Arthroscopic Resection of Acromioclavicular Joint Cysts and Distal Clavicle: A Report of 3 Cases.

CASE: This case report describes 3 patients who developed acromioclavicular joint cysts secondary to rotator cuff arthropathy. The patients underwent arthroscopic cyst decompression and distal clavicle resection, resulting in successful excision of the cyst and minimal cyst recurrence. CONCLUSION: Based on these cases, arthroscopic cyst decompression with concomitant distal clavicle resection should be considered as an effective alternative to serial aspirations or open cyst excision and distal clavicle resection.

The acetabularization index: a novel measure of acromial bone loss prior to reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Acromial stress fractures following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have gained attention among specialized surgeons over the past decades craving answers regarding predisposing factors and technical aspects as how to avoid the complication. This study introduces the acetabularization index (AI) for the preoperative estimation of acromial bone loss attributed to acetabularization in cases of cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). METHODS: The acromiohumeral interval (AHI), extent of acromial acetabularization (AA), acromial height (AH), and width of acetabularization (r) were measured on preoperative radiographs and two-dimensional computed tomography scans (2D CT) of patients who underwent RSA within the timeline 2019-2023 for CTA. The AI calculated AI % = AA mm ÷ AH mm . The CTA grade was determined according to the Hamada classification. The AI values on radiographs and 2D CT were compared by a Student's t-test. Possible correlation between the AI and AHI was investigated via Pearson's coefficient. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was employed to test the interobserver reliability among two independent testers. RESULTS: The radiographs and 2D CT scans of thirty-three patients who underwent RSA were analyzed. The mean AHI, AH, AA, r, and AI values on radiographs were 5.5 ± 2 mm, 10 ± 2 mm, 2 ± 2 mm, 30 ± 4 mm, 16 ± 16%, respectively. On 2D CT, the corresponding mean values were 4.7 ± 2.5 mm, 10.8 ± 2.65 mm, 2.45 ± 2.35 mm, and 30 ± 4.5, and 22.3 ± 22%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the AI values on radiographs and 2D CT (P = .000). The Pearson's correlation coefficient demonstrated a negative correlation between AI and AHI (r = - 0.33). Excellent reliability was observed by the ICC values for all parameters in both groups among two testers. CONCLUSION: The AI is a reliably measurable tool on radiographs and 2D CT scans; however, the measurements derived from radiographs vary significantly from CT based measurements due to projection restrictions. Grade IVB of the Hamada/Fukuda classification is associated with the highest AI values. Further research is warranted to assess the clinical utility of this index as a predictive tool for postoperative acromial stress fractures.

International trends in shoulder replacement: a meta-analysis from 11 public joint registers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: International variation exists in the types of shoulder replacement used for treatment of specific diseases. Implant choice continues to evolve without high-quality evidence. Our aim was to evaluate trends in incidence rates of shoulder replacement and assess any recent changes in practice between countries by using registry data. METHODS: Patient characteristics, indication and year of surgery, type of replacement, and collection methods of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) was extracted from 11 public joint registries. Meta-analyses examined use of reverse total shoulder replacement (RTSR) for osteoarthritis, cuff tear arthropathy, and acute fracture; use of anatomical total shoulder replacement (TSR) for osteoarthritis; and use of humeral hemiarthroplasty for fracture. RESULTS: The annual growth rate of shoulder replacements performed is 6-15% (2011-2019). The use of RTSR has almost doubled (93%). RTSR is now universally performed for cuff tear arthropathy (97.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 96.0-98.1). Its use for avascular necrosis, trauma, and inflammatory arthropathy is increasing. The use of RTSR was similar (43.1%, CI 30.0-57.2) versus TSR (44.7%, CI 31.1-59.1) for osteoarthritis. The types of PROMs used, collection time points, and response rates lack standardization. COVID-19 had a varying inter-registry impact on incidence rates. CONCLUSION: The incidence of shoulder replacements has grown. Use of RTSR has increased for all disease indications despite limited high-quality evidence driving this change in indications outside of cuff arthropathy. Consequently, less variation is observed in international practice. Existing differences now relate to use of newer implant types and methodology of PROMs collection, which prevents international comparison and outcome analysis.

