated at higher DTD values than for noncollision athletes.

Predictive factors for failure of conservative management in the treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.

BACKGROUND: Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a painful condition characterized by the presence of calcium deposits within the tendons of the rotator cuff (RTC). When conservative management fails, arthroscopic surgery for removal of the calcium may be considered. Surgical removal is often followed by RTC repair to address the resulting tendon defect. This study was performed to assess predictive factors for failure of conservative management and to characterize the rate of RTC repair in the setting of calcific tendinitis. We hypothesize that larger calcific lesion would have a higher likelihood to fail conservative treatment. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who were diagnosed with calcific tendinitis at our institution between 2009 and 2019 was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, pain score (visual analog scale), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, range of motion, and patient-reported quality of life measures were recorded and analyzed. All patients underwent a radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging. Size of the calcific lesion was measured based on its largest diameter on magnetic resonance imaging. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, independent t-test, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-nine patients were identified in the study period; 127 (53.1%) were women. The mean age was 54 years, and body mass index was 29.2 with a mean follow-up of 6 months. One hundred and sixty had an intact RTC (67.2%) and 78 had a partial RTC tear (32.8%). Ninety-three of 239 (38.9%) patients failed conservative treatment after an average of 4.4 months, necessitating surgical management. Among patients who underwent surgery, the majority of patients (77 of 93 [82.8%]) required a concomitant RTC repair. Subanalysis demonstrates that calcific lesions >1 cm was significantly associated with failure of conservative treatment (odds ratio = 2.86, 95% confidence interval 1.25-6.29, P < .05). All patients who underwent surgery demonstrated significant improvements in pain scores (6.3 to 2.3 visual analog scale), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (47.9 to 90.49), forward flexion (133° to 146.8°), and external rotation (49.2° to 57.6°) (P < .05) postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Patients with calcific lesions >1 cm had a 2.8× increased likelihood to undergo operative treatment in the setting of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Most patients who undergo surgical management for removal of the calcific deposit required a concomitant RTC repair and had significant improvements in shoulder pain and function. This information can be helpful to guide orthopedic surgeons on preoperative planning and discussion when treating calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.

On-Track Lesions with a Small Distance to Dislocation Are Associated with Failure After Arthroscopic Anterior Shoulder Stabilization.

BACKGROUND: Off-track lesions are strongly associated with failure after arthroscopic Bankart repair. However, on-track lesions with a small distance-to-dislocation (DTD) value, or "near-track lesions," also may be at risk for failure. The purpose of the present study was to determine the association of DTD with failure after arthroscopic Bankart repair. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 173 individuals who underwent primary arthroscopic Bankart repair between 2007 and 2015. Glenoid bone loss and Hill-Sachs lesion size were measured with use of previously reported methods. Patients with failure were defined as those who sustained a dislocation after the index procedure, whereas controls were defined as individuals who did not. DTD was defined as the distance from the medial edge of the Hill-Sachs lesion to the medial edge of the glenoid track. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for DTD to determine the critical threshold that would best predict failure. The study population was subdivided into individuals ≥20 years old and <20 years old. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (16%) sustained a recurrent dislocation following Bankart repair. Increased glenoid bone loss (p < 0.001), longer Hill-Sachs lesion length (p < 0.001), and decreased DTD (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of failure. ROC curve analysis of DTD alone demonstrated that a threshold value of 8 mm could best predict failure (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.73). DTD had strong predictive power (AUC = 0.84) among individuals ≥20 years old and moderate predictive power (AUC = 0.69) among individuals <20 years old. Decreasing values of DTD were associated with a stepwise increase in the failure rate. CONCLUSIONS: A "near-track" lesion with a DTD of <8 mm, particularly in individuals ≥20 years old, may be predictive of failure following arthroscopic Bankart repair. When using the glenoid track concept as the basis for surgical decision-making, clinicians may need to consider the DTD value as a continuous variable to estimate failure instead of using a binary on-track/off-track designation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of Levels of Evidence.

A biomechanical analysis of the native coracoclavicular ligaments and their influence on a new reconstruction using a coracoid tunnel and free tendon graft.

