Isokinetic Strength and Balance Analyses for Predicting Return to Sports After the Latarjet Procedure: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Isokinetic torque in shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) can be considered as potential indicators for dynamic stability of the glenohumeral joint. PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of 4-month isokinetic testing in predicting the 6-month return-to-sports (RTS) status after Latarjet surgery, explore its correlations with testing parameters, and identify optimal thresholds to ensure a safe RTS. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: The study assessed athletes who underwent the Latarjet stabilization procedure between January 2022 and June 2023. The primary outcome was RTS at 6 months after surgery. The primary examined predictors were isokinetic testing metrics at 4 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes comprised the modified Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (mCKCUEST) and several patient-reported outcome measures, including the Walch-Duplay score, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), and the Shoulder Instability-Return to Sports after Injury scale. To assess the predictors, patients were divided into those who returned to any level of sports compared with those who did not return to sports. The correlation between isokinetic testing results and other outcome scores was also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients (mean age, 27.43 ± 9.09 years) were included in the study. Of these, 23.61% did not return to sports, 38.89% returned at a lower level, and 37.50% returned to the same level. Significant rotational strength disparities were noted. Patients who did not return to sports at 6 months demonstrated inferior strength in concentric ER at 60 deg/s, concentric ER at 240 deg/s, concentric IR at 240 deg/s, and eccentric IR at 30 deg/s (P < .05). Similar trends appeared for all studied patient-reported outcome measures and the mCKCUEST (P < .05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis emphasized the significance of isokinetic testing in concentric ER at 240 deg/s (area under the curve = 0.759; P = .001; cutoff = 0.32 N·m/kg; sensitivity = 100.0%; specificity = 49.1%) and eccentric ER at 30 deg/s (area under the curve = 0.760; P = .001; cutoff = 0.51 N·m/kg; sensitivity = 94.1%; specificity = 49.1%) for RTS prediction. Additionally, ER strength moderately correlated with the Walch-Duplay score across all examined velocities (r = 0.26-0.34; P < .05). The modified WOSI score was weakly linked to ER strength at 240 deg/s and 30 deg/s (r = 0.24-0.25; P < .05) as well as moderately linked to the limb symmetry index in ER at 60 deg/s and 30 deg/s (r = 0.30-0.38; P < .05). CONCLUSION: Isokinetic testing can act as an independent predictor of successful RTS after Latarjet surgery, with concentric ER at 240 deg/s, concentric IR at 240 deg/s, eccentric ER at 30 deg/s, and eccentric IR at 30 deg/s showing the most accuracy. Strength recovery in ER was associated with better Walch-Duplay and modified WOSI scores.

Post-traumatic Coracoclavicular Ligament Ossification: A Case Report and Surgical Technique.

CASE: A patient presented with complete coracoclavicular ligament ossification after an unnoticed acromioclavicular joint Rockwood Type IV dislocation. He had full passive range of motion in the glenohumeral joint but was disabled by a loss of both active (80°) and passive (90°) abduction due to insufficient passive scapulo-thoracic motion. He was treated with an arthroscopic osteotomy of the coracoclavicular ligament ossification. CONCLUSION: One year after the surgery, active abduction was improved by 45° (80°-125°) with no recurrence of the ossification on the radiographs. Arthroscopic osteotomy of complete coracoclavicular ligament ossification seems effective in restoring abduction in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Tendon transfers in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review and descriptive synthesis of biomechanical studies.

BACKGROUND: The role of tendon transfer and ideal insertion sites to improve axial rotation in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is debated. We systematically reviewed the available biomechanical evidence to elucidate the ideal tendon transfer and insertion sites for restoration of external and internal rotation in the setting of RTSA and the influence of implant lateralization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We queried the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to identify biomechanical studies examining the application of tendon transfer to augment shoulder external or internal rotation range of motion in the setting of concomitant RTSA. A descriptive synthesis of six included articles was conducted to elucidate trends in the literature. RESULTS: Biomechanics literature demonstrates that increasing humeral-sided lateralization optimized tendon transfers performed for both ER and IR. The optimal latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer site for ER is posterior to the greater tuberosity (adjacent to the teres minor insertion); however, LD transfer to this site results in greater tendon excursion compared to posterodistal insertion site. In a small series with nearly 7-year mean follow-up, the LD transfer demonstrated longevity with all 10 shoulders having>50% ER strength compared to the contralateral native shoulder and a negative Hornblower's at latest follow-up; however, reduced electromyography activity of the transferred LD compared to the native contralateral side was noted. One study found that transfer of the pectoralis major has the greatest potential to restore IR in the setting of lateralized humerus RTSA. CONCLUSION: To restore ER, LD transfer posterior on the greater tuberosity provides optimal biomechanics with functional longevity. The pectoralis major has the greatest potential to restore IR. Future clinical investigation applying the biomechanical principles summarized herein is needed to substantiate the role of tendon transfer in the modern era of lateralized RTSA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; systematic review.

