Pyrocarbon humeral heads for hemishoulder arthroplasty grant satisfactory clinical scores with minimal glenoid erosion at 5-9 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Hemishoulder arthroplasty (HSA) is a more conservative alternative to total shoulder arthroplasty for young and active patients with minimal glenoid erosion or deformity. Pyrocarbon humeral heads were introduced as an alternative to metallic humeral heads, which were associated with glenoid erosion in 28%-43%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the progression of glenoid erosion and clinical scores of HSA using pyrocarbon humeral heads from short- (2-4 years) to midterm (5-9 years). METHODS: We retrieved the records of 45 consecutive patients who underwent HSA with pyrocarbon humeral heads from 2013 to 2017. Patients were evaluated radiographically and clinically at a first follow-up (2-4 years) and a second follow-up (5-9 years). Preoperative glenoid morphology was assessed using computed tomography scans, and glenoid erosion was assessed using plain radiographs according to Sperling et al. The Constant score (CS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) score were assessed by an independent observer. RESULTS: From the initial cohort of 45 patients, 2 underwent revision surgery (4.4%) due to persistent pain (without signs of rotator cuff pathology or glenoid erosion) and 6 were lost to follow-up (13%), leaving 37 for outcome assessment (82%). At the first follow-up of 2.2 ± 0.4 years, all clinical scores improved substantially (CS from 29.3 ± 13.5 to 76.7 ± 14.4, ASES from 23.7 ± 15.6 to 87.0 ± 16.0, and SSV from 25.3 ± 12.2 to 84.1 ± 15.2), and at the second follow-up of 6.2 ± 1.2 years, good clinical scores were maintained (CS from 76.7 ± 14.4 to 80.8 ± 16.0, ASES from 87.0 ± 16.0 to 92.3 ± 15.0, and SSV from 84.1 ± 15.2 to 82.8 ± 18.3). At the second follow-up, glenoid erosion was moderate in 9 (24%) and severe in 3 (8.1%). When comparing with immediate postoperative radiographs, 10 shoulders exhibited progression of glenoid erosion by 1 grade (n = 9) or 2 grades (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Pyrocarbon humeral heads for HSA grant satisfactory clinical scores with minimal glenoid erosion.

Long-term (minimum 10 years) survival and outcomes of pyrocarbon interposition shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There are some major controversies surrounding the use and longevity of pyrocarbon interposition shoulder arthroplasty (PISA). The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term survival and outcomes (minimum 10-year) following PISA for osteoarthritis (OA) in young and active patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent PISA (InSpyre; Tornier-Stryker) for OA between 2009 and 2012. Arthroplasty survival was known for 71 patients followed longitudinally for a minimum of 10 years. The clinical and radiologic outcomes were assessed in 62 patients (62 shoulders) reviewed with radiographs. The mean age at surgery was 60 years (range, 23-72 years), and 31 shoulders (50%) underwent prior surgery before PISA. The diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis (POA = 29), post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA = 23), and postinstability osterarthritis (PIOA = 10). Clinical failure was defined as repeat surgical intervention involving prosthesis revision. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Constant score (CS) and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). The mean duration of follow-up was 11 ± 0.6 years (range, 10-14 years). RESULTS: Overall, the survival rate was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI] 82.8-96.8) at 5 years and 87% (95% CI 79-94.8) at a 10-year follow-up. Survival was 100% in PTOA (type 1 fracture sequelae) and in PIOA as well as 95% in primary OA with type A glenoid. Revision surgery was significantly higher in biconcave (type B2) glenoid (44%) compared with concentric (type A) glenoid (2%), respectively (P = .002). Among the 7 patients who were revised to reverse shoulder arthroplasty, 5 had painful glenoid erosion and 2 had bipolar (glenoid and humeral) erosion with thinning and finally fracture of the greater tuberosity. Two shoulders with glenohumeral erosion were associated with secondary rotator cuff tears (1 supraspinatus and 1 subscapularis tear). The mean time to revision and revision was 4 ± 1.7 years. Glenoid wear was more often superior (81%) than central (19%), P < .001. For those shoulders not revised, the mean CS and SSV significantly increased from 39 ± 14 to 70 ± 14 points and 34% ± 15% to 75% ± 17%, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSION: PISA is an efficient and durable surgical procedure for the treatment of young and active patients with post-traumatic OA, postinstability OA, and primary OA with concentric (type A) glenoid erosion, but not for those with biconcave (type B2) glenoid. Biconcave (type B2) glenoid and subscapularis tear or insufficiency are risk factors for failure and revision.

