Arthroscopic Simulation-Based Training of Orthopaedic Surgery Residents: Past, Present, and Future.

Simulation-based training is required by many medical specialties. Barriers, however, have prevented widespread implementation of simulators for arthroscopic training. The advantages of arthroscopic simulator-based training of residents include decreased errors, decreased cost of training, and improved patient care. Before an educational program can focus on the type of simulator, it is essential to have a validated curriculum and framework for how to use those simulators. One of the most validated systems is called proficiency-based progression training. Proficiency-based progression is essentially a paradigm in which basic skills must be mastered and demonstrated via objective evaluation, before moving on to more advanced skills. There are a variety of different validation methods and tools that have been described, with the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool being the most widely used tool. It is essential that any simulator has evidence and validation that it will ultimately improve surgical skills in the operating room. In the future, emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and three-dimensional printing will likely play a major role in the creation of newer simulators and may improve access to residents throughout the world.

The Scapula: The Greater Masquerader of Shoulder Pathologies.

A comprehensive review of scapular pathologies and their effect on shoulder function is necessary to determine the best treatment options. The coordinated motion between the scapulothoracic and glenohumeral joints is essential for shoulder motion and depends on the balanced activity of the periscapular muscles. Disruption in these muscles can cause abnormal scapular motion and compensatory glenohumeral movements, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Scapular pathologies can arise from muscle overactivity or underactivity/paralysis, resulting in a range of scapulothoracic abnormal motion (STAM). STAM can lead to various glenohumeral pathologies, including instability, impingement, or nerve compression. It is important to highlight the critical periscapular muscles involved in scapulohumeral rhythm (such as the upper, middle, and lower trapezius; rhomboid major and minor; serratus anterior; levator scapulae; and pectoralis minor). A discussion of the different etiologies of STAM should include examples of muscle dysfunction, such as overactivity of the pectoralis minor, underactivity or paralysis of the serratus anterior or trapezius muscles, and dyskinesis resulting from compensatory mechanisms in patients with recurrent glenohumeral instability due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The evaluation and workup of STAM has shown that patients typically present with radiating shoulder pain, especially in the posterior aspect of the shoulder and scapula, and limitations in active shoulder overhead motion associated with glenohumeral pain, instability, or rotator cuff pathologies.

Scapular Dyskinesia: How to Differentiate Between Etiologies.

It is important to discuss the importance of synchronous balance between periscapular muscles for scapulothoracic motion and resultant scapulohumeral rhythm. Abnormalities in this balance can lead to scapular dyskinesia and winging, affecting shoulder motion and leading to impingement. Strategies exist to diagnose and differentiate between pathologies such as muscle paralysis (eg, trapezius or serratus anterior) or overactivity (eg, pectoralis minor). The physician should be aware of the role of diagnostic imaging, as well as the unique considerations for patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Overall, a comprehensive physical examination to accurately diagnose and treat scapular pathologies is particularly important.

Trends and outcomes of outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty after its removal from CMS's inpatient-only list.

BACKGROUND: In January 2021, the US Medicare program approved reimbursement of outpatient total shoulder arthroplasties (TSA), including anatomic and reverse TSAs. It remains unclear whether shifting TSAs from the inpatient to outpatient setting has affected clinical outcomes. Herein, we describe the rate of outpatient TSA growth and compare inpatient and outpatient TSA complications, readmissions, and mortality. METHODS: Medicare fee-for-service claims for 2019-2022Q1 were analyzed to identify the trends in outpatient TSAs and to compare 90-day postoperative complications, all-cause hospital readmissions, and mortality between outpatients and inpatients. Outpatient cases were defined as those discharged on the same day of the surgery. To reduce the COVID-19 pandemic's impact and selection bias, we excluded 2020Q2-Q4 data and used propensity scores to match 2021-2022Q1 outpatients with inpatients from the same period (the primary analysis) and from 2019-2020Q1 (the secondary analysis), respectively. We performed both propensity score-matched and -weighted multivariate analyses to compare outcomes between the two groups. Covariates included sociodemographics, preoperative diagnosis, comorbid conditions, the Hierarchical Condition Category risk score, prior year hospital/skilled nursing home admissions, annual surgeon volume, and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Nationally, the proportion of outpatient TSAs increased from 3% (619) in 2019Q1 to 22% (3456) in 2021Q1 and 38% (6778) in 2022Q1. A total of 55,166 cases were identified for the primary analysis (14,540 outpatients and 40,576 inpatients). Overall, glenohumeral osteoarthritis was the most common indication for surgery (70.8%), followed by rotator cuff pathology (14.6%). The unadjusted rates of complications (1.3 vs 2.4%, P < .001), readmissions (3.7 vs 6.1%, P < .001), and mortality (0.2 vs 0.4%, P = .024) were significantly lower among outpatient TSAs than inpatient TSAs. Using 1:1 nearest matching, 12,703 patient pairs were identified. Propensity score-matched multivariate analyses showed similar rates of postoperative complications, hospital readmissions, and mortality between outpatients and inpatients. Propensity score-weighted multivariate analyses resulted in similar conclusions. The secondary analysis showed a lower hospital readmission rate in outpatients (odds ratio: 0.8, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: There has been accelerated growth in outpatient TSAs since 2019. Outpatient and inpatient TSAs have similar rates of postoperative complication, hospital readmission, and mortality.

