Pre-Draft Elbow Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Major League Baseball Pitchers.

BACKGROUND: Prior to the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft, some pitchers undergo pre-draft magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aimed to evaluate pre-draft elbow MRI on baseball pitchers who were entering the MLB draft to determine the presence or absence of pathology, the associations between these pathologies and UCL tears, and inter-observer reliability regarding common MRI pathology. METHODS: Pre-draft elbow MRI performed on prospective MLB pitchers between 2011-2017 were de-identified and then reviewed by two separate authors. The authors graded the MRI on several factors including presence or absence of: UCL ossification, UCL appearance (heterogeneous or not), UCL thickening (and location), UCL tear (partial vs. full thickness and location), muscle strain, flexor tendon tear, posteromedial osteophyte, sublime tubercle enthesophyte, and osseous stress reactions. RESULTS: Overall, 245 pre-draft elbow MRI were reviewed. MRI abnormalities were found in 70% (171/245) of pitchers. UCL thickening was found in 20% (50/245) of pitchers. Regarding UCL tears, 3% had a full thickness tear and 24% had a partial thickness tear. Of full thickness tears, 86% were distal and one was midsubstance. Of partial thickness tears, 41% (24/58) were distal, 12% (7/58) were midsubstance, and 47% (27/58) were proximal. Periligamentous edema was present in 36% of pitchers while 14% had a flexor pronator muscle strain. CONCLUSION: The majority (70%) of pitchers entering the MLB draft had abnormal findings on their MRI, most commonly involving changes to the UCL. Inter-observer reliability was acceptable following the definition of pathology when reading pre-draft elbow MRI on MLB prospects.

A Transitional Pain Management Program Is Associated with Reduced Opioid Dependence after Major Shoulder Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Over-prescription of opioids in the United States increases risks of opioid dependence, overdose, and death. Increased perioperative and postoperative opioid use during orthopedic shoulder surgery is a significant risk factor for long term opioid dependence. The authors hypothesized that a multidisciplinary perioperative pain management program (Transitional Pain Service or TPS) for major shoulder surgery would lead to a reduced amount of opioids required postoperatively. METHODS: A TPS was implemented at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center focused on non-opioid pain management and cessation support. Opioid consumption during the implementation of the TPS was compared to a historical cohort. All patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty or rotator cuff repair were included. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients continuing opioid use at 90 days postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores, time to opioid cessation, and median opioid tablets consumed at 90-days. A multivariable model was developed to predict total opioid use at 90-days postoperatively. Kaplan Meier curves were calculated for time to opioid cessation. RESULTS: The TPS group demonstrated decreased persistent opioid use at 90 days post-discharge (12.6% vs. 28.6%; p=0.018). Independent predictors associated with increased total opioid tablet prescriptions at 90 days included length of stay (ß=19.17), anxiety diagnosis (ß=37.627), and number of tablets prescribed at discharge (ß=1.353). Shoulder arthroplasty surgery (TSA) was associated with decreased 90-day opioid utilization (ß= -32.535) when compared to cuff repair (RCR). Median time to cessation was shorter in TSA (6 days) when compared with RCR (8 days). Pain scores were reduced compared to population mean by post-discharge day 2 for TSA and by post-discharge day 7 for RCR. Median number of post-discharge opioid tablets (oxycodone 5 mg) consumed under TPS management was 25 in both RCR and TSA surgery groups (180 MME). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that a TPS reduces the amount of opioid use of patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty or cuff repair at 90 days when compared with a historical control. Multivariable regression indicated that fewer opioid tablets at discharge was a modifiable factor that may aid in reducing opioid consumption and that anxiety diagnosis, increased length of stay, and cuff repair surgery were other factors independently associated with increased opioid consumption. This data will assist surgeons in counseling patients, setting narcotic use expectations, and minimizing overprescribing. Use of a similar multidisciplinary perioperative pain management program may greatly reduce opioid over prescriptions nationally.