PURPOSE: To understand and characterize the kinematic properties of the 2 coracoclavicular ligaments and to evaluate the biomechanical performance of a new 3-tunnel reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments by use of a free tendon graft. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested. The kinematics and in situ forces of the coracoclavicular ligaments were tested with a robotic testing system. Kinematics of the shoulder in the intact state, in the sectioned state, and finally, after a coracoclavicular reconstruction and a coracoclavicular sling reconstruction were evaluated. RESULTS: The conoid had higher in situ forces during anterior and superior loading of the clavicle when compared with the trapezoid ligament, whereas the trapezoid ligament had higher in situ forces during posterior loading. Sectioning the trapezoid ligament significantly increased translation of the clavicle in the posterior direction, whereas sectioning the conoid ligament significantly increased superior translation. When we compared the 2 reconstruction techniques, the coracoid tunnel reconstruction was superior in controlling anterior translation whereas the coracoclavicular sling reconstruction was inferior because of anterior displacement of the graft. There was no significant difference in posterior or superior translation between either reconstruction technique. CONCLUSIONS: The trapezoid and conoid ligaments have unique functions in normal shoulder kinematics because of their anatomic attachments. By more faithfully restoring these insertion sites on the clavicle and controlling motion of the graft on the coracoid, the 3-tunnel reconstruction technique more closely restores native shoulder kinematics than the coracoclavicular sling technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the unique roles of the conoid and trapezoid bundles of the coracoclavicular ligament may improve surgical techniques in the management of acromioclavicular joint injuries. The reconstructive technique presented more faithfully restores normal kinematics and forces across the acromioclavicular joint than the coracoclavicular sling technique.

Preoperative Comorbidities and Postoperative Complications Do Not Influence Patient-Reported Satisfaction Following Humeral Head Resurfacing: Mid- to Long-term Follow-up of 106 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Humeral head resurfacing (HHR) has emerged as an alternative treatment for glenohumeral osteoarthritis. We investigated the outcomes of HHR using validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 213 patients who underwent HHR. A PRO follow-up was performed by administering a questionnaire including the American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, Brophy activity survey, short form of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (quickDASH) survey, and general shoulder function. PRO scores were stratified by comorbidities and complications. RESULTS: Survey responses were received from 106 patients (51%), with a mean follow-up of 5.6 ± 1.8 years (range: 9 months to 6.1 years). Preoperative comorbidities were associated with significantly higher quickDASH scores. Postoperative complications were associated with significantly higher rates of current pain, higher visual analog scale scores, night pain, lower subjective shoulder values, and lower ASES pain and total scores. No differences in patient satisfaction were identified between the cohorts with and without preoperative comorbidities and between the cohorts with and without postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: In our cross-sectional analysis of mid- to long-term outcomes following HHR, preoperative comorbidities, or postoperative complications had no impact on patient-perceived postoperative satisfaction or most PROs. HHR is clinically viable in a wide variety of patients. Future work is necessary to compare the efficacy of HHR compared with more traditional total shoulder arthroplasty and stemmed hemiarthroplasty regarding long-term outcomes and appropriate indications.

The ability of preoperative factors to predict patient-reported disability following surgery for rotator cuff pathology.

PURPOSE: Minimal research has examined the prognostic ability of shoulder examination data or psychosocial factors in predicting patient-reported disability following surgery for rotator cuff pathology. The purpose of this study was to examine these factors for prognostic value in order to help clinicians and patients understand preoperative factors that impact disability following surgery. METHODS: Sixty-two patients scheduled for subacromial decompression with or without supraspinatus repair were recruited. Six-month follow-up data were available for 46 patients. Patient characteristics, history of the condition, shoulder impairments, psychosocial factors, and patient-reported disability questionnaires were collected preoperatively. Six months following surgery, the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) and global rating of change dichotomized subjects into responders versus nonresponders. Logistic regression quantified prognostic ability and created the most parsimonious model to predict outcome. RESULTS: Being on modified job duty (OR = .17, 95%CI: 0.03-0.94), and having a worker's compensation claim (OR = 0.08, 95%CI: 0.01-0.74) decreased probability of a positive outcome, while surgery on the dominant shoulder (OR = 11.96, 95%CI: 2.91-49.18) increased probability. From the examination, only impaired internal rotation strength was a significant univariate predictor. The Fear-avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) score (OR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.91-0.98) and the FABQ_work subscale (OR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.87-0.97) were univariate predictors. In the final model, surgery on the dominant shoulder (OR = 8.9, 95%CI 1.75-45.7) and FABQ_work subscale score ≤25 (OR = 15.3, 95%CI 2.3-101.9) remained significant. DISCUSSION: Surgery on the dominant arm resulted in greater improvement in patient-reported disability, thereby increasing the odds of a successful surgery. The predictive ability of the FABQ_work subscale highlights the potential impact of psychosocial factors on patient-reported disability. Implications for Rehabilitation Impairment-based shoulder measurements were not strong predictors of patient-reported outcome. Having high fear-avoidance behavior scores on the FABQ, especially the work subscale, resulted in a much lower chance of responding well to rotator cuff surgery as measured by self-reported disability. Having surgery on the dominant shoulder, as compared to the nondominant side, resulted in larger improvements in disability levels.

