Acromiohumeral cerclage in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for recurrent instability.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent shoulder instability after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) presents a challenging clinical problem. A handful of cases have been reported describing stability achieved only after revision rTSA with cerclage augmentation. We describe an acromiohumeral cerclage technique, where the humeral component is fixed with a nonabsorbable, high-tensile suture tape looped through transosseous acromial drill tunnels as an augment to salvage shoulder stability. METHODS: All patients treated with acromiohumeral cerclage in rTSA for instability between November 1, 2015, and February 1, 2020, with minimum 1-year follow-up were included. Demographic information, baseline preoperative and postoperative range of motion at most recent follow-up, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder scores, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Ten patients, 4 female and 6 male, aged 64.3 ± 7.4 years (range, 53-77 years) with the mean postoperative follow-up of 23 months were included; 90% underwent surgery on the dominant side. Patients underwent an average of 2.1 ± 1.9 prior revisions (range, 0-7), over an average of 10.4 months (range, 0-72 months), before revision with suture cerclage augmentation was performed. All patients either had significant past shoulder history at other institutions and/or comorbidities that added significant complexity to their cases, with an average of 0.6 ± 0.9 (range, 0-3) prior other shoulder operations performed before their initial rTSA. The average decrease in VAS score among the 10 patients was 4.3 ± 2.7 (P < .05), ranging from 0 to 8 points. The average increase in ASES score was 51.3 ± 21 (P < .05), ranging from 13.3 to 69.9 points. The average increase in active forward elevation for 8 patients was 79° ± 39° (P = .0008), ranging from 40° to 160°. All patients have remained stable with well-positioned prostheses since their final operations with no recurrent dislocations or acromial complications. Two patients unable to travel for an office visit were contacted via phone and answered questions to obtain postoperative ASES and VAS scores. CONCLUSION: Acromiohumeral cerclage suture augmentation in revision rTSA may be a useful, simple surgical strategy to employ with other revision and augmentation techniques to treat cases of recurrent, chronic instability, particularly in the setting of multiple revisions.

Improving the safety of shoulder arthroscopy in the beach chair position: a prospective randomized trial investigating the effect of compression stockings on cerebral desaturation events in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Devastating transient and permanent postoperative neurocognitive complications in previously healthy, low-risk patients have been observed after elective shoulder arthroscopy in the beach chair position (BCP). Continuous monitoring of cerebral oxygen saturation has been recommended to identify cerebral desaturation events (CDEs) and improve patient safety. However, the relatively high cost and limited availability of monitoring may not be cost-effective. More cost-effective and available measures, including the use of thigh-high compression stockings (CS), have been investigated. However, efficacy data of CS usage is limited, especially for obese patients, who have been shown to be at increased risk for CDEs. The purpose of this was study was to determine if the intraoperative addition of thigh-high compression stockings decreases the incidence, frequency, and magnitude of CDEs in obese patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in the BCP. METHODS: Thirty-three patients in the treatment group wore both thigh-high compression stockings (CS) and sequential compression devices (SCDs), and the remaining 33 patients in the control group wore SCDs alone. Cerebral oximetry was monitored during surgery using near-infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: The incidence of CDEs was equal between groups, with 9 patients (27%) in each experiencing desaturation events. The median number of CDEs per patient was 3 for the control group and 1 for patients wearing CS (P = .29). There was no difference between groups in terms of median time from induction of anesthesia to onset of CDE (P = .79), median time from upright positioning to onset of CDE (P = .60), mean CDE duration per patient (P = .22), and median cumulative CDE duration (P = .19). The median maximal desaturation from baseline was also not different between groups: 27.6% in the control group and 24.3% in the treatment group (P = .35). CONCLUSION: The combination of thigh-high CS and SCDs did not decrease the incidence, frequency, or magnitude of CDEs in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in the BCP. Twenty-seven percent of patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in the BCP demonstrated CDEs with or without the use of CS. Therefore, further research is required to identify cost-effective, minimally invasive, and universally available methods of decreasing the incidence of CDEs during this common surgical procedure.

The Effect of Compression Stockings on Cerebral Desaturation Events in Obese Patients Undergoing Shoulder Arthroscopy in the Beach-Chair Position.

