Concomitant latissimus dorsi tendon transfer during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty does not improve active external rotation or clinical outcomes in patients with external rotation deficit.

BACKGROUND: To assess the role of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDT) concomitant with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with external rotation (ER) deficit secondary to severe rotator cuff deficiency with and without glenohumeral arthritis. METHODS: Patients with a positive external lag sign and <10° of active external rotation (aER) treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty at a single institution with a minimum 12-month follow-up were retrospectively identified from a prospective database. Basic demographic information along with preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM) measures, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain, and Subjective Shoulder Value scores were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed to compare ROM and functional outcomes between patients who underwent concomitant LDT and those with no transfer (NT). RESULTS: The LDT (n = 31) and NT (n = 33) groups had similar age, sex distributions, and follow-up length average (24 vs. 30 months). No differences were found between groups at baseline, final follow-up, or magnitude of change for ASES, VAS pain, and Subjective Shoulder Value scores. Baseline ROM measures were similar, except for the LDT group having slightly less aER (-8° vs. 0°; P = .004). In addition, all postoperative ROM measures including aER were similar, except for a slight improvement in active internal rotation in the NT group. The majority of patients were satisfied with their outcome (LDT 84% (n = 26); NT 87% (n = 27); P = .72). CONCLUSION: Patients with ER deficit secondary to severe rotator cuff deficiency with and without glenohumeral arthritis undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty do not have significantly improved ER or patient-reported outcome measures with LDT.

Can the Femoro-Epiphyseal Acetabular Roof (FEAR) Index Be Used to Distinguish Dysplasia from Impingement?

BACKGROUND: Classifying hips with structural deformity on the spectrum from impingement to dysplasia is often subjective and frequently inexact. Currently used radiographic measures may inaccurately predict a hip's morphological stability in borderline hips. A recently described radiographic measure, the Femoro-Epiphyseal Acetabular Roof (FEAR) index, has demonstrated an ability to predict stability in the borderline hip. This measure is attractive to clinicians because procedures can be used on the basis of a hip's pathomechanics. This study was designed to further validate and characterize the FEAR index in a skeletally immature population, in hips with dysplasia/femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and in asymptomatic hips. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What are the characteristics of the FEAR index in children and how does the index change with skeletal maturation? (2) How does the FEAR index correlate with clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment in a large cohort of symptomatic hips and asymptomatic controls? (3) How does the FEAR index correlate with clinical diagnosis in the borderline hip (lateral center-edge angle [LCEA] 20°-25°) group? METHODS: A total of 220 participants with symptomatic investigational hips with a clinical diagnosis of dysplasia or FAI between January 2008 and January 2018 were retrospectively collected from the senior author's practice. Investigational hips were excluded if they had any femoral head abnormalities preventing LCEA measurement (for example, Perthes disease), Tönnis osteoarthritis grade greater than 1, prior hip surgery, or prior femoral osteotomy. In the 220 participants, 395 hips met inclusion criteria. Once exclusion criteria were applied, 15 hips were excluded due to prior hip surgery or prior femoral osteotomy, and 12 hips were excluded due to femoral head deformity. A single hip was then randomly selected from each participant, resulting in 206 investigational hips with a mean age of 13 ± 3 years. Between January 2017 and December 2017, 70 asymptomatic control participants were retrospectively collected from the senior author's institutional trauma database. Control hips were included if the AP pelvis film had the coccyx centered over the pubic symphysis and within 1 to 3 cm of the superior aspect of the symphysis. Control hips were excluded if there was any fracture to the pelvis or ipsilateral femur or the participant had prior hip/pelvis surgery. After exclusion criteria were applied, 16 hips were excluded due to fracture. One hip was then randomly selected from each participant, resulting in 65 control hips with a mean age of 16 ± 8 years. Standardized standing AP pelvis radiographs were used to measure the FEAR index, LCEA, and Tönnis angle in the investigational cohort. Standardized false-profile radiographs were used to measure the anterior center-edge angle (ACEA) in the investigational cohort. Two blinded investigators measured the FEAR index with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.92 [95% CI 0.84 to 0.96]. Question 1 was answered by comparing the above radiographic measures in age subgroups (childhood: younger than 10 years; adolescence: 10 to 14 years old; maturity: older than 14 years) of dysplastic, FAI, and control hips. Question 2 was answered by comparing the radiographic measures in all dysplastic, FAI, control hips, and a subgroup of operatively or nonoperatively managed dysplasia and FAI hips. Question 3 was answered by comparing the radiographic measures in borderline (LCEA 20°-25°) dysplastic, FAI, and control hips. RESULTS: The FEAR index was lower in older dysplastic of hips (younger than 10 years, 6° ± 9°; 10 to 14 years, 4° ± 10°; older than 14 years, 5° ± 9°; p < 0.001) and control hips (younger than 10 years, -6° ± 5°; 10 to 14 years, -15° ± 4°; older than 14 years, -16° ± 7°; p < 0.001). The diagnosis and age groups were independently correlated with the FEAR index (p < 0.001). The relationship between the FEAR index and diagnosis remained consistent in each age group (p = 0.11). The FEAR index was higher in all dysplastic hips (mean 5° ± 10°) than in asymptomatic controls (mean -13° ± 7°; p < 0.001) and FAI hips (mean -10° ± 11°; p < 0.001). Using -1.3° as a cutoff for FAI/control hips and dysplastic hips, 81% (112 of 139) of hips with values below this threshold were FAI/control, and 89% (117 of 132) of hips with values above -1.3° were dysplastic. The receiver operator characteristics area under the curve (ROC-AUC) was 0.91. Similarly, the FEAR index was higher in borderline dysplastic hips than in both asymptomatic borderline controls (p < 0.001) and borderline FAI hips (p < 0.001). Eighty-nine percent (33 of 37) of hips with values below this threshold were FAI/control, and 90% (37 of 41) of hips with values above -1.3° were dysplastic. The ROC-AUC for borderline hips was 0.86. CONCLUSION: The FEAR index was associated with the diagnosis of hip dysplasia and FAI in a patient cohort with a wide age range and with varying degrees of acetabular deformity. Specifically, a FEAR index greater than -1.3° is associated with a dysplastic hip and a FEAR index less than -1.3° is associated with a hip displaying FAI. Using this reliable, developmentally based radiographic measure may help hip preservation surgeons establish a correct diagnosis and more appropriately guide treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE LEVEL: III, diagnostic study.

