Study on injectable chitosan hydrogel with tendon-derived stem cells for enhancing rotator cuff tendon-to-bone healing / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of chitosan (CS) hydrogel loaded with tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs; hereinafter referred to as TDSCs/CS hydrogel) on tendon-to-bone healing after rotator cuff repair in rabbits.@*METHODS@#TDSCs were isolated from the rotator cuff tissue of 3 adult New Zealand white rabbits by Henderson step-by-step enzymatic digestion method and identified by multidirectional differentiation and flow cytometry. The 3rd generation TDSCs were encapsulated in CS to construct TDSCs/CS hydrogel. The cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the proliferation of TDSCs in the hydrogel after 1-5 days of culture in vitro, and cell compatibility of TDSCs/CS hydrogel was evaluated by using TDSCs alone as control. Another 36 adult New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n=12): rotator cuff repair group (control group), rotator cuff repair+CS hydrogel injection group (CS group), and rotator cuff repair+TDSCs/CS hydrogel injection group (TDSCs/CS group). After establishing the rotator cuff repair models, the corresponding hydrogel was injected into the tendon-to-bone interface in the CS group and TDSCs/CS group, and no other treatment was performed in the control group. The general condition of the animals was observed after operation. At 4 and 8 weeks, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to detect the relative expressions of tendon forming related genes (tenomodulin, scleraxis), chondrogenesis related genes (aggrecan, sex determining region Y-related high mobility group-box gene 9), and osteogenesis related genes (alkaline phosphatase, Runt-related transcription factor 2) at the tendon-to-bone interface. At 8 weeks, HE and Masson staining were used to observe the histological changes, and the biomechanical test was used to evaluate the ultimate load and the failure site of the repaired rotator cuff to evaluate the tendon-to-bone healing and biomechanical properties.@*RESULTS@#CCK-8 assay showed that the CS hydrogel could promote the proliferation of TDSCs ( P<0.05). qPCR results showed that the expressions of tendon-to-bone interface related genes were significantly higher in the TDSCs/CS group than in the CS group and control group at 4 and 8 weeks after operation ( P<0.05). Moreover, the expressions of tendon-to-bone interface related genes at 8 weeks after operation were significantly higher than those at 4 weeks after operation in the TDSCs/CS group ( P<0.05). Histological staining showed the clear cartilage tissue and dense and orderly collagen formation at the tendon-to-bone interface in the TDSCs/CS group. The results of semi-quantitative analysis showed that compared with the control group, the number of cells, the proportion of collagen fiber orientation, and the histological score in the TDSCs/CS group increased, the vascularity decreased, showing significant differences ( P<0.05); compared with the CS group, the proportion of collagen fiber orientation and the histological score in the TDSCs/CS group significantly increased ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the number of cells and vascularity ( P>0.05). All samples in biomechanical testing failed at the repair site during the testing process. The ultimate load of the TDSCs/CS group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference compared to the CS group ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#TDSCs/CS hydrogel can induce cartilage regeneration to promote rotator cuff tendon-to-bone healing.

MRI is a Reliable Method for Measurement of Critical Shoulder Angle and Acromial Index / A ressonância magnética é um método confiável para medida do ângulo crítico do ombro e do índice acromial

Abstract Objective The objectives of this study are to compare absolute values of acromial index (AI) and critical shoulder angle (CSA) obtained in both radiographs and magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the shoulder; and to compare the interobserver and intra-observer agreement for AI and CSA values measured in these image modalities. Methods Patients who had medical indication of investigating shoulders conditions through radiographs and MRI were included. Images were taken to two fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons, which conducted measurements of AI and CSA in radiographs and in MRI. Twelve weeks after the first evaluation, a second evaluation was conducted. Inter- and intra-observer reliability was presented as an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and agreement was classified according to Landis & Koch criteria. The differences between two measurements were evaluated using Bland-Altman plots. Results 134 shoulders in 124 subjects were included. Mean intra-observer ICC for CSA in X-rays and in MRI were 0.936 and 0.940, respectively; for AI, 0.908 and 0.022. Mean inter-observer ICC for CSA were 0.892 and 0.752 in X-rays and MRI respectively; for AI, ICC values were 0.849 and 0.685. All individual analysis reached statistical power (p< 0.001). Mean difference for AI values measured in X-rays and in MRI was 0.01 and 0.03 for observers 1 and 2, respectively. Mean difference for CSA values obtained in X-rays and MRI was 0.16 and 0.58 for observers 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusion Both MRI and X-rays provided high intra- and interobserver agreement for measurement of AI and CSA. Absolute values found for AI and CSA were highly correlated in both image modalities. These findings suggest that MRI is a suitable method to measure AI and CSA. Level of Evidence II, Diagnostic Study.

Resumo Objetivo Os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar os valores absolutos do índice acromial (IA) e do ângulo crítico do ombro (ACO) obtidos em radiografias e ressonâncias magnéticas (RM) do ombro e comparar a concordância interobservador e intraobservador dos valores de IA e ACO medidos nessas modalidades de imagem. Métodos Pacientes com indicação médica de investigação de doenças dos ombros por meio de radiografias e RM foram incluídos no estudo. As imagens foram levadas para dois cirurgiões de ombro treinados que realizaram medidas de IA e ACO em radiografias e RM. Doze semanas após a primeira avaliação, uma segunda avaliação foi realizada. A confiabilidade inter e intraobservador foi apresentada como coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) e a concordância foi classificada segundo os critérios de Landis e Koch. As diferenças entre duas medidas foram avaliadas por meio de gráficos de Bland-Altman. Resultados Cento e trinta e quatro ombros de 124 indivíduos foram incluídos no estudo. O CCI intraobservador médio para ACO em radiografias e RM foi 0,936 e 0,940, respectivamente; para IA, foi 0,908 e 0,022. O CCI interobservador médio para ACO foi 0,892 e 0,752 em radiografias e RM, respectivamente; para IA, os valores de CCI foram 0,849 e 0,685. Todas as análises individuais apresentaram poder estatístico (p < 0,001). A diferença média dos valores de IA em radiografias e RM foi 0,01 e 0,03 para os observadores 1 e 2, respectivamente. A diferença média dos valores de ACO em radiografias e RM foi 0,16 e 0,58 para os observadores 1 e 2, respectivamente. Conclusão Tanto a RM quanto as radiografias tiveram alta concordância intra e interobservador para medida de IA e ACO. Os valores absolutos de IA e ACO foram altamente correlacionados em ambas as modalidades de imagem. Esses achados sugerem que a RM é um método adequado para determinação de IA e ACO. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Diagnóstico.