Racial and Gender Disparities in Utilization of Outpatient Total Shoulder Arthroplasties.

BACKGROUND: Utilization in outpatient total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs) has increased significantly in recent years. It remains largely unknown whether utilization of outpatient TSA differs across gender and racial groups. This study aimed to quantify racial and gender disparities both nationally and by geographic regions. METHODS: 168,504 TSAs were identified using Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) inpatient and outpatient claims data and beneficiary enrollment data from 2020 to 2022Q4. The percentage of outpatient cases, defined as cases discharged on the same day of surgery, was evaluated by racial and gender groups and by different census divisions. A multivariate logistics regression model controlling for patient socio-demographic information (white vs. non-white race, age, gender, and dual eligibility for both Medicare and Medicaid), hierarchical condition category (HCC) score, hospital characteristics, year fixed effects, and patient residency state fixed effects was performed. RESULTS: The TSA volume per 1000 beneficiaries was 2.3 for the White population compared to 0.8, 0.6 and 0.3 for the Black, Hispanic, and Asian population, respectively. A higher percentage of outpatient TSAs were in White patients (25.6%) compared to Black patients (20.4%) (p < 0.001). The Black TSA patients were also younger, more likely to be female, more likely to be dually eligible for Medicaid, and had higher HCC risk scores. After controlling for patient socio-demographic characteristics and hospital characteristics, the odds of receiving outpatient TSAs were 30% less for Black than the White group (OR 0.70). Variations were observed across different census divisions with South Atlantic (0.67, p < 0.01), East North Central (0.56, p < 0.001), and Middle Atlantic (0.36, p < 0.01) being the four regions observed with significant racial disparities. Statistically significant gender disparities were also found nationally and across regions, with an overall odds ratio of 0.75 (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Statistically significant racial and gender disparities were found nationally in outpatient TSAs, with Black patients having 30% (p < 0.001) fewer odds of receiving outpatient TSAs than white patients, and female patients with 25% (p < 0.001) fewer odds than male patients. Racial and gender disparities continue to be an issue for shoulder arthroplasties after the adoption of outpatient TSAs.

A Preoperative Risk Assessment Tool for Predicting Adverse Outcomes among Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Patients.

BACKGROUND: With the increased utilization of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) in the outpatient setting, understanding the risk factors associated with complications and hospital readmissions becomes a more significant consideration. Prior developed assessment metrics in the literature either consisted of hard-to-implement tools or relied on postoperative data to guide decision-making. This study aimed to develop a preoperative risk assessment tool to help predict the risk of hospital readmission and other postoperative adverse outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the 2019-2022(Q2) Medicare fee-for-service inpatient and outpatient claims data to identify primary anatomic or reserve TSAs and to predict postoperative adverse outcomes within 90 days post-discharge, including all-cause hospital readmissions, postoperative complications, emergency room visits, and mortality. We screened 108 candidate predictors, including demographics, social determinants of health, TSA indications, prior 12-month hospital and skilled nursing home admissions, comorbidities measured by hierarchical conditional categories, and prior orthopedic device-related complications. We used two approaches to reduce the number of predictors based on 80% of the data: 1) the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) logistic regression and 2) the machine-learning-based cross-validation approach, with the resulting predictor sets being assessed in the remaining 20% of the data. A scoring system was created based on the final regression models' coefficients, and score cutoff points were determined for low, medium, and high-risk patients. RESULTS: A total of 208,634 TSA cases were included. There was a 6.8% hospital readmission rate with 11.2% of cases having at least one postoperative adverse outcome. Fifteen covariates were identified for predicting hospital readmission with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.70, and 16 were selected to predict any adverse postoperative outcome (AUC=0.75). The LASSO and machine learning approaches had similar performance. Advanced age and a history of fracture due to orthopedic devices are among the top predictors of hospital readmissions and other adverse outcomes. The score range for hospital readmission and an adverse postoperative outcome was 0 to 48 and 0 to 79, respectively. The cutoff points for the low, medium, and high-risk categories are 0-9, 10-14, ≥15 for hospital readmissions, and 0-11, 12-16, ≥17 for the composite outcome. CONCLUSION: Based on Medicare fee-for-service claims data, this study presents a preoperative risk stratification tool to assess hospital readmission or adverse surgical outcomes following TSA. Further investigation is warranted to validate these tools in a variety of diverse demographic settings and improve their predictive performance.