Postoperative Revision, Complication and Economic Outcomes of Patients with Reverse or Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty at One Year: A Retrospective, United States Hospital Billing Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Data on the one-year postoperative revision, complication, and economic outcomes in a hospital setting after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are sparse. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using the Premier Healthcare Database, a hospital-billing data source, evaluated one-year postoperative revision, complication, and economic outcomes of reverse (RTSA) and anatomic (ATSA) TSA for patients who underwent the procedure from 2015 until 2021. All-cause revisits, including revision-related events (categorized as either irrigation and débridement or revision procedures and device removals) and shoulder/non-shoulder complications were collected. The incidences and costs of these revisits were evaluated. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the associations between patient characteristics and revision and complication occurrences and costs. RESULTS: Among 51,478 RTSA and 34,623 ATSA patients (mean [standard deviation (SD)] ages RTSA 71.5 [8.1] years, ATSA 66.8 [9.0] years), one-year adjusted incidences of all-cause revisits, irrigation/débridement, revision procedures/device removals, and shoulder/non-shoulder complications were RTSA: 45.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 44.6%-45.5%), 0.1% (95% CI: 0.1%-0.2%), 2.1% (95% CI: 2.0%-2.2%), and 17.8% (95% CI: 17.5%-18.1%) and ATSA: 42.3% (95% CI: 41.8%-42.9%), 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1%-0.2%), 1.9% (95% CI: 1.8%-2.1%), and 14.4% (95% CI: 14.0%-14.8%), respectively; shoulder-related complications were RTSA: 12.4% (95% CI: 12.1%-12.7%) and ATSA: 9.9% (95% CI: 9.6%-10.3%). Significant factors associated with a high risk of revisions and complications included, but were not limited to, chronic comorbidities and noncommercial insurance. Per patient, the mean (SD) total one-year hospital cost was $25,225 ($15,911) and $21,520 ($13,531) for RTSA and ATSA, respectively. Revision procedures and device removals were most costly, averaging $22,920 ($18,652) and $26,911 ($18,619) per procedure for RTSA and ATSA, respectively. Patients with revision-related events with infections had higher total hospital costs than patients without this event (RTSA: $60,887 (95% CI: $56,951-$64,823) and ATSA: $59,478 (95% CI: $52,312-$66,644)), equating to a mean difference of $36,148 with RTSA and $38,426 with ATSA. Significant factors associated with higher costs of revision-related events and complications included age, race, chronic comorbidities, and noncommercial insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 45% RTSA and 42% ATSA patients returned to the hospital, most often for shoulder/non-shoulder complications (overall 17.8% RTSA and 14.4% ATSA, and shoulder-related 12.4% RTSA and 9.9% ATSA). Revisions and device removals were most expensive ($22,920 RTSA and $26,911 ATSA). Infection complications requiring revision had the highest one-year hospital costs (∼$60,000). This study highlights the need for technologies and surgical techniques that may help reduce TSA healthcare utilization and economic burden.

Posterior Shoulder Instability, Part II-Glenoid Bone Grafting, Glenoid Osteotomy, and Rehabilitation/Return to Play-An International Expert Delphi Consensus Statement.

PURPOSE: To establish consensus statements on glenoid bone grafting, glenoid osteotomy, rehabilitation, return to play, and follow-up for posterior shoulder instability. METHODS: A consensus process on the treatment of posterior shoulder instability was conducted, with 71 shoulder/sports surgeons from 12 countries participating on the basis of their level of expertise in the field. Experts were assigned to 1 of 6 working groups defined by specific subtopics within posterior shoulder instability. Consensus was defined as achieving 80% to 89% agreement, whereas strong consensus was defined as 90% to 99% agreement, and unanimous consensus was indicated by 100% agreement with a proposed statement. RESULTS: All of the statements relating to rehabilitation, return to play, and follow-up achieved consensus. There was unanimous consensus that the following criteria should be considered: restoration of strength, range of motion, proprioception, and sport-specific skills, with a lack of symptoms. There is no minimum time point required to return to play. Collision athletes and military athletes may take longer to return because of their greater risk for recurrent instability, and more caution should be exercised in clearing them to return to play, with elite athletes potentially having different considerations in returning to play. The relative indications for revision surgery are symptomatic apprehension, multiple recurrent instability episodes, further intra-articular pathologies, hardware failure, and pain. CONCLUSIONS: The study group achieved strong or unanimous consensus on 59% of statements. Unanimous consensus was reached regarding the criteria for return to play, collision/elite athletes having different considerations in return to play, indications for revision surgery, and imaging only required as routine for those with glenoid bone grafting/osteotomies at subsequent follow-ups. There was no consensus on optimal fixation method for a glenoid bone block, the relative indications for glenoid osteotomy, whether fluoroscopy is required or if the labrum should be concomitantly repaired. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.