Humeral Component Version Has No Effect on Outcomes Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the ideal humeral component version to optimize humeral rotation and patient outcomes in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). METHODS: Patients undergoing primary rTSA for rotator cuff tear arthropathy, a massive rotator cuff tear, or primary osteoarthritis with a rotator cuff tear were randomized to placement of the humeral component in neutral version or 30° of retroversion. Shoulder active range of motion and strength and visual analog scale (VAS) pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global 10 (PROMIS-10) scores were collected up to 2 years postoperatively. The goal of the study was to determine whether humeral external rotation and internal rotation are affected by humeral component version following rTSA at 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included in the analysis. The median follow-up was 26 months for the neutral and 27 months for the 30° retroversion group. No differences between the groups were observed with respect to the primary diagnosis, sex, age, body mass index, or American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in terms of improvement at 2 years in active shoulder abduction (p = 0.969), forward elevation (p = 1.000), internal rotation measured as the highest spinal level reached (p = 1.000), internal rotation with the arm abducted 90° (p = 0.451), external rotation (p = 0.362), or muscle strength in forward elevation (p = 1.000), abduction (p = 1.000), external rotation (p = 0.617), or internal rotation (p = 1.000). The 2 groups did not differ significantly in terms of improvement in postoperative ASES (p = 1.000), PROMIS-10 physical (p = 1.000), or VAS pain scores (p = 0.718) at the time of final follow-up. In the neutral version group, 1 patient underwent revision for instability and 1 for stiffness. One acromial stress fracture occurred in the 30° humeral retroversion group. Scapular notching was observed in 7 (21.2%) of the patients in neutral version group and 5 (15.2%) of the patients in the 30° retroversion group (p = 0.750). CONCLUSIONS: Securing the humeral component at neutral version or 30° of retroversion in rTSA resulted in similar active shoulder external rotation, internal rotation, forward elevation, abduction, and strength measurements, complication rates, and VAS pain, PROMIS-10 physical, and ASES scores at 2 years postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Does the subscapularis repair affect the clinical outcome after primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is an established procedure for patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy. However, the repair of the subscapularis tendon remains a controversial and frequently discussed topic. This prospective randomized study was conducted to evaluate the clinical benefit of the subscapularis repair after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Fifty patients (36 female and 14 male) were randomized and assigned to either the "repaired" (rep) or the "not repaired" (nrep) cohort. Intraoperatively, the subscapularis tendon was reattached in the rep cohort with 4 tendon-to-tendon sutures, whereas no repair was performed in the nrep cohort. The Constant-Murley Score (CS) and the range of motion were evaluated preoperatively as well as 12 and 36 months postoperatively. The Subjective Shoulder Value and the Lift-off test were performed 36 months postoperatively. The postoperative subscapularis integrity was assessed sonographically. RESULTS: Twelve months postoperatively the rep cohort presented better results in the CS (rep: 71 vs. nrep: 66, P = .037). The normalized CS was 80% in the rep cohort and 75% in the nrep cohort (P = .114). At our last follow-up after 36 months, we did not find significant differences between the rep cohort and the nrep cohort in the CS (rep: 76 vs. nrep: 75, P = .285) and normalized CS (rep: 91% vs. nrep: 91%, P = .388). Concerning internal rotation (in points), the rep cohort achieved better results than the nrep cohort (rep: 7.3 vs. nrep: 6.6, P = .040). Flexion (rep: 145° vs. nrep: 151°, P = .826), abduction (rep: 135° vs. nrep: 137°, P = .816), external rotation (rep: 34° vs. nrep: 37°, P = .817), and the Subjective Shoulder Value (rep: 81% vs. nrep: 77%, P = .398) presented no significant differences between the cohorts. The ultrasound examination after 36 months displayed an intact tendon in 70%. CONCLUSIONS: Although the subscapularis repair affects the postoperative internal rotation positively, there were no differences in midterm follow-up concerning the overall results after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Further, the external rotation is not affected by the repair of the subscapularis tendon.