A scapular statistical shape model can reliably predict premorbid glenoid morphology in conditions of severe glenoid bone loss.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of premorbid glenoid parameters at the time of shoulder arthroplasty, such as inclination, version, joint line position, height, and width, can assist with implant selection, implant positioning, metal augment sizing, and/or bone graft dimensions. The objective of this study was to validate a scapular statistical shape model (SSM) in predicting patient-specific glenoid morphology in scapulae with clinically relevant glenoid erosion patterns. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of 30 healthy scapulae were obtained and used as the control group. Each scapula was then virtually eroded to create 7 erosion patterns (Walch A1, A2, B2, B3, D, Favard E2, and E3). This resulted in 210 uniquely eroded glenoid models, forming the eroded glenoid group. A scapular SSM, created from a different database of 85 healthy scapulae, was then applied to each eroded scapula to predict the premorbid glenoid morphology. The premorbid glenoid inclination, version, height, width, radius of best-fit sphere, and glenoid joint line position were automatically calculated for each of the 210 eroded glenoids. The mean values for all outcome variables were compared across all erosion types between the healthy, eroded, and SSM-predicted groups using a 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: The SSM was able to predict the mean premorbid glenoid parameters of the eroded glenoids with a mean absolute difference of 3° ± 2° for inclination, 3° ± 2° for version, 2 ± 1 mm for glenoid height, 2 ± 1 mm for glenoid width, 5 ± 4 mm for radius of best-fit sphere, and 1 ± 1 mm for glenoid joint line. The mean SSM-predicted values for inclination, version, height, width, and radius were not significantly different than the control group (P > .05). DISCUSSION: An SSM has been developed that can reliably predict premorbid glenoid morphology and glenoid indices in patients with common glenoid erosion patterns. This technology can serve as a useful template to visually represent the premorbid healthy glenoid in patients with severe glenoid bony erosions. Knowledge of the premorbid glenoid preoperatively can assist with implant selection, positioning, and sizing.

Single-stage revision for total shoulder arthroplasty infection. Results at a minimum 2 years follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Similar to the management of periprosthetic joint infections of the lower limb, one-stage revision in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) infections is an option that has been highlighted in scientific publications since the early 2010s. However, there are only a few studies which validate this treatment and determine its scope of application in relation to two-stage treatment. HYPOTHESIS: Single-stage revision for infected TSA is a reliable treatment allowing good infection control and satisfactory functional results. METHODS: This single-center retrospective series of 34 consecutive patients operated on between 2014 and 2020 for a one-stage prosthetic revision was evaluated at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. All of the patients included underwent revision shoulder arthroplasty during this period with the diagnosis of infection confirmed by microbiological analysis of surgical samples. Patients who did not benefit from a bipolar revision were excluded. All patients were followed at least 2 years after the intervention. Clinically suspected recurrence of infection was confirmed by a periprosthetic sample under radiographic guidance. Functional clinical outcomes as well as mechanical complications were also reported. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 40.4 months (24-102±21.6). A septic recurrence was observed in three patients (8.8%). A mechanical complication was present in four patients (14.7%), and three (11.8%) required at least one surgical revision. The mean Constant-Murley score at the last follow-up was 49 (42-57±21.83). DISCUSSION: Single-stage revision for shoulder periprosthetic joint infection results in a success rate of 91.2% with satisfactory functional results after more than 2 years of follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study.