Clinical results and computed tomography analysis of intuitive shoulder arthroplasty (ISA) stemless at a minimum follow-up of 2 years.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of stemless anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is on the rise. Epiphyseal fixation leads to radiological bone remodeling, which has been reported to exceed 40% in certain studies series. The aim of this study was to present the clinical and radiological outcomes of a stemless implant with asymmetric central epiphyseal fixation at an average follow-up of 31 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study examined prospective data of patients undergoing total anatomic arthroplasty with intuitive shoulder arthroplasty Stemless implant and followed up at least 2 years. Clinical assessment included preoperative and final follow-up measurements of active range of motion, Constant score, and Subjective Shoulder Value. Anatomical epiphyseal reconstruction and bone remodeling at the 2-year follow-up were assessed by standardized computed tomography scanner (CT scan). Statistical analysis employed unpaired Student's t-test or chi-squared test depending on the variable type, conducted using EasyMedStat software (version 3.22; www.easymedstat.com). RESULTS: Fifty patients (mean age 68 years, 62% females) were enrolled, with an average follow-up of 31 months (24-44). Primary osteoarthritis (68%) with type A glenoid (78%) was the prevailing indication. The mean Constant score and Subjective Shoulder Value improved significantly from 38 ± 11 to 76 ± 11 (P < .001) and from 31% ± 16 to 88% ± 15 (P < .001) respectively at the last follow-up. Forward elevation, external rotation, and internal rotation range of motion increased by 39° ± 42, 28° ± 21 and 3,2 ± 2,5 points respectively, surpassing the Minimally Clinically Important Difference after total shoulder arthroplasty. No revisions were necessary. CT scans identified 30% osteolysis in the posterior-medial calcar region, devoid of clinical repercussions. No risk factors were associated with bone osteolysis. CONCLUSIONS: At an average follow-up of 31 months, intuitive shoulder arthroplasty Stemless implant provided favorable clinical results. CT analysis revealed osteolysis-like remodeling in the posterior-medial zone of the calcar (30%), without decline in clinical outcomes and revisions. Long-term follow-up studies are mandated to evaluate whether osteolysis is associated with negative consequences.

Factors that affect external rotation following reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a retrospective multi-centre study on 501 shoulders.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this multi-centre study was to assess external rotation in a large cohort following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) at a minimum follow-up of 2 years, and identify factors that influence postoperative and/or net-improvement of external rotation. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed records of 743 RSAs performed between January 2015 and August 2017 by 16 surgeons that participated in a large national society symposium; 193 (25.7%) were lost to follow-up, 16 (2.1%) died, and 33 (4.4%) were revised with implant exchange, which left 501 available for assessment at 2.0-5.5 years. Pre- and post-operative active forward elevation, active external rotation (ER1), active internal rotation (IR1) and constant score (CS) were collected. Regression analyses were performed to determine associations of patient demographics, surgical and implant parameters, rotator cuff muscles status and radiographic angles with ER1. RESULTS: Multivariable analyses revealed postoperative ER1 decreased with age (ß, - 0.35), increased with lateralisation shoulder angle (LSA) (ß, 0.26), and was better in shoulders operated by the antero-superior (AS) approach (ß, 11.41), but worse in shoulders with absent/atrophic teres minor muscles (ß, - 10.06). Net-improvement of ER1 increased with LSA (ß, 0.39), was better with inlay stems (ß, 8.33) and BIO RSA (ß, 6.22), but worse in shoulders operated for primary OA with rotator cuff (RC) tears (ß, - 16.26), for secondary OA due to RC tears (ß, - 16.06), or for mRCT (ß, - 18.96). CONCLUSIONS: This large multi-centre study revealed that, at a minimum of 2 years following RSA, ER1 improved by 16.1°. Postoperative ER1 was better in shoulders which had normal or hypertrophic teres minor muscles, were operated by the AS approach, or with greater LSA. Net-improvement of ER1 was better in shoulders with inlay stems, with BIO RSA, or with greater LSA, but worse in shoulders with rotator cuff deficiency. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Low healing rates and moderate functional outcome after arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction using a porcine xenograft.