Cost-effectiveness of shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tear arthropathy. An economic analysis using real-world data.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess cost-effectiveness of shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis (OA) and rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) from the perspective of a publicly funded health care system using patient data, health utilities and costs from a real-world situation. HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis was that arthroplasty for OA is more cost-effective than for CTA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We gathered a cohort of patients with 153 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) for OA and 107 reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for CTA between years 2016-2020 at a university hospital. Short-term (mean 2.8years) shoulder function, health utilities and costs were obtained from prospectively collected data, and a Markov cohort simulation was carried out to assess lifetime cost-utility. The primary outcome measures were change in 15D score to calculate gain in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and change in Western Ontario osteoarthritis score of the shoulder (WOOS). RESULTS: Both TSA and RSA restored shoulder function well, WOOS improvement was 59.7 (95% CI: 56.2-63.2) and 55.8 (95% CI: 50.4-61.2), respectively. The cost/QALY gained was 20,846.82 € for TSA and 38,711.90 € for RSA. The cost-utility was not remarkable sensitive to costs, discounting of future costs or estimated revision rates. However, the cost-effectiveness was very sensitive to change in 15D health utility scores and thus QALY gain, especially for RSA patients. DISCUSSION: Shoulder arthroplasty restores shoulder function well in both OA and CTA. In health economic terms, RSA is less cost-effective than TSA in an everyday setting, mainly due to inferior improvement of health-related quality-of-life and reduced life expectancy of CTA patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; case series.

Neuropathy of the suprascapular and axillary nerves in rotator cuff arthropathy: a prospective electrodiagnostic study.

PURPOSE: Prevalence of axillary (AN) and/or suprascapular (SSN) neuropathy in rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA) is unknown. We aimed to prospectively evaluate for preoperative neurodiagnostic abnormalities in order to determine their prevalence, location, and influence on reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent RSA for RCTA were prospectively included. An electromyography and nerve conduction study were performed pre and post-surgery. Clinical situation: VAS, Relative Constant-Murley Score (rCMS) and ROM over a minimum of two years follow-up. RESULTS: Forty patients met the inclusion criteria; mean follow-up was 28.4 months (SD 4.4). Injuries in RCTA were present in 83.9% (77.4% in AN and 45.2% in SSN). There were no differences on preoperative VAS, ROM, and rCMS between patients with and without preoperative nerve injuries. Four acute postoperative neurological injuries were registered under chronic preoperative injuries. Six months after RSA, 69% of preoperative neuropathies had improved (82.14% chronic injuries and 77.7% disuse injuries). No differences in improvement between disuse and chronic injuries were found, but patients with preoperative neuropathy that had not improved at the postoperative electromyographic study at six months, scored worse on the VAS (1.44 vs 2.66; p .14) and rCMS (91.6 vs 89.04; p .27). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of axillary and suprascapular neuropathies in RCTA is much higher than expected. Most of these injuries improve after surgery, with almost complete neurophysiological recovery and little functional impact on RSA. However, those patients with preoperative neuropathies and absence of neurophysiological improvement six months after surgery have lower functional results.

Disease diagnosis and arthroplasty type are strongly associated with short-term postoperative patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing primary total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Prognostic factors for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) clinical outcomes are incompletely understood. This study investigates the associations of preoperative patient, disease-specific, and surgical factors with 1-year postoperative PENN Shoulder Score (PSS) in patients undergoing primary TSA. METHODS: Cleveland Clinic patients undergoing primary anatomic TSA (aTSA) or reverse TSA (rTSA) for glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) or rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) between February 2015 and August 2019, and having complete preoperative and 1-year postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), were included. Twenty preselected preoperative patient, disease-specific, and surgical factors were used to fit multivariable models for 1-year PSS and its subscores. RESULTS: Of 1427 eligible primary TSAs, 1174 had 1-year follow-up by PROMs (82%), with 1042 analyzed after additional exclusions, including 30% rTSAs for CTA (n = 308), 26% rTSAs for GHOA (n = 275), and 44% aTSAs for GHOA (n = 459). All PROMs showed statistically significant improvements postoperatively, with 89% of patients reaching an acceptable symptom state. Lower 1-year PSS was associated with younger age, female sex, current smoking, chronic pain diagnosis, history of prior surgery, worker's compensation claim, lower preoperative mental health, lower baseline PSS, absence of glenoid bone loss, and diagnosis-arthroplasty type (CTA-rTSA < GHOA-rTSA < GHOA-aTSA). The most important prognostic factors associated with 1-year PSS were diagnosis-arthroplasty type, baseline mental health status, and insurance status. CONCLUSIONS: Disease diagnosis, arthroplasty type, and several other baseline factors are strongly and individually associated with PROMs following primary TSA, with patients undergoing aTSA for GHOA demonstrating the highest PROM scores at 1-year follow-up. Patient, disease-specific, and surgical factors can be used to guide postoperative prognosis following primary TSA for improved preoperative patient counseling regarding expected outcomes of these procedures.

