Subpectoral versus suprapectoral biceps tenodesis yields similar clinical outcomes: a systematic review.

IMPORTANCE: Arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis (ABT) and open subpectoral biceps tenodesis (OBT) are two surgical treatment options for relief of long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) pathology and superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears. There is insufficient knowledge regarding the clinical superiority of one technique over the other. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature in order to compare the clinical outcomes and safety of ABT and OBT for treatment of LHBT or SLAP pathology. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase to identify studies that compared the clinical efficacy of ABT versus OBT. The search phrase used was: (bicep OR biceps OR biceps brachii OR long head of biceps brachii OR biceps tendinopathy) AND (tenodesis). Patients were assessed based on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score, the visual analogue scale, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Constant-Murley Score, clinical failure, range of motion, bicipital groove pain and strength. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed, and both the Cochrane Collaboration's and Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) risk of bias tools were used to evaluate risk of bias. FINDINGS: Eight studies (one level I, seven level III) met inclusion criteria, including 326 patients undergoing ABT and 381 patients undergoing OBT. No differences were found in treatment failure rates or patient-reported outcome scores between groups in any study. One study found OBT patients to experience significantly increased range of shoulder forward flexion when compared with ABT patients (p=0.049). Two studies found ABT patients to experience significantly more postoperative stiffness when compared with OBT patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing ABT and OBT can be expected to experience similar improvements in clinical outcomes at latest follow-up without differences treatment failure or functional performance. ABT patients may experience an increased incidence of stiffness in the early postoperative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Effectiveness of Latarjet for anterior shoulder instability in patients with seizure disorder.

BACKGROUND: A paucity of literature exists on the outcomes after Latarjet for anterior shoulder instability in patients with seizure disorders (SDs). The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability in patients with SDs. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing Latarjet from 2013 to 2017 for anterior shoulder instability with minimum 2 years of clinical follow-up was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: patients diagnosed with SD, and patients without a history of seizure (control). Demographics, indications, SD details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. The incidence of complications, recurrent instability, revision surgery, and repeat seizure(s) were also examined. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients were identified, including 10 shoulders in 9 patients with an SD (88.9% male; mean age, 29.2 years [range, 20-37]), and 44 shoulders in 44 non-SD patients (86.4% male; mean age, 30.3 years [range, 18-52]). The mean follow-up time was 3.4 (range, 2.2-4.8) and 3.8 (range, 2.1-5.6) years in the SD and control group, respectively. During the follow-up period, 4 of 9 (44.4%) patients with an SD (50% shoulders) had a recurrent seizure postoperatively. Of those 4 patients, three sustained a recurrent dislocation of the operative shoulder(s) resulting from a postoperative seizure, including one who dislocated bilateral shoulders from a single seizure event after bilateral Latarjet procedures. There was no recurrent instability in patients who did not sustain a seizure in the postoperative period. Having a seizure in the postoperative period significantly increased the risk of recurrent dislocation (OR = 39.9, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Latarjet is a successful operation for recurrent anterior shoulder instability in patients without an SD. While it can still be successful in patients with SD, adequate control of seizures postoperatively is paramount to prevent recurrent instability episodes. Patients with an SD can be advised that if their seizures can remain controlled, they have a high likelihood of clinical success equal to that of patients without an SD.

Management of Shoulder Instability in 2020: What, When, and How.

Anterior glenohumeral instability remains a common clinical problem in the athletic and working patient populations, and further, recurrence rates following stabilization surgery continue to be problematic. Over the past 5 years, there have been substantial improvements in the understanding of anterior shoulder instability. To better counsel and treat patients, it is imperative for surgeons to have a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of shoulder instability, the anatomy of the glenohumeral joint particularly as it relates to glenoid and humeral head bone loss, surgical indications, and surgical techniques. These critical topics are summarized in an effort to provide a complete guide to managing anterior shoulder instability in 2020.