PURPOSE: In the absence of arthropathy, symptomatic massive irreparable rotator cuff tears contribute to a therapeutic challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The concept of superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) was introduced as an option for these challenging cases. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the clinical outcome scores when using a decellularized porcine xenograft and to evaluate the graft healing and incorporation. METHODS: A multicentric retrospective study of consecutive SCR's performed between 2016 and 2019 by four surgeons in four centers. Preoperative and postoperative Constant score, Subjective shoulder value (SSV) and Visual analog scale for pain (VAS) were recorded. Graft healing was evaluated by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: A total of 28 shoulders were retrospectively analyzed with an average follow-up of 24 ± 9 months. One infection and four revisions (14%) to reversed shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) were reported at the final follow-up. The absolute Constant score showed a moderate, but significant improvement from 40 ± 12 to 57 ± 20 (P = 0.001). A significant improvement in pain scores was observed (P < 0.001). For patients undergoing SCR as a primary surgery, an average postoperative Constant score of 62 ± 16 was observed. This was in contrast to 43 ± 22 for patients who underwent SCR after failed rotator cuff repair. Although a strong trend in absolute differences was observed in regard to the Constant score, they did not reach statistical significance. For all other recorded outcome scores, a significant difference was reported between these groups. Graft healing was observed in (7/22) 30% of the patients. In the case of graft incorporation, an absolute constant score of 70 ± 9 was observed compared to 48 ± 21 in the graft failure group (P = 0.003). All cases with graft healing were considered to have a successful clinical outcome. This compared to only (7/15) 47% in the case of graft failure. CONCLUSIONS: In these series, SCR with a dermal xenograft successfully alleviated pain, but provided only a moderate improvement in functional outcome. In the case of graft healing, satisfactory clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction were observed. The present study indicates the benefit of performing SCR as a primary surgery, yet warns against using SCR as a salvage option for failed rotator cuff repair. In this group, the use of dermal xenografts is limited by the low healing rates and high complication rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. Retrospective case series, treatment study.

Pyrocarbon interposition shoulder arthroplasty: preliminary results from a prospective multicenter study at 2 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The concept of free interposition arthroplasty proved successful for small joints of the hand, wrist, and foot, particularly after the use of implants coated with pyrocarbon, which enhanced their tribologic and elastic properties. The present study reports preliminary outcomes of a pyrocarbon-coated interposition shoulder arthroplasty (PISA) implant. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 67 consecutive patients who underwent shoulder PISA at 9 centers. The mean age at surgery was 51 years, with only 12 patients older than 60 years. The indications for surgery were primary glenohumeral arthritis in 42, avascular necrosis in 13, and secondary arthritis in 12 patients. RESULTS: Revision surgery was performed in 7 patients (10.4%), 2 (3.0%) were lost to follow-up, and the outcome assessments were incomplete in 3 (4.4%). This left 55 patients, aged 49.3 ± 12.0 years, with complete outcomes assessments at a mean follow-up of 26.8 ± 3.4 months. The Constant score improved from 34.1 ± 15.1 preoperatively to 66.1 ± 19.7 postoperatively. The radiographic findings revealed erosion in 6 glenoids and thinning of 3 humeral tuberosities. CONCLUSION: In a cohort of young arthritic patients, PISA renders clinical scores and implant survival comparable to those of hemishoulder arthroplasty but remain inferior to those results reported for total shoulder arthroplasty. The study enabled identification of contraindications and potential causes of failure that wererelated to the concept of free interposition and smaller radius of curvature of the sphere. Until long-term results are available, this type of innovative implant should remain to be tested in a few specialized shoulder centers.