Higher Surgeon Volume is Associated With a Lower Rate of Subsequent Revision Procedures After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A National Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies assessing the relationship between surgeon volume and outcomes have shown mixed results, depending on the specific procedure analyzed. This volume relationship has not been well studied in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), but it should be, because this procedure is common, expensive, and potentially morbid. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We performed this study to assess the association between increasing surgeon volume and decreasing rate of revision at 2 years for (1) anatomic TSA (aTSA) and (2) reverse TSA (rTSA) in the United States. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we used Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) fee-for-service inpatient and outpatient data from 2015 to 2021 to study the association between annual surgeon aTSA and rTSA volume and 2-year revision shoulder procedures after the initial surgery. The CMS database was chosen for this study because it is a national sample and can be used to follow patients over time. We included patients with Diagnosis-related Group code 483 and Current Procedural Terminology code 23472 for TSA (these codes include both aTSA and rTSA). We used International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, procedural codes. Patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty for fracture (10% [17,524 of 173,242]) were excluded. We studied the variables associated with the subsequent procedure rate through a generalized linear model, controlling for confounders such as patient age, comorbidity risk score, surgeon and hospital volume, surgeon graduation year, hospital size and teaching status, assuming a binomial distribution with the dependent variable being whether an episode had at least one subsequent procedure within 2 years. The regression was fitted with standard errors clustered at the hospital level, combining all TSAs and within the aTSA and rTSA groups, respectively. Hospital and surgeon yearly volumes were calculated by including all TSAs, primary procedure and subsequent, during the study period. Other hospital-level and surgeon-level characteristics were obtained through public files from the CMS. The CMS Hierarchical Condition Category risk score was controlled because it is a measure reflecting the expected future health costs for each patient based on the patient's demographics and chronic illnesses. We then converted regression coefficients to the percentage change in the odds of having a subsequent procedure. RESULTS: After controlling for confounding variables including patient age, comorbidity risk score, surgeon and hospital volume, surgeon graduation year, and hospital size and teaching status, we found that an annual surgeon volume of ≥ 10 aTSAs was associated with a 27% decreased odds of revision within 2 years (95% confidence interval 13% to 39%; p < 0.001), while surgeon volume of ≥ 29 aTSAs was associated with a 33% decreased odds of revision within 2 years (95% CI 18% to 45%; p < 0.001) compared with a volume of fewer than four aTSAs per year. Annual surgeon volume of ≥ 29 rTSAs was associated with a 26% decreased odds of revision within 2 years (95% CI 9% to 39%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Surgeons should consider modalities such as virtual planning software, templating, or enhanced surgeon training to aid lower-volume surgeons who perform aTSA and rTSA. More research is needed to assess the value of these modalities and their relationship with the rates of subsequent revision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Early postoperative recovery comparisons of superior capsule reconstruction to tendon transfers.