Operating Room Intervention Rates After Orthopaedic Resident-reduced Pediatric Both-Bone Forearm Fractures Relative to the Academic Calendar.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operating room (OR) intervention rates and quality of fracture reductions for pediatric diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures performed by orthopaedic residents relative to the academic year. OR intervention was defined as any procedure performed in the OR, including closed reduction and casting, and was used to identify fractures that required secondary intervention after initial closed reduction performed by an orthopaedic resident in the emergency department. METHODS: A retrospective analysis identified pediatric patients presenting at our institution with both-bone forearm fractures from July 2010 to June 2016. Emergency-room sedation time, highest experience of orthopaedic resident documented to be present at the time of sedation (in postgraduate months), and frequencies of OR intervention were obtained by chart review. Fracture characteristics were determined by radiographic review. Immediate postreduction radiographs were used to measure cast indices, and adequacy of reduction was determined by postreduction angulation and translation. RESULTS: During the time period studied, 470 both-bone forearm reductions under sedation were performed by an orthopaedic resident at our institution. Of these, 41 fractures (41 patients) required 42 OR interventions (40 involved surgical fixation and 2 were repeat closed reductions). The academic year was divided into quartiles. The April to June quartile had the highest overall percentage of OR intervention (10.6%), followed by July to September (8.6%); however, there was no significant difference between quartiles in the percentages of reductions that needed OR intervention (P=0.553). There was also no correlation between the experience level of the resident performing the reduction (based on postgraduate months) and the frequency of OR intervention (P=0.244). The anteroposterior (AP) and lateral reduction grades did not vary based on quarters (P=0.584; 0.353). The ability to obtain adequate reduction and the rate of unacceptable cast index were also not significantly different between quarters (P=0.347 and 0.465). CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant difference in rates of OR intervention or the quality of reduction for pediatric both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures treated by orthopaedic residents relative to the academic year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-comparative cohort study.

