Stemless shoulder arthroplasty.

The concept of stemless shoulder arthroplasty was born in 2005. It is now a valid option in the context of either anatomical or reverse shoulder replacement. Several questions have come up over our 15 years of using this system: How was the stemless shoulder arthroplasty concept born? It was motivated by a desire to have epiphyso-metaphyseal fixation using a corolla-shaped impacted anchor design. What are the features of commercially available stemless shoulder arthroplasty implants? The stemless anatomical implants now available have either a cage or central peg that is impacted or a system that is screwed into the epiphysometaphyseal bone. Several companies have introduced stemless reverse implants, some of which have an onlay configuration. How do the results of stemless implants compare to those of traditional stemmed implants? At a mean follow-up of 10 years, the outcomes of stemless TSA can be superimposed with those of traditional stemmed TSA. What are the advantages of stemless shoulder implants? The advantages are their simple implantation, ability to adapt to patient morphology and any malunions, various orientation angles, no stress-shielding, reduced risk of infection and bleeding and less complex revision surgery (if needed). What are the limitations or drawbacks of using stemless implants? The two main limitations are insufficient metaphyseal bone stock and poor bone quality, especially for reverse configurations. What does the future hold for stemless shoulder arthroplasty? Like with traditional stemmed implants, the longevity of stemless shoulder arthroplasty depends on its tribology, which can still be improved. In the future, a stemless implant will need to be convertible like stemmed humeral implants, and if possible, provide an inlay reverse configuration.

Restoration of elbow extension and construction of a "key grip" in people with tetraplegia. Comparative study of a surgical plan in one or two stages.

AIM: We report the comparative results of functional upper extremity surgery plans in patients with tetraplegia, including restoration of elbow extension and construction of a key grip in a "one-stage" or "two-stage" operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 36 patients with tetraplegia, with a total of 45 operated upper limbs, was analyzed retrospectively with a mean follow-up of 23 months (13-39 months). We evaluated the analytical strength of elbow extension using the MRC (Medical Research Council) score, the strength of the key grip (kg/F) as well as the autonomy of the patients using functional scores; Lamb (/100) and QIF (Quadriplegia Index of Function) (/100). RESULTS: Sixteen upper limbs were included in the "one-stage" group and 29 in the "two-stage" group. The groups were comparable preoperatively. Elbow extension strength was 3.6/5 in the one-stage group versus 3.7/5, p=0.74. Grip strength was 1.8kg/F in the one-stage group versus 1.3kg/F, p=0.22. Regarding the functional scores, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for the Lamb score (p=0.46) and the QIF (p=0.42). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of the frequency of complications for the elbow (p=0.49) and for the hand (p=0.17). The total duration of the one-stage surgery plan averaged 7.5 months compared to 24.7 months for the two-stage plan, p<0.01. The mean follow-up for the one-stage group was 21 months versus 24 months for the two-stage group. CONCLUSION: The results of both plans are similar and indicate that the "one-stage" plan is a reliable option. This all-in-one surgical option reduces postoperative follow-up and dropout rates for patients during the plan timeframe. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective clinical series.

Arthroscopic Latarjet procedure and suture-button fixation: can we predict nonunion early?

BACKGROUND: The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure is a technically challenging technique that provides well-known results. The first series reported fixation with screws. An alternative fixation technique has been proposed, using a button, to improve the reproducibility and to decrease the complications due to screws. The first reports using this fixation technique have yielded comparable rates of fusion. The objective of this study was to assess the fusion rate and bone modifications with this type of fixation. METHODS: Two hundred sixteen patients were included in this prospective study. An arthroscopic Latarjet procedure, fixed with 1 button according to the Smith & Nephew technique, was performed by a single surgeon for the treatment of anterior instability. The radiographic protocol consisted of computed tomography scans at 3, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. We measured the coronal and sagittal positions of the bone block, distance between the bone block and the glenoid, diameter of the glenoid tunnel, fusion rate, and time to fusion. RESULTS: The position was deemed flush in 92.6% of cases in the coronal plane and under the equator in 87.5% of cases in the sagittal plane. At last follow-up, we observed 9 cases of nonunion (4%), as well as 18 cases of delayed fusion. The fusion rate was 92% at 3 months and 96% at 6 months. For bone blocks that ultimately healed, the diameter of the glenoid tunnel was <2 mm in 62% of cases at 3 weeks and <1 mm in 90% of cases at 3 months. Conversely, the diameter of this tunnel significantly increased and was >3 mm in all cases of delayed union or nonunion. CONCLUSION: The described technique achieved a reliable position of the bone block and a very good fusion rate with a new type of fixation. The time to obtain fusion can be lengthy, occurring between the third and sixth months. The diameter of the glenoid tunnel was the best predictive factor for fusion. Widening of the glenoid tunnel diameter >3 mm during the first 3 weeks was the most predictive factor for delayed union or nonunion of the bone block. This finding is probably explained by a sliding effect of the sutures through this tunnel, comparable to the bungee effect in anterior cruciate ligament repair in the knee.