Comparison of functional gains after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients over 70 years of age versus patients under 50 years of age: a prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To assess rotator cuff rupture characteristics and evaluate healing and the functional outcome after arthroscopic repair in patients older than 70 years versus patients younger than 50 years. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, prospective, comparative study of 40 patients younger than 50 years (group A) and 40 patients older than 70 years (group B) treated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Patients older than 70 years were operated on only if symptoms persisted after 6 months of conservative treatment, whereas patients younger than 50 years were operated on regardless of any persistent symptoms. Imaging consisted of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and postoperative ultrasound. Preoperative and postoperative function was evaluated with Constant and modified Constant scores. Patient satisfaction was also assessed. The evaluations were performed at least 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: No patient was lost to follow-up. The incidence of both supraspinatus and infraspinatus tears was greater in group B. Greater retraction in the frontal plane and greater fatty infiltration were observed in group B. The Constant score was significantly improved in both groups (51 ± 12.32 preoperatively v 77.18 ± 11.02 postoperatively in group A and 48.8 ± 10.97 preoperatively v 74.6 ± 12.02 postoperatively in group B, P < .05). The improvement was similar in both groups. The modified Constant score was also significantly improved in both groups (57.48 ± 18.23 preoperatively v 81.35 ± 19.75 postoperatively in group A and 63.09 ± 14.96 preoperatively v 95.62 ± 17.61 postoperatively in group B, P < .05). The improvement was greater for group B (P < .05). Partial rerupture of the rotator cuff occurred in 2 cases in group A and 5 cases in group B. Complete rerupture was observed in 2 patients in group B. In group A, 29 patients (72.5%) were very satisfied, 8 (20%) were satisfied, and 3 (7.5%) were less satisfied. In group B, 33 patients (82.5%) were very satisfied, 6 (15%) were satisfied, and only 1 (2.5%) was less satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Rotator cuff tears are characterized by greater retraction in the frontal plane and greater fatty infiltration in patients older than 70 years compared with patients younger than 50 years. After arthroscopic repair, healing is greater for patients younger than 50 years. Functional gain is at least equal between the 2 groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Shoulder range of motion in competitive tennis players: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: To compare shoulder range of motion (ROM) in dominant vs. nondominant shoulder of competitive tennis players, and to determine whether shoulder ROM is different between younger and older players, or males and females. Methods: A search was performed on PubMed, Embase, and Epistemonikos on December 18, 2023. This study conforms to the principles of the Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Clinical studies or case reports on shoulder ROM including external rotation (ER; shoulder at 90° of abduction) and internal rotation (IR) in competitive, elite, or professional tennis players. Results: We found 25 eligible studies that reported on a total of 18,534 tennis players, of which 20 studies reported the ROM for the dominant and nondominant side. Comparing dominant vs. nondominant shoulders revealed that dominant shoulders had significantly smaller IR (53.0° vs. 62.6°; P < .001). Comparing adults vs. children revealed that adults have significantly smaller IR (44.5° vs. 57.1°; P < .001) and ER (95.3° vs. 110.3°; P < .001). Comparing females vs. males revealed no significant differences in ER (113.4° vs. 104.9°; P = .360) or IR (54.3° vs. 56.4°; P = .710). Conclusion: IR in shoulders of tennis players is significantly smaller in dominant vs. nondominant sides (53.0° vs. 62.6°, P < .001), and significantly smaller in adults vs. children (44.5° vs. 57.1°, P < .001). These findings could be relevant in the context of physical preparation and training of tennis players, to monitor evolution of IR as a result of their sport and/or as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

Intraoperative repair of functional subscapularis during RSA by deltopectoral approach could improve internal rotation but does not prevent anterior dislocation.

INTRODUCTION: The role of the subscapularis following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) remains controversial as repair could restore adequate internal rotation and shoulder stability, but might compromise external rotation. The purpose of this multi-centre study, on a large cohort of RSAs performed using the deltopectoral approach, was to determine the effect of subscapularis preoperative status and intraoperative repair on range of motion, clinical scores and rates of complications at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. HYPOTHESIS: Repair of a functional subscapularis grants better internal rotation and stability without compromising external rotation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of all RSAs (n=916) performed by 14 surgeons that participated in a large national society symposium, and excluded 234 operated by the anterosuperior approach, 42 operated for rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, instability or post traumatic sequalae, and eight that had adjuvant latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT). This left 632 RSAs, in which the subscapularis was detached in 594, and repaired after detachment in 495. Patients completed pre- and postoperative Constant Score and postoperative Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). Active forward elevation, active external rotation (ER), and active internal rotation (IR) were recorded pre- and postoperatively. Complications following RSA that required conservative treatment, reoperation without implant removal, as well as reoperation with implant removal were recorded. RESULTS: Of the initial cohort of 632 shoulders, 120 (19%) were lost to follow-up, 12 (2%) died due to causes unrelated to RSA, and 26 (4%) were revised with implant removal. Of the remaining 474 shoulders, 259 (55%) had a functional repaired subscapularis (Group FR), 59 (12%) had a non-functional repaired subscapularis (Group nFR), whereas 68 (14%) had a not repaired subscapularis (Group nR). Comparison of patient demographics revealed no significant differences among the three groups. Postoperative Constant Score (p=0.031) and SSV (p=0.016) were significantly different among the three groups, but effect sizes were small and not clinically relevant. Differences in postoperative ER as well as postoperative IR were not significant among the three groups: 91 (35%) gained functional IR in Group FR, 11 (19%) in Group nFR, and 13 (19%) in Group nR. Three shoulders (1.2%) reported subjective instability and 1 (0.4%) dislocated in Group FR, but none in either Groups nFR or nR. DISCUSSION: Despite statistically significant differences in Constant Score and SSV among the three groups, the clinical relevance of these differences is negligible, so repair of functional subscapularis has little or no influence on functional outcomes. During RSA by deltopectoral approach, repair of a functional subscapularis could slightly improve internal rotation in some patients but does not compromise external rotation, forward elevation or clinical scores, while repair of a non-functional subscapularis, compared to non-repair, did not improve range of motion or clinical scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; retrospective comparative.