The effect of lateralization and distalization after Grammont-style reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between multiple radiographic measures of lateralization and distalization and clinical outcome scores after a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all RTSAs performed by the senior author between January 1, 2007, and November 1, 2017. We then evaluated the visual analog scale for pain (VAS pain), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores and complication and reoperation rates at a minimum of 2-year follow-up. We measured preoperative and postoperative (2-week) radiographs for the lateralization shoulder angle (LSA), the distalization shoulder angle (DSA), lateral humeral offset, and the distance from the glenoid to the lateral aspect of the greater tuberosity. A multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of the postoperative radiographic measurements on final patient-reported outcomes (ASES scores, SST, and VAS pain). RESULTS: The cohort included 216 shoulders from unique patients who had patient-reported outcome scores available at a minimum of 2-year follow-up (average, 4.0 ± 1.9 years) for a total follow-up rate of 70%. In the multivariable models, more lateralization (LSA) was associated with worse final ASES scores -0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.88, -0.17; P = .004), and more distalization (DSA) was associated with better final ASES scores 0.40 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.69; P = .007). More lateralization (LSA) was associated with worse final SST scores -0.06 (95% CI: -0.11, -0.003; P = .039). Finally, greater distalization (DSA) was associated with lower final VAS pain scores, ratio = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.00; P = .021). CONCLUSIONS: Greater distalization and less lateralization are associated with better function and less pain after a Grammont-style RTSA. When using a Grammont-style implant, remaining consistent with Grammont's principles of implant placement will afford better final clinical outcomes.

Hydrogen Peroxide May Reduce the Risk for Revision Surgery and Infection in Primary Shoulder Arthroplasty: Two-year Follow-up From a Prospective, Blinded, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of hydrogen peroxide to the preoperative skin preparation for primary total shoulder arthroplasty is associated with a difference in patient-reported outcomes, risk for postoperative infection, and risk for revision surgery at a minimum of 2-year follow-up. METHODS: This was a prospective, blinded, and controlled trial, which included a consecutive series of patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty. The control group underwent standard sterile skin preparation using ethyl alcohol and ChloraPrep applicators, and the peroxide group had the same preparation with the addition of hydrogen peroxide between the alcohol and ChloraPrep applications. We then compared patient-reported outcome scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score [ASES], simple shoulder test [SST], visual analog scale [VAS]), infections, and revision surgeries between the two groups at 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 61 patients included in the original study, 52 of 58 (85%) living patients agreed to participate in this study. No preoperative differences were observed between groups. No difference was observed in ASES, SST, or VAS scores at 2 years. More revision surgeries were done in the control group (7 versus 2, P = 0.268) and Cutibacterium acnes infections (2 versus 0, P = 0.168). CONCLUSION: The addition of hydrogen peroxide to the preoperative skin preparation before primary shoulder arthroplasty is safe, and additional research is warranted to investigate whether it may decrease the risk for revision surgery and postoperative C acnes infection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Comparison of 3D Computer Assisted Planning With and Without Patient Specific Instrumentation for Severe Bone Defects in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative planning is an integral aspect of managing complex deformity in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The purpose of this study was to compare the success of patient specific instrumentation (PSI) and 3D computer-assisted planning with standard instrumentation (Non-PSI) in achieving planned corrections of the glenoid among patients undergoing RSA with severe bony deformity requiring glenoid bone grafts. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed, including all patients that underwent RSA with combined bone grafting procedures (BIO-RSA or structural bone grafting) for severe glenoid deformity by a single between June 2016 and July 2023. Patients were required to have preoperative and postoperative CT scans as well as preoperative 3D planning performed for inclusion. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of 3D computer-assisted planning with or without PSI (PSI vs. Non-PSI). The corrected inclination and version were measured by two separate reviewers on preoperative and postoperative 2D CT scans and compared to their corresponding preoperative planning goals utilizing bivariate analyses. RESULTS: We identified 45 patients that met our inclusion criteria (22 PSI and 23 Non-PSI). Preoperative inclination (mean ± SD) (PSI 10.12° ± 15.86°, Non-PSI 9.43° ± 10.64°; P = 0.864) and version (PSI -18.78° ± 18.3°, Non-PSI -17.82° ± 11.49°; P = 0.835) measurements were similar between groups. No significant differences in the mean deviation (error) between the postoperative and planned inclination (PSI 5.49° ± 3.72; Non-PSI 6.91° ± 5.05; P = 0.437) and version (PSI 8.37° ± 5.7; Non-PSI 5.37° ± 4.43; P = 0.054) were found between groups. No difference in the rate of outliers (>10° error) was noted in inclination (P = 0.135) or version (P = 0.445) between groups. Greater planned version correction was correlated with greater error when PSI was utilized (PSI r = 0.519, P = 0.013; Non-PSI r = 0.362, P = 0.089). CONCLUSION: Both PSI and 3D computer-assisted planning without PSI (Non-PSI) appear to be useful techniques to achieve version and inclination correction among patients undergoing RSA with severe glenoid deformity required glenoid bone grafting with no clear superiority of one method over the other. Surgeons should be aware that when utilizing PSI, slightly greater error in achieving version goals may occur as version correction is increased.