BACKGROUND: The management of massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears is controversial, with no gold standard. Two recently developed techniques that have shown promising initial results include arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and tendon transfers (latissimus or lower trapezius). However, there remains a scarcity of studies examining each procedure's early postoperative clinical outcomes individually or in comparison to each other. The purpose of this study is to compare the early postoperative recovery outcomes of tendon transfers (TTs) to SCR. METHODS: Using the surgical outcomes system global database (Arthrex Inc.), we assessed the postoperative recovery outcomes for all patients who had outcomes recorded at least 6 months after SCR or TT. The time points analyzed included preoperative and postoperative (2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years). The outcomes analyzed included pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score, VR-12 physical, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). RESULTS: Overall, 163 patients underwent SCR and 24 arthroscopically assisted TT. The mean age for SCR and TT was 60 and 56 years, respectively. Postoperative recovery curves demonstrate that both procedures produced improved outcomes at each postoperative time point compared to preoperative. The pain and functional outcomes measures, including VAS, ASES, SANE, and VR-12 physical, were comparable for TT and SCRs, with similar recovery curves between the 2 techniques. Ultimately at 2 years postoperatively, there were no significant differences between the 2 techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the early outcomes associated with arthroscopic treatment of massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears demonstrated that the arthroscopically assisted tendon transfers and arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction had similar pain and functional outcomes throughout the 2-year postoperative recovery period. Overall, the process of recovery appears equivalent between the 2 techniques. Future studies are needed to assess the outcomes of each technique and specific indications in an attempt to delineate an algorithm for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Surgeon idiosyncrasy is a key driver of cost in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a time-driven activity-based costing analysis.

BACKGROUND: Delivering high-value orthopedic care requires optimizing value, defined as health outcomes achieved per dollar spent. Published literature is stippled with inaccurate proxies for cost, including negotiated reimbursement rates, fees paid, or listed prices. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) offers a more robust and accurate approach to calculating cost, including shoulder care. In the present study, we sought to determine the drivers of total cost in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (aRCR) using TDABC. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing aRCR at multiple sites associated with a large urban health care system between January 2019 and September 2021 were identified. Total cost was determined using TDABC methodology. The episode of care was defined by 3 phases: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. Patient, procedure, rotator cuff tear morphology, and surgeon characteristics were collected. Bivariate analysis was performed across all characteristics between high-cost (top decile) and all other aRCRs. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify the key cost drivers. RESULTS: In total, 625 aRCRs performed by 24 orthopedic surgeons and 572 aRCRs performed by 13 orthopedic surgeons were included in the bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses, respectively. By TDABC analysis, total aRCR cost varied 6-fold (5.9×) from least to most costly. Intraoperative costs accounted for 91% of average total cost, followed by preoperative costs and postoperative costs (6% and 3%, respectively). Biologic adjuncts (regression coefficient [RC] 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.58, P < .001) and surgeon idiosyncrasy (RC of highest-cost surgeon 0.50, 95% CI 0.26-0.73, P < .001) were the major cost drivers in aRCR. Patient age, comorbidities, number of rotator cuff tendons torn, and revision surgery were not significantly associated with total cost. The amount of tendon retraction (RC 0.0012, 95% CI 0.000020-0.0024, P = .046), average Goutallier grade (RC 0.029, 95% CI 0.0086-0.049, P = .005), and the number of anchors used (RC 0.039, 95% CI 0.032-0.046, P < .001) were also significantly associated with cost, but with far smaller effect sizes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Episode of care costs vary nearly 6-fold in aRCR and are almost exclusively dictated by the intraoperative phase. Tear morphology and repair technique contribute to cost, although the largest cost drivers of aRCR are the use of biologic adjuncts and surgeon idiosyncrasy, defined as something a surgeon does or does not do that impacts total cost and is not controlled for in the current analysis. Future work should seek to better delineate what these surgeon idiosyncrasies may represent.