Order of Total Hip or Total Knee Arthroplasty Does Not Affect Length of Stay or Discharge Disposition in Patients With Coexisting Hip and Knee Arthritis.

Primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) of the hip and knee are effective procedures for improving pain and function in patients with arthritis. This study examined whether order of surgery (TKA or THA first) affects length of stay (LOS) and discharge disposition among patients with coexisting knee and hip arthritis. A total joint arthroplasty database review was performed to collect all available data for arthroplasties performed at 2 campuses of a single institution between July 2013 and April 2017. Inclusion criteria were patients who underwent both primary THA and TKA within 18 months and were age 18 years or older. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether THA or TKA was performed first. For all procedures, the following data were collected: age, body mass index (BMI), time between cases, LOS, discharge disposition, and the number of 90-day adverse postoperative events. Adverse 90-day events included deep infection, fracture, hardware failure, urinary tract infection, other return to the operating room, emergency department visit, readmission, or death. A total of 211 patients underwent both THA and TKA within 18 months; 124 patients underwent THA first and 87 underwent TKA first. There was no difference in age or BMI between the 2 groups. There was a significantly longer time between the first and second arthroplasty in patients with TKA first by a mean of 2 months (P=.001). There was no difference in 90-day adverse postoperative events following THA whether done first or second (P=.371), and no difference in 90-day events following TKA whether done first or second (P=.524). There was no difference in discharge disposition (P=.833 and P=.395) or LOS (P=.695 and P=.473) between groups for the first or second procedure, respectively. In a patient with coexisting hip and knee arthritis, the current results do not support recommending THA or TKA first based on cost related to LOS and discharge disposition. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(6):e528-e531.].

Day of Surgery Affects Length of Hospitalization for Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty Discharged to Extended Care Facilities.

Although the average hospital length of stay (LOS) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has decreased during the past 10 years, it continues to play a significant role in postoperative costs. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of surgical day of the week on hospital LOS among TJA patients discharged to an extended care facility (ECF). A TJA database from a single hospital was used to identify all patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) between January 2013 and December 2016. Inclusion criteria were age older than 50 years, surgery Monday through Friday, and discharge to an ECF. A total of 2184 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into groups based on surgical day of the week. There was no statistically significant difference in age (P=.120), sex (P=.959), or procedure (TKA vs THA, P=.395) between groups based on surgery day. The LOS varied significantly by the day of the week (P<.001). Thursday varied significantly from every other day of the week (P<.001), with the greatest LOS (mean, 3.56±0.84 days) and the highest percentage of patients discharged (27.8%) compared with all other days. Tuesday had the shortest LOS (mean, 3.25±0.70 days) and differed significantly from Thursday and Friday (P<.05). Patients discharged to an ECF after primary TKA and THA have an increased mean hospital LOS when their surgery falls on a Thursday. The authors recommend preferentially scheduling patients with planned postoperative discharge to an ECF for surgery on Tuesday and avoiding surgery on Thursday. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(2):82-86.].

Outcomes Following Low-Profile Mesh Plate Osteosynthesis of Patella Fractures.

Treatment of patella fractures is fraught with complications and historically poor functional outcomes. A fixation method that allows for early mobilization and decreases symptomatic hardware rates will improve knee range of motion, postoperative functional status, and reoperation rates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes after locked plate osteosynthesis of patella fractures at a Level 1 trauma center. A retrospective case series was conducted of patients who underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of a patella fracture using a locked mesh plating technique coupled with neutralization of forces on the distal pole of the patella. Twelve patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 19 months (range, 6-30) with physical exam, functional outcomes, and radiographs. There were 9 women and 3 men with an average age of 66.1 years (range, 53-75). Radiographic bony union was achieved in all patients by 3-month follow-up. Visual Analog Pain Score averaged 1.7 (median, 1.0; range, 0-8), the mean Knee Outcome Score - Activities of Daily Living Scale was 83.9 (median, 92.1; range, 45.7-100.0), the mean Short Form Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) Function Index was 9.9 (median, 3.7; range, 0.7-41.2), and the mean SMFA Bother Index was 11.1 (median, 3.1; range, 0-62.5). The SF-36 Physical Component Score mean was 48.4 ± 8.5 and the SF-36 Mental Component Score mean was 54.1 ± 9.6. No complications developed and there were no reoperations for nonunion, infection, or symptomatic hardware. This study demonstrates that locked plate osteosynthesis for operative patella fractures can reliably achieve bony union with potentially superior functional outcomes as compared with traditional methods. Further studies are needed to evaluate plate fixation for patella fractures, but early results are promising.