Insertion sites of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer performed during reverse shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with concurrent latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) is a potential treatment option for restoration of external rotation (ER). Biomechanical studies have emphasized the importance of the insertion site location for achieving optimal outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to describe what insertion sites for LDT are utilized during concomitant RSA and their associated clinical outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed per PRISMA guidelines. We queried PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to identify articles reporting on patients who received RSA with LDT to restore ER and specified the site of tendon transfer insertion on the humerus. We first describe reported insertion sites in the literature. Secondarily, we present preoperative and postoperative range of motion and Constant score for different insertion sites as well as reported complications. RESULTS: Sixteen studies, analyzed as 19 separate cohorts (by insertion site and tendon-transfer), reporting on 264 RSAs with LDT (weighted mean age 66 years, follow-up 39 months, 61% female) were evaluated. Of these, 143 (54%) included a concomitant teres major transfer (LDT/TMT) and 121 (46%) were LDT-only. Fourteen cohorts (14/19, 74%) reported insertion at the posterolateral aspect of the greater tuberosity, four cohorts (4/19, 21%) reported insertion site at the lateral bicipital groove, and one cohort (1/19, 5%) reported separate LDT and TMT with insertion of the TMT to the posterolateral aspect of the greater tuberosity and LDT to the lateral bicipital groove. Meta-analysis revealed no differences in range of motion or Constant score based on humeral insertion site or whether the LDT was transferred alone or with TMT. Leading complications included dislocation, followed by infection and neuropraxia. No discernible correlation was observed between postoperative outcomes and the strategies employed for tendon transfer, prosthesis design, or subscapularis management. CONCLUSION: The posterolateral aspect of the greater tuberosity was the most-utilized insertion site for LDT performed with RSA. However, in the current clinical literature, LDT with or without concomitant TMT result in similar postoperative ROM and Constant score regardless of insertion site. Analysis of various proposed transfer sites reinforce the ability of LDT with RSA to restore both FE and ER in patients with preoperative active elevation and external rotation loss. Meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in range of motion and Constant score regardless of humeral insertion site or whether the LDT was transferred alone or with TMT, although future studies are needed to determine whether an ideal tendon transfer technique exists. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Are glenoid retroversion, humeral subluxation, and Walch classification associated with a muscle imbalance?

BACKGROUND: The etiology of humeral posterior subluxation remains unknown, and it has been hypothesized that horizontal muscle imbalance could cause this condition. The objective of this study was to compare the ratio of anterior-to-posterior rotator cuff and deltoid muscle volume as a function of humeral subluxation and glenoid morphology when analyzed as a continuous variable in arthritic shoulders. METHODS: In total, 333 computed tomography scans of shoulders (273 arthritic shoulders and 60 healthy controls) were included in this study and were segmented automatically. For each muscle, the volume of muscle fibers without intramuscular fat was measured. The ratio between the volume of the subscapularis and the volume of the infraspinatus plus teres minor (AP ratio) and the ratio between the anterior and posterior deltoids (APdeltoid) were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed to determine whether a correlation could be found between these ratios and glenoid version, humeral subluxation, and/or glenoid type per the Walch classification. RESULTS: Within the arthritic cohort, no statistically significant difference in the AP ratio was found between type A glenoids (1.09 ± 0.22) and type B glenoids (1.03 ± 0.16, P = .09), type D glenoids (1.12 ± 0.27, P = .77), or type C glenoids (1.10 ± 0.19, P > .999). No correlation was found between the AP ratio and glenoid version (ρ = -0.0360, P = .55) or humeral subluxation (ρ = 0.076, P = .21). The APdeltoid ratio of type A glenoids (0.48 ± 0.15) was significantly greater than that of type B glenoids (0.35 ± 0.16, P < .01) and type C glenoids (0.21 ± 0.10, P < .01) but was not significantly different from that of type D glenoids (0.64 ± 0.34, P > .999). When evaluating both healthy control and arthritic shoulders, moderate correlations were found between the APdeltoid ratio and both glenoid version (ρ = 0.55, P < .01) and humeral subluxation (ρ = -0.61, P < .01). CONCLUSION: This in vitro study supports the use of software for fully automated 3-dimensional reconstruction of the 4 rotator cuff muscles and the deltoid. Compared with previous 2-dimensional computed tomography scan studies, our study did not find any correlation between the anteroposterior muscle volume ratio and glenoid parameters in arthritic shoulders. However, once deformity occurred, the observed APdeltoid ratio was lower with type B and C glenoids. These findings suggest that rotator cuff muscle imbalance may not be the precipitating etiology for the posterior humeral subluxation and secondary posterior glenoid erosion characteristic of Walch type B glenoids.

Premorbid glenoid anatomy reconstruction from contralateral shoulder 3-dimensional measurements: a computed tomography scan analysis of 260 shoulders.