Uso de balón subacromial en lesión masiva irreparable del manguito rotador

La lesión del manguito rotador es una causa importante de dolor y disfunción del hombro. El tratamiento de las roturas masivas e irreparables del manguito rotador sigue siendo un gran reto para los ortopedistas por su complejidad y severidad. Una de las alternativas prometedoras para su manejo es el uso del balón subacromial. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 67 años con diagnóstico de rotura masiva e irreparable del manguito rotador en el hombro derecho (grado III de Patte, grado IV Goutallier y grado II de Hamada) sin artrosis glenohumeral, tenosinovitis del bíceps y subescapular íntegro. La escala de constant preoperatorio fue de 40 puntos. Se realizó una reparación parcial artroscópica del tendón supraespinoso e infraespinoso asociado a una tenodesis suprapectoral del bíceps y la colocación del balón subacromial. La paciente realizó rehabilitación con mejoría de los arcos de movilidad, disminución del dolor e incremento de la fuerza del hombro derecho. La escala de constant postoperatorio fue de 80 puntos a la semana doce. El balón subacromial es una buena alternativa de tratamiento para las lesiones irreparables del manguito rotador con resultados óptimos a corto plazo en cuanto a dolor y función.

The rotator cuff injury is a significant cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. Treating massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears remains a major challenge for orthopedists due to their complexity and severity. One promising alternative for managing these cases is the use of subacromial balloons. In this study, we present the case of a 67-year-old woman diagnosed with a massive and irreparable rotator cuff tear in her right shoulder (Grade III Patte, Grade IV Goutallier, and Grade II Hamada), without glenohumeral arthritis, intact biceps tenosynovitis, and subscapularis. The preoperative Constant score was 40 points. The patient underwent partial arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons, along with a suprapectoral biceps tenodesis and subacromial balloon placement. Postoperative rehabilitation led to improved range of motion, reduced pain, and increased strength in the right shoulder. The postoperative Constant score reached 80 points at the twelve-week mark. The subacromial balloon proves to be a promising treatment alternative for irreparable rotator cuff injuries, providing optimal short-term results in terms of pain relief and functionality.

Beneficios de la reparación artroscópica del manguito rotador en octogenarios. Análisis de resultados funcionales y complicaciones / Benefits of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in octogenar ians. Analysis of functional results and complications

Resumen Introducción: Existe falta de información en la litera tura sobre los resultados de la reparación artroscópica del manguito rotador en pacientes mayores de 80 años. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar una serie conse cutiva de pacientes con rupturas del manguito rotador a los que se les realizó la reparación artroscópica del mismo. Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes mayores de 80 años a quienes se les realizó reparación artroscó pica de manguito rotador entre junio de 2004 y enero de 2016. El seguimiento mínimo fue de 2 años. Para la evaluación funcional y del dolor se utilizaron las escalas Constant, Dash, UCLA y Escala Visual Análoga (EVA). Resultados: El seguimiento promedio fue de 8.4 años. Se obtuvieron mejoras significativas en la valoración del rango de movilidad y la evaluación de las escalas de Constant, Dash y UCLA, y EVA. No se registraron complicaciones mayores y solo 4 pacientes requirieron una re-operación. Conclusión: Los principales hallazgos obtenidos fue ron la mejoría funcional y del dolor en los pacientes mayores de 80 años operados por una ruptura completa del manguito rotador en forma artroscópica.

Abstract Introduction: There is a lack of information in the literature on the results of arthroscopic rotator cuff re pair in patients older than 80 years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a consecutive series of patients with rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients older than 80 years who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between June 2004 and January 2016. The mini mum follow-up was 2 years. For functional and pain assessment, the Constant, Dash, UCLA scale and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain were used. Results: The average follow-up was 8.4 years. Signifi cant improvements were obtained in the assessment of the range of motion and the evaluation of the Constant, Dash and UCLA scales, as well as in the VAS. No major complications were recorded and only 4 patients re quired a reoperation. Conclusion: The main findings obtained were func tional and pain improvement in patients over 80 years of age operated on for a complete arthroscopic rotator cuff tear.

Condutas cinesioterapêuticas no tratamento das tendinopatias do manguito rotador em atletas de voleibol de quadra / Kinesiotherapeutic conducts in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathies in indoor volleyball athletes

Introdução: o ombro do jogador de voleibol é suscetível a lesões resultantes de sobrecargas biomecânicas e movimentos repetitivos. As frequentes queixas de dor nessa articulação evidenciam o elevado volume de ações motoras unilaterais em alta velocidade acima da cabeça, atingindo o manguito rotador (MR) e gerando limitação funcional na prática desportiva. As tendinopatias do MR, formado pelos músculos subescapular, redondo menor, infraespinhal e supraespinhal, atingem comumente os tendões do supraespinhal e do infraespinhal. Objetivo: descrever as condutas cinesioterapêuticas utilizadas no tratamento das tendinopatias do MR em atletas de voleibol de quadra. Metodologia: pesquisaram-se as bases de dados MEDLINE, SciELO e BVS. Descritores: lesões do ombro, manguito rotador, atletas, voleibol e Terapia por Exercício (pesquisados em inglês), associados dois a dois ou três a três, dentre os quais o termo atletas ou voleibol sempre foi mantido. Foram incluídos artigos de revisão, artigos originais, ensaios clínicos e estudos de coorte publicados em português e inglês, entre os anos de 2009 e 2019. Resultados: inicialmente a busca resultou em 480 artigos. Após o processo de seleção, seis estudos foram revisados na íntegra e incluídos na síntese qualitativa. Conclusão: as principais condutas cinesioterapêuticas descritas foram: fortalecimento dos rotadores externos, dos músculos do tronco, da coluna e periescapulares, alongamento da região posterior do ombro e mobilizações articulares.