Better Constant Scores and Active Forward Elevation Using Deltopectoral Versus Anterosuperior Approach for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Matched Cohort Study.

Purpose: To determine, from a sizable cohort of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), whether the deltopectoral (DP) or anterosuperior (AS) approach grant better outcomes at a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Methods: The authors reviewed 743 RSAs in patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA) with or without rotator cuff lesions and secondary OA due to rotator cuff tears. The DP approach was used in 540 and the AS approach in 203. Pre- and post-operative constant scores (CSs) and shoulder range of motion were recorded. Results: Of the initial cohort of 743 shoulders, 193 (25.7%) were lost to follow-up, 16 (2.1%) died, and 33 (4.4%) were revised; 540 shoulders were operated using DP approach (73%), of which 22 were revised (4.1%), while 203 were operated using the AS approach (27%), of which 11 were revised (5.4%). Propensity score matching resulted in two groups: 172 shoulders operated by DP approach, and 88 shoulders operated by AS approach. Comparing outcomes of the matched groups at 2 or more years also revealed that, compared to the AS approach, the DP approach resulted in significantly better post-operative CSs (67.3 ± 14.0° vs 60.8 ± 18.3, P = 0.017), active forward elevation (137° ± 27.4° vs 129° ± 29.8; P = 0.031). Conclusion: At 2 or more years following RSA, the DP approach granted significantly better CS (by 6.5 points) and active forward elevation (by 8°) compared to the AS approach. The differences observed are clinically relevant and must be considered to manage patient expectations following RSA and for selecting surgical approach depending on their functional needs. Level of evidence: III, comparative study.

Insufficient evidence to confirm benefit of adjuvant distal clavicle resection during rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study is to determine whether adjuvant Distal Clavicle Resection (DCR) improves outcomes of Rotator Cuff Repair (RCR) in terms of ROM, clinical scores as well as reducing complications and/or reoperations. This systematic review conforms to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they compared outcomes of RCR with and without adjuvant DCR and reported on postoperative ROM, clinical scores, complications, and/or reoperations. Seven studies that comprised 1572 shoulders which underwent RCR at a follow-up ranged 8-54 months: 398 with adjuvant DCR and 1174 without DCR. No significant differences were found between patients that had DCR versus those that did not have DCR, in terms of postoperative clinical scores (ASES, Constant, pVAS), postoperative ROM (AFE, external and internal rotation), retear rate and reoperation rate. There were no significant differences in ROM, clinical scores, or rates of retears and reoperations between patients that underwent RCR with or without adjuvant DCR. There is insufficient evidence to support routine DCR during RCR; the incidence of new or residual acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) pain after RCR with adjuvant DCR is higher than following isolated RCR, which could in fact induce iatrogenic morbidity and therefore does not justify the additional surgery time and costs of routine adjuvant DCR.

Surgical technique arthroscopic posterior glenoidplasty for posterosuperior glenoid impingement in throwing athletes.

BACKGROUND: Posterosuperior glenoid impingement (PSGI) is the repetitive impaction of the supraspinatus tendon insertion on the posterosuperior glenoid rim in abduction and external rotation. While we presume the pain is mainly caused by mechanical impingement, this explanation is controversial. If nonoperative treatment fails, arthroscopic débridement of tendinous and labral lesions has been proposed but reportedly does not allow a high rate of return to sports. In 1996, we proposed adding abrasion of the bony posterior rim, or glenoidplasty. DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE: After arthroscopic assessment of internal impingement in abduction-extension-external rotation, extensive posterior labral and partial tendinous tear débridement is performed. Glenoidplasty involves recognition of a posterior glenoid spur and when present subsequent abrasion with a motorized burr. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 27 throwing athletes treated between 1996 and 2008. Age averaged 27 years. CT arthrogram showed bony changes on the posterior glenoid rim in 21 shoulders. We evaluated 26 of the 27 patients at a minimum followup of 19 months (mean, 47 months; range, 19-123 months). RESULTS: Eighteen of the 26 patients resumed their former sport level. Six improved but had to change to an inferior sport level or another sport. Two patients did not improve after the procedure, one of whom changed sport practice. There were no complications or posterior instability. In the 15 patients who had radiographs at followup times from 20 to 87 months, we observed no arthritis or osteophyte. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison with an earlier series of soft tissue débridement shows glenoidplasty improves the likelihood of resuming a former sport level in patients with PSGI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Midterm results of pyrocarbon interposition shoulder arthroplasty: good outcomes after posttraumatic osteonecrosis without malunion of the tuberosities.