BACKGROUND: Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) aims to reconstruct the premorbid anatomy of a pathologic shoulder. A healthy contralateral shoulder could be useful as a template in planning TSA. The symmetry between the left and right shoulders in healthy patients remains to be proved. The purpose of this study was to compare the 3-dimensional anatomy of the glenoid between sides in a healthy population. METHODS: A multinational computed tomography scan database was retrospectively reviewed for all healthy bilateral shoulders in patients aged between 18 and 50 years. One hundred thirty pairs of healthy shoulder computed tomography scans were analyzed, and glenoid version, inclination, width, and height, as well as glenoid lateral offset and scapula lateral offset, were measured. All anatomic measures were computed with Blueprint, validated 3-dimensional planning software. The intraclass correlation coefficient was determined for each measure between left and right shoulders. The minimal detectable change (MDC) was calculated using the following formula: MDC=2×1.96×Standarderrorofmeasurement. RESULTS: The comparison between 130 pairs of healthy scapulae showed statistically significant differences in absolute values between right and left glenoid version (-5.3° vs. -4.6°, P < .01), inclination (8.4° vs. 9.3°, P < .01), and width (25.6 mm vs. 25.4 mm, P < .01), as well as scapula offset (105.8 mm vs. 106.2 mm, P < .01). Glenoid height was comparable between right and left shoulders (33.3 mm vs. 33.3 mm, P = .9). The differences between the means were always inferior to the MDC regarding glenoid version, inclination, height, and width, as well as scapula offset. Very strong intraclass correlation coefficients between the left and right shoulders were found for all evaluated paired measures. CONCLUSION: Healthy contralateral scapulae are highly reliable to predict inclination, height, width, and scapula offset and are reliable to predict version of a given scapula. Paired right and left scapulae were not statistically symmetrical regarding mean glenoid version, inclination, and width, as well as scapula offset. Nevertheless, the reported differences were not higher than the MDC for this cohort, confirming that healthy contralateral shoulders can be a useful template in TSA preoperative planning.

Full arthroscopic vs. arthroscopically assisted posterosuperior latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for shoulders with failed and irreparable rotator cuff repair: matched case-control study.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes and complication rates of full arthroscopic latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) vs. arthroscopically assisted LDTT, for the treatment of irreparable posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears (mRCTs) in shoulders that had failed rotator cuff repair (RCR). METHODS: We evaluated a continuous series of 191 patients who underwent LDTT over 4 consecutive years. A total of 107 patients did not have previous shoulder surgery, leaving 84 patients who had prior surgical procedures. All procedures performed over the first 2 years were arthroscopically assisted (n = 48), whereas all procedures performed over the last 2 years were full arthroscopic (n = 36). We noted all complications, as well as clinical scores and range of motion at ≥24 months. To enable direct comparison between the 2 techniques, propensity score matching was used to obtain 2 groups with equivalent age, sex, and follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with the 48 patients who underwent arthroscopically assisted LDTT, the 36 patients who underwent full arthroscopic LDTT had comparable complications (13% vs. 11%) and conversions to RSA (8.3% vs. 5.6%). Propensity score matching resulted in 2 groups, each comprising 31 patients, which had similar outcomes in terms of clinical scores (except mobility component of Constant score, which was better following fully arthroscopic LDTT; P = .037) and range of motion at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. CONCLUSION: At a minimum follow-up of 24 months, for the treatment of irreparable posterosuperior mRCTs in shoulders that had surgical antecedents, full arthroscopic LDTT had significantly better mobility component of the Constant score than arthroscopically assisted LDTT, although there were no significant differences in the other clinical or functional outcomes. Arthroscopically assisted LDTT and full arthroscopic LDTT had comparable rates of complications (8.3% vs. 13%) and conversion to RSA (5.6% vs. 8.3%).

Revision rotator cuff repair: can a Sugaya III tendon considered to be healed or not.

BACKGROUND: Sugaya et al described a classification system to assess postoperative rotator cuff tendon healing. Although Sugaya I and II tendons can be considered as healed and Sugaya type IV and V can be considered as retorn, the exact status of Sugaya III tendons remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of Sugaya III tendons on postoperative functional scores in a population of patients undergoing revision rotator cuff repair. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the records of all patients who underwent revision rotator cuff repair in one of 12 different institutions between July 2001 and December 2020. A total of 203 shoulders were included (59% males, mean age: 51 ± 8 years old, mean follow-up 11.5 years [range: 2-28.8 yr]). Fifty-four patients (61% males, mean age 52 ± 6 years old, mean follow-up 14.1 years [range: 10.4-28.8 yr]) had a follow-up ≥10 years (mean 14.1 years [range: 10.4-28.8 yr]) and were included in a long-term follow-up subgroup analysis. Structural integrity of the repaired tendon was evaluated on magnetic resonance imaging at last follow-up. Functional scores, acromiohumeral index (AHI), and progression of fatty infiltration and of osteoarthritis were compared according to Sugaya type. RESULTS: Mean Constant score and mean strength were significantly higher in Sugaya I and II tendons than in Sugaya III (P = .021 and .003) and Sugaya IV and V tendons (P = .07 and .038), but did not differ between Sugaya III and Sugaya IV and V tendons. Mean Subjective Shoulder Value, pain, AHI were significantly higher and fatty infiltration and progression in the Hamada classification were significantly lower in Sugaya I and II tendons and in Sugaya III than in Sugaya IV and V tendons (P < .05), but did not differ between Sugaya I and II and Sugaya III tendons. Similar characteristics could also be observed in the long-term follow-up subgroup. CONCLUSION: Sugaya III tendons after revision rotator cuff repair do not allow restoration of strength thereby impacting the Constant score. However, there seems to be a protective effect of Sugaya III tendons with regard to pain, progression of proximal migration of the humeral head, osteoarthritis, and fatty infiltration, which seems to last at long-term follow-up.