Restoring Hand Functions in People with Tetraplegia through Multi-Contact, Fascicular, and Auto-Pilot Stimulation: A Proof-of-Concept Demonstration.

Two multi-contact epineural electrodes were placed around radial and median nerves of two subjects with high tetraplegia C4, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A, group 0 of the International Classification for Surgery of the Hand in Tetraplegia. The purpose was to study the safety and capability of these electrodes to generate synergistic motor activation and functional movements and to test control interfaces that allow subjects to trigger pre-programmed stimulation sequences. The device consists of a pair of neural cuff electrodes and percutaneous cables with two extracorporeal connection cables inserted during a surgical procedure and maintained for 28 days. Continuity tests of the electrodes, selectivity of movements induced, motor capacities for grasping and gripping, conformity of the control order, tolerance, and acceptability were assessed. Neither of the two participants showed general and local comorbidity. Acceptability was optimal. None of the stimulation configurations generated contradictory movements. The success rate in task execution by the electro-stimulated hand exceeded the target of 50% (54% and 51% for patients 1 and 2, respectively). The compliance rate of the control orders in both patients was >90% using motion inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based detection and 100% using electromyography (EMG)-based detection in patient 1. These results support the relevance of neural stimulation of the tetraplegic upper limb with a more selective approach, using multi-contact epineural electrodes with nine and six contact points for the median and radial nerve respectively.

Arthroplasty for weight-bearing shoulders.

INTRODUCTION: Repeated transfers and wheelchair propulsion in patients with a neurological deficit of the lower limbs overloads the upper limbs mechanically, particularly the shoulders, which become weight-bearing. Under these conditions, arthroplasty implants are subjected to large stresses, even though this indication is controversial in such a context. We hypothesized that joint replacement in weight-bearing shoulders will relieve pain and improve range of motion, with a positive impact on function and autonomy, without increasing the complication rate relative to the able-bodied population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study involved 13 implants in 11 patients (4 total shoulder arthroplasty, 4 hemi-arthroplasty and 3 reverse shoulder arthroplasty) who had a mean follow-up of 33.7 ± 27 months (12-85 months). The clinical assessment included active and passive range of motion, pain, Constant score, and the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI). Radiographs were evaluated to look for signs of loosening and scapular notching. The patients' autonomy was evaluated through the number of transfers, means of locomotion (manual or electric wheelchair) and the functional independence measure (FIM). Two subgroups were defined based on the initial pathology: neurological shoulder or functional shoulder. RESULTS: The 11 patients had a mean age of 64±19 years (23-85 years) and were all long-term wheelchair users (electrical or mechanical). The pain level on VAS decreased from 8±3 preoperatively to 4±2 postoperatively (p=0.003). The mean Constant score increased 90% from 22±11 preoperatively to 42±23 postoperatively (p=0.008). The WUSPI score decreased by 73% from 80±30 to 21±15 (p=0.001). The range of motion improved in the subgroup of patients with functional shoulders but not in the subgroup of patients with neurological shoulders. The means of locomotion was altered in five patients (63%) by the acquisition of an electric wheelchair, but with no significant change in the number of daily transfers. There were no radiographic signs of implant loosening at the final assessment. Two implants had to be revised: one anatomical prosthesis was converted to a reverse configuration because of a secondary rotator cuff rupture; one case of early infection required a two-stage implant change. DISCUSSION: Joint replacement in weight-bearing shoulders is an effective medium-term solution for cuff tear arthropathy and glenohumeral OA, mainly for addressing pain, with slight improvements in range of motion, depending on the initial pathology. This intervention requires lifestyle adaptations such as changes in daily transfer practices and means of locomotion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Weight-bearing shoulder and rotator cuff tear.