Three-dimensional computed tomography measurement accuracy of varying Hill-Sachs lesion size.

BACKGROUND: The glenoid track concept has been proposed to correlate shoulder stability with bone loss. Accurate assessment of Hill-Sachs lesion size preoperatively may affect surgical planning and postoperative outcomes; however, no measurement method has been universally accepted. This study aimed to assess the accuracy and reliability of measuring Hill-Sachs lesion sizes using 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Nine polyurethane humerus bone substitutes were used to create Hill-Sachs lesions of varying sizes with a combination of lesion depth (shallow, intermediate, and deep) and width (small, medium, and large). Specimens were scanned with a clinical CT scanner for size measurements and a micro-CT scanner for measurement of true lesion size. Six evaluators repeated measurements twice in a 2-week interval. Scans were measured by use of 3D CT reconstructions for length, width, and Hill-Sachs interval and with use of 2D CT for depth. The interclass correlation coefficient evaluated interobserver and intraobserver variability and percentage error, and Student t-tests assessed measurement accuracy. RESULTS: Interclass correlation coefficient reliability demonstrated strong agreement for all variables measured (0.856-0.975). Percentage error between measured length and measured depth and the true measurement significantly varied with respect to both lesion depth (P = .003 and P = .005, respectively) and lesion size (P = .049 and P = .004, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The 3D CT imaging is effective and reproducible in determining lesion size. Determination of Hill-Sachs interval width is also reliable when it is applied to the glenoid track concept. Measured values on 3D and 2-dimensional imaging using a conventional CT scanner may slightly underestimate true measurements.

Computer-assisted navigation for intramedullary nail fixation of intertrochanteric femur fractures: A randomized, controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Lag screw cutout is one of the most commonly reported complications following intramedullary nail fixation of intertrochanteric femur fractures. However, its occurrence can be minimized by a well-positioned implant, with a short Tip-to-Apex Distance (TAD). Computer-assisted navigation systems provide surgeons with the ability to track screw placement in real-time. This could allow for improved lag screw placement and potentially reduce radiation exposure to the patient and surgeon. METHODS: Between Oct 2014 and Jan 2016, patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures being treated with intramedullary nail fixation by one of three fellowship-trained orthopaedic traumatologists were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were low-energy mechanism of injury and fracture class 31-A1/A2. Open fractures and patients with multiple injuries to the lower extremity were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned to computer-assisted navigation or a conventional fluoroscopic technique for lag screw placement. The primary outcomes were TAD, measured by postoperative anteroposterior and lateral x-rays by an independent reviewer, and radiation exposure measured in seconds of fluoroscopy time. Surgical time was also recorded. RESULTS: 50 patients were randomized, 26 to the computer-assisted navigation group and 24 to the control group. The mean manually-measured TAD in the computer-assisted navigation group was 14.1mm±3.2 and in the control group was 14.9mm±3.0 (p=0.394). There was no difference between groups in total radiation time (navigation: 58.8 s±23.6, control: 56.5 s±28.5, p=0.337) or radiation time during lag screw placement (navigation: 19.4 s±8.8, control: 18.8 s±8.0, p=0.522). The surgical time was significantly longer in the computer-assisted navigation group with a mean surgical time of 45.8min±9.8 compared to 38.4min±9.3 in the control group (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Computer-assisted navigation consistently produced excellent TADs, however it was not significantly better than conventional methods when done by fellowship-trained orthopaedic traumatologists. Surgeons with a lower volume trauma practice could potentially benefit from computer-assisted navigation to obtain better TAD.