Long-term results of revision rotator cuff repair for failed cuff repair: a minimum 10-year follow-up study.

HYPOTHESIS: Rotator cuff repair remains associated with high retear rates, which range from 13% to 79%. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and structural results after revision rotator cuff repair at a minimum 10-year follow-up. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the records of all patients who underwent revision rotator cuff repair in 3 different institutions between July 2001 and December 2007 with a minimum 10-year follow-up. A total of 54 patients (61% males, mean age 52 ± 6 years old) met the inclusion criteria. Outcome measures included pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), range of motion (ROM), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and the Constant score. Superior migration, osteoarthritis, and acromiohumeral interval (AHI) were assessed on standard radiographs. Fatty infiltration and structural integrity of the repaired tendon were evaluated on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomographic arthrogram. RESULTS: At a mean 14.1 years (10.4-20.5), range of motion did not progress significantly in elevation and internal rotation between pre- and postoperation (158° [range, 100°-180°] to 164° [range, 60°-180°], P = .33, and L3 [range, sacrum-T12] to T12 [range, buttocks-T7], P = .34, respectively) and decreased in active external rotation from 45° (range, 10°-80°) to 39° (range, 10°-80°) (P = .02). However, VAS, SSV, and Constant score were all significantly improved at last follow-up (P < .001). AHI decreased significantly (P = .002) from 10 mm (7-14 mm) to 8 mm (0-12 mm). Two percent of the supraspinatus/infraspinatus tendons were Sugaya 1, 24% were Sugaya 2, 35% were Sugaya 3, 12% were Sugaya 4, and 27% were Sugaya 5. Goutallier score progressed for all muscles, but this did not reach significance and mean Goutallier remained <2 for all 4 muscles at last follow-up. Hamada score progressed from 0% >grade 2 preoperatively to 6% >grade 2 at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Revision rotator cuff repair provides significant pain relief and improvement in functional scores at long-term follow-up. The mild progression of fatty infiltration, AHI, and Hamada score suggests that despite high retear rates (39% of stage 4 and 5 in the Sugaya classification), revision repair could possibly have a protective role on the evolution toward cuff tear arthropathy.

Are glenoid retroversion, humeral subluxation and Walch classification associated with a muscle imbalance.

INTRODUCTION: The etiology of humeral posterior subluxation remains unknown, and it has been hypothesized that horizontal muscle imbalance could cause this condition. The objective of this study was to compare the ratio of anterior to posterior rotator cuff muscle and deltoid volumes as a function of humeral subluxation and glenoid morphology when analyzed as continuous variable in arthritic shoulders. METHODS: Three hundred and thirty-three (273 arthritic and 60 healthy controls) CT scans of shoulders were included in this study and were segmented automatically. For each muscle, the volume of muscle fibers without intra-muscular fat was then measured. The ratio between the volume of the subscapularis and the volume of the infraspinatus + teres minor (AP ratio) and the ratio between the anterior and posterior deltoid (APdeltoid) were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed to determine whether a correlation could be found between these ratios and glenoid version/ humeral subluxation/glenoid type in the Walch classification. RESULTS: Within the arthritic cohort, no statistically significant difference was found between the AP ratio between A and type B glenoids (1.09 ± 0.22 versus 1.03 ± 0.16 p=0.09), between A and D type glenoids (1.09 ± 0.22 versus 1.12 ± 0.27, p=0.77) nor between the A and C type glenoids (1.09 ± 0.22 versus 1.10 ± 0.19, p=1). No correlation was found between AP ratio and glenoid version/humeral subluxation (rho =-0.0360, p=0.55; rho = 0.076; p=0.21). The APdeltoid ratio of type A glenoids was significantly greater than that of type B glenoids (0.48 ± 0.15 versus 0.35 ± 0.16, p< 0.01), and type C glenoids (0.48 ± 0.15 versus 0.21±0.10, p < 0.01) but not significantly different from the APdeltoid ratio of type D glenoids (0.48 ± 0.15 versus 0.64 ± 0.34, p=1). When evaluating both healthy control and arthritic shoulders, moderate correlations were found between APdeltoid ratio and glenoid version/humeral subluxation (rho=0.55, p<0.01; rho=-0.61, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: As opposed to previous two-dimensional CT scan studies, we did not find any correlation between AP muscle volume ratio and glenoid parameters in arthritic shoulders. Therefore, rotator cuff muscle imbalance does not seem to be associated with posterior humeral subluxation leading to posterior glenoid erosion and subsequent retroversion characteristic of Walch B glenoids. However, our results could suggest that a larger posterior deltoid pulls the humerus posteriorly into posterior subluxation, but this requires further evaluation as the deltoid follows the humerus possibly leading to secondary asymmetry between the anterior and the posterior deltoid.