PURPOSE: To determine if the use of thigh-high compression stockings could decrease the incidence of cerebral desaturation events (CDEs) in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m(2) or greater undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in the beach-chair position (BCP). METHODS: Between December 2013 and May 2014, 23 patients aged 18 years or older with a BMI of 30 kg/m(2) or greater undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in the BCP were monitored intraoperatively using near-infrared spectroscopy while wearing thigh-high compression stockings. Data obtained on these patients were compared with data from a previous cohort at our institution comprising 24 patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m(2) or greater who underwent elective shoulder arthroscopy in the BCP with the same monitoring but without wearing compression stockings. The incidence of CDEs was identified in each group. RESULTS: The incidence of CDEs in the group with compression stockings was 4% (1 of 23) compared with 18% (7 of 24) in the group without compression stockings (P = .048). There were no statistically significant differences in mean age (53.0 years v 53.3 years, P = .91), mean BMI (34.5 kg/m(2)v 36.2 kg/m(2), P = .21), or various medical comorbidities between the treatment group and control group. There was a significant difference in the operative time between the treatment group (156.6 minutes) and control group (94.1 minutes) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of thigh-high compression stockings may decrease the incidence of CDEs in obese patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in the BCP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

A novel repair method for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture with minimally invasive approach using button implant: a biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive Q3 repair has been proposed for acute Achilles tendon rupture with low rate of complications. However there are still controversies about optimal technique. In this study we aimed to describe Endobutton-assisted modified Bunnell configuration as a new Achilles tendon repair technique and evaluate its biomechanical properties comparing with native tendon and Krackow technique. METHODS: 27 ovine Achilles tendons were obtained and randomly placed into 3 groups with 9 specimens ineach. The Achilles tendons were repaired with Endobutton-assisted modified Bunnell technique in group 1, Krackow suture technique in group 2 and group 3 was defined as the control group including native tendons. Unidirectional tensile loading to failure was performed at 25mm/min. Biomechanicalproperties such as peak force to failure (N), stress at peak (MPa), elongation at failure, and Young'smodulus (GPa) was measured for each group. All groups were compared with each other using one-wayANOVA followed by the Tukey HSD multiple comparison test (a=0.05). RESULTS: The average peak force (N) to failure of group 1 and group 2 and control group was 415.6±57.6, 268.1±65.2 and 704.5±85.8, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between native tendon and group 1 for the amount elongation at failure (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the results, we concluded that Endobutton-assisted modified Bunnell technique provides stronger fixation than conventional techniques. It may allow early range of motion and can be easily applied in minimally invasive and percutaneous methods particularly for cases with poor quality tendon at the distal part of rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Biomechanical research study.

Delayed Repair of a Lesser Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture in an Adolescent 3 Years After Initial Injury.

This case study examines an adolescent athlete who had an avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus. This is a relatively rare injury, although a collection of case studies have identified an increase in this type of injury in the past 15 years. Uniquely, the patient experienced a delay in appropriate diagnosis for approximately 3 years from the time of his initial injury. This is one of the most significant delays in diagnosis and treatment in the current body of literature regarding lesser tuberosity fractures. The authors include a detailed series of imaging studies, including preoperative plain radiographs, preoperative computed tomography, intraoperative arthroscopic images, and postoperative plain radiographs. In addition, a thorough description of the patient's surgery is presented. The degree of scarring to the axillary nerve present in this patient required conversion to a full open reduction. The authors' aim is that this case can be used as a reference for future surgical decision making, particularly in pediatric patients whose injuries are highly chronic or who are actively involved in athletic physical training programs. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(3):e189-e192.].

An objective assessment of the impact of tendon retraction on sleep efficiency in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Sleep quality, quantity, and efficiency have all been demonstrated to be adversely affected by rotator cuff pathology. Previous measures of assessing the impact of rotator cuff pathology on sleep have been largely subjective in nature. This study was undertaken to objectively analyze this relationship through the use of activity monitors. METHODS: Patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears at a single institution were prospectively enrolled between 2018 and 2020. Waistworn accelerometers were provided for the patients to use each night for 14 days. Sleep efficiency was calculated using the ratio of the time spent sleeping to the total amount of time that was spent in bed. Retraction of the rotator cuff tear was classified using the Patte staging system. RESULTS: This study included 36 patients: 18 with Patte stage 1 disease, 14 with Patte stage 2 disease, and 4 patients with Patte stage 3 disease. During the study, 25 participants wore the monitor on multiple nights, and ultimately their data was used for the analysis. No difference in the median sleep efficiency was appreciated amongst these groups (P>0.1), with each cohort of patients demonstrating a generally high sleep efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of retraction of the rotator cuff tear did not appear to correlate with changes in sleep efficiency for patients (P>0.1). These findings can better inform providers on how to counsel their patients who present with complaints of poor sleep in the setting of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Level of evidence: Level II.