Postoperative recovery comparisons of arthroscopic Bankart to open Latarjet for the treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability is a disabling pathology that can be successfully treated by arthroscopic Bankart repair or open Latarjet. However, there is a paucity of studies comparing the postoperative recovery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the postoperative pain and functional recovery following arthroscopic Bankart versus open Latarjet. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective outcomes registry database. Postoperative recovery outcomes of either a primary or revision arthroscopic Bankart and open Latarjet procedures were compared. A minimum of 1-year follow-up was required. Outcomes measures included pain visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) function score, ASES index score, and single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE) score. Overall, 787 patients underwent primary arthroscopic Bankart, 36 underwent revision arthroscopic Bankart and 75 underwent an open Latarjet procedure. RESULTS: When compared to primary arthroscopic Bankart, open Latarjet demonstrated significantly lower VAS scores at 6 weeks (p = 0.03), 3 months (p = 0.01), and 2 years (p < 0.05). Medium-term outcomes for ASES scores and SANE score, at 1 and 2 years showed no difference. Latarjet demonstrated significantly lower (p < 0.05) preoperative early postoperative VAS pain scores with no difference at 1 year or 2 years when compared to primary Bankart. There was no difference in ASES function or index between Bankart and Latarjet. Revision Bankart provided inferior outcomes for VAS, ASES function, and ASES index when compared to primary Bankart and Latarjet at 1 year and 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Primary arthroscopic Bankart repair and open Latarjet provided nearly equivalent improvements in pain (VAS) and functional outcomes (ASES, SANE, VR-12) during the early recovery phase (2 years). This study supports the use of either procedure in the primary treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability. Revision arthroscopic Bankart repair demonstrated deteriorating outcomes at 1 and 2 years postoperatively.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on shoulder arthroplasty: surgical trends and postoperative care pathway analysis.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 triggered disruption in the conventional care pathways for many orthopedic procedures. The current study aims to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on shoulder arthroplasty hospital surgical volume, trends in surgical case distribution, length of hospitalization, posthospital disposition, and 30-day readmission rates. METHODS: This study queried all Medicare (100% sample) fee-for-service beneficiaries who underwent a shoulder arthroplasty procedure (Diagnosis-Related Group code 483, Current Procedural Terminology code 23472) from January 1, 2019, to December 18, 2020. Fracture cases were separated from nonfracture cases, which were further subdivided into anatomic or reverse arthroplasty. Volume per 1000 Medicare beneficiaries was calculated from April to December 2020 and compared to the same months in 2019. Length of stay (LOS), discharged-home rate, and 30-day readmission for the same period were obtained. The yearly difference adjusted for age, sex, race (white vs. nonwhite), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hierarchical Condition Category risk score, month fixed effects, and Core-Based Statistical Area fixed effects, with standard errors clustered at the provider level, was calculated using a multivariate analysis (P < .05). RESULTS: A total of 49,412 and 41,554 total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) cases were observed April through December for 2019 and 2020, respectively. There was an overall decrease in shoulder arthroplasty volume per 1000 Medicare beneficiaries by 14% (19% reduction in anatomic TSA, 13% reduction in reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and 3% reduction in fracture cases). LOS for all shoulder arthroplasty cases decreased by 16% (-0.27 days, P < .001) when adjusted for confounders. There was a 5% increase in the discharged-home rate (88.0% to 92.7%, P < .001), which was most prominent in fracture cases, with a 20% increase in discharged-home cases (65.0% to 73.4%, P < .001). There was no significant change in 30-day hospital readmission rates overall (P = .20) or when broken down by individual procedures. CONCLUSIONS: There was an overall decrease in shoulder arthroplasty volume per 1000 Medicare beneficiaries by 14% during the COVID-19 pandemic. A decrease in LOS and increase in the discharged-home rates was also observed with no significant change in 30-day hospital readmission, indicating that a shift toward an outpatient surgical model can be performed safely and efficiently and has the potential to provide value.

Needle Diagnostic Arthroscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Shoulder Have Comparable Accuracy With Surgical Arthroscopy: A Prospective Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To examine the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of a minimally invasive needle arthroscopy device and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with diagnostic arthroscopy, the gold standard in diagnosing intra-articular shoulder pathologies. METHODS: This was a prospective, blinded clinical trial over 6 months on 50 patients with shoulder pathology requiring arthroscopy. Patients were eligible if they had an MRI and consented for surgical arthroscopy. Patients were excluded if they didn't consent. Each underwent a clinical evaluation, MRI, needle arthroscopy, and surgical arthroscopy. Videos and images were blindly reviewed postoperatively. Analysis included sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value, Cohen's kappa agreement coefficient, and the McNemar test. RESULTS: Needle arthroscopy had similar accuracy to MRI in diagnosing intra-articular shoulder pathologies when both were compared with the gold standard of diagnostic arthroscopy. It had high specificities and PPV for certain rotator cuff tears, biceps pathology, and anterior labral tears. When compared with the gold standard, specificity of needle arthroscopy for diagnosing rotator cuff tear and cartilage lesions was 1.00 and 0.97 and 0.72 and 0.86 for MRIs, respectively. Sensitivity of needle arthroscopy for rotator cuff and cartilage lesions was 0.89 and 0.74, respectively, lower than MRI. For most intra-articular pathologies, needle arthroscopy was at least equally accurate to MRI at diagnosing intra-articular shoulder pathologies, with similar or high kappa statistics when correlated with surgical arthroscopic findings. CONCLUSIONS: Needle arthroscopy is a promising diagnostic modality for intra-articular shoulder pathologies. It had comparable accuracy with MRI for diagnosing articular cartilage, labrum, rotator cuff, and biceps pathology. Across all pathologies, needle arthroscopy had better ability to "rule in" a diagnosis (high specificities and PPV), but slightly worse ability to "rule out" a diagnosis (lower sensitivities and negative predictive value) compared with MRI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Development of diagnostic criteria on consecutive patients (with universally applied reference "gold" standard).