Patients with poor early clinical outcomes after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty have sustained poor performance at 2 years from surgery.

PURPOSE: We sought to define the risk of persistent shoulder dysfunction after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) beyond the early postoperative period and identify risk factors for persistent poor performance. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 144 primary aTSAs performed for primary osteoarthritis with early poor performance and 2-year minimum follow-up. Early poor performance was defined as a postoperative ASES score below the 20th percentile at 3- or 6-months (62 and 72 points, respectively). Persistent poor performance at 2 years was defined as failing to achieve the patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) [ASES = 81.7 points]. RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, 51% (n = 74) of patients with early poor performance at either 3- or 6-month follow-up had persistent poor performance. There was no difference in the rate of persistent poor performance if patients were poor performers at the 3-, 6-month follow-up, or both (50% vs. 49% vs. 56%, P = .795). Of aTSAs achieving the PASS at 2-year follow-up, a greater proportion exceeded the minimal clinically important differences (MCID) [Forward elevation, external rotation, and all outcome scores] and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) [external rotation and all outcome scores] compared to persistent poor performers. However, over half of persistent poor performers still exceeded the MCID for all outcome measures (56-85%). Independent predictors of persistent poor performance were hypertension (2.61 [1.01-6.72], P = .044) and diabetes (5.14 [1.00-26.4], P = .039). CONCLUSION: Over half of aTSAs with an ASES score < 20th percentile at early follow-up had continued poor shoulder function at 2-years postoperatively. Persistent poor performance was best projected by preoperative hypertension and diabetes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison using Large Database; Treatment Study.

The association between humeral lengthening and clinical outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between humeral lengthening and clinical outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with stratification based on measurement method and implant design. METHODS: This systematic review was performed using PRISMA-P guidelines. PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Trials, and Embase were queried for articles evaluating the relationship between humeral lengthening and clinical outcomes inclusive of range of motion (ROM), strength, outcome scores, and pertinent complications (acromial and scapular spine fractures, nerve injury) after RSA. The relationship between humeral lengthening and clinical outcomes was reported descriptively overall and stratified by measurement method and implant design (globally medialized vs. lateralized). A positive association was defined as increased humeral lengthening being associated with greater ROM, outcome scores, or a greater incidence of complications, whereas a negative association denoted that increased humeral lengthening was associated with poorer ROM, outcome scores, or a lower incidence of complications. Meta-analysis was performed to compare humeral lengthening between patients with and without fractures of the acromion or scapular spine. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were included. Humeral lengthening was assessed as the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), the distance from the acromion to the greater tuberosity (AGT), the acromion to the deltoid tuberosity (ADT), and the acromion to the distal humerus (ADH). Of 11 studies that assessed forward elevation, a positive association with humeral lengthening was found in 6, a negative association was found in 1, and 4 studies reported no association. Of studies assessing internal rotation (n = 9), external rotation (n = 7), and abduction (n = 4), all either identified a positive or lack of association with humeral lengthening. Studies assessing outcome scores (n = 11) found either a positive (n = 5) or no (n = 6) association with humeral lengthening. Of the studies that assessed fractures of the acromion and/or scapular spine (n = 6), 2 identified a positive association with humeral lengthening, 1 identified a negative association, and 3 identified no association. The single study that assessed the incidence of nerve injury identified a positive association with humeral lengthening. Meta-analysis was possible for AGT (n = 2) and AHD (n = 2); greater humeral lengthening was found in patients with fractures for studies using the AGT (mean difference 4.5 mm, 95% CI 0.7-8.3) but not the AHD. Limited study inclusion and heterogeneity prohibited identification of trends based on method of measuring humeral lengthening and implant design. CONCLUSION: The relationship between humeral lengthening and clinical outcomes after RSA remains unclear and requires future investigation using a standardized assessment method.

Matched Cohort Study Comparing Arthroscopic-Assisted Versus Full-Arthroscopic Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer for Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.