Introduction: the volleyball player's shoulder is susceptible to injuries resulting from biomechanical overloads and repetitive movements. The frequent complaints of pain in this joint highlight the high volume of unilateral motor actions at high speed above the head, reaching the rotator cuff (RC) and generating functional limitation in sports. RC tendinopathies, formed by the subscapularis, teres minor, infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscles, commonly affect the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons. Objective: to describe the kinesiotherapeutic conducts used in the treatment of RC tendinopathies in indoor volleyball athletes. Methodology: MEDLINE, SciELO and VHL databases were searched. Descriptors: shoulder injuries, rotator cuff, athletes, volleyball and Exercise Therapy (searched in English), associated two by two or three by three, among which the term athletes or volleyball was always maintained. Review articles, original articles, clinical trials and cohort studies published in Portuguese and English between 2009 and 2019 were included. Results: initially the search resulted in 480 articles. After the selection process, six studies were fully reviewed and included in the qualitative synthesis. Conclusion: the main kinesiotherapeutic procedures described were strengthening of the external rotators, trunk, spine and periscapular muscles, stretching of the posterior region of the shoulder and joint mobilizations.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Timing of Rotator Cuff Repair and Method of Postoperative Follow-up / Impacto da COVID-19 no momento de reparo do manguito rotador e método de acompanhamento pós-operatório

Abstract Objective Rotator cuff repair (RCR) is one of the most common arthroscopic procedures. Our investigation aims to quantify the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on RCR, specifically on patients with acute, traumatic injuries. Methods Institutional records were queried to identify patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR between March 1st to October 31st of both 2019 and 2020. Patient demographic, preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data were collected from electronic medical records. Inferential statistics were used to analyze data. Results Totals of 72 and of 60 patients were identified in 2019 and in 2020, respectively. Patients in 2019 experienced shorter lengths of time from MRI to surgery (62.7 ± 70.5 days versus 115.7 ± 151.0 days; p = 0.01). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed a smaller average degree of retraction in 2019 (2.1 ± 1.3 cm versus 2.6 ± 1.2 cm; p = 0.05) butnodifference in anterior toposterior tear size between years (1.6 ± 1.0 cm versus 1.8 ± 1.0 cm; p = 0.17). Less patients in 2019 had a tele-health postoperative consultation with their operating surgeon compared with 2020 (0.0% versus 10.0%; p = 0.009). No significant changes in complications (0.0% versus 0.0%; p > 0.999), readmission (0.0% versus 0.0%; p > 0.999), or revision rates (5.6% versus 0.0%; p = 0.13) were observed. Conclusion From 2019 to 2020, there were no significant differences in patient demographics or major comorbidities. Our data suggests that even though the time from MRI to surgery was delayed in 2020 and telemedicine appointments were necessary, RCR was still performed in a time in early complications. Level of Evidence III.

Resumo Objetivo Oreparodomanguitorotador (RMR) é um dos procedimentos artroscópi-cos maiscomuns. Nossapesquisavisaquantificar o impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 sobre o RMR, especificamente em pacientes com lesões agudas e traumáticas. Métodos Os prontuários institucionais foram consultados para identificação de pacientes submetidos ao RMR artroscópico entre 1° de março e 31 de outubro de 2019 e de 2020. Dados demográficos, pré-operatórios, perioperatórios e pós-operatórios dos pacientes foram coletados de prontuários eletrônicos. Os dados foram analisados por estatística inferencial. Resultados Totais de 72 ede60pacientes foramidentificados em 2019 e 2020, respectivamente. Os pacientes de 2019 apresentaram menor intervalo entre a ressonância magnética (RM) e a cirurgia (62,7 ± 70,5 dias versus 115,7 ± 151,0 dias; p = 0,01). Os exames de RM mostraram menor grau médio de retração em 2019 (2,1 ± 1,3 cm versus 2,6 ± 1,2 cm; p = 0,05), mas nenhuma diferença foi observada na extensão anteroposterior da laceração entre os anos (1,6 ± 1,0 cm versus 1,8 ± 1,0 cm; p = 0,17).Em 2019,o número de pacientes atendidos por seus cirurgiões em consultas pós-operatórias por telemedicina foi menor em comparação com 2020 (0,0% versus 10,0%; p = 0,009). Não foram observadas alterações significativas nas taxas de complicação (0,0% versus 0,0%; p > 0,999), de readmissão (0,0% versus 0,0%; p > 0,999) ou de revisão (5,6% versus 0,0%; p = 0,13). Conclusão Não houve diferenças significativas nos dados demográficos dos pacientes ou nas principais comorbidades entre 2019 e 2020. Nossos dados sugerem que, embora o intervalo entre a RM e a cirurgia tenha sido maior em 2020 e tenha havido necessidade de consultas por telemedicina, o RMR ainda foi realizado em tempo hábil e sem alterações significativas nas complicações precoces. Nível de Evidência III.