Two percent of the general population are wheelchair-dependent. The shoulder takes on the weight-bearing locomotor function, and tends with age to develop degenerative pathologies, notably in the rotator cuff. The association between weight-bearing shoulder and rotator cuff tear raises several questions: what are the mechanisms by which wheelchair propulsion and transfer overload the shoulder, and what specificities do the lesions display? They occur in younger patients than in the rest of the population, after about 15 years' fairly constant wheelchair use. As well as the classical supraspinatus damage, an anterior cuff extension is the most frequent case. Is there a particular clinical presentation of cuff tear in this population? As the shoulder cannot be functionally protected, pain is constant and asymptomatic cuff tear is rare. Any pain after 12 years' wheelchair use requires morphologic exploration. How does treatment strategy differ for the weight-bearing shoulder? More than the classic quest for compensation, in the weight-bearing shoulder, the rotator cuff should be protected against any local aggression by systematic surgical recalibration of the subacromial space, and all lesions should be repaired, to avoid extension. Are functional results to be expected to be poorer in this population? On condition that the suture is protected by postponing any transfer beyond 4 months and that the shoulder is protected on a daily basis, analytic results and healing rates are comparable to those in the general population. However, general complications and skin complications are more frequent and require postoperative care in a specialized center.

Responsiveness of the Motor Capacities Scale to upper limb reconstructive surgery in persons with tetraplegia due to cervical spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Psychometric Study. OBJECTIVES: To assess responsiveness of the Motor Capacities Scale (MCS) in people with tetraplegia who have undergone upper limb reconstructive surgery. SETTINGS: Rehabilitation clinics in France. METHODS: The MCS is an arm/hand function test with 31 basic tasks, subdivided into four sub-categories (MCS A, MCS B, MCS C, and MCS D). Data were recorded preoperatively and following full completion of the surgical program. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and a ten-point numeric scale related to patients' satisfaction with the overall surgical result were included. Data were analyzed using responsiveness measures-the effect size (ES), the standardized response mean (SRM), and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). RESULTS: Twenty-seven participants were included. Fourteen patients underwent unilateral surgery and 13 bilateral surgery. ES and SRM were moderate or good (ES/SRM of MCS B = 0.76/0.81, ES/SRM MCS C = 0.68/0.77, and ES/SRM MCS D = 0.77/0.88). For MCS A and FIM, both SRM and ES showed a small degree of responsiveness. For the MCS total score, the ES value indicated a moderate degree of responsiveness while SRM was excellent. Total MCS score, MCS C subscore and MCS D subscore showed significantly higher ES values in the "bilateral surgery" group than in the "unilateral group". The estimation of MCIDs showed low threshold values of MCS scores changes (total score and subscores) beyond which the satisfaction rate is >6. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of acceptable responsiveness of the MCS to changes using the SRM following upper limb reconstruction in patients with tetraplegia.

Scaphometacarpal arthroplasty: a report of ten cases of trapeziometacarpal prosthesis and trapeziectomy revision.

Loosening of the trapezial component is a main cause of failure of trapeziometacarpal prostheses. This report presents the preliminary results of scaphometacarpal prostheses used for revision of trapeziometacarpal prostheses and failed trapeziectomies. A retrospective multicentre study was conducted on ten patients. Four had revision surgery after failure of trapeziometacarpal prostheses, five after trapeziectomy and one after a trapezial silicone implant. Pain, mobility, strength, QuickDASH, satisfaction score and radiographs were assessed. Nine patients were assessed (one was lost to follow-up), with a mean follow-up of 34 months. The mean pain score was 1.2/10, Quick-DASH was 39 and opposition according to the Kapandji score was 8.6. Strength was 3 kg for key pinch and 13.6 kg for power grip. One failure was observed, with early loosening of the scaphoid cup. Scaphometacarpal arthroplasty is a reliable medium-term solution for revision of the loosening of a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis with trapezial damage and for failed trapeziectomy. Level of evidence: IV.

Arthrodesis Versus Carpometacarpal Preservation in Key-Grip Procedures in Tetraplegic Patients: A Comparative Study of 40 Cases.