Background: Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) is increasingly performed with arthroscopic assistance, requiring an open axillary incision, which could increase risks of infection, hematoma, and lymphoedema. Technological advancements now enable LDTT to be fully arthroscopic, but its benefits and safety have not yet been confirmed. Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes and complication rates of arthroscopic-assisted versus full-arthroscopic LDTT for irreparable posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears in shoulders with no surgical antecedents. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The study included 90 patients who had undergone LDTT over 4 consecutive years by the same surgeon and did not have prior surgery. During the first 2 study years, all procedures were arthroscopically assisted (n = 52), while during the last 2 years, all procedures were fully arthroscopic (n = 38). Procedure duration and all complications were recorded, as well as clinical scores and range of motion at minimum 24-month follow-up. To enable direct comparison between the techniques, propensity score matching was used to obtain 2 groups with equivalent age, sex, and follow-up. Results: From the initial cohort of 52 patients who underwent arthroscopic-assisted LDTT, 8 had complications (15.4%), of which 3 (5.7%) required conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty and 2 (3.8%) required drainage or lavage. From the initial cohort of 38 patients who had full-arthroscopic LDTT, 5 had complications (13.2%), of which 2 (5.2%) required conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty but no patients (0%) required other procedures. Propensity score matching resulted in 2 groups, each comprising 31 patients, with similar outcomes in terms of clinical scores and range of motion. The procedure time was about 18 minutes shorter for full-arthroscopic LDTT, which had different complications (2 axillary nerve pareses) as compared with arthroscopic-assisted LDTT (1 hematoma and 2 infections). Conclusion: Equivalent outcomes at minimum 24-month follow-up were found for arthroscopic-assisted and full-arthroscopic LDTT in terms of complications rates (15.4% and 13.2%, respectively), conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (5.7% and 5.2%), clinical scores, and range of motion.

Scapulothoracic Fusion Using Multiple Suture Tape Cerclage.

ABSTRACT: Scapulothoracic arthrodesis has been proposed for the treatment of painful scapular winging in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. It was introduced to improve shoulder function. Several methods of fixation have been proposed to obtain the union of the scapula to the ribs. These include plates, screws, cables, or wires with or without bone grafting. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the surgical technique of scapulothoracic arthrodesis using plate and cerclage suture tapes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, treatment study (case series).

Clinical outcomes of anatomic vs. reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in primary osteoarthritis with preoperative rotational stiffness and an intact rotator cuff: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) has begun to challenge the place of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) as a primary procedure for certain indications. One purported benefit of aTSA is improved postoperative range of motion (ROM) compared to rTSA especially in internal rotation; however, it is unclear whether aTSA can provide patients with significant preoperative stiffness superior ROM compared to rTSA. Our purpose was to compare clinical outcomes of aTSA and rTSA performed in stiff vs. non-stiff shoulders for rotator cuff intact (RCI) glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA). METHODS: A retrospective review of an international shoulder arthroplasty database identified 1608 aTSAs and 600 rTSAs performed for RCI GHOA with minimum 2-year follow-up. Defining preoperative stiffness as ≤ 0° of passive external rotation (ER), we matched: (1) stiff aTSAs (n = 257) 1:3 to non-stiff aTSAs, (2) stiff rTSAs (n = 87) 1:3 to non-stiff rTSAs, and (3) stiff rTSAs (n = 87) 1:1 to stiff aTSAs. We compared ROM, outcome scores, and the rate of complications and revision surgery at latest follow-up. RESULTS: Despite stiff aTSAs having poorer preoperative ROM and functional outcome scores for all measures assessed (P < .001 for all), only poorer postoperative active abduction (113 ± 27° vs. 128 ± 35°; P < .001), active ER (39 ± 18° vs. 50 ± 20°; P < .001), and passive ER (45 ± 17° vs. 56 ± 18°; P < .001) persisted postoperatively compared to the non-stiff cohort. Similarly, stiff rTSAs had poorer preoperative ROM and functional outcome scores for all measures assessed compared to non-stiff rTSAs (P ≤ .044), but only poorer active abduction (108 ± 24° vs. 128 ± 29°, P < .001), active ER (28 ± 17° vs. 42 ± 17°, P < .001), and passive ER (36 ± 15° vs. 48 ± 17°, P < .001) persisted. When comparing stiff rTSAs to matched stiff aTSAs, no significant differences in preoperative ROM or functional outcome scores were found. However, stiff aTSAs had greater postoperative active internal rotation score (4.8 ± 1.5 vs. 4.2 ± 1.7, P = .022), active ER (40 ± 19° vs. 28 ± 17°, P < .001), and passive ER (46 ± 18° vs. 36 ± 15°, P = .001). Postoperative outcome scores were similar across all matched cohort comparisons despite motion differences. The rate of complications and need for revision surgery did not differ between any group comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with RCI GHOA who have preoperative rotational stiffness have poorer postoperative ROM compared with non-stiff patients following both aTSA and rTSA, but similar functional outcome scores. Notably, preoperative limitations in passive ER do not appear to be a limitation to utilizing aTSA. Indeed, patients with limited preoperative ER treated with aTSA had greater postoperative internal rotation and ER compared to those treated with rTSA.