Delayed surgical repair of the deltoid following acromioplasty: a case report.

Currently, the literature contains few studies that describe any potential complications following arthroscopic acromioplasty. Because part of the anterior deltoid originates from the anterior acromion, there is a risk for violation and subsequent iatrogenic rupture or avulsion during this procedure. This type of injury can be a devastating problem for patients that may lead to poor function and debilitating pain. We present a patient with deltoid insufficiency following arthroscopic acromioplasty who elected to proceed with operative management with a planned arthroscopic evaluation of the shoulder followed by an open deltoid repair. At the final follow-up visit 2.5 years postoperatively, the patient reported improved pain from baseline and no residual disability and was able to perform most activities of daily living without difficulty. This case serves as an example of a surgical repair for a deltoid avulsion following arthroscopic acromioplasty. As there is still a lack of standard guidelines, our suture repair technique can be considered one method of treatment for this type of injury.

Health care disparities in surgical treatment of rotator cuff disease.

Background: Health care disparities have been well-documented in literature to affect care and recovery after surgery. Insurance type is regularly cited by orthopedic surgeons to play a role in the incongruences faced by patients in the perioperative period. Recent trends highlight an increased reluctance by some insurance companies to approve indicated surgery. Our primary objective was to assess insurance type and how it affects approval rates for rotator cuff débridement and rotator cuff repair. Methods: A retrospective review of 999 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff débridement or repair was conducted. Data abstraction included demographics, prior surgical or nonsurgical interventions, radiologic imaging, insurance type, and denial of insurance coverage. Patients were grouped by insurance type-Medicaid, Medicare, workers' compensation, and private insurance. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were developed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for insurance type associated with the denial of insurance coverage. Results: Nine hundred ninety-seven patients were included in our final analysis. Those with private insurance were more likely to be non-Hispanic white (71%), whereas the proportion of Hispanics was highest among those with workers' compensation (27%) and Medicaid (20%). There were no significant differences by insurance type for prior nonsurgical interventions and radiologic imaging. For previous surgical interventions (13%), however, rates were higher for Medicaid (18%) and workers' compensation (17%) than those for Medicare (12%) and private insurance (9%) (P = .003). Compared with private insurance, the odds of insurance denial were significantly higher for those with Medicaid at 54% (OR: 7.91, 95% confidence interval: 5.27-11.88, P < .001) and workers' compensation at 19% (OR: 1.71, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-2.81, P = .04). Discussion: One in 2 patients with Medicaid coverage faces insurance denial compared with any other insurance type. Workers' compensation follows with the second highest rates. Almost half the Hispanic population are insured by either Medicaid or workers' compensation and may face barriers to care that can negatively impact outcomes and complication rates.

The Long Head of the Biceps Myotendinous Junction Is Located 1.14 Centimeters Distal to the Proximal Border of the Pectoralis Major Tendon: An Anatomic Study.

Purpose: To describe the proportional anatomic relationship of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) myotendinous junction (MTJ) to pectoralis major tendon (PMT) and to provide an up-to-date review of the current literature. Methods: Ten fresh frozen cadaveric specimens were used. A deltopectoral approach was used for exposure and anatomical location of the MTJ as well as the proximal and distal borders of the PMT were identified by 2 fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons. The longitudinal length of the PMT, the distance from the long head of the biceps (LHB) MTJ to the proximal border of the PMT (pMTJ), and the distance from the LHB MTJ to the distal border of the PMT (dMTJ) were recorded. The relationship between the pMTJ and the PMT length was then reported as a ratio. Results: The PMT was found to have a length of 5.16 ± 0.64 cm (4.1-6.1 cm). The pMTJ was 1.14 ± 0.52 cm (0.5-1.9 cm), and the dMTJ was 4.02 ± 0.91 cm (2.5-5.3 cm). The pMTJ/PMT ratio was 0.23 ± 0.11 (0.10-0.39). Conclusions: We found the average length of the PMT footprint to be 5.16 cm with the LHB MTJ beginning 1.14 cm distal to its proximal border. Clinical Relevance: It is important to understand the LHBT and its relationship to surgically relevant surrounding anatomy to allow for appropriate tensioning and improved patient outcomes in the treatment of LHBT shoulder pathology.