Isolated type II SLAP tears undergo reoperation more frequently.

PURPOSE: There is discrepancy in the reported reoperation rate and factors associated with reoperation after type II SLAP repair. The aim was to determine the incidence and factors associated with unplanned reoperation and repair failure after type II SLAP repair. METHODS: Five-hundred and thiry-nine patients with SLAP repairs were identified from 2005 to 2016. Patient characteristics were recorded and subgroup analyses performed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with unplanned reoperation and SLAP repair failure. RESULTS: Sixty-six of 539 patients (12%) had unplanned reoperation after SLAP repair. Additional procedures during SLAP repair were associated with fewer unplanned reoperations (OR 0.57; P = 0.046). Age < 40 was associated with unplanned reoperation (55% vs 40%; P = 0.032), but this was not an independent association. Forty-five of 539 patients (8.3%) had SLAP repair failure (defined by repeat SLAP repair or biceps tenodesis/tenotomy). Smoking (OR 3.1; P = 0.004) and knotless suture anchors (OR 3.4; P = 0.007) were associated with SLAP repair failure. Isolated SLAP repair was associated with SLAP repair failure (64% vs 46%; P = 0.020), but this was not an independent association. In those who did not have an isolated SLAP repair, knotless suture anchors (19% vs 3.4%; P = 0.024) were associated with repair failure. CONCLUSION: After type II SLAP repair, roughly 1 in 10 patients may undergo reoperation. Isolated SLAP repair is independently associated with unplanned reoperation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Does computerized CT-based 3D planning of the humeral head cut help to restore the anatomy of the proximal humerus after stemless total shoulder arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Restoration of proximal humeral anatomy (RPHA) after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has been shown to result in better clinical outcomes than is the case in nonanatomic humeral reconstruction. Preoperative virtual planning has mainly focused on glenoid component placement. Such planning also has the potential to improve anatomic positioning of the humeral head by more accurately guiding the humeral head cut and aid in the selection of anatomic humeral component sizing. It was hypothesized that the use of preoperative 3-dimensional (3D) planning helps to reliably achieve RPHA after stemless TSA. METHODS: One hundred consecutive stemless TSA (67 males, 51 right shoulder, mean age of 62 ±9.4 years) were radiographically assessed using pre- and postoperative standardized anteroposterior radiographs. The RPHA was measured with the so-called circle method described by Youderian et al. We measured deviation from the premorbid center of rotation (COR), and more than 3 mm was considered as minimal clinically important difference. Additionally, pre- and postoperative humeral head diameter (HHD), head-neck angle (HNA), and humeral head height (HHH) were measured to assess additional geometrical risk factors for poor RPHA. RESULTS: The mean distance from of the premorbid to the implanted head COR was 4.3 ± 3.1 mm. Thirty-five shoulders (35%) showed a deviation of less than 3 mm (mean 1.9 ±1.1) and 65 shoulders (65%) a deviation of ≥3 mm (mean 8.0 ± 3.7). Overstuffing was the main reason for poor RPHA (88%). The level of the humeral head cut was responsible for overstuffing in 46 of the 57 overstuffed cases. The preoperative HHD, HHH, and HNA were significantly larger, higher, and more in valgus angulation in the group with accurate RPHA compared with the group with poor RPHA (HHD of 61.1 mm ± 4.4 vs. 55.9 ± 6.6, P < .001; HHH 8.6±2.2 vs. 7.6±2.6, P = .026; and varus angulation of 134.7° ±6.4° vs. 131.0° ±7.91, P = .010). CONCLUSION: Restoration of proximal humeral anatomy after stemless TSA using computed tomography (CT)-based 3D planning was not precise. A poorly performed humeral head cut was the main reason for overstuffing, which was seen in 88% of the cases with inaccurate RPHA. Preoperative small HHD, low HHH, and varus-angulated HNA are risk factors for poor RPHA after stemless TSA.