Background: In vitro data demonstrate the potential benefits of the pyrocarbon as a bearing material against cartilage or bone. And pyrocarbon-free interposition arthroplasty has been used with positive outcomes for over 10 years for hand and wrist joint replacements. This study reports the midterm results of a Pyrocarbon Interposition Shoulder Arthroplasty (PISA) in primary and secondary glenohumeral osteoarthritis and in avascular osteonecrosis. Methods: This prospective noncontrolled, multicenter study included 67 consecutive patients who underwent PISA in France and Sweden. Results: A cohort of 48 patients, aged 50 ± 12 years, was available for clinical assessment at a mean follow-up of 67.6 ± 9.3 months. A favorable change was reported with a mean absolute Constant score improvement of 32 ± 20 points. The highest Constant score improvement was observed in patients with avascular osteonecrosis (42 ± 18 points; P ≤ .0001). Between the earliest and the latest follow-up, radiographic analyses revealed only 2 major glenoid erosions and 4 tuberosity thinnings and thus that 86.4% of 44 shoulders remained stable with no or minor radiologic evolutions. The survival rate was 84 % at 65 months of follow-up considering all causes of revision. Conclusion: The radiographic findings seem to confirm the interest of pyrocarbon in preserving bony surfaces. But the risk of tuberosity thinning suggests considering the use of PISA with caution in most degenerative glenohumeral joint pathologies, although the midterm outcomes highlight PISA as a suitable solution for patients presenting with posttraumatic osteonecrosis without malunion of the tuberosities and with an intact rotator cuff.

Scapular notching in reverse shoulder arthroplasty: is it important to avoid it and how?

BACKGROUND: Scapular notching, erosion of the scapular neck related to impingement by the medial rim of the humeral cup during adduction, is a radiographic sign specific to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Its clinical and radiological consequences remain unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Therefore, we: (1) determined the incidence of notching in a large series, (2) described the natural history of notching, (3) determined whether notching is related to functional scores or (4) radiographic signs of failure, and (5) identified factors related to notch development. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 448 patients who underwent a Grammont-type RSA (461 shoulders) with a mean followup of 51 months (range, 24-206 months). RSA was implanted for cuff tear arthropathy or osteoarthritis with cuff deficiency. We assessed scapular notching using AP views standardized under fluoroscopy. Clinical assessment included Constant-Murley score and range of motion. Aside from notching, radiographic assessment included evaluation of humeral and glenoid radiolucent lines. RESULTS: Notching occurred in 68% of cases. It appeared early, but its later evolution was variable. Notching was associated with followup, strength, passive and active elevation, humeral radiolucent lines, and glenoid lucent lines. It also correlated with a higher rate in patients with preoperative superior erosion. CONCLUSIONS: Scapular notching is frequent, generally progresses, and is associated with deterioration of some clinical parameters and radiolucent lines. We believe the preoperative pattern of glenoid erosion is of particular importance due to its influence on the surgeon's glenoid preparation and base-plate positioning. It is crucial to avoid cranial position and superior tilt. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: Is healing enough?

HYPOTHESIS/BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair most commonly results in good clinical outcomes, however understanding of predictive factors influencing the final clinical outcome is limited. AIM: The purpose of our study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with healed supraspinatus tendon after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and to identify its pre- and peri-operative predictive factors of good clinical results. METHODS: A multi-center prospective study followed up 188 patients, who had a healed tendon after an arthroscopic repair of isolated supraspinatus tear. Inclusion criteria were: age under 70 years old, isolated supraspinatus tear, stage 0 or I of fatty infiltration, healed supraspinatus tendon at one year postoperatively and the same arthroscopic double row rotator cuff repair used in all patients. Clinical assessment used Constant Murley Score (CMS) and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) preoperatively and at one year postoperatively. Ultrasound (US) control checked tendon repair quality based on Sugaya classification. Types I-II-III were considered as healed. RESULTS: The average age of our cohort was 57.57 (range; 41 to 70) years and the female to male ratio was 1.14 (range; 100 to 87). The average preoperative CMS was 53.75±13.50 (mean±SD; range; 16 to 83). At final follow up, the average postoperative CMS was 79.95±12.05 (mean±SD; range; 28 to 100). 12.22% (23/188) of patients, who had a CMS score below 70, had a clinically significant difference compared to the average CMS, due to the fact that the minimal clinically significant difference (MCID) in CMS is 10. A statistical analysis has shown that in patients with lower scores there was only a significant dominance of females (p-value=0.001). No difference was found in regards to age, preoperative CMS, fatty degeneration and other factors. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that despite all patients had a healed repair of supraspinatus, not all of them experienced a good final clinical outcome. The only factor negatively influencing the final clinical outcome was a female gender. No other structural factors seemed to influence the final clinical results. Futures studies should focus more on analyzing which personality traits and other psychosocial factors play an important role in determining the final outcome after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; retrospective cohort study.