Preoperative diagnosis and rotator cuff status impact functional internal rotation following reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate whether functional internal rotation (fIR) following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) differs based on diagnosis of either: primary osteoarthritis (OA) with intact rotator cuff, massive irreparable rotator cuff tear (MICT) or cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out on RSAs performed by a single surgeon with the same implant over a 5-year period. Minimum 2-year follow-up was available in 235 patients; 139 (59.1%) were female, and the mean patient age was 72 ± 8 years. Additional clinical evaluation included the Subjective Shoulder Value and Constant score. Postoperative internal rotation was categorized as type I: hand to the buttock or hip; type II: hand to the lower lumbar region; or type III: smooth motion to at least the upper lumbar region. Type I was considered "nonfunctional" internal rotation, and type II and III were fIR. RESULTS: Preoperatively, internal rotation was classified as type I in 60 patients (25.5%), type II in 114 (48.5%), and type III in 62 (26%). Postoperatively, internal rotation was classified as type I in 70 patients (30%), type II in 86 (36%), and type III in 79 (34%). Compared with preoperative status, fIR improved significantly in OA patients (P < .001), with 49 (52.6%) classified as type II or III postoperatively. In CTA patients, there was no significant change (P = .352). In patients with MICTs, there was a significant loss in fIR postoperatively (P = .003), with 25 patients (30.8%) deteriorating to type I after having either type II or III preoperatively, and only 5 patients (6.1%) improving to either type II or III. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo RSA for primary OA have a better chance of postoperative fIR improvement. A decrease in fIR is common after RSA for MICTs.

Clinically significant outcome thresholds and rates of achievement by shoulder arthroplasty type and preoperative diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Clinically significant outcome (CSO) benchmarks have been previously established for shoulder arthroplasty by assimilating preoperative diagnoses and arthroplasty types. The purpose of this study was to establish unique CSO thresholds and compare the time-to-achievement of these for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for osteoarthritis (GHOA), RSA for rotator cuff arthropathy (RCA), and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) for GHOA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent elective RSA for GHOA, TSA for GHOA, or RSA for RCA between February 2015 and May 2020, with 2-year minimum follow-up, were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained single surgeon registry. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was administered preoperatively and postoperatively at 2-week, 6-week, 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year timepoints. Satisfaction and subjective overall improvement anchor questionnaires were administered at the time of final follow-up. Distribution-based methods were used to calculate the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID), and anchor-based methods were used to calculate the Substantial Clinical Benefit (SCB) and the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) for each patient group. Median time to achievement, individual incidence of achievement at each time point, and cumulative incidence of achievement calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis with interval censoring were compared between groups for each CSO. Cox-regression analyses were also performed to determine which patient factors were significantly associated with early or delayed achievement of CSOs. RESULTS: There were 471 patients eligible for study analysis: 276 RSA for GHOA, 107 TSA for GHOA, and 88 RSA for RCA. The calculated MCID, SCB, and PASS scores differed for each group. There were no significant differences in median time to achievement of any CSO between groups. Log-rank testing revealed that cumulative achievements significantly differed between groups for MCID (P = .014) but not for SCB (P = .053) or PASS (P = .620). On cox regression analysis, TSA patients had earlier achievement of SCB, whereas TSA and RSA for GHOA patients had earlier achievement of MCID. At 2-years, a significantly higher percentage of RSA for GHOA patients achieved MCID and SCB compared to RSA for RCA (MCID:100%, 95.5%, P = .003, SCB:94.6%, 86.4%, P = .036). CONCLUSION: Calculated CSO thresholds differ according to preoperative diagnosis and shoulder arthroplasty type. Patients undergoing TSA and RSA for GHOA achieve CSOs earlier than RSA for RCA patients, and a significantly higher percentage of RSA for GHOA patients achieve CSOs by 2 years compared to RSA for RCA patients.