Tranexamic Acid Use in Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy Leads to Improved Outcomes and Fewer Hemarthrosis-Related Complications: A Systematic Review of Level I and II Studies.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature to compare the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) as a means to minimize hemarthrosis-related complications after arthroscopic procedures of the knee, hip, and shoulder. METHODS: A systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to locate randomized controlled trials comparing the clinical outcomes and postoperative complications of patients undergoing arthroscopy with and without TXA. Search terms used were "tranexamic acid," "arthroscopy," "knee," "hip," and "shoulder." Patients were evaluated based on early (<6 weeks) postoperative signs of hemarthrosis using the Coupens and Yates classification, postoperative complications (myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism events), range of motion (ROM), and patient-reported outcome scores (Visual analog scale, Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner activity scores). RESULTS: Five studies (2 level I and 3 level II) met inclusion criteria, including a total of 299 patients undergoing arthroscopy with TXA and 299 patients without TXA. The average follow-up duration for all patients was 43.9 days. Procedures performed were partial meniscectomy, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and rotator cuff repair. No studies evaluating TXA use in hip arthroscopy were identified. Coupens-Yates hemarthrosis grades significantly improved in the TXA groups across all studies. Three studies found TXA patients to experience significantly less postoperative pain at latest follow-up, 1 study found TXA patients to have significantly better postoperative Lysholm scores, and 1 study found TXA patients to have significantly more ROM at latest follow-up compared with non-TXA patients (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing arthroscopy, particularly arthroscopic meniscectomy, arthroscopic-assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, with TXA can be expected to experience improved outcomes and less hemarthrosis-related complications in the early postoperative period compared with non-TXA patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, systematic review of level I and II studies.

Return to Golf After Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The number of golfers aged ≥65 years has increased in recent years, and shoulder arthritis is prevalent in this age group. Guidelines for return to golf (RTG) after shoulder arthroplasty have not been fully established. PURPOSE: To review the data available in the current literature on RTG after shoulder arthroplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A systematic review based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed. Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library using the terms "shoulder,""arthroplasty,""replacement," and "golf." The authors sought to include all studies investigating RTG after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA), and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Outcomes of interest included indications for shoulder arthroplasty, surgical technique, rehabilitation protocol, amount of time between surgery and resumption of golf activity, and patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies were included, 2 of which reported on golf performance after shoulder arthroplasty. The other 8 studies described return to sports after shoulder arthroplasty with golf-specific data for our analysis. Three studies that included patients who underwent TSA reported RTG rates ranging from 89% to 100% after mean follow-up periods of 5.1 to 8.4 months. Two studies included patients who underwent TSA and HA and reported RTG rates of 77% and 100% after mean intervals of 5.8 and 4.5 months, respectively. Two studies included patients who underwent RSA, with RTG rates of 50% and 79% after mean postoperative intervals of 5.3 and 6 months, respectively. One study included only patients undergoing HA, with an RTG rate of 54% and a mean RTG time of 6.5 months. Varying surgical procedures and baseline patient characteristics precluded our ability to draw conclusions regarding surgical technique, rehabilitation protocol, or patient-reported outcome measures among studies reporting these data. CONCLUSION: Most patients who undergo a shoulder arthroplasty procedure can expect to resume playing golf approximately 6 months after the index procedure. The rate of return may be lower after RSA and HA as compared with anatomic TSA. The data presented in our review can help physicians counsel patients who wish to continue golf participation after a shoulder arthroplasty procedure.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Is an Equal Alternative to Surgery in the Treatment of Type 1 Medial Epicondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Medial epicondylitis (ME) is characterized as an overuse injury resulting in pathological alterations of the common flexor tendon at the elbow. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has recently become of interest in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions as an alternative to operative management. PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of recalcitrant type 1 ME after treatment with either PRP or surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: To compare the 2 methods of treatment, we performed a retrospective review of 33 patients diagnosed with type 1 ME from 2006 to 2016 with a minimum clinical follow-up of 1 year who had failed an initial nonoperative treatment program of injections, medication, topical creams, and/or physical therapy. Overall, 15 patients were treated with a series of 2 leukocyte-rich PRP injections, and 18 patients were treated with surgery. Outcome measures included time to pain-free status, time to full range of motion (ROM), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and the Oxford Elbow Score (OES). Each patient had at least 1-year follow-up. They were then contacted by telephone to determine final scores at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Unsuccessful outcomes were determined by the Nirschl grading system and failure to reach pain-free status, achieve baseline ROM, or return to previous activity. RESULTS: The mean final follow-up was 3.9 years. A statistically significant improvement was noted in both time to full ROM (42.3 days for PRP vs 96.1 days for surgery; P < .01) and time to pain-free status (56.2 days for PRP vs 108.0 days for surgery; P < .01). Successful outcomes were observed in 80% of patients treated with PRP and 94% of those treated operatively (P = .37). No significant difference was found in return-to-activity rates, overall successful outcomes, MEPS scores, or OES scores. CONCLUSION: In this case series, the use of PRP showed clinically similar outcomes to those of surgery in recalcitrant type 1 ME. PRP can be considered as an alternative to surgery in the treatment of recurrent ME, with an earlier time to full ROM and time to pain-free status compared with surgery.