Previous Rotator Cuff Repair Is Associated With Inferior Clinical Outcomes After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although recent evidence suggests that any prior shoulder surgery may cause inferior shoulder arthroplasty outcomes, there is no consensus on whether previous rotator cuff repair (RCR) is associated with inferior outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare outcomes in patients who underwent RTSA with and without previous RCR. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients with prior RCR and those without previous shoulder surgery (control) who underwent RTSA for cuff tear arthropathy or irreparable cuff tear were retrospectively identified from a prospective database. Exclusion criteria included revision arthroplasty, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, dislocations, infection, prior non-RCR procedures, less than 12 months of follow-up, and latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, ASES Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and range of motion (ROM) were compared between groups. RESULTS: Patients with previous RCR (n = 83 shoulders) were younger (mean ± SD, 67 ± 10 vs 72 ± 8 years; P < .001) and more likely to be male (46% vs 32%, P = .033) than controls (n = 189 shoulders). No differences were found in follow-up duration (25 ± 13 vs 26 ± 13 months, P = .734), body mass index, or any preoperative outcome variable or ROM measure. At final follow-up, patients with previous RCR had significantly lower ASES (76.5 [95% CI, 71.2-81.7] vs 85.0 [82.6-87.5], P = .015), lower SSV (76 [72-81] vs 86 [83-88], P < .001), worse pain (2.0 [1.4-2.6] vs 0.9 [0.6-1.1], P < .001), and less improvement in the ASES, ASES ADL, VAS, SSV, and forward elevation measures than controls. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that previous RCR was significantly associated with lower postoperative ASES score (B = -9.5, P < .001), lower ASES improvement (B = -7.9, P = .012), worse postoperative pain (B = 0.9, P = .001), worse improvement in pain (B = -1.0, P = .011), lower postoperative SSV (B = -9.2, P < .001), lower SSV improvement (B = -11.1, P = .003), and lower forward elevation ROM improvement (B = -12.7, P = .008). CONCLUSION: Patients with previous RCR attempts may experience fewer short-term gains in functional and subjective outcome scores after RTSA compared with patients with no history of shoulder surgery who undergo RTSA. However, the differences between groups were small and below the minimal clinically important differences for the outcome measures analyzed.

Intravenous tranexamic acid reduces total blood loss in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) are at risk of significant perioperative blood loss. To date, few studies have examined the effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce blood loss in the setting of RTSA. METHODS: In a prospective, double-blinded, single-surgeon trial, we analyzed 102 patients undergoing primary RTSA who were randomized to receive intravenous TXA (n = 53) or placebo (n = 49). Calculated total blood loss, drain output, and hemoglobin (Hb) drop were measured. Postoperative transfusions were recorded. Complications were assessed out to 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Total blood loss was less for the TXA group (1122.4 ± 411.6 mL) than the placebo group (1472.6 ± 475.4 mL, P < .001). Total drain output was less for the TXA group (221.4 ± 126.2 mL) than the placebo group (371.9 ± 166.3 mL , P < .001). Total Hb loss was less in the TXA group (154.57 ± 60.29 g) compared with the placebo group (200.1 ± 65.5 g, P = .001). Transfusion rates differed significantly at postoperative day 1; however, overall transfusion rates did not vary significantly. Seven patients (14.3%) and 12 units were transfused in the placebo group compared with 3 patients (5.7%) and 3 units in the TXA group. DISCUSSION: In this cohort of patients undergoing primary RTSA, TXA was effective in reducing total drain output, total Hb loss, and total blood loss compared with a placebo control.