The Rotator Cuff Organ: Integrating Developmental Biology, Tissue Engineering, and Surgical Considerations to Treat Chronic Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.

The torn rotator cuff remains a persistent orthopedic challenge, with poor outcomes disproportionately associated with chronic, massive tears. Degenerative changes in the tissues that comprise the rotator cuff organ, including muscle, tendon, and bone, contribute to the poor healing capacity of chronic tears, resulting in poor function and an increased risk for repair failure. Tissue engineering strategies to augment rotator cuff repair have been developed in an effort to improve rotator cuff healing and have focused on three principal aims: (1) immediate mechanical augmentation of the surgical repair, (2) restoration of muscle quality and contractility, and (3) regeneration of native enthesis structure. Work in these areas will be reviewed in sequence, highlighting the relevant pathophysiology, developmental biology, and biomechanics, which must be considered when designing therapeutic applications. While the independent use of these strategies has shown promise, synergistic benefits may emerge from their combined application given the interdependence of the tissues that constitute the rotator cuff organ. Furthermore, controlled mobilization of augmented rotator cuff repairs during postoperative rehabilitation may provide mechanotransductive cues capable of guiding tissue regeneration and restoration of rotator cuff function. Present challenges and future possibilities will be identified, which if realized, may provide solutions to the vexing condition of chronic massive rotator cuff tears.

Symptomatic os acromiale.

Os acromiale, the joining of the acromion to the scapular spine by fibrocartilaginous tissue rather than bone, is an anatomic variant that has been reported in approximately 8% of the population worldwide. It is more common in blacks and males than in whites and females. Although it is often an incidental finding, os acromiale has been identified as a contributor to shoulder impingement symptoms and rotator cuff tears. When nonsurgical management of a symptomatic os acromiale fails to relieve symptoms, surgical intervention is considered. Options include os acromiale excision, open reduction and internal fixation, and arthroscopic decompression. Excision usually is reserved for small to midsized fragments (preacromion) or after failed open reduction and internal fixation. Persistent deltoid dysfunction may result from excision of a large os acromiale. Open reduction and internal fixation preserves large fragments while maintaining deltoid function. Cannulated screw fixation has been shown to result in good union rates. Arthroscopic techniques have shown mixed results when used for treating impingement secondary to an unstable os acromiale. Associated rotator cuff tears may be addressed arthroscopically or through an open transacromial approach, followed by open reduction and internal fixation of the os acromiale.

Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis using the percutaneous, intra-articular trans-tendon technique: preliminary results.

The percutaneous intra-articular trans-tendon procedure relieved pain, increased or maintained strength and function, and did not cause a cosmetic deformity in this small consecutive series of patients.

Joint compression alters the kinematics and loading patterns of the intact and capsule-transected AC joint.

