The influence of preoperative rotator cuff cross-sectional area and strength on postoperative outcomes in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although preoperative function and range of motion (ROM) are determinants of postoperative outcome following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), there is limited data on the influence of preoperative rotator cuff status. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between preoperative rotator cuff physiologic cross-sectional area (PCSA) and strength on postoperative RSA outcome. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 53 primary RSAs from a multicenter database performed between 2015 and 2019 using a 135° humeral neck-shaft angle. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic scans were used to assess the PCSA of the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) scores, ROM, and strength were measured preoperatively and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between variables. RESULTS: There were no significant correlations between preoperative PCSA of any rotator cuff muscles and postoperative ASES scores. Preoperative subscapularis PCSA positively correlated with change in belly press (BP) strength following RSA (⍴ = 0.37, P = .006). Preoperative abduction strength was significantly correlated with postoperative abduction strength (⍴ = 0.297, P = .006). Preoperative external rotation (ER) strength was significantly correlated with postoperative ER (⍴ = 0.378, P = .005) and abduction (⍴ = 0.304; P = .032) strength. Preoperative BP strength negatively correlated with postoperative ASES (⍴ = -0.283, P = .042) but positively correlated with postoperative BP (⍴ = 0.411, P = .001) and abduction (⍴ = 0.367, P = .009) strength. CONCLUSION: With the use of a 135° humeral implant, there is limited correlation between preoperative PCSA and postoperative outcomes 2 years following RSA; the only significant correlation was between preoperative subscapularis PCSA and postoperative BP strength. Preoperative strength is positively correlated with postoperative strength but not ROM or ASES scores.

Rehabilitation and functional outcomes in internally braced and standard ACL reconstructions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare surgical outcomes in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction, with and without internal bracing, at 1-3, 4-7, and 8-12 months of postoperative physical therapy. Previous studies show that ACL reconstruction with internal bracing allows earlier and more aggressive rehabilitation. Therefore, it was hypothesized that patients with internal bracing would display superior surgical recovery compared to ACL reconstruction alone after adjusting for length of physical therapy.1, 2, 3. Methods: Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction and had a minimum two-year follow-up were included. Demographics including age, gender, use of internal bracing, and pre-operative level of activity were collected. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using KOOS scores. Results: 46 patients underwent ACL reconstruction between January 2013 and December 2015. The mean age was 31.53 ± 8.37 years. Patients who received ACL reconstruction with internal bracing reported similar improvement in KOOS scores (mean = 42.82 ± 15.44; median = 46.39 [34.52-51.80]) compared to ACL reconstruction alone (mean = 38.18 ± 19.91; median = 40.17 [29.49-53.90]) (p = 0.475). Patients who received ACL reconstruction with internal bracing reported comparable improvement to ACL reconstruction alone at 0-3 months (Internal bracing: mean = 35.39 ± 15.26, median = 40.45 [26.49-47.73]; No internal bracing: mean = 42.51 ± 12.33, median = 39.32 [35.69-52.94], p = 0.4113), 4-7 months (Internal bracing: 41.96 ± 14.49, 45.55 [33.94-52.68]; No internal bracing: 30.64 ± 32.29, 41.65 [26.17-46.12], p = 0.7491) and 8+ months groups (Internal bracing: 63.36 ± 13.06, 63.36 [58.74-67.98]; No internal bracing: 47.05 ± 10.14, 47.05 [43.46-50.63]) (p = 0.6985). Conclusion: This study demonstrates no statistical difference in functional outcome scores when comparing patients with internally braced ACL reconstruction compared to standard reconstruction. Therefore, the increased structural support provided by use of internal bracing in ACL reconstruction does not afford to quicker improvement in patient-reported recovery.

Reduced Opioid Use Among Patients Who Received Liposomal Bupivacaine for ACL Reconstruction.

Standard multimodal pain management for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction typically includes a combination of local anesthetics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioids. Opioids present a substantial risk, and there is a rising number of prescription opioid-related overdoses in the United States. The goal of this study was to evaluate the quantity of opioids prescribed to patients who received liposomal bupivacaine as a component of their multi-modal pain regimen. The electronic medical records of patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by a single surgeon at an urban hospital during a 2-year period were evaluated. Patients in the case group received liposomal bupivacaine and those in the control group did not. Statistical analysis of the number of pills prescribed and numeric pain rating scale scores was performed with a 2-tailed unequal variance t test. Statistical analysis of opioid prescription refills was performed with a chi-square test. A total of 67 patients were included. The mean number of 5-mg oxycodone tablets prescribed to the case group (9.29±10.29 tablets) was significantly lower (P<.01) compared with the number prescribed to the control group (66.26±37.13 tablets). Patients in the case group also were less likely to require an opioid prescription refill at the first follow-up appointment (P<.01; absolute risk reduction, 50%; number needed to treat, 2). Mean numeric pain rating scale score at 2 weeks was 2.8±2.1 in the case group and 3.8±2.4 in the control group (P=.09). Patients who received liposomal bupivacaine as part of multimodal pain management had significantly fewer opioid prescriptions. Despite the reduction in opioids prescribed, patients in the case group only showed a trend toward a reduction in pain at 2-week follow-up. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(2):e229-e235.].