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder in under-50 year-olds: A multicenter retrospective study of 273 shoulders by the French Society for Shoulder and Elbow (SOFEC).

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the shoulder in under-50 year-olds is rare, and treatment is delicate. Shoulder replacement incurs frequent long-term risk of progression and a high revision rate, making it unsuited to young active patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the epidemiology of shoulder OA in under-50 year-olds and to assess the clinical results of the various treatment options. HYPOTHESIS: The main study hypothesis was that well-conducted non-operative treatment can allow shoulder replacement to be postponed. The secondary hypothesis was that anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is the treatment of choice when other options fail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study included primary (POA) and post-instability osteoarthritis (PIOA) in patients aged≤50years at symptom onset. Exclusion criteria comprised post-traumatic OA, rheumatoid arthritis and necrosis. Two hundred and sixty-six patients for 273 shoulders were included from 13 shoulder surgery centers: 2 types of non-operative treatment (28 by platelet-rich plasma [PRP] and 88 by viscosupplementation), 73 arthroscopies, and 150 implantations (62 humeral hemiarthroplasties [HA], comprising 10 hemi-metal, 24 hemi-pyrocarbon and 28 hemi-resurfacing; 77 anatomic total prostheses, and 11 reverse prostheses). Minimum follow-up was 12 months for non-operative treatment and 24 months for arthroplasty (some patients having both). Endpoints comprised Constant score, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) and number of complications/revision procedures. RESULTS: Mean age at treatment was 43 years (range, 23-65 years), with 75% male predominance. Symptom onset was earlier in PIOA than in POA: 36 vs. 39 years (range, 20-50 years). PRP and viscosupplementation postponed implantation by a mean 3.5 years in 86% of cases, as did arthroscopy in 56%. ER1 restriction was the most negative factor. At 74 months' follow-up for HA and 95 months for TSA, mean Constant score was significantly lower for HA (56 vs. 67; p=0.004), with higher rates of complications (31% vs. 11%) and implant exchange (13% vs. 9%). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: PRP, viscosupplementation and arthroscopy allow implantation to be postponed until the shoulder becomes stiff and painful. In case of failure, TSA is the most effective solution in the medium-term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV a; therapeutic study - investigating the results of treatment.

Glenoid Cartilage Lesions Compromise Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Posterior Shoulder Instability.

BACKGROUND: Posterior shoulder instability is associated with nonspecific symptoms, including pain, subluxation, and functional impairment, which complicate its diagnosis and management. Owing to the rarity of the condition, there are no present decision tools for its diagnosis and treatment. PURPOSE: To investigate demographic, lesional, and surgical factors that influence functional outcomes in patients treated for posterior shoulder instability. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical and radiographic records of 150 patients treated surgically for isolated posterior shoulder instability at 10 centers between 2000 and 2015, of which 144 were eligible for inclusion: 114 men (79%) and 30 women (21%) (mean ± SD age, 28.7 ± 9.6 years). The mean time between onset of symptoms and surgery was 66 ± 75 months. Shoulder instability was of traumatic origin in 115 patients (80%). The primary treatment was bone-block procedures for 65 patients (45%), posterior Bankart repair for 67 (47%), and capsular plication for 12 (8%). Patients were assessed with the Constant and Walch-Duplay scores at a mean follow-up of 51 ± 32 months (range, 12-159 months). Uni- and multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine associations between clinical scores and sex, age, traumatic origin, type of lesion, type of procedure, and follow-up. RESULTS: At final follow-up, subluxations or dislocations recurred in 24 patients (17%). The overall Constant score was 86.2 ± 14.5, with a pain component of 12.6 ± 3.5. The Walch-Duplay score was 79.8 ± 24.2. Multivariable regressions revealed that the presence of a glenoid cartilage lesion was the only factor associated with worse Constant score (beta = -10; P = .013) and Walch-Duplay score (beta = -16.7; P = .024) across all subcomponents. CONCLUSION: The only factor that jeopardized functional outcomes of posterior instability surgery was the presence of glenoid cartilage lesions. Knowing that shoulders with glenoid cartilage lesions are at greater risk of residual pain or instability could help manage patient expectation and justify faster intervention before lesions deteriorate.