A Comparison Between Preoperative and Intraoperative Measurement and Classification of the Size of Rotator Cuff Tears / Uma comparação entre a medição e a classificação da ruptura do manguito rotador no pré-operatório e no intraoperatório

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the agreement in tear size obtained through preoperative imaging and intraoperative measurement, and to determine the accuracy of preoper-ative imaging in the classification of tear size and identification of tears in each rotator cuff tendon. Methods Data from 44 patients recruited to a randomized controlled trial were reviewed retrospectively. Size and location of the rotator cuff tears were confirmed by either ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging scans preoperatively and evaluated during surgery. A t-test and Bland and Altman plot were used to determine the agreement between the preoperative and intraoperative measurements. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for tear size and involvement of the rotator cuff tendon. Results There was good agreement in terms of the measurements (91%) and classification (89%) of the tear size preoperatively and during surgery. When classifying tear size, the sensitivity and PPV were high for medium-sized tears (100%) and lower for large tears (75%), reflecting that all medium-sized tears but not all large tears were identified preoperatively. For the preoperative identification of the tears, the sensitivity and PPV were highest for the supraspinatus (84%), with progressively lower sensitivities and PPV for the infraspinatus (57%), subscapularis (17%) and teres minor (0%). Conclusions Through preoperative imaging, the measurement or classification of the tear size can be accurately performed. Where there is disagreement, it is unclear whether the tear size is either underestimated on the scan or overestimated during surgery. The high sensitivity demonstrates that a supraspinatus tear is usually detected by scan. The lower sensitivities for the infraspinatus and subscapularis indicate that the identification of tears in these tendons is less accurate.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a concordância no tamanho de ruptura obtido por imagem préoperatória e por medição intraoperatória, e determinar a precisão da imagem préoperatória na classificação do tamanho da ruptura e na identificação de rupturas em cada tendão do manguito rotador. Métodos Os dados de 44 pacientes recrutados para um ensaio controlado randomizado foram revisados retrospectivamente. O tamanho e a localização do manguito rotador foram confirmados por ultrassom ou ressonância magnética préoperatórios, e avaliados durante a cirurgia. Um teste t e o gráfico de Bland e Altman foram usados para determinar a concordância entre as medições pré-operatória e intraoperatória. Sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e valor preditivo negativo (VPN) foram calculados para o tamanho do rompimento e o envolvimento do tendão do manguito rotador. Resultados Houve boa concordância para medidas de tamanho da ruptura (91%) e classificação (89%) pré-operatória e durante a cirurgia. Ao classificar o tamanho da ruptura, a sensibilidade e o VPP foram elevados para rupturas de tamanho médio (100%), e menor para rupturas grandes (75%), o que indica que todas as rupturas de tamanho médio, mas nem todas as grandes, foram identificadas pré-operatoriamente. Para a identificação de rupturas, a sensibilidade pré-operatória e o VPP foram maiores para o supraespinal (84%), com sensibilidade e VPP progressivamente menores para o infraespinal (57%), o subescapular (17%), e o redondo menor (0%). Conclusões Por meio da imagem pré-operatória, pode-se medir ou classificar com precisão o tamanho da ruptura. Quando há discordância, não está claro se o tamanho da ruptura é subestimado no exame ou superestimado durante a cirurgia. A alta sensibilidade demonstra que uma ruptura do supraespinal é geralmente detectada por escaneamento. As sensibilidades mais baixas para o infraespinal e o subescapular indicam que a identificação de rupturas nestes tendões é menos precisa.

Investigation the Effect of Human Recombinant Epidermal Growth Factor on Rotator Cuff Healing: An Experimental Model / Investigação do efeito do fator de crescimento epidérmico recombinante humano na cicatrização do manguito rotador: Um modelo experimental

Abstract Objective To investigate the effectiveness of human recombinant epidermal growth factor in the healing of rotator cuff tear in the rabbit shoulder. Methods Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) were experimentally created on both shoulders of 20 New Zealand rabbits. The rabbits were divided into the following groups: RCT (sham group; n = 5), RCT + EGF (EGF group; n = 5), RCT + transosseous repair (repair group; n = 5), and RCT + EGF + transosseous repair (combined repair + EGF group; n = 5). All rabbits were then observed for 3 weeks, and biopsies were taken from the right shoulders in the third week. After three more weeks of observation, all rabbits were sacrificed, and a biopsy removed from their left shoulders. All biopsy material was stained with haematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and vascularity, cellularity, the proportion of fibers and the number of fibrocartilage cells were evaluated under light microscope. Results The highest collagen amount and the most regular collagen sequence was detected in the combined repair + EGF group. The repair group and the EGF group showed higher fibroblastic activity and capillary formation when compared with the sham group, but the highest fibroblastic activity and capillary formation with highest vascularity was detected in the combined repair + EGF group (p < 0.001). EGF seems to improve wound healing in the repair of RCT. The EGF application alone, even without repair surgery, seems to be beneficial to RCT healing. Conclusion In addition to rotator cuff tear repair, application of human recombinant epidermal growth factor has an effect on rotator cuff healing in rabbit shoulders.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a eficácia do fator de crescimento epidérmico (EGF) recombinante humano na cicatrização da lesão do manguito rotador no ombro de coelhos. Métodos As rupturas do manguito rotador (RMRs) foram criadas experimentalmente em ambos os ombros de 20 coelhos Nova Zelândia. Os coelhos foram divididos nos seguintes grupos: RMR (grupo controle; n = 5), RMR + EGF (grupo EGF; n = 5), RMR + reparo transósseo (grupo reparo; n = 5) e RMR + EGF + reparo transósseo (grupo reparo combinado+ EGF; n = 5). Todos os coelhos foram observados por 3 semanas, e amostras de biópsias foram coletadas do ombro direito na 3ª semana. Após mais 3 semanas de observação, todos os coelhos foram submetidos à eutanásia, e uma amostra de biópsia foi coletada dos ombros esquerdos. Todo o material de biópsia foi corado com hematoxilina e eosina (H&E) para avaliação de vascularidade, celularidade, proporção de fibras e número de células fibrocartilaginosas à microscopia óptica. Resultados O grupo reparo combinado + EGF apresentou a maior quantidade e a sequência mais regular de colágeno. O grupo reparo e o grupo EGF apresentaram maior atividade fibroblástica e formação capilar em comparação ao grupo controle, mas a maior atividade fibroblástica e a formação capilar com maior vascularidade foram detectadas no grupo reparo combinado + EGF (p < 0,001). O EGF parece melhorar a cicatrização da ferida no reparo da RMR. A aplicação isolada de EGF, mesmo sem cirurgia reparadora, parece melhorar a cicatrização da RMR. Conclusão Além do reparo da RMR, a aplicação de EGF recombinante humano auxilia a cicatrização do manguito rotador dos ombros de coelhos.

Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration: Case Series / Lesão de ombro relacionada à administração de vacina: Série de casos

Abstract Objective Shoulder pain is a common presentation in the primary care setting, and shoulder pain after vaccination has a growing body of literature. The present study sought to understand how a standardized treatment protocol would aid patients experiencing shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). Methods Patients experiencing SIRVA were retrospectively recruited between February 2017 and February 2021. All patients were treated with physical therapy and offered a cortisone injection. Post-treatment range of motion (i.e., forward elevation, external rotation, internal rotation) and patients' reported outcomes were collected with the visual analogue scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), simple shoulder test (SST), and single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE) scores. Results A total of 9 patients were retrospectively examined. Among them, 6 patients presented within one month of a recent vaccination event, while 3 patients presented 67, 87, and 120 days after vaccination. Furthermore, 8 of the patients completed physical therapy, and 6 of them underwent a cortisone injection. The follow-up time averaged 8 months. At final follow-up, the mean external rotation was 61º (standard deviation, SD±3º) and the mean forward elevation was 179º (SD±45º). Internal rotation ranged between L3 and T10. The VAS pain scores were 3.5/10.0 (SD±2.4), the mean ASES score was 63.5/100.0 (SD±26.3), and the SST scores were 8.5/12.0 (SD±3.9). Finally, the SANE scores were 75.7/100.0 (SD±24.7) and 95.7/100.0 (SD±6.1) in the injured and contralateral shoulders respectively. Conclusion Shoulder pain after a vaccination treated with physical therapy and cortisone injection ultimately resulted in favorable shoulder range of motion and functional score outcomes. Level of Evidence IV

Resumo Objetivo A dor no ombro é um quadro comum na atenção primária e há cada vez mais relatos acerca de sua ocorrência após a vacinação. Este estudo buscou entender como um protocolo de tratamento padronizado ajudaria pacientes com lesão no ombro relacionada à administração de vacina (SIRVA). Métodos Os pacientes com SIRVA foram recrutados de forma retrospectiva entre fevereiro de 2017 e fevereiro de 2021. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à fisioterapia e receberam uma prescrição de cortisona injetável. A amplitude de movimento pós-tratamento (ou seja, elevação anterior, rotação externa, rotação interna) e os desfechos relatados pelo paciente foram analisados a partir das pontuações da escala visual análoga (EVA), da American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), do teste simples do ombro (SST) e da avaliação numérica única (SANE). Resultados No total, 9 pacientes foram examinados de maneira retrospectiva. Entre eles, 6 pacientes foram atendidos no primeiro mês após a vacinação e os outros três, depois de 67, 87 e 120 dias. Ademais, 8 dos pacientes fizeram todo o tratamento fisioterápico e 6 receberam uma injeção de cortisona. O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 8 meses. À última consulta, a rotação externa média foi de 61° (desvio padrão, DP±3°)ea elevação anterior média foi de 179° (DP ± 45°). A rotação interna variou entre L3 e T10. As pontuações de dor à EVA foram de 3,5/10,0 (DP ± 2,4) e o escore médio ASES foi de 63,5/100,0 (DP ± 26,3); as pontuações de SST foram 8,5/12,0 (DP ± 3,9). Por fim, os escores de SANE foram de 75,7/100,0 (DP ± 24,7) e 95,7/100,0 (DP ± 6,1) nos ombros lesionados e contralaterais, respectivamente. Conclusão A dor no ombro após a vacinação tratada com fisioterapia e injeção de cortisona melhorou a amplitude de movimento e os escores funcionais. Nível de Evidência IV

Varmam Therapy for Common Shoulder Joint Pathological Conditions- A Review

Varmam- a discrete medical science and a great contribution of Siddhars to Tamil Nadu. It encompases Varma martial arts, Varma therapy, internal and external medicines. Varma therapy and medicines effectively treat neuro musculoskeletal conditions which is admirable. Shoulder pain is most common orthopaedic condition. It is the third common cause of musculoskeletal consultations in primary care. Approximately 1% of adult develops new shoulder pain annually. Common pathological conditions of shoulder like rotator cuff disorders and adhesive capsulitis etc exhibits similar clinical features like pain and stiffness of shoulder joint and restricted movements. Varma therapy rearranges and regulates the “Vaasi” and consequently helps to maintain the equilibrium of trihumours (Vatham, Pitham, Kapham). This review article explicates the Varma points for the treatment of shoulder pathological conditions, the exact anatomical location of Varma points and the appropriate method of its manipulation, certainly a key to further research articles.

Progress in Biomechanical Study of Rotator Cuff Repair / 医用生物力学

The rotator cuff is an important structure to maintain movement and dynamic stability of the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff injury changes its unique biomechanical effects, resulting in shoulder pain and mobility disorders. Although great progress has been made in suture technology and fixation method, the rate of postoperative retear is still very high. Understanding the biomechanical mechanism of normal rotator cuff and restoring the special biomechanical effect of rotator cuff after injury are the key to prevent postoperative retear. This article reviewed biomechanical researches on rotator cuff repair in recent years, in order to provide some theoretical guidance for clinical operation.

Reassessment of fatty infiltration by magnetic resonance ten years after rotator cuff injury repair / Reavaliação da infiltração gordurosa por ressonância magnética após dez anos de reparo de lesão do manguito rotador

ABSTRACT Quantitative assessments of rotator cuff muscle changes after successful tendon repair are scarce. On the other hand, semiquantitative and subjective assessments are more abundant, but their findings are controversial. One hypothesis about this divergence is that there is an immediate decrease in the proportion of fatty infiltration after surgical repair. Objective: Reassess fatty infiltration and muscle trophism of the rotator cuff after ten years of repair. Methods: Prospective comparison study. A total of 10 patients diagnosed with rotator cuff injury underwent repair of the lesion, and MRI of the affected shoulder was performed in the preoperative, immediate postoperative, and late postoperative periods (ten years). A comparative study was performed at every moment. Results: At 5% significance level, the mean of the immediate postoperative period was higher for the variable trophism and true muscle percentage. Fatty infiltration showed no difference in the three periods observed. Conclusion: Fatty infiltration does not change in the three periods evaluated and muscle trophism is greater in the immediate postoperative period. After ten years of rotator cuff repair, muscle trophism and fatty infiltration remain with statistically significantly equal results when compared to the preoperative period. Level of Evidence II, Prospective Comparison Study.