Performance and Return to Play After Surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Professional Baseball Players: A Matched Cohort Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) remains a rare diagnosis but is being recognized as a cause of upper extremity dysfunction in professional baseball players. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to determine performance and return-to-play (RTP) outcomes in professional baseball players after surgical treatment of TOS. The hypothesis was that there would be a high RTP rate in professional baseball players after TOS surgery with no statistical differences in performance between pitchers who had TOS surgery and matched controls. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: All professional baseball players who underwent surgical treatment of TOS between 2010 and 2017 were identified using the Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System database. Demographic and performance data (before and after surgery) for each player were recorded. Performance variables were then compared between players who underwent TOS surgery and matched controls. The matching criteria were no history of previous surgeries on affected arm, age at time of surgery, throwing side, level of play (Major or Minor League Baseball), and years of experience playing professional baseball. RESULTS: Overall, 52 players underwent surgery for TOS, of whom 46 (88%) were pitchers. The type of TOS was neurogenic in 69% and venous in 29%. One player had arterial TOS. After TOS surgery, 79% of players returned to play at the same or higher level (RTSP) by 9.5 months and played ≥3 years after surgery. No differences were found in RTSP rate based on the type of TOS. No statistical difference was found in RTP rates between major and minor league players. Pitchers had a 76% RTSP, which was similar to the natural attrition for control pitchers (P = .874). After TOS surgery, pitchers saw a decline in several performance metrics, but these declines were not different from those of control pitchers, indicating that the decline in performance after TOS surgery was no faster than is seen in healthy professional pitchers as they age. CONCLUSION: The rate of RTSP after surgery for TOS in professional baseball players was 79%. There was no difference in RTP based on the type of TOS. Pitchers who underwent surgery for TOS had no significant differences in pitching performance metrics after surgery compared with matched controls.

High variability among surgeons in evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of medial ulnar collateral ligament injuries.

Hypothesis and/or Background: The incidence of elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) injuries has been increasing, leading to advances in surgical treatments. However, it is not clear that there is consensus among surgeons regarding diagnostic imaging, the indications for acute surgery and postoperative rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is evaluate surgeon variability in the presurgical, surgical, and postsurgical treatment of MUCL injuries regarding the imaging modalities used for diagnosis, indications for acute surgical treatment, and postoperative treatment recommendations for rehabilitation and return to play (RTP). Our hypothesis is that indications for acute surgical treatment will be highly variable based on MUCL tear patterns and that agreement on the time to RTP will be consistent for throwing athletes and inconsistent for nonthrowing athletes. Methods: A survey developed by 6 orthopedic surgeons with expertise in throwing athlete elbow injuries was distributed to 31 orthopedic surgeons who routinely treat MUCL injuries. The survey evaluated diagnostic and treatment topics related to MUCL injuries, and responses reaching 75% agreement were considered as high-level agreement. Results: Twenty-four surgeons responded to the survey, resulting in a 77% response rate. There is 75% or better agreement among surveyed surgeons regarding acute surgical treatment for distal full thickness tears, ulnar nerve transposition in symptomatic patients or with ulnar nerve subluxation, postoperative splinting for 1-2 weeks with initiation of rehabilitation within 2 weeks, the use of bracing after surgery and the initiation of a throwing program at 3 months after MUCL repair with internal brace by surgeons performing 20 or more MUCL surgeries per year. There were a considerable number of survey topics without high-level agreement, particularly regarding the indications for acute surgical treatment, the time to return to throwing and time RTP in both throwing and nonthrowing athletes. Discussion and/or Conclusion: The study reveals that there is agreement for the indication of acute surgical treatment of distal MUCL tears, duration of bracing after surgery, and the time to initiate physical therapy after surgery. There is not clear agreement on indications for surgical treatment for every MUCL tear pattern, RTP time for throwing, hitting and participation in nonthrowing sports.

