Establishing the Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Patient Acceptable Symptom State Thresholds Following Arthroscopic Capsular Release for the Treatment of Idiopathic Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis.

PURPOSE: To determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) threshold for the visual analog scale (VAS), Constant, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores following arthroscopic capsular release for the treatment of idiopathic shoulder adhesive capsulitis. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospective collected data was performed in patients undergoing arthroscopic capsular release for the treatment of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis at a single institution from January 2018 through January 2019. Patient-reported outcome measures were collected preoperatively and 6 months' postoperatively. Delta was defined as the change between preoperative and 6 months' postoperative scores. Distribution-based and anchored-based (response to a satisfaction question at 1 year) approaches were used to estimate MCIDs and PASS, respectively. The optimal cut-off point where sensitivity and specificity were maximized (Youden index) and the percentage of patients achieving those thresholds were also calculated. RESULTS: Overall, a total of 100 patients without diabetes who underwent arthroscopic capsular release and completed baseline and 6-month patient-reported outcome measures were included. The distribution-based MCID for VAS, Constant, SANE, and ASES were calculated to be 1.1, 10.1, 9.3, and 8.2, respectively. The rate of patients who achieved MCID thresholds was 98% for VAS, 96% for Constant, 98% for SANE, and 99% for ASES. The PASS threshold values for VAS, Constant, and ASES were ≤2, ≥70, ≥80, and ≥80, respectively. The rate of patients who achieved PASS thresholds was 84% for VAS, 84% for Constant, 89% for SANE, and 78% for ASES. CONCLUSIONS: In patients without diabetes and idiopathic adhesive capsulitis, high rates of MCID and PASS thresholds can be achieved with arthroscopic anteroinferior capsular release LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Shoulder Instability-Return to Sports After Injury (SIRSI) Scale Shows That Lack of Psychological Readiness Predicts Outcomes and Recurrence Following Surgical Stabilization.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of psychological readiness to return to sports on clinical outcomes and recurrences in athletes who return to sports following shoulder instability surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients who underwent shoulder instability surgery between September 2020 and October 2021 (arthroscopic Bankart repair or Latarjet procedure) with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients were grouped according to the achievement of psychological readiness to return to play using the SIRSI scale (≥ 55 points) measured at 6 months following surgery. Recurrences were measured and functional outcomes were evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Rowe, and Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System (ASOSS). The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the VAS and Rowe scores was calculated using the distribution-based method of ½ standard deviation of the delta (difference between postoperative and preoperative scores). The patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for the VAS scale was set at 2.5 based on previous literature. To evaluate the predictive ability of SIRSI a regression model analysis and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used. RESULTS: A total of 108 who achieved psychological readiness (PSR) and 41 who did not (NPSR) met the study criteria. PSR achieved significantly higher percentages of MCID and PASS thresholds for VAS than NPSR (MCID: 68.5% vs 48.7%, p=0.026; PASS: 92.5% vs 58.5%, p<0.001). However, there were no differences in the percentage of patients achieving MCID for the Rowe score between groups (98.1% vs 100%, p=0.999). The only strongest independent predictor of postoperative outcomes was being psychologically ready to return to sports. The SIRSI scale had an excellent predictive ability for recurrences (area under curve 0.745, 95% CI 0.5-0.8). Of those who sustained a recurrence, 20% were not psychologically ready compared to 4.3% who were (p= 0.002). A power analysis was not conducted for this study. CONCLUSION: The SIRSI scale is associated with postoperative clinical outcomes and recurrences in patients who returned to sports following shoulder instability surgery. Patients who were not psychologically ready following shoulder instability surgery had worse clinical outcomes with fewer patients achieving clinically significant outcomes (PASS and MCID) for pain, and a higher risk of recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Retrospective cohort study.