Anterior glenoid bone reconstruction and anterior latissimus transfer for failed Latarjet associated with irreparable subscapularis tear.

Background: Management of combined persistent anterior glenoid bone deficiency with irreparable subscapularis tear can be very complicated and challenging especially if associated with arthritis. The objective of this study was to report the outcome of combined reconstruction of the anterior glenoid with bone autograft or allograft with additional anterior latissimus transfer to reconstruct irreparable subscapularis tear with or without humeral head replacement. Methods: Nineteen patients (average age 29 years old) who underwent open anterior glenoid bone reconstruction with iliac crest bone autograft or ostechondral bone allograft (distal tibia or glenoid allograft), with anterior latissimus transfer to reconstruct irreparable subscapularis tear with or without humeral head replacement were included in this study. Outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative pain score, visual analog scale, Subjective Shoulder Value, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Constant Score. Results: Out of the 19 patients, 5 patients underwent humeral resurfacing arthroplasty. Anterior glenoid bone reconstruction was performed with iliac crest bone autograft in 8 patients, glenoid osteochondral allograft in 7 patients, and tibial plafond in 4 patients. At mean 31-month follow-up of (13-63 months), 15 patients (79%) considered their shoulder stable and were able to return to their work and 14 (74%) patients returned to their sport activity. Redislocation had occurred in 1 of the 18 shoulders (5%), subluxation had occurred in 3 patients (16%) of the shoulders and apprehension was reported for 4 patients, 21% of the operated shoulders. All outcome measures showed significant improvement compared to before surgery. No intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications were observed. Four patients (21%) had to be revised to reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Conclusion: The combination of anterior latissimus transfer, anterior glenoid bone grafting with or without humeral head resurfacing is an effective salvage surgical reconstruction that can stabilize shoulders in the setting of recurrent anterior instability after a failed Latarjet with an irreparable subscapularis tear. This could be a potential alternative reconstruction option that might be offered to patients with this difficult problem. Long-term outcome is needed to better evaluate the validity of this technique.

Higher rates of mortality and perioperative complications in patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty and a history of previous stroke.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), or strokes, are the second most common cause of mortality and third most common cause of disability worldwide. Although advances in the treatment of strokes have improved survivorship following these events, there remains a limited understanding of the effect of a prior stroke and sequelae on patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty (SA). This study aimed to determine the outcomes of patients with a history of stroke with sequela undergoing primary SA. METHODS: Over a 30-year time period (1990-2020), 205 primary SAs (32 hemiarthroplasties [HAs], 56 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties [aTSAs], and 117 reverse shoulder arthroplasties [RSAs]) were performed in patients who sustained a previous stroke with sequela and were followed for a minimum of 2 years. This cohort was matched (1:2) according to age, sex, body mass index, implant, and year of surgery with patients who had undergone HA or aTSA for osteoarthritis or RSA for cuff tear arthropathy. Mortality after primary SA was individually calculated through a cumulative incidence analysis. Implant survivorship was analyzed with a competing risk model selecting death as the competing risk. RESULTS: The stroke cohort sustained 38 (18.5%) surgical and 42 (20.5%) medical perioperative complications. Compared with the control group, the stroke cohort demonstrated higher rates of any surgical complication (18.5% vs 10.7%; P = .007), instability (6.3 % vs 1.7%; P = .002), venous thromboembolism (3.4% vs 0.5%; P = .004), pulmonary embolus (2.0% vs 0%; P = .005), postoperative stroke (2.4% vs 0%; P = .004), respiratory failure (1.0% vs 0%; P = .045), any medical complication (20.5% vs 7.3%; P < .001), and 90-day readmission (16.6% vs 4.9%; P < .001). Additionally, RSA in the stroke cohort was associated with higher reoperation (8.5% vs 2.6%; P = .011) and revision rates (6.8% vs 1.7%; P = .013) compared with the matched cohort. Subsequent cumulative incidences of death at 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years were 4.4% vs 3.4%, 10.7% vs 5.1%, 25.6% vs 14.7%, 51.6% vs 39.3%, 74.3% vs 58.6%, and 92.6% vs 58.6% between the stroke and matched cohorts, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative diagnosis of a stroke in patients undergoing primary SA is associated with higher rates of perioperative complications and mortality when compared to a matched cohort. This information should be considered to counsel patients and surgeons to optimize care and help mitigate risks associated with the perioperative period.