Utility of superior augments in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (Exactech, Equinoxe GPS) without significant glenoid deformity.

BACKGROUND: Superior augment use may help avoid superior tilt while minimizing removal of inferior glenoid bone. Therefore, our goal was to compare superior augments vs. no-augment baseplates in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for patients with rotator cuff dysfunction and no significant superior glenoid erosion. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective analysis of 145 patients who underwent RSA with intraoperative navigation (Equinoxe GPS; Exactech) and 3-year follow-up (mean 32 months' follow-up, range 20-61 months) who had preoperative superior inclination less than 10° and retroversion less than 15°. Patient demographics, radiographic measurements, surgical characteristics, patient-reported outcomes at preoperative and postoperative visit closest to 3 years, and adverse events at final follow-up were obtained. Operative time, planned inclination, and planned version of the baseplate were obtained. χ2 test was used to compare categorical variables, and Student t test was used to compare the augment and no-augment cohorts. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 54 superior augment patients and 91 no-augment patients. The augment cohort had lower body mass index (27.2 vs. 29.4, P = .023) and higher native superior inclination (5.9° vs. 1.4°, P < .001). No difference between the augment and no-augment cohorts was found regarding age (P = .643), gender (P = .314), medical comorbidities (P > .05), surgical indication (P = .082), and native glenoid version (P = .564). The augment cohort had higher internal rotation score (4.6 vs. 3.9, P = .023), and all remaining range of motion (ROM) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) preoperatively were not significantly different. At final follow-up, active ROM in all planes was not different between the cohorts. Regarding PROs, the postoperative Shoulder Arthroplasty Smart score was significantly higher (78.0 vs. 73.6, P = .042), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form score trended toward higher (83.6 vs. 77.5, P = .063) in the augment cohort. The augment cohort had a significantly lower proportion of patients who planned to have superior baseplate tilt (1.9% vs. 14.3%, P = .012) and had greater mean inclination correction (6.3° vs. 1.3°, P < .001), compared with the no-augment cohort. Adverse events were rare, and there was no significant difference found between the augment and no-augment cohorts (5.6% vs. 3.3%, P = .509). DISCUSSION: Superior augmented baseplate in RSA with minimal superior glenoid erosion is associated with similar ROM and adverse events with somewhat improved postoperative PROs compared with nonaugmented baseplates at the 3-year follow-up. Additionally, superior augments resulted in a greater proportion of baseplates planned to avoid superior tilt, and trended toward shorter operative times. Further investigation of long-term glenoid baseplate loosening is imperative to fully understand the cost-effectiveness of superior augments in the setting of minimal glenoid deformity.

Interval Throwing Programs for Baseball Players: Methodological Assessment of the Quality and Construct of Publicly Available Programs.