Surgically Treated Pectoralis Major Tears Impact the Play and Performance of National Football League Athletes.

Purpose: To evaluate the return-to-play rate and performance level changes in National Football League (NFL) athletes after a surgically treated pectoralis major muscle (PMM) tear. Methods: A descriptive epidemiologic study was conducted. All NFL players from 1933 to 2013 were reviewed for surgically treated PMM tears. Age at injury, height, weight, body mass index, date of injury, position played, draft selection, and total seasons played were recorded. Return to play was assessed for the entire cohort, as well as by position. Performance analysis before and after injury was also conducted for the entire cohort, as well as by position and draft selection. Data analysis was performed with the paired-samples t test, with P < .05 considered statistically significant. Results: Our review of 80 NFL seasons from 1933 to 2013 provided a total of 55 instances of PMM tears. All instances occurred between the time frame of 2004 and 2012. After exclusions, 24 instances unique to 24 NFL athletes were confirmed by 2 separate investigators and these athletes were included as our final study cohort. Of the 24 players identified to have a surgically repaired PMM tear, 20 (83%) returned to play. The mean return-to-play period was 302 ± 128 days. The mean difference in performance scores before versus after PMM injury was 171.33 and was statistically significant, with P = .0330. Conclusions: In this study, there was an 83% return-to-play rate after surgical repair of PMM tears. Although we found a statistically significant decrease in player performance after surgery, this difference was no longer seen after players were stratified by position type and draft selection. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Intraoperative Efficiency in Contemporary Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Is Manual Pressure During Cement Curing Still Necessary With Interference Fit Pegged Glenoids?

INTRODUCTION: No previous data have demonstrated the effect of manual pressure during cement curing on interference-fit glenoid implant fixation in total shoulder arthroplasty. In this study, we examined cement mantle characteristics and implant seating using two different methods of securing an interference-fit glenoid implant with peripheral cemented pegs: a manual pressure technique versus a pressureless technique. METHODS: Sixteen cadaveric scapulae were harvested, and their glenoids were prepared for component insertion. Glenoids with an interference-fit central peg were cemented into the peripheral holes and fully seated. Two techniques were employed during cement curing: (1) a manual pressure technique (8 glenoids), which used a static 70 N load application to each implant for 10 minutes; and (2) a pressureless technique (8 glenoids), which used no pressure application, and the implant was left to set without intervention. Each glenoid was subsequently imaged using microcomputed tomography and analyzed for differences in cement mantle characteristics and implant seating. RESULTS: The mean area of cement penetration for the manual pressure technique was not statistically different from the pressureless group (P = .26, valid N = 288). The average implant incongruity after final seating in the manual pressure group was 0.63 mm, compared with 1.0 mm in the pressureless group. A linear mixed effects model with a Kenward-Roger correction was used to compare the two groups, and no significant difference was found (Mdiff = -0.386, 95% confidence interval: -0.978 to 0.206; P = 0.17). CONCLUSION: Manual pressure of the glenoid component during cement curing yielded no difference in the cement mantle area or final implant seating incongruity compared with a pressureless technique. This knowledge could potentially benefit both the surgeon and the patient by increasing the efficiency in total shoulder arthroplasty surgery.

Cerebral Desaturation Events During Shoulder Arthroscopy in the Beach Chair Position.