Variation in the value of total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in maximizing value for patients undergoing discretionary orthopedic surgery but little data to guide improvement efforts. Integrating patient-reported outcomes with time-driven activity-based costing, we explored patient-level variation in the value of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and characterized factors that contribute to this variation. METHODS: Using our institutional registry, we identified 239 patients undergoing elective primary TSA (anatomic or reverse) between 2016-2017 with minimum 2-year follow-up. We calculated value as 2-year postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) scores divided by hospitalization time-driven activity-based costs. This number was multiplied by a constant to set the minimum value of TSA to 100. Multivariable linear regression modeling was performed to characterize factors underlying variation in value. RESULTS: The value of shoulder arthroplasty ranged from 100 to 680, resulting in a variation of 580%. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty was associated with decreased value (79-point decrease vs. anatomic arthroplasty; P < .001; partial R2 = 0.089), as were prior ipsilateral shoulder surgery (38-point decrease; P = .002; partial R2 = 0.031), more self-reported allergies (4-point decrease per 1-unit increase; P = .029; partial R2 = 0.015), diabetes (33-point decrease; P = .045; partial R2 = 0.013), and lower preoperative ASES score (0.7-point increase per 1-unit increase; P = .045; partial R2 = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: We observed wide variation in the value of shoulder arthroplasty that was most strongly associated with procedure type and certain preoperative characteristics (eg, prior shoulder surgery, number of self-reported allergies, diabetes, ASES score). Awareness of these associations is important for implementation of targeted strategies to effectively reduce variation and redirect resources toward higher-value, cost-conscious care.

Predicting reoperation after operative treatment of proximal humerus fractures.

PURPOSE: The current understanding of the factors associated with a second surgery or loss of alignment after operative treatment of a proximal humerus fracture has relied on small sample studies with stepwise regression analysis. In this study, we used a powerful regression analysis over a large sample and with many variables to test the null hypothesis that there are no factors associated with a revision surgery or loss of alignment after operative treatment of proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of all surgically treated proximal humerus fractures from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2015, was performed at a tertiary level hospital. We extracted longitudinal medical records for all patients, and the data were organized into two categories of predictors: fracture/operative characteristics and patient characteristics. RESULTS: During the study period, 423 patients met the inclusion criteria. Three hundred and fourteen of the fractures underwent Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) and 109 underwent Hemiarthroplasty. Thirty-three patients underwent revision surgery (8%). Seventy-nine patients treated with ORIF had loss of alignment (25%). Across the entire cohort, the least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) analysis found that patients between 40 and 60 years of age had a higher odds of revision surgery (OR = 1.6). In patients treated with ORIF, the LASSO regression found an unreduced calcar to be the strongest predictor of loss of alignment (OR = 5.5), followed by osteoporosis (OR = 1.3), prior radiation treatment (OR = 1.3), unreduced greater tuberosity (OR = 1.2) and age over 80 years (OR = 1.2). CONCLUSION: Reoperation after proximal humerus surgery is infrequent even though loss of alignment is common. In our cohort, not all patients who had a loss of alignment underwent revision surgery; consequently, obtaining the best possible reduction at the index surgery is paramount.

Capsular release following total shoulder arthroplasty: an analysis of early outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to analyze the outcomes of open and arthroscopic capsular release following total shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Over 15 years, 19 patients experienced persistent shoulder stiffness after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty refractory to nonoperative treatment, requiring either open (n = 5) or arthroscopic (n = 14) capsular release. There were seven (39%) patients who had a prior diagnosis of stiffness before the primary arthroplasty. RESULTS: At a follow-up of 2.3 years (1-5.5), there were changes in range of motion, including forward flexion (77°-117°), abduction (49°-98°), external rotation (9°-19°), internal rotation at 0° (Sacrum to L1), and pain (4.1-2.3) scores (p < 0.01). There were seven (37%) patients that required a reoperation following the initial capsular release. The survival-free of reoperation at 2 and 5 years was 76% and 53%, respectively, while the survival-free of revision surgery at 2 and 5 years was 83%. Furthermore, three (16%) patients required a repeat capsular release. Overall, there were 11 (58%) complications, including stiffness (n = 9), infection (n = 1), subscapularis rupture (n = 2), glenoid loosening (n = 3), and pain with weakness requiring reoperation (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder stiffness after total shoulder arthroplasty is a very difficult pathology to treat, with high rates of complications and reoperations after capsular release. Overall, in patients that do not develop glenoid loosening, capsular release does improve the patient's pain and shoulder motion. Furthermore, when patients develop stiffness, it is critical to rule out other etiologies, such as glenoid loosening, prior to proceeding with capsular release. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Retrospective case series.