High compressive loads are transmitted through the shoulder across the acromioclavicular (AC) joint to the axial skeleton during activities of daily living and can lead to early joint degeneration or instability. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of joint compression on the biomechanics of the intact and capsule-transected AC joint during application of three loading conditions. A robotic/universal force-moment sensor testing system was utilized to apply an anterior, posterior or superior load of 70 N in combination with 10 or 70 N of joint compression to fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders (n=12). The application of joint compression to the intact AC joint decreased the posterior translation in response to a posterior load (-6.6+/-2.5 vs -3.7+/-1.0 mm, p<0.05). Joint compression also decreased the in situ force in the superior AC capsule by 10 N while increasing the joint contact force by 20 N for all loading conditions (p<0.05). The application of joint compression to the capsule-transected AC joint significantly decreased the amount of posterior and superior translation during posterior (-12.7+/-6.1 vs -5.5+/-3.2 mm, p<0.05) and superior (5.3+/-2.9 vs 4.2+/-2.3 mm, p<0.05) loading, respectively, while significantly increasing the coupled translations (anterior-posterior, superior-inferior or proximal-distal) in all loading conditions (p<0.05). The joint contact force also significantly increased by 20 N for all loading conditions (p<0.05). This quantitative data suggests: (1) common surgical techniques such as distal clavicle resection, which initially reduce painful joint contact, may cause unusually high loads to be supported by the soft tissue structures at the AC joint; and (2) compressive loads transmitted across a capsule-transected AC joint could be concentrated over a smaller area due to the increased coupled motion and joint contact force.

Biomechanical rationale for development of anatomical reconstructions of coracoclavicular ligaments after complete acromioclavicular joint dislocations.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatments of complete acromioclavicular joint dislocations replace or reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligaments with a single structure and do not account for the anatomical variance of each ligament in the design. PURPOSE: To evaluate the cyclic behavior and structural properties of an anatomic tendon reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament complex after a simulated acromioclavicular joint dislocation. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Cyclic loading followed by a load-to-failure protocol (simulated dislocation) of the normal coracoclavicular ligament complex was performed and repeated after an anatomic reconstruction on the same specimen (n = 9). The anatomical reconstruction consisted of a semitendinosus tendon that replicated the direction and orientation of both the trapezoid and conoid ligaments. RESULTS: The coracoclavicular ligament and anatomical reconstruction complexes had clinically insignificant (<3 mm) permanent elongation after cyclic loading. The stiffness and ultimate load of the coracoclavicular ligament complex (60.8 +/- 12.2 N/mm and 560 +/- 206 N) were significantly greater than for the anatomical reconstruction complex (23.4 +/- 5.2 N/mm and 406 +/- 60 N), respectively (P < .05). Further analysis of the complexes revealed a 40% decrease in the bending stiffness of the clavicle after the simulated dislocation and failure of the normal coracoclavicular ligament complex (P < .05), which contributed to the diminished properties of the anatomic reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The low level of permanent elongation after cyclic loading suggests that the anatomic reconstruction complex could withstand early rehabilitation; however, the decrease in the structural properties and stiffness of the clavicle should be considered in optimizing the anatomic reconstruction technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Despite the differences compared to the normal coracoclavicular ligament complex, the anatomical reconstruction complex more closely approximates the stiffness of the coracoclavicular ligament complex than current surgical constructs, and the incorporation of biological tissue could improve the overall structural properties with healing.

Reflexive muscle activation alterations in shoulders with anterior glenohumeral instability.

BACKGROUND: Patients with glenohumeral instability have proprioceptive deficits that are suggested to contribute to muscle activation alterations. HYPOTHESIS: Muscle activation alterations will be present in shoulders with anterior glenohumeral instability. STUDY DESIGN: Posttest-only control group design. METHODS: Eleven patients diagnosed with anterior glenohumeral instability were matched with 11 control subjects. Each subject received an external humeral rotation apprehension perturbation while reflexive muscle activation characteristics were measured with indwelling electromyography and surface electromyography. RESULTS: Patients with instability demonstrated suppressed pectoralis major and biceps brachii mean activation; increased peak activation of the subscapularis, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus; and a significantly slower biceps brachii reflex latency. Supraspinatus-subscapularis coactivation was significantly suppressed in the patients with instability as well. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In addition to the capsuloligamentous deficiency and proprioceptive deficits present in anterior glenohumeral instability, muscle activation alterations are also present. The suppressed rotator cuff coactivation, slower biceps brachii activation, and decreased pectoralis major and biceps brachii mean activation may contribute to the recurrent instability episodes seen in this patient group. Clinicians can implement therapeutic exercises that address the suppressed muscles in patients opting for conservative management or rehabilitation before and after capsulorraphy procedures.