Managing rotator cuff tear arthropathy: a role for cuff tear arthropathy hemiarthroplasty as well as reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Disabling cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) is commonly managed with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). However, for patients with CTA having preserved active elevation, cuff tear arthropathy hemiarthroplasty (CTAH) may offer a cost-effective alternative that avoids the complications unique to RSA. We sought to determine the characteristics and outcomes of a series of patients with CTA managed with these procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 103 patients with CTA treated with shoulder arthroplasty, the type of which was determined by the patient's ability to actively elevate the arm. Outcome measures included the change in the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), the percent maximum improvement in SST (%MPI), and the percentage of patients exceeding the minimal clinically important difference for the change in SST and %MPI. Postoperative x-rays were evaluated to assess the positions of the center of rotation and the greater tuberosity for each implant. RESULTS: Forty-four percent of the 103 patients were managed with CTAH while 56% were managed with RSA. Both arthroplasties resulted in clinically significant improvement. Patients having RSA improved from a mean preoperative SST score of 1.7 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.0-3.0) to a postoperative score of 6.3 (IQR, 2.3-10.0) (P < .01). Patients having CTAH improved from a preoperative SST score of 3.1 (IQR, 1.0-4.0) to a postoperative score of 7.6 (IQR, 5.0-10.) (P < .001). These improvements exceeded the minimal clinically important difference. Instability accounted for most of the RSA complications; however, it did not account for any CTAH complications. The postoperative position of the center of rotation and greater tuberosity on anteroposterior radiographs did not correlate with the clinical outcomes for either procedure. CONCLUSION: For 103 patients with CTA, clinically significant improvement was achieved with appropriately indicated CTAH and RSA. In view of the lower cost of the CTAH implant, it may provide a cost-effective alternative to RSA for patients with retained active elevation.

The long-term results of shoulder hemiarthroplasty in irreducible four-part fracture-dislocation of the proximal humerus without rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

PURPOSE: Although there are concerns about nonunion of the greater tuberosity or shoulder weakness, hemishoulder arthroplasty (HSA) is a viable treatment option for irreducible four-part proximal humerus fractures-dislocation without rotator cuff tear arthropathy. This study aims to analyze the long-term radiological and functional outcomes of HSA. METHODS: This study enrolled 36 patients who underwent HSA due to irreducible four-part proximal humerus fracture-dislocation without rotator cuff tear arthropathy between March 2005 and May 2020. The exclusion group included 10 reverse total shoulder arthroplasty patients. The mean age and mean follow-up period were 68.6 years old and 48.6 months, respectively. Radiological assessments, such as vertical and horizontal greater tuberosity position, greater tuberosity healing, and implant position, were evaluated. Clinically, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES), Constant-Murley Score (CMS), and range of motion were evaluated. RESULTS: The greater tuberosity union rate was 55.6% (n = 20), with 44.4% (n = 16) experiencing nonunion, malunion, and bone resorption. The mean vertical and horizontal greater tuberosity positions showed significant difference at last follow-up compared to immediate postoperation. The retroversion of the implant was 23.8 ± 4.61°, and the acromio-humeral interval was 7.6 ± 1.34 mm. The mean last follow-up ASES and CMS were 39.5 ± 4.03 and 55.4 ± 10.41, respectively. The mean active forward flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation were 100.9 ± 15.04°, 92.5 ± 14.47°, 44.2 ± 12.83°, and 42.5 ± 15.32°, respectively. CONCLUSION: In long-term follow-up, the greater tuberosity was superiorly migrated and externally rotated. Active forward flexion and abduction in the last follow-up were significantly limited. However, in terms of pain relief, a satisfactory result was seen.

Does forearm referencing using a retroversion guide achieve the targeted retroversion of the humeral component in reverse shoulder arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Component positioning affects clinical outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty, which necessitates an implantation technique that is reproducible, consistent, and reliable. This study aims to assess the accuracy and precision of positioning the humeral component in planned retroversion using a forearm referencing guide. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of 54 patients (27 males and 27 females) who underwent primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis or cuff tear arthropathy were evaluated. A standardized surgical technique was used to place the humeral stem in 15° of retroversion. Version was assessed intraoperatively visualizing the retroversion guide from above and referencing the forearm axis. Metal subtraction techniques from postoperative computed tomography images allowed for the generation of 3D models of the humerus and for evaluation of the humeral component position. Anatomical humeral plane and implant planes were defined and the retroversion 3D angle between identified planes was recorded for each patient. Accuracy and precision were assessed. A subgroup analysis evaluated differences between male and female patients. RESULTS: The humeral retroversion angle ranged from 0.9° to 22.8°. The majority (81%) of the measurements were less than 15°. Mean retroversion angle (±SD) was 9.9° ± 5.8° (95% CI 8.4°-11.5°) with a mean percent error with respect to 15° of -34% ± 38 (95% CI -23 to -44). In the male subgroup (n = 27, range 3.8°-22.5°), the mean retroversion angle was 11.9° ± 5.4° (95% CI 9.8°-14.1°) with a mean percent error with respect to 15° of -21% ± 36 (95% CI -6 to -35). In the female subgroup (n = 27, range 0.9°-22.8°), mean retroversion angle was 8.0° ± 5.5° (95% CI 5.8°-10.1°) and the mean percent error with respect to 15° was -47% ± 36 (95% CI -32 to -61). The differences between the 2 gender groups were statistically significant (P = .006). CONCLUSION: Referencing the forearm using an extramedullary forearm referencing system to position the humeral stem in a desired retroversion is neither accurate nor precise. There is a nonnegligible tendency to achieve a lower retroversion than planned, and the error is more marked in females.