Trends in the Treatment of Biceps Pathology: An Analysis of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Database.

BACKGROUND: Long head of biceps tendon pathology is a well-described source of pain in the anterior adult shoulder. Shoulder arthroscopic surgeons face this condition on a frequent basis because of the increasing aging population. Trends in treatment for this condition have varied over recent decades. An understanding of these trends may help orthopaedic surgeons counsel these patients. PURPOSE: To evaluate trends in treatment selection, patient population, and complications in recent part II examinees of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) board examination. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Using a database maintained by the ABOS, we accessed and analyzed examinee data from 2008 to 2019 to evaluate trends in the following categories: examination year/subspecialty, region, patient age/sex, International Classification of Diseases code, Current Procedural Terminology code, and complications. These data points were analyzed for all board-eligible candidates from 2008 to 2019. RESULTS: The annual number of proximal biceps tendon (PBT) procedures performed increased significantly from 597 cases in 2008 to 2203 cases in 2019 (P < .001). Incidence of biceps tendon tenotomy significantly decreased between the years 2007 and 2018 (P < .001). Both open and arthroscopic biceps tenodesis significantly increased between 2007 and 2018 (P < .001). Most PBT cases were performed simultaneously with other procedures (17,283/17,861; 96.8%). The most common PBT procedure performed overall was open tenodesis of long tendon of biceps (∼60.8%). Complication rates for PBT procedures reported each year did not significantly change between 2007 and 2018 (7.5% vs 9.7%; P = .103). CONCLUSION: PBT procedures are being increasingly performed among recently trained orthopaedic surgeons. Proximal biceps tenotomy has significantly declined, whereas proximal biceps tenodesis, open or arthroscopic, has significantly increased, demonstrating a possible shift in the standard of care among new surgeons.

Evaluation of Healing Rates and Safety With a Bioinductive Collagen Patch for Large and Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: 2-Year Safety and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Failure of repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears is a challenging problem within orthopaedics. Poor tendon tissue and vascularity are known causes for failure of rotator cuff repairs. PURPOSE: To assess the safety, outcomes, and healing rates when large and massive rotator cuff repairs are augmented with a bioinductive collagen scaffold patch in a proof-of-principle design. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Twenty-three patients undergoing repair of full-thickness large (2-tendon) or massive (3-tendon) rotator cuff tears augmented with a bioinductive collagen patch were enrolled in a prospective single-arm proof-of-principle study. No partial repairs were performed, and a complete rotator cuff repair was successfully achieved in each case. Sixteen patients underwent revision rotator cuff repairs versus 7 primary repairs. Safety was determined by any implant-related adverse event. A single magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was utilized to confirm tendon healing and thickness at a minimum of 6 months postoperatively. Postoperative ultrasound (US) was used in office by the treating surgeon to assess tendon thickness at 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month intervals. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were collected at final follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, a 96% (22 of 23) healing rate was confirmed on US and MRI. However, incidence of treatment clinical failure was 9% (2 of 23), as 1 patient's tendon healed but eventually underwent additional surgery. There were no adverse events attributed to the implant reported. Final US rotator cuff thickness was 7.28 ± 0.85 mm (mean ± SD), and final MRI rotator cuff thickness was 5.13 ± 1.06 mm. The mean ASES score at final follow-up was 82.87 ± 16.68 (range, 53.33-100). CONCLUSION: No complications attributed to the implant were reported, and new tendon formation was apparent on US and MRI, with relatively high healing rates at 2-year follow-up. Arthroscopic application of this bioinductive collagen scaffold when combined with rotator cuff repair is a safe and effective treatment for healing of large and massive rotator cuff repairs.