Increased T2 signal intensity in the distal clavicle does not justify acromioclavicular resection arthroplasty during rotator cuff repair.

INTRODUCTION: Acromioclavicular (AC) arthropathy can contribute to shoulder pain; it can be treated surgically by distal clavicle resection (DCR). The aim of this study was to determine whether increased T2 signal intensity in the clavicle on MRI is an argument in favour of AC resection arthroplasty by DCR during rotator cuff repair. METHODS: The MRI images from 107 shoulders in 107 patients were analysed. We looked for statistical relationships and correlations between shoulders with T2 hyperintensity (HI+) and those without (HI-) before surgery and then in shoulders with T2 hyperintensity (HI+) that underwent AC resection arthroplasty (AC+) and those who did not (AC-). RESULTS: On MRI, T2 hyperintensity in the AC joint was correlated with sex (more often found in men) and radiological signs of AC arthropathy. There was no statistical correlation before surgery, particularly with AC pain, or after surgery, with outcomes in shoulders undergoing DCR. CONCLUSION: When repairing rotator cuff tears, the presence of T2 hyperintensity on MRI in the distal clavicle is not a predictor of better clinical outcomes after AC resection arthroplasty is done. The AC pain may be related to the rotator cuff tear instead. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prospective randomised study.

Benefits of distal clavicle resection during rotator cuff repair: Prospective randomized single-blind study.

INTRODUCTION: Rotator cuff tears often occur in combination with acromioclavicular (AC) arthropathy. But it can be difficult to separate pain caused by the rotator cuff tear from pain caused by the AC joint, despite clinical and other examinations. Distal clavicle resection (DCR) is increasingly being done at the same time as arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcomes 1 year after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between patients who simultaneously undergo DCR and patients who do not. The primary hypothesis was that DCR improves the clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, single-blind study of 200 patients who underwent isolated supraspinatus repair using the same technique. The patients were randomized into two groups: 97 patients who also underwent DCR and 103 patients who did not. The patients were followed until 1 year postoperative according to a standardized radiological and clinical review protocol. RESULTS: At 1 year postoperative, all the clinical outcomes were worse in the DCR group, although only external rotation with elbow at side (53° vs. 59°, p=0.04) and the SSV (86.5 vs. 90.1, p=0.04) were statistically different. Overall shoulder pain was higher in the DCR group during the first 3 months postoperative (p=0.04). At 1 year, the DCR group had more residual pain; this pain was mainly located on the superior side of the shoulder (p=0.03), especially when more than 11 mm was resected (p=0.01). More of the shoulders in the DCR group had failures in rotator cuff healing based on ultrasonography (p=0.5). CONCLUSION: Our hypothesis was not confirmed. We do not recommend doing routine DCR with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, prospective randomized simple blind study.

Is conventional radiography still relevant for evaluating the acromioclavicular joint?

INTRODUCTION: Conventional radiography using an anteroposterior view of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the gold standard for evaluating arthritic degeneration. OBJECTIVE: Based on a standardised AP view of the AC joint, the objective of this study was to determine whether this radiographic view is reliable and reproducible for evaluating the AC joint space. METHODS: A cadaver scapula-clavicle unit, free of osteoarthritis, was used for this study. The scapula was positioned in a stand; and then with fluoroscopy guidance, a strict AP view of the AC joint was taken. Starting from this "0" position, a radiograph was taken by varying the angle by 5°, 10°, and 15° in every plane in space. All radiographs were taken during a single session to ensure the distance between the X-ray tube and scapula did not change. The images were then exported to OsiriX for processing; the superior and inferior AC distance and the joint area were measured. RESULTS: There was no reproducibility in the AC joint measurements as a function of the incidence angle relative to a strict AP view. CONCLUSION: Conventional radiography using an AP view of the AC joint cannot be used to do a fine analysis of arthritic degeneration of this joint. It is likely that only CT scan or MRI is sufficient to analyse osteoarthritis in this joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, basic science study.