Lateralization and distalization shoulder angles do not predict outcomes in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for cuff tear arthropathy.

BACKGROUND: In reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), there are a plethora of measurements regarding implant lateralization and distalization to optimize the center of rotation. Two specific measurements known as the "lateralization shoulder angle" (LSA) and "distalization shoulder angle" (DSA) have been the recent focus of studies to assess their association with RSA and postoperative function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic clinical value of the LSA and DSA in a large cohort of patients with cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) who were treated with different RSA systems. METHODS: Two local shoulder arthroplasty registries were reviewed for all RSA patients documented to have undergone a radiologic assessment and complete 2-year follow-up examination. The main inclusion criterion was primary RSA in patients with CTA. Patients with either a complete teres minor tear, os acromiale, or acromial stress fracture reported between the time of surgery and the 24-month follow-up were excluded. Five RSA implant systems with 4 neck-shaft angles (NSAs) were assessed. The Constant score, Subjective Shoulder Value, and range of motion at 2 years were correlated with both the LSA and DSA assessed on 6-month anteroposterior radiographs. Linear and parabolic univariable regressions were calculated for both shoulder angles, for each prosthesis system, and for the entire patient cohort. RESULTS: Between May 2006 and November 2019, there were a total of 630 CTA patients who had undergone primary RSA. Of this large cohort of patients, 270 were treated with the Promos Reverse prosthesis system (NSA, 155°); 44, Aequalis Reversed II (NSA, 155°); 62, Lima SMR Reverse (NSA, 150°); 25, Aequalis Ascend Flex (NSA, 145°); and 229, Univers Revers (NSA, 135°). The mean LSA was 78° (standard deviation [SD], 10°; range, 6°-107°), and the mean DSA was 51° (SD, 10°; range, 7°-91°). The average Constant score at 24 months' follow-up was 68.1 points (SD, 13 points; range, 13-96 points). Neither the linear nor parabolic regression calculations for the LSA or DSA revealed significant associations with any of the clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Different patients may achieve different clinical outcomes despite having identical LSA and DSA values. There is no association between angular radiographic measurements and 2-year functional outcomes after RSA.

Short- to medium-term outcomes and future direction of reverse shoulder arthroplasty: Current concepts.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is typically indicated for patients with severe shoulder osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, or proximal humerus fractures that have failed to heal properly. The primary goal of reverse shoulder arthroplasty is to improve shoulder function and reduce pain, while also restoring the ability to perform daily activities. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in improving shoulder function and reducing pain in patients with severe shoulder osteoarthritis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is associated with significant improvements in shoulder function and pain reduction compared to non-surgical treatments. This paper aims to summarize current knowledge, practices and present a summary of the long-term effects of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) on patient outcomes, including how these outcomes are defined and what measures are typically used to assess them. It will also cover newer definitions of outcomes for RSA that have been developed in recent years in order to better understand the long-term effects of the procedure on patient-reported outcomes and functional ability, as well as information on revision surgery and implant survivorship, and the future of RSA (3D-navigation, patient-specific instrumentation, robotics and artificial intelligence) and its effects on outcomes.

Spontaneous Deltoid Tear in Cuff Tear Arthropathy and Its Effect on the Outcome of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Comparison Using Propensity Score Matching.