CONTEXT: The quality and interprogram variability of publicly available throwing programs have not been assessed. OBJECTIVE: To (1) identify publicly available interval throwing programs, (2) describe their components and structure, and (3) evaluate their quality, variability, and completeness. DATA SOURCES: Google, Bing, Yahoo; keyword: "interval throwing program." STUDY SELECTION: Baseball-specific publicly available programs. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. DATA EXTRACTION: Independent evaluation by 2 authors using a novel 21-item Quality Assessment Rubric (QAR). RESULTS: Of the 99 included programs, 54% were designed for return from injury/surgery; 42% explicitly stated no expected timeline for completion, and approximately 40% did not provide criteria to initiate the program. Program construction was highly variable. There were broad-ranging shortest (mean: 40±8 ft, range: 20-45 ft) and longest (mean: 150±33 ft, range: 90-250 ft) long toss distances, and variable maximum numbers of mound pitches thrown before returning to game play (range: 40-120, mean: 85). Only 63% of programs provided guidelines for handling setbacks, and standardized warm-ups, arm care, and concomitant training were absent in 32%, 63%, and 47% of programs, respectively. Mean QAR completion rate and QAR item response rate were low (62 ± 4% [range, 24-91%], 62 ± 24% [range, 7-99%], respectively). Finally, only 20 (20%) programs provided at least 1 peer-reviewed reference, most of which were published >10 years ago. CONCLUSION: Publicly available interval throwing programs are readily available but demonstrate significant interprogram heterogeneity across multiple areas including target audience, program construction, progression, and execution. The quality and consistency of publicly available interval throwing programs is poor at this time, which may limit their utility and effectiveness for baseball players attempting to return to competition. This work identifies a multitude of deficiencies in currently available throwing programs that should be targets of future improvement efforts.

Symptomatic Coracoid Fracture Nonunion Treated with Arthroscopic Reduction and Suture Anchor Fixation: A Case Report.

CASE: A 15-year-old female rock climber presented with a traumatic coracoid process fracture of her dominant upper extremity that failed extensive nonoperative treatment. She was treated successfully by arthroscopic reduction and suture anchor fixation. CONCLUSION: A novel surgical technique for coracoid fracture that combines arthroscopic reduction with suture anchor fixation can result in expeditious and durable clinical improvement in a young, high-demand athlete.

Three-month Delay in Rotator Cuff Repair: 2-year Follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined 2-year outcomes of patients who underwent delayed rotator cuff repair (RCR) compared with those who underwent RCR without delay. METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, two groups were formed: (1) patients planning RCR during a 6-week elective surgery ban and (2) patients undergoing RCR at least 6 weeks after the ban. The Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score, and visual analog scale for pain were collected preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging assessed healing 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: With a 93.3% 2-year follow-up (13/15 delay group, 15/15 control), there was an 87-day difference in presentation to surgery (P = 0.001), with no significant preoperative demographic or tear characteristic differences between groups. Intraoperatively, there were no differences between groups in repair characteristics. Preoperative versus postoperative differences in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score (P < 0.001), visual analog scale (P < 0.001), and Simple Shoulder Test scores (P < 0.001) were significant but not between groups (P = 0.650, 0.586, 0.525). On MRI, 58% in the delay group and 85% in the control group had healed (P = 0.202). DISCUSSION: Although a 3-month delay showed no statistically significant effect on outcomes, the delay group had an approximately 27% higher failure rate. Thus, although a 3-month period of nonsurgical treatment before RCR may be reasonable, larger studies are warranted for definitive conclusions.

Estrogen and testosterone supplementation improves tendon healing and functional recovery after rotator cuff repair.

Failure of healing after rotator cuff repair (RCR) is common. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of systemic estrogen or testosterone supplementation on tendon healing after RCR. Seventy-two adult male mice were utilized for all experiments. The supraspinatus tendon was transected and repaired with 6-0 Prolene suture on the left shoulder of 51 animals. Mice were segregated into three groups postoperative: (1) vehicle group (VG; n = 18), (2) estrogen group (EST; n = 17), and (3) testosterone group (TST; n = 16). An unrepaired control group (unrepaired, n = 21) did not have surgery. Utilizing these animals, histological analysis, activity testing, biomechanical testing and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed. At 8 weeks post-RCR, TST, and EST supplementation improved the overall histologic structure of the repaired enthesis site. No differences in ultimate failure loads or stiffness were detected between VG, EST, and TST groups after biomechanical testing. RCR caused a reduction in wheel activity compared to unrepaired controls and supplementation with TST restored wheel activity. RNA-seq analysis indicated that estrogen and testosterone regulated different pathways associated with enthesis healing, including a suppression of inflammatory signaling. Supplementation with sex hormones improved the structure of the repaired tendon enthesis and significantly regulated expression of diverse pathways regulating multiple biological processes. Testosterone administration following RCR restored wheel activity without having a detrimental impact on biomechanical strength. Future human studies of sex hormone supplementation after RCR are warranted as supplementation in an animal model may improve tendon enthesis healing.

Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Suture Augmentation Is Biomechanically Equivalent to Reconstruction and Clinically Demonstrates Excellent Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To systematically review (1) biomechanical properties of augmented elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair compared with reconstruction and (2) clinical efficacy and complication rates of UCL repair with and without augmentation. METHODS: A systematic review was completed August 15, 2023, identifying articles that (1) biomechanically compared suture augmented UCL repair and reconstruction and (2) clinically evaluated medial elbow UCL repairs. Search terms included: "UCL repair" OR "internal brace" OR "suture augmentation" AND "UCL reconstruction." For inclusion, biomechanical studies compared augmented repair with reconstruction; clinical studies required clinical outcomes with minimum 6-month follow-up. Biomechanical data included torsional stiffness, gap formation, peak torque, and failure torque. Clinical data included return to previous level of play, time to return, functional outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: In total, 8 biomechanical and 9 clinical studies were included (5 with and 4 without augmentation). In most biomechanical studies, augmented repairs demonstrated less gap formation, with equivalent torsional stiffness, failure load, and peak torque compared with reconstruction. Clinical outcomes in 104 patients without augmentation demonstrated return to previous level of 50% to 94% for nonprofessional athletes and 29% for professional baseball pitchers. Suture augmented repairs in 554 patients demonstrated return to previous level from 92% to 96%, at 3.8 to 7.4 months, with Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic scores of 86 to 95. The overall complication rate for augmented UCL repair was 8.7%; most commonly ulnar neuropraxia (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Biomechanically, UCL repair with augmentation provided less gapping with equivalent torsional stiffness and failure compared with reconstruction. Clinically, augmented UCL repair demonstrated excellent return to previous level of play and Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic scores with modest complications and time to return. Augmented UCL repair is biomechanically equivalent to reconstruction and may be a viable alternative to reconstruction in indicated athletes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: UCL repair with suture augmentation is biomechanically equivalent to reconstruction and clinically demonstrates excellent outcomes.

The influence of a single 30-pitch session on elbow laxity in adolescent and collegiate baseball pitchers.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are a source of significant injury among baseball players, and are increasingly evaluated under ultrasound. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a single session of pitching upon UCL thickness and laxity via a cross sectional, controlled ultrasonographic study. We hypothesize that a single session of pitching will cause the ulnar collateral ligament to thicken and become more lax. METHODS: This was a cross sectional comparative study of collegiate and high school pitchers. Pitchers underwent an ultrasonographic assessment of the UCL before and after a thirty-pitch bullpen warm-up. Laxity was measured as the change in the distance between the ulna and the trochlea with and without a 5-pound weight held in hand with the elbow at 30° of flexion. Pre- and post-throwing UCL thickness and medial laxity were statistically compared with paired tests. RESULTS: Our study included 15 pitchers, 8 collegiate and 7 high school level athletes. All played baseball at least 6 days a week, and nearly all played for at least 10 months a year. Pitchers reported a peak velocity of 89 ± 6 (77 to 98) miles per hour. In the prior season, these pitchers pitched 56 ± 33 (10 to 120) games, throwing 62 ± 34 (25-140) pitches per game on average. After throwing, there was significantly less UCL laxity (P = .013). Post-throwing laxity was significantly positively correlated with both peak pitch velocity (P = .009) and an average number of pitches thrown per game (P = .10). CONCLUSION: Throwing 30 pitches significantly decreases medial elbow laxity with stress, possibly due to flexor-pronator activation. Post-throwing medial laxity is correlated with both peak pitch velocity and average number of pitches thrown per game. Future studies should be conducted to determine the number of throws at which laxity begins to increase, as this may provide a workload management guideline for injury prevention.