RESUMO Avaliações quantitativas das mudanças musculares do manguito rotador após reparos bem-sucedidos são escassas. Em contrapartida, avaliações semiquantitativas e subjetivas são mais abundantes, porém com achados controversos. Uma hipótese sobre essa discrepância é que a diminuição imediata na proporção de gordura que ocorre logo após o reparo. Objetivo: Reavaliar a infiltração gordurosa e o trofismo muscular do manguito rotador passados dez anos do reparo. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo comparativo realizado com dez pacientes diagnosticados com lesão do manguito rotador que foram submetidos a reparo da lesão e exames de ressonância magnética do ombro acometido no pré-operatório, no pós-operatório imediato e no pós-operatório tardio (dez anos), a fim de comparar as mudanças musculares em cada momento. Resultados: Ao nível de significância de 5%, a média do pós-operatório imediato foi superior para as variáveis trofismo e porcentagem muscular verdadeira. A infiltração gordurosa não apresentou diferença nos três períodos observados. Conclusão: A infiltração gordurosa não se altera nos três períodos avaliados, e o trofismo muscular é maior no pós-operatório imediato. Após dez anos do reparo do manguito rotador, o trofismo muscular e a infiltração gordurosa se mantêm com resultados estatísticos significativamente iguais quando comparados com o pré-operatório. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Prospectivo Comparativo.

Risk factors for infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore risk factors for infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and improve the under standing for reducing infection.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of 2 591 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from January 2019 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 1 265 males and 1 326 females, aged from 25 to 82 years old with an average age of (51.5±15.6) years old. They were divided into infection group(n=18) and uninfected group(n=2 573) according to whether or not patients had postoperative infection. Gender, age, smoking, diabetes, body mass index, local closure within 1 month before operation, operation time, preventive use of antibiotics, and internal fixation implantation between two groups were recorded. Univariate Logistic regression analysis screened factors associated with infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Theresultswere entered into the multivariate logistic regression analysis, screening the high risk factors for infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.@*RESULTS@#In 2 591 patients, 18 patients were infected after operation, infection rate was 0.69%. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, operation time, antibiotic prophylaxis, internal fixation implantation were risk factors for infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed male(OR=14.227), age≥65 years(OR=34.313), operation time≥2 h (OR=15.616), without antibiotic prophylaxis(OR=4.891), and internal fixation implantation(OR=5.103) were major risk factors for infection after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Male, age≥65 years, operation time≥2 h, without antibiotic prophylaxis and internal fixation implantation were independent risk factors for infection after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Early diagnosis and timely treatment should be carried out to reduce the incidence of infection.

Effect of critical shoulder angle on deltoid muscle strength reduction in patients with rotator cuff tears / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the synergistic interaction between the deltoid muscle and the rotator cuff muscle group in patients with rotator cuff tears (RCT), as well as the impact of the critical shoulder angle (CSA) on deltoid muscle strength.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 42 RCT patients who met the selection criteria and were treated between March 2022 and March 2023. There were 13 males and 29 females, with an age range of 42-77 years (mean, 60.5 years). Preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.0±1.6. CSA measurements were obtained from standard anteroposterior X-ray films before operation, and patients were divided into two groups based on CSA measurements: CSA>35° group (group A) and CSA≤35° group (group B). Handheld dynamometry was used to measure the muscle strength of various muscle group in the shoulder (including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and anterior, middle, and posterior bundles of the deltoid). The muscle strength of the unaffected side was compared to the affected side, and muscle imbalance indices were calculated. Muscle imbalance indices between male and female patients, dominant and non-dominant sides, and groups A and B were compared. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between muscle imbalance indices and CSA as well as VAS scores.@*RESULTS@#Muscle strength in all muscle groups on the affected side was significantly lower than on the unaffected side ( P<0.05). The muscle imbalance indices for the supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus, and anterior, middle, and posterior bundles of the deltoid were 14.8%±24.4%, 5.9%±9.7%, 7.2% (0, 9.1%), 17.2% (5.9%, 26.9%), 8.3%±21.3%, and 10.2% (2.8%, 15.4%), respectively. The muscle imbalance indices of the anterior bundle of the deltoid, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus were significantly lower in male patients compared to female patients ( P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in muscle imbalance indices among other muscle groups between male and female patients or between the dominant and non-dominant sides ( P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between the muscle imbalance indices of infraspinatus and VAS score ( P<0.05), and a positive correlation between CSA and the muscle imbalance indices of middle bundle of deltoid ( P<0.05). There was no correlation between the muscle imbalance indices of other muscle groups and VAS score or CSA ( P>0.05). Preoperative CSA ranged from 17.6° to 39.4°, with a mean of 31.1°. There were 9 cases in group A and 33 cases in group B. The muscle imbalance indices of the anterior bundle of the deltoid was significantly lower in group A compared to group B ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in muscle imbalance indices among other muscle groups between group A and group B ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Patients with RCT have a phenomenon of deltoid muscle strength reduction, which is more pronounced in the population with a larger CSA.