Background: Deltoid function critically influences the results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), and spontaneous deltoid attrition tears are frequently detected in cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) patients; however, the clinical impacts of these tears on RTSA outcomes are undetermined. Our aim was to determine the effect of spontaneous deltoid attrition tears on postoperative outcomes after RTSA without an additional deltoid procedure. Methods: Seventy-two patients who underwent RTSA for CTA with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a minimum clinical follow-up of 1 year (mean, 32 months) were retrospectively reviewed in the study. Patients with a history of previous shoulder surgery or injury were excluded. The presence and location of deltoid attrition tears were determined in preoperative MRI. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed to construct tear and no-tear groups. Finally, 21 patients, matched with respect to age, sex, hand dominance, symptom duration, medical comorbidity (obesity, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease), Hamada grade, and implant type, were assigned to each group. Clinical outcomes (functional scores, isometric power, and range of motion) in the two groups were compared. Results: Deltoid attrition tears were detected in 21 of the 72 enrolled cases (29.1%). Anterolateral deltoid was the most frequent location and no tear was detected in the posterior deltoid. The tear rate increased with disease severity (Hamada G2, 4.8%; G3, 23.8%; > G4, 71.4%). No pre- or postoperative clinical variables differed significantly between the tear and no tear groups. Conclusions: Deltoid attrition tears were detected in 29% of CTA patients who underwent RTSA. The most common site was the anterolateral region and tear prevalence tended to increase with CTA progression. However, RTSA was found to provide satisfactory outcomes regardless of the presence of a deltoid attrition tear.

Disparities in arthroplasty utilization for rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) carries a significant symptomatic burden for patients. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is an effective treatment intervention for CTA. Disparities in musculoskeletal medicine are well documented; however, there is a paucity of literature on how social determinants of health affect utilization rates. The purpose of this study is to determine how social determinants of health affect the utilization rates of RSA. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review was conducted for adult patients diagnosed with CTA between 2015 and 2020. Patients were divided by those who underwent RSA and those who were offered RSA but did not undergo surgery. Each patient's zip code was used to determine the most specific median household income in the US Census Bureau database and compared to the multistate metropolitan statistical area median income. Income levels were defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) 2022 Income Limits Documentation System and the Federal Reserve's (FED's) Community Reinvestment Act. Because of numeric restrictions, patients were grouped into racial cohorts of Black, White, and all other races. RESULTS: Patients of other races had significantly lower odds of continuing to surgery compared with White patients in models controlled for median household income (odds ratio [OR] 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18-0.81, P = .01), HUD's 3 income levels (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18-0.74, P = .01), and FED's income levels (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17-0.79, P = .01). There was no significantly different odds of going on to surgery between FED income levels and median household income levels, but when compared with those with low HUD income, those below median had significantly lower odds of going on to surgery (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23-0.80, P = .01). CONCLUSION: Although contradictory to reported health care utilization for Black patients, our study supports reported disparities in utilization for other ethnic minorities. These findings may suggest that improvements in utilization efforts targeted Black-identifying patients but not necessarily other ethnic minorities. The findings of this study can help providers understand how social determinants of health play a role in the utilization of care for CTA and direct mitigation efforts to reduce disparities in access to adequate orthopedic care.

Comparison of Clinical Performance of Inlay versus Onlay Humerus Implants in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Background: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has become the treatment of choice for the management of massive rotator cuff tears combined with cuff tear arthropathy, and many novel designs have been proposed to overcome the shortcomings of classic RTSA. This study sought to evaluate and compare RTSA outcomes among patients with cuff tear arthropathy treated by a medialized inlay humerus implant with a neck shaft angle of 155° or a lateralized onlay implant with a neck shaft angle of 145°. Methods: A retrospective review of 32 inlay implants and 32 onlay implants was performed. The active range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, motor power for elevation and external rotation, and functional scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, and Korean Shoulder Scoring system were assessed before surgery, at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, and at the last follow-up at least 24 months after surgery. Scapular notching, lateral humeral offset, and deltoid wrapping offset were assessed for radiographic evaluation. Results: The preoperative demographic data of both groups showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). The mean follow-up period was 24.9 months. Significant improvements in forward flexion, functional scores, and pain VAS score were observed in both groups at the last follow-up. No significant differences in ROM or functional scores were found between two groups at each time point, except that the onlay implant group exhibited a significantly greater range of external rotation at 3 and 12 months after surgery and at the last follow-up. The rate of scapular notching and the final power improvement did not show significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: Primary RTSA using inlay or onlay humerus implants was associated with recovery from pseudoparalysis and good clinical outcomes. However, RTSA with onlay humerus implantation led to clinically superior results in terms of external rotation.