PURPOSE: Constructing a lateral key pinch (KP) is a universal aim of any functional upper limb surgery program for tetraplegia. Three stages are required: (1) activating the pinch mechanism by flexor pollicis longus tenodesis to the radius or by tendon transfer to the flexor pollicis longus, (2) simplifying the polyarticular chain, and (3) positioning the thumb column. We compared 2 techniques for accomplishing the latter stage, 1 utilizing arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal joint (CMC) and 1 that did not require arthrodesis of the CMC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 40 cases of KP reconstruction at a mean follow-up of 7.4 years: 17 who had undergone CMC arthrodesis and 23 without CMC arthrodesis. In this group, an abductor pollicis longus tenodesis was necessary to properly position the thumb column in 17 patients. RESULTS: Active KP cases with CMC arthrodesis were significantly stronger than those without an arthrodesis. For passive KP cases, the difference between those cases with CMC arthrodesis and those without was not significant. Regarding opening, for active KP cases with CMC preservation alone, the mean distance between the thumb pulp and the index finger was 4.0 cm at rest and 5.8 cm when passively grasping large objects; for active KP cases without arthrodesis, these values were 3.4 and 6.8 cm, respectively, with the wrist in flexion. For passive KP cases, these values were 2.2 and 3.5 cm with CMC arthrodesis compared with 2.4 and 6.9 cm without arthrodesis. Overall, 23.5% of patients with CMC arthrodesis could not maintain contact between the thumb and the index finger compared with 30.4% without arthrodesis. CONCLUSIONS: Active KP is stronger with than without CMC arthrodesis; however, the KP reconstruction does not open as far when grasping large objects. For passive KP, CMC arthrodesis significantly limits passive opening, with no gain in strength. Neither technique is superior in terms of KP stability. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

MAÏA Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthroplasty: Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of 80 Patients With More than 6 Years of Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: Trapeziometacarpal (TMC) total joint replacement is increasingly being performed in Europe. MAÏA TMC total joint arthroplasty is a modular uncemented ball-and-socket hydroxyapatite-coated implant. This study assessed the midterm clinical and radiological results of the MAÏA TMC prosthesis. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study involved 80 patients who underwent 96 MAÏA TMC prosthesis implantations from February 2006 to April 2009, and who had a minimum of 5 years' follow-up. Indications for the procedure were painful TMC joint osteoarthritis affecting activities of daily living and a failure of at least 6 months of nonsurgical treatment. Pre- and postoperative clinical and radiographic data were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age at surgery was 68 years (range, 53-84 years) and the median follow-up was 76 months (range, 60-102 months). The mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved from 61.3 ± 17.1 to 17.5 ± 16. The mobility of the thumb was restored to a range of motion comparable with that of the contralateral thumb. Opposition, defined by the Kapandji score, was almost normal (9.2 of 10; range, 6-10), as was the final mean key pinch and grip strength, which improved by 26% and 43%, respectively. Among the 96 implants, 4 (4.2%) were surgically revised for trapezium loosening. One dislocation was treated with closed reduction; 3 (3.1%) posttraumatic trapezium fractures were immobilized for 8 weeks. Among the 26 preoperative reducible z-deformities, only 5 (19.2%) were not totally corrected after surgery. The procedure success, by survival analysis over 6 years, was 93% (95% confidence interval, 87-98). CONCLUSIONS: MAÏA TMC total joint arthroplasty may be a reliable treatment option for TMC joint osteoarthritis, with very good results for pain relief, strength, mobility, and restoration of the thumb length, providing correction of most thumb z-deformities. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

The TESS reverse shoulder arthroplasty without a stem in the treatment of cuff-deficient shoulder conditions: clinical and radiographic results.

BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is a recent concept that enables good functional outcomes in cases of massive rotator cuff tear and cuff tear arthropathy. Design parameters influence the functional results and complications. The purpose of this study is to present the results of a novel RSA, the Total Evolutive Shoulder System (TESS; Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA), based on a reverse corolla without a stem. METHODS: We enrolled 101 patients with 105 RSAs in a prospective study, with a minimum follow-up period of 24 months. The analysis concerned 91 RSAs in 87 patients (61 men and 26 women), with a mean age of 73 years, at a mean follow-up of 41 months (range, 24-69 months). RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of patients rated their satisfaction as good or excellent. Mean flexion was 143° (range, 90°-170°), and mean external rotation was 39° (range, 20°-70°). The Constant score improved from 40 points preoperatively to 68 points at last follow-up (P < .001). The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 24 points. The mean neck-shaft angle was 154° (range, 142°-165°). Inferior scapular notching occurred in 17 cases (19%). The notching rate was higher when the glenometaphyseal angle increased (P < .001), when the inferior tilt decreased (P = .003), and when the neck-shaft angle increased. There was no evidence of component loosening. CONCLUSION: TESS RSA provided encouraging midterm results with favorable outcomes and a low rate of complications. The stemless TESS with a reverse corolla is a reliable, less invasive system.

