Poor clinical outcomes and high rates of dislocation after modular reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral oncologic resection.

PURPOSE: The shoulder is the most common site for upper extremity tumors. The aim of the study was to analyze the outcomes and the complications of modular reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) after proximal humerus resection. METHODS: We retrospectively included 15 consecutive patients who underwent a modular MUTARS™ RSA reconstruction after proximal humerus tumour resection between 2017 and 2020. The mean age was 52 years. Their clinical outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley score and the MSTS shoulder. Radiological outcomes were assessed based on the presence of loosening, osteolysis, and scapular notching. Complications such as dislocation, oncological recurrence, and infection were assessed. Mean follow-up time was 32.9 months (24 to 45). RESULTS: The mean adjusted Constant score was 50.7% (min 22, max 81), and the mean MSTS score was 15.6 (min 4, max 26). We had no loosening, osteolysis, or scapular notching on the radiographs at last follow-up. We had a high complication rate of 53%: one infection, one oncological recurrence, and six dislocations (40%), of which five were re-operated. CONCLUSION: In our experience, the MUTARS™ Implantcast™ modular RSA has poor functional results and a high rate of dislocation in the case of large proximal humerus resections below the distal insertion of the deltoid.

Limb schwannoma: Factors for postoperative neurologic deficit and poor functional results.

INTRODUCTION: Neurologic complications after limb schwannoma resection are not unusual, but there is no consensus on risk factors for neurologic deficit or poor functional results. We therefore conducted a retrospective study, to screen for factors predicting, firstly, postoperative neurologic deficit and, secondly, poor functional results. HYPOTHESIS: Certain pre- and intraoperative features predict risk of failure, poor results or aggravation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was conducted in the University Hospital of Lille, France, for the period January 2004 to March 2020, including 71 patients. Preoperative variables (gender, age, symptoms, progression, tumor location and size) and operative data (type of surgery) were collected as possible risk factors for postoperative sensory deficit (Weber) and/or motor deficit [Medical Research Council (MRC)] and poor functional result [Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH); Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and douleur neuropathique (neuropathic pain) 4 (DN4)]. RESULTS: Results were assessed a mean 69.4±38.5 months' follow-up (range, 6-180 months). In total, 21 patients (29.6%) had deficits (21 sensory, 1 motor) preoperatively and 25 patients (35.2%) postoperatively (20 sensory, 9 motor) (p=0.689). Fourteen patients (19.7%) showed functional aggravation. Fascicular resection was associated with risk of postoperative deficit [OR = 4.65 (95% CI: 1.485-15.543); p=0.004] and functional deterioration [OR = 3.9 (95% CI: 1.143-13.311); p=0.042]. Thirteen patients (18.3%) showed no improvement on DN4. Preoperative pain was a factor for improvement on DN4 [OR = 3.667 (95% CI: 1.055-12.738); p=0.0409]. DISCUSSION: The study identified fascicular resection as a risk factor for postoperative deficit and functional deterioration after limb schwannoma resection. Patients with preoperative neuropathic pain showed alleviation. Resection should be precise, under magnification, avoiding fascicular resection. Preoperative patient information is essential. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective series.

Clinical and functional outcomes of 405 Achilles tendon ruptures after a minimum follow-up of 1 year.

OBJECTIVE: The results of surgical versus conservative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures are still controversial. The objective of this study was to compare surgical and conservative treatment at a minimum follow-up of 1 year in terms of the complications, functional outcomes and clinical results. HYPOTHESES: There is no difference in the complications, clinical results and functional outcomes between the two treatment groups. There is no difference in the occurrence of complications or the clinical results due to the immobilization or rehabilitation protocols. METHODS: This was a retrospective comparative, multicenter, non-randomized study of acute Achilles tendon ruptures treated between 01/01/2018 and 31/12/2019 at 21 study sites in France. All patients who received surgical or conservative treatment were included. The demographics, sports participation, nature of treatment, immobilization parameters (type, duration, position) and rehabilitation protocol were collected. Rerupture, general and specific complications, clinical results (heel-rise test, single-leg hop, calf circumference, ankle dorsiflexion) and the functional outcomes (ATRS, VISA-A, EFAS, SF-12) were collected at the final review. RESULTS: Four hundred five patients were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 24 (±7) months. Surgical treatment was done in 372 patients (92%) and conservative treatment in 33 patients (8%), with these two sets of patients having comparable preoperative characteristics. There was a similar number of reruptures in the conservative group (3 cases, 9%) as in the surgical group (15 cases, 4%) (p=0.176). There were more general complications in the conservative group (24%) than in the surgical group (11%) (p=0.04). There was a 9% rate of surgery-related complications (infection, nerve damage, anesthesia after-effects). The ATRS (p=0.017), EFAS Total (p=0.013), EFAS daily living (p=0.008), and SF-12 physical (p=0.01) were better in the surgical group. Strict then relative immobilization provided the best balance between functional recovery (EFAS total of 33, p<0.01) and tendon lengthening (0°, p=0.01) without increasing the occurrence of rerupture (2%, p=0.18). Early weightbearing accompanied by immobilization and rehabilitation within 30 days did not lead to more reruptures than if it was started beyond 30 days (p=0.082 and p=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: This study found no differences in the number of reruptures between surgical treatment and conservative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Surgical treatment led to better clinical results but had a variable effect on improving the functional scores. No matter which treatment is used, in the ideal case, 3 weeks of strict immobilization in equinus should be followed by progressive reduction over the next 3 weeks. Early weightbearing and mobilization within 30 days did not increase the risk of rerupture; it actually optimized the clinical and functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; retrospective comparative, non-randomized.