Mid-term effectiveness of arthroscopic "mini incision" transtendon repair for partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsion lesion / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mid-term effectiveness of arthroscopic "mini incision" transtendon repair for partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesion.@*METHODS@#A clinical data of 39 patients with PASTA lesions, who underwent the arthroscopic "mini incision" transtendon repair and met the selected criteria between May 2017 and April 2021, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 13 males and 26 females, with an average age of 63.7 years (range, 43-76 years). Nine patients underwent trauma history, and no obvious inducement was found in the other 30 patients. The main clinical symptom was shoulder pain with positive hug resistance test. The interval from symptom onset to operation was 3-21 months (mean, 8.3 months). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, American Association of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and shoulder range of motion (ROM) of forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation were used to evaluate shoulder function. MRI was performed to assess the structural integrity and tension of reattached tendon. Patient satisfactions were calculated at last follow-up.@*RESULTS@#All incisions healed by first intention with no complications such as incision infection or nerve injury. All patients were followed up 24-71 months (mean, 46.9 months). The VAS, UCLA, and ASES scores significantly improved at 24 months after operation when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05). The ROMs of forward flexion and external rotation of the shoulder joint significantly increased at 3 and 24 months, and further increased at 24 months compared to 3 months, with significant differences ( P<0.05). However, the ROM of abduction of the shoulder joint at 3 months did not significantly improve compared with that before operation ( P>0.05), and it was significantly greater at 24 months than before operation and at 3 months after operation ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, the patients were very satisfied with the effectiveness in 30 cases (76.9%), satisfied in 5 cases (12.8%), and dissatisfied in 4 cases (10.3%). At 6 months after operation, 31 patients underwent reviews of MRI scans, of which 28 patients possessed intact structural integrity, good tendon tension and tendon healing, and 3 patients underwent tendon re-tear.@*CONCLUSION@#Arthroscopic "mini incision" transtendon repair in treatment of PASTA lesion could obtain satisfying mid-term effectiveness with low risk of tendon re-tear.

Effectiveness analysis of "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy for treating primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy for treating primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 11 patients with primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff who met the selection criteria between October 2020 and October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 3 males and 8 females, aged 39-79 years, with an average of 61.0 years. Rotator cuff injury was caused by traumatic fall in 8 cases, and the time from injury to admission was 1-4 months, with an average of 2.0 months; the remaining 3 cases had no obvious inducement. The active range of motion of the affected shoulder was limited, with an active forward flexion range of motion of (64.1±10.9)°, abduction of (78.1±6.4)°, internal rotation of (48.2±6.6)°, and external rotation of (41.8±10.5)°; 5 cases had shoulder stiffness. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 7.8±0.8 and the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 23.9±6.4. The patients were treated with "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy, and the pain and functional recovery were evaluated by VAS score, ASES score, and active range of motion of shoulder joint at last follow-up; MRI was performed after operation, and the integrity of rotator cuff was evaluated by Sugaya classification system.@*RESULTS@#All the 11 patients were followed up 2-22 months, with an average of 13.5 months. All incisions healed by first intention, and there was no complication such as infection, rotator cuff re-tear, and anchor falling off. At last follow-up, the VAS score was 0.8±0.7 and the ASES score was 93.5±4.2, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). All 11 patients had no significant swelling in the shoulders, and the active range of motion was (165.1±8.8)° in flexion, (75.3±8.4)° in abduction, (56.6±5.5)° in internal rotation, and (51.8±4.0)° in external rotation, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). Shoulder MRI showed adequate tendon thickness and good continuity in 9 cases, including 4 cases with partial high signal area; and 2 cases with inadequate tendon thickness but high continuity and partial high signal area. According to Sugaya classification system, there were 4 cases of type 1 (36.4%), 5 cases of type 2 (45.5%), and 2 cases of type 3 (18.1%).@*CONCLUSION@#For the patients with primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff, the "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy is simple and effective.

Clinical and radiologic outcomes after tendon insertion medialized repair of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effectiveness of tendon insertion medialized repair in treatment of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears (L/MRCT).@*METHODS@#The clinical and imaging data of 46 L/MRCT patients who underwent arthroscopic insertion medialized repair between October 2015 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 26 males and 20 females with an average age of 57.7 years (range, 40-75 years). There were 20 cases of large rotator cuff tears and 26 cases of massive rotator cuff tears. Preoperative imaging evaluation included fatty infiltration (Goutallier grade), tendon retraction (modified Patte grade), supraspinatus tangent sign, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and postoperative medializaiton length and tendon integrity. The clinical outcome was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Society for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (ASES) score, shoulder range of motion (including anteflexion and elevation, lateral external, and internal rotation) and anteflexion and elevation muscle strength before and after operation. The patients were divided into two groups (the intact tendon group and the re-teared group) according to the integrity of the tendon after operation. According to the medializaiton length, the patients were divided into group A (medialization length ≤10 mm) and group B (medialization length >10 mm). The clinical function and imaging indexes of the patients were compared.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up 24-56 months, with an average of 31.8 months. At 1 year after operation, MRI showed that the medializaiton length of supraspinatus tendon was 5-15 mm, with an average of 10.26 mm, 33 cases in group A and 13 cases in group B. Eleven cases (23.91%) had re-teared, including 5 cases (45.45%) of Sugaya type Ⅳ and 6 cases (54.55%) of Sugaya type Ⅴ. At last follow-up, the VAS score, ASES score, shoulder anteflexion and elevation range of motion, lateral external rotation range of motion, and anteflexion and elevation muscle strength significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in internal rotation range of motion between pre- and post-operation ( P>0.05). The Goutallier grade and modified Patte grade of supraspinatus muscle in the re-teared group were significantly higher than those in the intact tendon group, and the AHD was significantly lower than that in the intact tendon group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05). Except that the ASES score of the intact tendon group was significantly higher than that of the re-teared group ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the other postoperative clinical functional indicators between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of re-tear, VAS score, ASES score, range of motion of shoulder joint, and anteflexion and elevation muscle strength between group A and group B ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Tendon insertion medialized repair may be useful in cases with L/MRCT, and shows good postoperative shoulder function. Neither tendon integrity nor medialization length shows apparent correlations with postoperative shoulder function.