Elucidating trends in revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty procedures: a retrieval study evaluating clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes data.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between damage modes in explanted reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) components, patient and radiographic risk factors, and functional data to elucidate trends in RTSA failure. METHODS: Fifty RTSA systems, retrieved from 44 patients, with 50 polyethylene (PE) liners, 30 glenospheres, 21 glenoid baseplates, 13 modular humeral metaphases, and 17 humeral stems, were examined for damage modes, including abrasion, burnishing, dishing, embedding, scratching, and pitting. PE liners were also analyzed for delamination and edge deformation. Charts were reviewed for patient, surgical, and functional data. Pre-revision radiographs were analyzed for scapular notching and loosening. RESULTS: Average term of implantation was 20 months (range, 0-81 months). Metallic components exhibited abrasion, burnishing, dishing, pitting, and scratching. PE liners displayed all damage modes. Damage was exhibited on 93% of glenospheres and 100% of PE liners. Of 29 aseptic shoulders, 13 showed evidence of scapular notching and 5 of humeral loosening. There was a moderate correlation between radiographically observed implant failure or dissociation and PE embedding (r = 0.496; P < .001). There were weak and moderate correlations between scapular notching severity and PE dishing (r = 0.496; P = .006), embedding (r = 0.468; P = .010), and delamination (r = 0.384; P = .040). CONCLUSIONS: To date, this is the largest series of retrieved RTSA components and the first to relate damage modes to radiographic and clinical data. Most damage was observed on the PE liners, on both the articular surface and rim, and glenosphere components. Correlation of retrieval findings with radiographic and clinical data may help establish predictors of prostheses at risk for failure.

Preoperative deltoid size and fatty infiltration of the deltoid and rotator cuff correlate to outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) allows the deltoid to substitute for the nonfunctioning rotator cuff. To date, it is unknown whether preoperative deltoid and rotator cuff parameters correlate with clinical outcomes. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked whether associations exist between 2-year postoperative results (ROM, strength, and outcomes scores) and preoperative (1) deltoid size; (2) fatty infiltration of the deltoid; and/or (3) fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff. METHODS: A prospective RTSA registry was reviewed for patients with cuff tear arthropathy or massive rotator cuff tears, minimum 2-year followup, and preoperative shoulder MRI. Final analysis included 30 patients (average age, 71±10 years; eight males, 22 females). Only a small proportion of patients who received an RTSA at our center met inclusion and minimum followup requirements (30 of 222; 14%); however, these patients were found to be similar at baseline to the overall group of patients who underwent surgery in terms of age, gender, and preoperative outcomes scores. The cross-sectional area of the anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid was measured on axial proton density-weighted MRI. Fatty infiltration of the deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis were quantitatively assessed on sagittal T1-weighted MR images. Patients were followed for Constant-Murley score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, subjective shoulder value, pain, ROM, and strength. Correlations of muscle parameters with all outcomes measures were calculated. RESULTS: Preoperative deltoid size correlated positively with postoperative Constant-Murley score (67.27±13.07) (ρ=0.432, p=0.017), ASES (82.64±14.25) (ρ=0.377; p=0.40), subjective shoulder value (82.67±17.89) (ρ=0.427; p=0.019), and strength (3.72 pounds±2.99 pounds) (ρ=0.454; p=0.015). Quantitative deltoid fatty infiltration (7.91%±4.32%) correlated with decreased postoperative ASES scores (ρ=-0.401; p=0.047). Quantitative fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus (30.47%±15.01%) correlated with decreased postoperative external rotation (34.13°±16.80°) (ρ=-0.494; p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Larger preoperative deltoid size correlates with improved validated outcomes scores, whereas fatty infiltration of the deltoid and infraspinatus may have deleterious effects on validated outcomes scores and ROM after RTSA. The current study is a preliminary exploration of this topic; future studies should include prospective enrollment and standardized MRI with a multivariate statistical approach. Quantitative information attained from preoperative imaging not only holds diagnostic value, but, should future studies confirm our findings, also might provide prognostic value. This information may prove beneficial in preoperative patient counseling and might aid preoperative and postoperative decision-making by identifying subpopulations of patients who may benefit by therapy aimed at improving muscle properties. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

Short versus long intramedullary nails for treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures (OTA 31-A1 and A2).