Patients With Mild Osteoarthritis Are Less Likely to Achieve a Clinically Important Improvement in Pain or Function After Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The severity of glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) as demonstrated by preoperative radiographs and patient-reported pain plays an important role in the indication for anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). In hip and knee research, data about the effect of the severity of preoperative radiographic OA on the outcome of total joint arthroplasty have been mixed. For shoulder replacement, we are unsure of the effects of radiographic severity on outcomes. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: This study investigated whether the preoperative radiographic severity of glenohumeral OA is associated with improvement in pain and function after aTSA. We asked, (1) does the severity of glenohumeral OA correlate with improvement in patient-reported outcomes after TSA (delta American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score [postoperative-preoperative], delta Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, delta Simple Shoulder Test, and delta VAS)? (2) Is having mild osteoarthritis associated with not meeting the minimum clinically important differences in preoperative and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores? METHODS: An institutional query of patients who underwent aTSA for OA was performed between January 2015 and December 2018. A total of 1035 patients were eligible; however, only patients with adequate preoperative radiographs and patient-reported outcome measures collected preoperatively and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively were included. Patients with proximal humerus fractures, inflammatory arthropathy, cuff tear arthropathy, prior ipsilateral rotator cuff repair, brachial plexus injury or neuromuscular disorder, workers compensation, periprosthetic joint infection, or revision surgery within 2 years were excluded. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and prior shoulder surgery were recorded. The severity of OA was classified based on the modified Samilson-Prieto and Walch classification. The association between Samilson-Prieto grade and patient-reported outcome measures (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Simple Shoulder Test, and VAS score) was evaluated. Radiographic characteristics, patient demographics, comorbidities, and prior surgery were also evaluated for the potential risk of not achieving improvement in the minimum clinically important difference (16.1) with respect to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score is scored 0 to 100, with higher scores representing less pain and better function. A total of 206 patients (20% of those eligible) with a mean follow-up of 2.3 years were included. Twenty-three patients had Samilson-Prieto Grade I, 38 had Grade II, 57 had Grade III, and 88 had Grade IV. RESULTS: There were no differences in improvements (delta) between the groups and between patient-reported outcome scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Simple Shoulder Test, and VAS). Compared with patients with more severe osteoarthritis (Samilson-Prieto Grades II, III, and IV), a higher proportion of patients with less severe osteoarthritis (Grade I) did not exceed the minimum clinical important difference for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (22% [five of 23] versus 4% [seven of 183]; odds ratio 0.14 [95% confidence interval 0.04 to 0.520]; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The improvement in patient-reported outcome measure scores was similar regardless of radiographic severity after aTSA. Surgeons should use caution when recommending surgery to patients with less severe OA because a higher percentage did not improve, based on the minimum clinically important difference. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Glenoid wear after humeral head replacement with using a single implant in patients with cuff tear arthropathy more than five years.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate glenoid wear in patients with humeral head replacement with a smaller humeral head, who were observed for >5 years, and to examine the relationship between radiographic changes and clinical outcome. METHODS: In this study, 41 shoulders of 41 patients (13 men, 28 women) were followed up for >5 years. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 70.5 years. The average follow-up period at short-term was 26.0 months, and intermediate-term was 66.5 months. We classified glenoid wear into four grades (i.e., Grade 0 to Grade 3). Age, sex, clinical scores, and range of motion were investigated in relation to the grade of glenoid wear. Radiographs of glenoid wear evaluated in the short-term were subsequently compared to radiographs obtained in the intermediate-term period. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, 16 (39%) patients had Grade 0 wear, 11 (27%) patients had Grade 1 wear, 10 (24%) patients had Grade 2 wear, and 4 (10%) patients had Grade 3 wear. The University of California-Los Angeles score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and active forward flexion were significantly lower in the Grade 3 patients; however, Grade 3 patients did not have significant pain. No significant difference in age, sex, Constant score, active external rotation, and active internal rotation in relation to the grade of glenoid wear was observed. In total, 25 (61%) patients showed a progression of glenoid wear. Cases in which glenoid wear progressed after 4 years after surgery were rare. Two patients of Grade 3 underwent total shoulder arthroplasty revision at 16 months and 38 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Glenoid wear occurred in 61% of patients at 5 years follow-up. Pain of Grade 3 patients was mild, therefore, if pain is not severe, revision surgery may not be necessary.