Results After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in Contact Athletes Should Not Be Reported Globally Because of the High Variability in Recurrences Among the Different Contact or Collision Sports: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To describe and compare the recurrence rates in contact or collision (CC) sports after arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) and to compare the recurrence rates in CC versus non-collision athletes after ABR. METHODS: We followed a prespecified protocol registered with PROSPERO (registration No. CRD42022299853). In January 2022, a literature search was performed using the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), as well as clinical trials records. Clinical studies (Level I-IV evidence) that evaluated recurrence after ABR in CC athletes with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years postoperatively were included. We assessed the quality of the studies using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool, and we described the range of effects using synthesis without meta-analysis and described the certainty of the evidence using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations). RESULTS: We identified 35 studies, which included 2,591 athletes. The studies had heterogeneous definitions of recurrence and classifications of sports. The recurrence rates after ABR varied significantly among studies between 3% and 51% (I2 = 84.9%, 35 studies and 2,591 participants). The range was at the higher end for participants younger than 20 years (range, 11%-51%; I2 = 81.7%) compared with older participants (range, 3%-30%; I2 = 54.7%). The recurrence rates also varied by recurrence definition (I2 = 83.3%) and within and across categories of CC sports (I2 = 83.8%). CC athletes had higher recurrence rates than did non-collision athletes (7%-29% vs 0%-14%; I2 = 29.2%; 12 studies with 612 participants). Overall, the risk of bias of all the included studies was determined to be moderate. The certainty of the evidence was low owing to study design (Level III-IV evidence), study limitations, and inconsistency. CONCLUSIONS: There was high variability in the recurrence rates reported after ABR according to the different types of CC sports, ranging from 3% to 51%. Moreover, variations in recurrence among CC sports were observed, with ice hockey players being in the upper range but field hockey players being in the lower range. Finally, CC athletes showed higher recurrence rates when compared with non-collision athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level II, III, and IV studies.

Accuracy of Anterior Shoulder Injections Without Image Guidance: A Prospective Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to assess the accuracy of glenohumeral joint injections through an anterosuperior approach using anatomical landmarks as a guide and arthroscopic visualization as the control method and to evaluate whether there is any association between accuracy, the physicians training, and the patient's pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample size of 124 patients was calculated. A prospective cohort study including 164 consecutive patients was conducted. All patients over 18 years of age who underwent shoulder arthroscopy during the study period were included. A needle was placed using an anterosuperior approach before the beginning of the surgery alternating between a shoulder surgeon and a resident. Direct visualization through a posterior arthroscopic view was used to verify correct needle placement. Each case was classified as success or failure based on the arthroscopic intra-articular visualization of the needle. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between injection accuracy, operator experience, and patient pathology. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 164 needles placed, 131 were intra-articular, giving a total correct placement rate of 80% (95% CI, 73-86%). Experts had an accuracy of 88%, compared to a precision rate of 72% for residents (p<0.001). A logistic regression was performed to evaluate which factors are independently associated with injection accuracy failure. Patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis had an OR of 6.15 for injection failure. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that an anterior-superior approach shoulder injection technique performed by a shoulder specialist without image guidance has a high precision rate. However, in physicians with no experience in shoulder surgery, as well as in some pathologies such as adhesive capsulitis, the accuracy of the procedure decreases significantly and thus, in these cases, the use of some type of image guidance during the procedure may be recommended to achieve greater precision.

Do postoperative outcomes vary between midshaft clavicle fractures of 2, 3, or more than 3 fragments?

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess differences in clinical and surgical outcomes associated with the surgical treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures of different complexities based on fragment number. Additionally, the investigation seeks to present the outcomes of a series of patients who underwent surgery at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of patients aged over 18 who underwent midshaft clavicle fracture surgery at our center from November 2009 to May 2021. Patients were categorized based on the number of fracture fragments into groups of two, three, or more than three fragments. Consolidation, implant removal, complications, surgical duration, and functional outcomes (assessed through VAS, ASES, and Constant-Murley scale) were evaluated for each specific group and for the overall cohort. RESULTS: In total, 260 patients were analyzed. There were no significant differences in any of the parameters between the three groups except for surgical time, which was shorter in simple fractures than in those with more than three fragments (68.2 min vs. 75.3 min; p = 0.01). Pseudoarthrosis rate was 2.69%, implant removal rate was 9.61%, and 4.23% of patients presented with complications other than the previous ones. Functional results were excellent, with averages of 97.3 (72.7-100) for the ASES score, 97.5 (75-100) for the Constant score, and 0.6 (0-8) on the VAS. CONCLUSION: According to our results, there were no differences in postoperative results between simple and multifragmentary midshaft clavicle fractures. Patients across all groups reported satisfactory results.

The Short, 5-Item Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport After Injury Score Performs as Well as the Longer Version in Predicting Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport.