Long-term effectiveness of arthroscopic partial repair for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the long-term effectiveness of arthroscopic partial repair in treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears from both the radiological and clinical perspectives.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 24 patients (25 sides) with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears who met the inclusion criteria between May 2006 and September 2014. Among them, there were 17 males (18 sides) and 7 females (7 sides) with an age range of 43-67 years (mean, 55.0 years). There were 23 cases of unilateral injury and 1 case of bilateral injuries. All patients were treated with the arthroscopic partial repair. The active range of motion of forward elevation and abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation, as well as the muscle strength for forward flexion and external rotation, were recorded before operation, at the first postoperative follow-up, and at last follow-up. The American Association of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scoring, and Constant score were used to evaluate shoulder joint function. And the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate shoulder joint pain. MRI examination was performed. The signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) was measured above the anchor point near the footprint area (m area) and above the glenoid (g area) in the oblique coronal T2 fat suppression sequence. The atrophy of the supraspinatus muscle was evaluated using the tangent sign. The global fatty degeneration index (GFDI) was measured to assess fat infiltration in the supraspinatus muscle, infraspinatus muscle, teres minor muscle, upper and lower parts of the subscapularis muscle. The mean GFDI (GFDI-5) of 5 muscles was calculated.@*RESULTS@#The incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up with the first follow-up time of 1.0-1.7 years (mean, 1.3 years) and the last follow-up time of 7-11 years (mean, 8.4 years). At last follow-up, the range of motion and muscle strength of forward elevation and abduction, ASES score, Constant score, UCLA score, and VAS score of the patients significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). Compared with the first follow-up, except for a significant increase in ASES score ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the other indicators ( P>0.05). Compared with those before operation, the degree of supraspinatus muscle infiltration worsened at last follow-up ( P<0.05), GFDI-5 increased significantly ( P<0.05), and there was significant difference in the tangent sign ( P<0.05); while there was no significant difference in the infiltration degree of infraspinatus muscle, teres minor muscle, and subscapularis muscle, upper and lower parts of the subscapularis muscle ( P>0.05). Compared with the first follow-up, the SNQm and SNQg decreased significantly at last follow-up ( P<0.05). At the first and last follow-up, there was no correlation between the SNQm and SNQg and the ASES score, Constant score, UCLA score, and VAS score of the shoulder ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Arthroscopic partial repair is effective in treating massive irreparable rotator cuff tear and significantly improves long-term shoulder joint function. For patients with severe preoperative fat infiltration involving a large number of tendons and poor quality of repairable tendons, it is suggested to consider other treatment methods.

Research methods and progress of gradient multiphase scaffold materials promoting rotator cuff tenon-bone interface repair and regeneration / 中华骨科杂志

Regeneration of rotator cuff tendon-bone interface is crucial in rotator cuff repair. The tendon-bone interface consists of four continuous and gradual regions: the tendon region, the unmineralized fibrocartilage region, the mineralized fibrocartilage region, and the bone region. The development and regeneration of various regions in the tendon-bone interface is regulated by growth factors, inorganic ions, mechanical stimulation, and hypoxic environment. Inspired by factors affecting the development and regeneration of the tendon-bone interface, many researchers have designed gradient scaffold systems that promote regionalized regeneration of the tendon-bone interface. The gradient distribution of these scaffolds includes inorganic ion gradients and growth factor gradients. According to different gradients of the scaffold system, osteogenesis, chondrogenesis and tendon differentiation of cells at the tendon-bone interface are promoted, and the healing of the tendon-bone is synchronously completed to realize the repair and regeneration of the rotator cuff tendon-bone interface. Current studies indicated that gradient multiphase scaffolds had high academic research value and guided significance for future clinical applications in the reconstruction of the tendon-bone interface. In this paper, the factors affecting the development and regeneration of the tendon-bone interface are reviewed, and the effects of these factors on osteogenesis, chondrogenesis and tendon formation of various regions in promoting rotator cuff tendon-bone interface repair are summarized. The properties and effects of reported gradient multiphase scaffolds for rotator cuff injury are discussed, including gradient scaffolds containing inorganic ions and growth factors. Finally, the problems and future development opportunities of gradient multiphase support in rotator cuff repair are summarized.

Fascia lata autograft bridging repair reinforced with artificial ligament as an internal brace for arthroscopic management of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical and imaging outcomes of fascia lata autograft bridging repair reinforecd with an artificial ligament as the internal brace with the autograft bridging repair for the treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (IMRCTs).Methods:The data of 26 patients with IMRCT who underwent fascia lata autograft bridging repair augmented with artificial ligament as the internal brace (internal brace group) and of 24 patients with IMRCT who underwent bridging autograft repair alone (control group) were retrospectively evaluated preoperatively and at 2-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes were assessed using shoulder activity, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Imaging outcomes were evaluated using acromiohumeral distance (AHD), Goutallier grade, and status of fascia lata grafts according to radiographs or magnetic resonance imaging results.Results:All 50 cases were followed up for 34.2±7.2 months (range 24-45 months). Compared to the control group, the internal brace group showed better ASES score (93.5±5.3 vs. 89.5±5.7, P<0.05), UCLA score (31.7±3.8 vs. 28.5±5.6, P<0.05), improvement in UCLA score (19.6±4.2 vs. 15.9±5.7, P<0.05), active elevation (167.3°±8.4° vs. 159.4°±13.6°, P<0.05), abduction strength (8.9±1.2 vs. 8.2±1.2, P<0.05), improvement in abduction strength (4.1±1.2 vs. 3.3± 1.0, P<0.05), AHD (7.0±1.4 mm vs. 5.9±1.0 mm, P<0.05), improvement in AHD (3.3±1.5 mm vs. 2.0±0.6 mm, P<0.05), and healing rate of fascia lata autografts (92% vs. 54%, P<0.05) at 2-year follow-up. Conclusion:Fascia lata autograft bridging repair reinforced with an artificial ligament as the internal brace improves healing rate of bridging graft and postoperatively short-term clinical outcomes of patients with IMRCT.