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare blood loss and operative times associated with long versus short intramedullary nails for intertrochanteric fracture fixation and rate of periprosthetic fracture. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: One hundred ninety-four patients with an intertrochanteric fracture (AO/OTA class 31-A1 and A2) and low-energy mechanism of injury treated by 1 of 4 fellowship-trained orthopaedic traumatologists. INTERVENTION: Short versus long intramedullary nail. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for age, gender, estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion rate, operative time, length of stay, and incidence of periprosthetic fracture. Variables were statistically compared between long and short intramedullary nails, with statistical significance at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The average EBL (135.5 ± 91.9 mL) and transfusion rate (57.1%) for long nails were found to be significantly greater (P = 0.002) than the EBL (92.6 ± 47.2 mL) and transfusion rate (40.2%) for short nails. Average operative time was also found to be significantly greater (P < 0.001) for long (56.8 ± 19.4 minutes) than for short (44.0 ± 10.7 minutes) intramedullary nail procedures. The overall incidence of periprosthetic fracture was 0.5%, one patient with initial treatment of a long intramedullary nail. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant lower operative time, EBL, and transfusion rate were found in this study for short intramedullary nails. There were no differences seen in length of stay or periprosthetic fracture. The incidence of periprosthetic fracture was very low in both cohorts. Further study with greater statistical power is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Clinical and radiographic results of cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a comparative study with 2 to 5 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Most studies of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) involve cemented humeral stems. To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the results of cementless RTSA, using a porous-coated stem designed for uncemented fixation, with cemented RTSA. METHODS: A prospective database of patients undergoing RTSA was retrospectively reviewed for patients with a diagnosis of cuff tear arthropathy or severe rotator cuff deficiency with minimum 2-year follow-up. Of these, 37 patients had cemented RTSA and 64 patients had cementless RTSA. Outcome measures included Constant-Murley scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, visual analog pain scale scores, range of motion, patient satisfaction, and radiographic evidence of complication. RESULTS: Compared with preoperative values, both cohorts demonstrated significant improvements (P < .01) in all functional scores, active forward elevation, and active internal rotation. There was no significant difference (P > .05) in comparing the changes in these values after surgery between the cemented and cementless cohorts. On radiographic evaluation, there was no evidence of loosening or humeral components "at risk" of loosening in either group. There was no significant difference (P = 1.0) in the incidence of humeral component radiolucent lines between the cemented and uncemented cohorts. There was no significant difference (P = .30) in the incidence of scapular notching between the cemented (n = 8) and uncemented (n = 10) cohorts. CONCLUSION: Cementless fixation of a porous-coated RTSA humeral stem provides clinical and radiographic outcomes equivalent to those of cemented stems at minimum 2-year follow-up. With advantages such as simplified operative technique, no cement-related complications, greater ease of revision, and long-lasting biologic fixation, uncemented fixation may provide several benefits over cemented fixation.

Strength of ulnar fixation in ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction: a biomechanical comparison of traditional bone tunnels to the tension-slide technique.

BACKGROUND: Surgical reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament after rupture has evolved substantially since the original description. Reconstruction techniques vary significantly at the ulnar and humeral interface. The purpose of this study was to develop a model to isolate, test, and compare the ulnar fixation of the traditional bone tunnel technique and a new technique, the tension slide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six matched pairs of cadaveric arms were dissected to isolate the ulna. Pairs were randomized to the bone tunnel or tension-slide ulnar fixation technique, and consistent tendon grafts were used for each reconstruction. A specialized tendon clamp was used to grip the grafts. Specimens were preloaded with a valgus force to 1 N x m and tested to failure in torsion at 4.5°/s. Statistical analysis was performed with 1-way analysis of variance with the Tukey post hoc test (α = .05). RESULTS: The bone tunnel technique exhibited higher initial and total stiffness, as well as higher torsional torque at 10° and 30° of valgus angulation and at ultimate failure. The tension-slide technique exhibited significantly higher angular displacement at 3 N x m but not at ultimate failure. The bone tunnel technique exhibited higher work at 10° and 30° of valgus angulation. CONCLUSION: In this model, traditional bone tunnels performed superior to the tension-slide construction in terms of both strength and stiffness. Whether there is a kinematic benefit to the tension slide, which moves the ulnar fixation to within the native ulnar collateral ligament footprint, is yet to be determined. Further study is needed to assess the clinical benefit of a stronger ulnar fixation.