PURPOSE: To reduce the length of the Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport After Injury (SIRSI) scale and determine the predictive validity of the short version compared with the original form. METHODS: This study included patients who underwent an arthroscopic Bankart repair or open Latarjet procedure between 2017 and 2019. One group was used for the SIRSI scale-reduction process, and a second group was used to test the predictive validity of the proposed short SIRSI scale. The Cronbach α value was used to evaluate internal consistency. Validity was determined by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient with the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scale. Predictive validity was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve statistics. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients participated in the scale-reduction process, and 137 patients participated in the predictive-validation process. The SIRSI scale was successfully reduced to a 5-item scale constructed by 1 underlying factor accounting for 60% of the variance. The short version showed good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.82) and was highly correlated with the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scale and the long version. The short SIRSI scores were significantly different between patients who returned to sports and those who did not. The SIRSI scale had excellent predictive ability for return-to-sport outcomes (area under ROC curve of 0.84 for short version [95% confidence interval, 0.7-0.9] and 0.83 for long version [95% confidence interval, 0.7-0.9]). CONCLUSIONS: A valid 5-item, short version of the SIRSI scale was successfully developed in our patient population. The short version was found to be as robust as the long scale for discriminating and predicting return-to-sport outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Classic Versus Congruent-Arc Latarjet Procedures.

Glenohumeral instability remains a frequent pathology, specifically in athletes and active patients. As such, several treatment options have been described. In the setting of significant glenoid bone loss (i.e., >20%), off-track Hill-Sachs lesions, and failed previous soft-tissue-based repairs, glenoid bone-augmentation techniques must be considered. These techniques restore stability by a triple blocking effect of the bony graft, the capsulolabral complex repair, and the dynamic sling effect of the conjoined tendon. The classic Latarjet procedure consists in performing a coracoid osteotomy along with the conjoined tendon attachment followed by transfer and fixation to the anterior glenoid, positioning the lateral surface of the coracoid to be flush with the articular side. Then, a modification of this technique defined as "congruent-arc Latarjet" (CAL) was described. This approach involves rotating the coracoid process 90° along its longitudinal axis using the inferior surface to recreate the native glenoid arc. Biomechanical studies have discussed advantages and disadvantages of these techniques. The CAL allows a greater glenoid surface area, which may be relevant in patients with increased glenoid bone loss. However, the bone contact area is reduced, which increases the technical difficulty of screw positioning with an increased risk of graft fragmentation. The classic Latarjet technique has a greater initial fixation strength between the graft and the glenoid and a greater potential for bone consolidation due to the broader contact bone area. Excellent clinical and sports outcomes with low recurrence rates have been observed in both techniques. Imaging findings have exhibited high bone block healing and no difference in graft placement, but CAL demonstrated a greater incidence of fibrous or nonunion rates and errors in screw fixation. Finally, while similar early complications have been reported, long-term outcomes are still needed in CAL for comparing osteoarthritis progression. These results emphasize that either technique can be considered to manage glenohumeral instability when appropriately indicated.

Subacromial Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections Produce Significantly Worse Improvement in Functional Outcomes in Patients With Partial Supraspinatus Tears Than in Patients With Isolated Tendinopathy.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of subacromial leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in patients with isolated rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) and those with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) based on functional outcomes, pain improvement, sleep disturbances, and return to sports. METHODS: Between November 2019 and March 2021, 150 patients underwent PRP injections at our institution for refractory rotator cuff tendinopathy and partial rotator cuff tears (105 RCTs and 45 PTRCTs). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were evaluated at 2-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Return to sports was also evaluated. An ultrasound examination was performed to evaluate structural outcomes 12 months after the injection. RESULTS: The mean age was 36.6 years (±9.08). Overall, the ASES, VAS, SANE, and Pittsburgh scores showed statistical improvement after the injection (P < .01). Specifically, the improvement in the ASES score, which was the primary outcome measure was significantly greater in the group without tears than in the group with PTRCTs at all follow-up times. Moreover, 94% of the patients in the isolated RCT group and 49% in the PTRCTs group achieved a substantial clinical benefit at 12 months follow-up. Ten out of the 50 patients (20%) who received PRP injections due to a partial RC tear underwent surgery due to the lack of clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Subacromial PRP injections produced a significant improvement in shoulder function, pain, and sleep disturbances in most patients with RCT refractory to conservative treatment that was maintained at the 12-month follow-up. Moreover, most patients returned to sports at the same level prior to injury. However, improvement in symptoms and functional outcomes was significantly worse in patients who had a PTRCT compared with patients who had an isolated tendinopathy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Similar Clinical, Return to Sports, Recurrence, and Revision Outcomes Between Female and Male Athletes Following Arthroscopic Bankart Repair.