Anterior glenohumeral joint stabilization in tetraplegic patients by medializing the anterior head of deltoid muscle.

To improve control of the upper limb in high-level tetraplegic patients, the proximal shoulder must be the first consideration. Medialization of the anterior part of the deltoid muscle provides stabilization and is then an antagonist to the posterior deltoid when a pectoralis major palsy exists. It can also be performed in isolation in high-level tetraplegia even when there is little hope of distal extremity reconstruction to stabilize the shoulder. It also precedes the ability to restore elbow extension and perform further reconstructive hand surgery. We describe the surgical technique and report a clinical case.

Rotator cuff surgery in persons with spinal cord injury: relevance of a multidisciplinary approach.

BACKGROUND: This article is a prospective review of patients with spinal cord injury who underwent multidisciplinary consultation from January 2005 to September 2013 for pain in one or both shoulders. METHODS: We performed clinical, functional, and lesion evaluations of 38 patients with paraplegia and quadriplegia presenting with rotator cuff pathologies. RESULTS: Surgery was indicated and performed on 38 shoulders in 28 patients. The lesion assessment during surgery showed injuries that were more severe than one would have thought based on imaging data. The mean pain intensity rating in the operative and nonoperative groups was 0 and 1.6, respectively, at rest and 2 and 4.9, respectively, during paroxysmal peaks. On average, for patients who had surgery, the Functional Independence Measure score decreased by 2.3. The mean satisfaction index in operated patients was 8.5 of 10. CONCLUSIONS: When the surgical indication was based on a multidisciplinary decision, no negative results were reported that could have challenged the validity of this decision. Pain relief was the primary benefit reported after surgery. The functional status was modified because of the technical aids needed to prevent shoulder overuse. There are several arguments in favor of rotator cuff surgery for wheelchair-bound patients with spinal cord injury. Because of their functional impairments, wheelchair-bound patients will continue to overburden their shoulders after rotator cuff surgery. A multidisciplinary approach emerges as the solution to inform and educate patients to limit the risk of recurrence.

Results of a new stemless shoulder prosthesis: radiologic proof of maintained fixation and stability after a minimum of three years' follow-up.

HYPOTHESIS: In total shoulder arthroplasty, the humeral component, particularly the stem, can be involved in some of the complications and technical difficulties increase in posttraumatic arthritis with proximal humeral malunion. To decrease the intraoperative complications related to the stem, the TESS (Biomet Inc, Warsaw, IN) humeral implant, was designed in 2004 hypothesis that we can obtain a good fixation with a stemless prosthesis. This investigation reports the preliminary results of this prosthesis with more than 3 years of follow-up. METHODS: Between March 2004 and June 2005, 70 patients underwent 72 shoulder replacements with the TESS humeral prosthesis. Sixty-three patients were reviewed with a follow-up of more than 36 months (average, 45.2 months; range, 36-51 months). The mean preoperative Constant score was 29.6. RESULTS: Gain in active mobility was 49 degrees for forward flexion and 20 degrees for external rotation. The postoperative Constant score was 75. Radiographic analysis showed no radiolucencies or implant migration. Functional results are comparable with previous reports on prosthetic glenohumeral replacement. DISCUSSION: Our clinical results are similar to this with classical prosthesis. The humeral head removal facilitates the glenoid exposure and implantation. After the initial cases any specific complication was seen. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the automatic central positioning of the implant, an anatomic reconstruction was achieved. In malunions, no tuberosity osteotomy was required. At 3 years of follow-up, there is radiologic evidence of maintained implant stability. These encouraging preliminary results confirm our belief that a stemless prosthesis can be used to obtain an anatomic reconstruction of the proximal humerus. A longer-term follow-up study is needed to validate these results.