Vault perforation after eccentric glenoid reaming for deformity correction in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The management of glenoid deformity during anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty remains controversial. In this study, we evaluate variable correction of glenoid deformity by eccentric reaming. We hypothesize that partial correction of modified Walch B/C-type glenoid deformities can achieve 75% bone-implant contact area (BICA) with a reduced vault perforation risk compared with complete correction. METHODS: Fifty shoulder computed tomographic scans with glenohumeral osteoarthritis were retrospectively evaluated. The Tornier BluePrint v2.1.5 software simulated 3 eccentric reaming scenarios including no, partial, and complete deformity correction. Each scenario was evaluated at 4 BICAs and using 3 implant fixation types. Three-dimensional surface representations were used to evaluate medialization and vault perforation. RESULTS: The patients had mean glenoid retroversion and inclination of 18.5° and 8.8°, respectively, and mean posterior humeral head subluxation of 76%. With 75% BICA, the 3 fixation types had glenoid vault perforation in 6%-26% and 26%-54% of cases for partial and complete glenoid deformity correction, respectively. The central and posterior-inferior implant components were most likely to perforate across all scenarios. DISCUSSION: Eccentric reaming for glenoid deformity correction increases the risk of vault perforation. Severe glenoid deformity required increased medialization to achieve 75% BICA. Pegged implants have increased chances of perforation compared with a keeled design; the central and posterior-inferior components were most likely to perforate during deformity correction. CONCLUSION: Partial deformity correction of modified Walch B/C-type glenoid deformities can achieve 75% BICA while reducing the risk of vault perforation compared with complete correction at the time of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty.

The impact of workers' compensation on recovery after biceps tenodesis.

BACKGROUND: There remains a paucity of studies examining the impact of workers' compensation (WC) on a variety of outcomes after biceps tenodesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative recovery curves after biceps tenodesis in patients with and without WC claims. METHODS: Using the Surgical Outcomes System database, we assessed the postoperative recovery outcomes of all patients who had outcomes recorded at least 6 months after isolated biceps tenodesis for the treatment of a diagnosis of biceps tendinitis, stratified by WC status. The outcomes analyzed included visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, VR-12 (Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey) mental and physical, Simple Shoulder Test, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores. RESULTS: Overall, 139 patients with WC claims underwent isolated biceps tenodesis vs. 786 patients without WC claims. Demographic characteristics and comorbidities were similar in the 2 groups. Patients without WC claims had significantly improved visual analog scale, VR-12, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and Simple Shoulder Test scores at all times points after 3 months and 1 year compared with patients with WC claims. CONCLUSIONS: On analysis of patients' recovery after isolated biceps tenodesis, WC claims led to significantly worse pain and functional outcomes at every time point of analysis (3, 6, 12, and 24 months). Furthermore, patients with WC claims had worse preoperative-to-postoperative improvements in most outcomes. This information can be used to educate surgeons and patients on postoperative expectations, as well as to perform analyses focused on health economics, value, and policy.

Superior capsule reconstruction using dermal allograft: early outcomes and survival.

BACKGROUND: Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) has shown promising outcomes in its initial description, but lacks additional reports analyzing outcomes. This study analyzes early outcomes of SCRs in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all SCRs at our institution from January 1, 2015, to August 31, 2017, was performed with a minimum 6-months follow-up. A total of 34 patients were included with a mean age of 60 years. SCR was performed by 1 of 6 fellowship trained surgeons. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 12 months, 22 patients were identified as failures after modified Neer classification. Furthermore, 8 of these patients have undergone a reoperation, whereas an additional 14 patients were considered clinical failures experiencing continued pain and a lack of shoulder function. Of note, 2 of the 3 patients with a subscapularis tear had a failure. In addition, revision cases, female gender, increased fatty infiltration in the infraspinatus and low surgeon volume were associated with a higher rate of failure. There was no significant improvement in range of motion or functional scores. CONCLUSION: SCR performed for large-to-massive irreparable rotator cuff tears has a high rate of persistent pain and poor function leading to clinical failure in 65% of patients. Risk factors predicting clinical failure included revision cases, female gender, increased Goutallier fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus, and low surgeon volume (n ≤ 10).