The beach chair position (BCP) is commonly used position in upper extremity surgery. Although there are many advantages to surgery in this position, there are also potential drawbacks and described complications including devastating neurologic outcomes. The etiology of these complications is postulated to be due to the gravitational effects of the seated position leading to cerebral hypoperfusion. We review the current literature on intraoperative cerebral monitoring and neurocognitive complications with shoulder surgery performed in the BCP. A previous systematic review estimated the incidence of neurocognitive complications after surgery in the BCP to be 0.004%. However, the true incidence is unknown and is likely much more common. Reports of neurologic complications have revealed a need for heightened vigilance, alternative anesthesia techniques, and improved monitoring. Methods for monitoring have included near-infrared spectroscopy, a measurement of cerebral oximetry shown to reliably detect cerebral hypoperfusion. In this literature review, we sought to update the incidence of intraoperative cerebral desaturation events (CDEs) to investigate the relationship of CDEs to neurocognitive complications and to review recent reported cases of neurocognitive complications. Existing literature suggest that accurate intraoperative monitoring of cerebral perfusion may improve patient safety.

Glenohumeral kinematics after soft tissue interposition graft and glenoid reaming: A cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: The management of young patients with glenohumeral arthritis is controversial. Resurfacing of the glenoid with biologic interposition and reaming of the glenoid have been suggested as potential treatment options. The goal of this study was to determine the change in glenohumeral contact pressures in interposition arthroplasty, as well as glenoid reaming in an arthritis model. We hypothesized that interposition with meniscal allograft will lead to the best normalization of contact pressure throughout the glenohumeral range of motion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested in static positions of humeral abduction with a compressive load. Glenohumeral contact area, contact pressure, and peak force were determined sequentially for (1) intact glenoid (2) glenoid with cartilage removed (arthritis model) (3) placement of lateral meniscus allograft (4) placement of Achilles allograft (5) arthritis model with reamed glenoid. RESULTS: The arthritis model demonstrated statistically higher peak pressures than intact glenoid and glenoid with interpositional allograft. Meniscal and Achilles allograft lowered mean contact pressure and increased contact area to a level equal to or more favorable than the control state. In contrast, the reamed glenoid did not show any statistical difference from the arthritis model for any of the recorded measures. CONCLUSION: Glenohumeral contact pressure is significantly improved with interposition of allograft at time zero compared to an arthritic state. Our findings suggest that concentric reaming did not differ from the arthritic model when compared to normal. These findings favor the use of allograft for interposition as a potential treatment option in patients with glenoid wear.

Understanding and evaluating shoulder pain in the throwing athlete.

Shoulder pain in the throwing athlete can present at any age and in any level of sport and can lead to dysfunction. A thorough evaluation of the throwing athlete can often determine the cause of symptoms, which is frequently multifactorial. Although the pathophysiology leading to pain in the shoulder of the throwing athlete is not entirely known, nonoperative modalities remain the mainstay of treatment. In general, surgical intervention should be reserved as a last resort. Effective treatment often requires collaboration among trainers, players, physicians, and therapists to determine an appropriate course of action.

Treatment of superior labrum anterior posterior lesions: a literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions continues to be controversial, but with the development of suture anchors, it has become acceptable to repair these lesions arthroscopically. The aim of this study was to review recent trends in the evaluation and treatment of SLAP lesions, with particular emphasis on comparing the results of biceps tenodesis and SLAP repair. METHODS: All English language publications from the PubMed, Cochrane, and SCOPUS databases between 1928 and 2012 on biceps tendon, SLAP lesions, and biceps surgery were reviewed. Literature was reviewed in table form because of the lack of Level 1 studies. RESULTS: Surgical repair can have complications and may not return overhead athletes to their previous level of activity. Biceps tenodesis has become the preferred primary procedure in non-athletic individuals because of the high failure rate of SLAP repair. In patients with continuing symptoms after SLAP lesion repair, biceps tenodesis offers a more predictable operation than a second repair attempt. CONCLUSION: Biceps tenodesis may present a viable treatment option for SLAP repair or for failed SLAP repair in some patients.

Uncommon indications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Total shoulder arthroplasty and shoulder hemiarthroplasty have been the traditional method for treating a variety of shoulder conditions, including arthritis, cuff tear arthropathy, and some fracture types. However, these procedures did not provide consistently good results for patients with torn rotator cuffs. The development of the reverse prosthesis by Grammont in the late 20th century revolutionized the treatment of the rotator-cuff-deficient shoulder with arthritis. The main indication for the reverse prosthesis remains the patient with cuff tear arthropathy who has pain and loss of motion. Because the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty produced such good results in these patients, the indications for the reverse prosthesis have expanded to include other shoulder conditions that have previously been difficult to treat successfully and predictably. This review discusses and critically reviews these newer indications for the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.