Job satisfaction and practice characteristics of shoulder and elbow surgeons: a survey of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons society members.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess the current trends in fellowship training, career satisfaction, practice characteristics, and surgical case volume among shoulder and elbow surgeons. METHODS: A web-based, anonymous 25-item survey was sent to the membership of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) in October of 2022. Questions posed included respondent demographics, fellowship training, career satisfaction, practice characteristics, and surgical case characteristics. Descriptive statistics were performed to report demographic information, assess job and training satisfaction rates, and evaluate practice characteristics. Chi-squared and independent samples t-tests were performed to analyze satisfaction rates, job applications, and surgical case volume with regard to years in practice and practice setting. RESULTS: Twenty percent (243/1248) of ASES members satisfactorily completed the survey. Of the 243 ASES member respondents, 97% (236/243) stated that they would pursue their fellowship training again. Ninety-eight percent (239/243) of respondents were satisfied with their specialty choice. One-hundred percent (242/243) were satisfied with their training in shoulder. Seventy-two percent (176/243) were satisfied with their training in elbow. Seventy-four percent (179/243) were satisfied with their job availability and 85% (207/243) were satisfied with their job location. The mean total number of orthopedic surgical cases per year was 393 ± 171. The mean total number of shoulder cases per year was 253 ± 149. The mean total number of elbow cases per year was 41 ± 41. Physicians who have been in practice for 11 years or more were comparatively more satisfied (90% vs. 80%) with their job location (P value = .008) and job availability (81% vs. 64%, P value < .001). Additionally, senior surgeons completed more orthopedic (431 vs. 347, P value < .001) and shoulder (279 vs. 220, P value = .002) cases annually than surgeons earlier in their careers. Satisfaction rates, job applications, and surgical case volume did not associate with practice setting. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of ASES member shoulder and elbow surgeons are satisfied with their training, their case volume and complexity, and their specialty choice. Fewer surgeons are satisfied with their elbow training and overall elbow case volume remains low among shoulder and elbow surgeons. Shoulder and elbow surgeons earlier in their careers perform fewer surgical cases, are less satisfied with their job availability and location, and completed more job applications for their first job after fellowship when compared to more senior surgeons.

Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears in 2023: Evaluation and Management.

The ulnar collateral ligament, also called the medial collateral ligament of the elbow, is the primary stabilizer against valgus loads. This ligament can be traumatically torn, such as in an elbow dislocation, or can tear through attritional damage with overhead sports. Although baseball pitching is the most common contributor, these injuries also occur with volleyball, gymnastics, and javelin throwing. Patients most commonly report a history of medial elbow pain with associated loss of command, control, and throw velocity. The ulnar nerve lies directly superficial to the posterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament and ulnar neuritis is commonly associated with ulnar collateral ligament pathology. Nonsurgical treatment, including rest from activity, flexor-pronator strengthening, and possible platelet-rich plasma injections, can be considered for partial-thickness tears. Surgical treatment can be considered for patients in whom nonsurgical treatment fails and full-thickness tears. Historically, surgical treatment involved reconstruction of the ligament with a tendon graft. Ipsilateral palmaris longus autograft has been the most commonly used graft, but contralateral palmaris, autograft hamstring tendons, and allograft tendon have also been used. This procedure has a high rate of return to play and a low complication rate, but most athletes require 12 to 18 months to fully return. More recently, repair of the ligament, with the addition of a biologic ingrowth ligament augmentation suture, has demonstrated similarly high rates of return to play and low complication rates, with a full return to play in 6 months.

Biomechanical comparison of suture bridge rotator cuff repair with and without dermal allograft pledgets.

BACKGROUND: One method to augment rotator cuff repair is to pass dermal allograft pledgets along the sutures that bridge from the medial to the lateral row. It remains unclear whether this augmentation method alters repair biomechanics. METHODS: This was a controlled laboratory study. After an a priori power analysis, 9 pairs of rotator cuffs underwent double-row suture bridge rotator cuff repair, half randomized to augmentation with dermal allograft pledgets passed along the suture bridge sutures. Repairs were then mounted on a material testing system and loaded cyclically 500 cycles to measure applied force and displacement. Repairs then underwent ultimate failure testing, and stiffness, ultimate failure force, and ultimate failure displacement were measured. Paired t tests were performed to compare between groups. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups in construct gapping with cyclic loading after 500 cycles (P = .885). There were no differences between the augmented and control groups in yield force (103.5 ± 5.0 vs. 101.4 ± 5.9 N, respectively, P = .183), stiffness (94.2 ± 13.9 vs. 90.9 ± 13.8, P = .585), or ultimate failure force (255.3 ± 65.8 vs. 285.3 ± 83.2, P = .315). There were no differences between groups in failure modes, with most specimens failing by cuff tissue tearing within or medial to the construct. CONCLUSION: The addition of dermal allograft pledgets does not positively or negatively influence the time-zero biomechanical characteristics of double-row suture bridge rotator cuff repair.