PURPOSE: To compare return to sports, functional outcomes, and recurrences rates between female and male athletes following arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR). METHODS: A retrospective comparative study was performed between male and female athletes who underwent an ABR between January 2008 and December 2019. Sports practiced primarily by men in our practice (including rugby, soccer, boxing, and martial arts) were excluded. Functional outcomes included the Rowe score, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and shoulder-dependent sports ability measured with the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System (ASOSS). Return to sport, recurrence, and revisions were evaluated. Additionally, we assessed the period (months) between surgery and recurrence events. RESULTS: A total of 58 female and 106 male patients were available for analysis at a median follow-up of 60 (interquartile range [IQR], 36-84) months. Ninety-one percent of the patients (n = 150) returned to sports and 84% (n = 126) returned to their preinjury level at a median of 6 months (IQR, 5-8) postoperatively. There were no differences in the rate of return to sports between females and males (91 vs 92% respectively, P = .997). There were no differences between the groups regarding postoperative functional outcomes, with most patients achieving the minimal clinically significant difference (Rowe: 98% female and 99% male, P = .584; ASOSS: 100% female and 99% male, P = .646). The overall recurrence rate was 9.7% (n = 16), with a rate of 10.3% (n = 6) in female and 9.4% (n = 10) in male athletes (P = .851). Time to event analysis showed that the median time to recurrence was 48 months in both groups (P = .848). The overall revision rate was 3% (n = 4), without significant differences between groups (P = .556). CONCLUSIONS: When compared within similar sports, there does not appear to be sex-related differences in functional outcomes, recurrence, or return to play following ABR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative study.

Cemented vs. uncemented reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this systematic review was to compare functional outcomes, complications, and revision rates between cemented and uncemented reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for proximal humeral fractures (PHFs). METHODS: A systematic search was performed in April 2021 within PubMed, Scopus Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for clinical studies reporting outcomes of RSA performed for PHF. Included studies were published in English, had a minimum 1-year follow-up, specified whether the humeral stem was cemented (cRSA) or uncemented (ucRSA), and were evidence level I-IV. Data including range of motion (ROM), functional status, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, tuberosity healing, complications, and reoperations were extracted. DerSimonian-Laird random effects models with subgroup stratification analyses were applied to investigate differences in outcomes between patients with cRSA and ucRSA. RESULTS: A total of 45 studies comprising 1623 patients were included. The overall pooled age was 75.9 ± 3.4 years. At a mean follow-up of 34.6 (range, 12-108) months, there were no significant differences in ROM, VAS score, Constant-Murley score, rate of tuberosity healing, or reoperation rates between the cRSA and ucRSA cohorts. The mean postoperative ASES score in the cRSA cohort (73.9, 95% CI 71.4-76.5) was significantly lower than the ucRSA cohort (82.9, 95% CI 75.9-90.0, P = .013). The incidence of postoperative all-cause complications was significantly lower in the cRSA cohort (5.5%, 95% CI 4.0%-6.9%) compared with the ucRSA cohort (9.7%, 95% CI 4.5%-14.9%, P = .044). CONCLUSION: The use of uncemented humeral stems in RSA for PHF confers similar functional results to the use of cemented stems in terms of pain, range of motion, functional scores, and tuberosity healing. Although the rate of complications was significantly higher in the uncemented cohort compared with the cemented cohort (9.7% vs. 5.5%, respectively), the rate of reoperations was similar between the groups (1.6% vs. 1.9%, respectively). The uncemented reverse prosthesis seems to be a valid alternative for the management of patients with complex proximal humerus fractures.

Cemented versus uncemented reverse shoulder arthroplasty for acute proximal humeral fractures.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were (1) to compare postoperative range of motion (ROM) and functional outcomes in patients with proximal humeral fractures operated on with cemented or uncemented reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), (2) to compare the rate of tuberosity healing between cemented and uncemented stems, (3) to determine whether there are significant differences in functional outcomes between patients with healed tuberosities and those with unhealed tuberosities, and (4) to compare complications and revision rates in patients with cemented RSA and uncemented RSA. METHODS: A cemented RSA was performed early in the study period, which represented a historical cohort (January 2015 to January 2017), followed by a transition to the uncemented RSA later in the study period (February 2017 to February 2019). We excluded 22 cases from postoperative evaluation because of fracture sequelae, age < 65 years, death, and institutionalization; 3 patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining 67 cases (32 cemented and 35 uncemented) underwent clinical and radiographic evaluation by 2 independent fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons. Patients were assessed regarding ROM and the visual analog scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score. All intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 41 months (range, 24-72 months), and the mean age was 74 years (range, 65-84 years). Mean postoperative active elevation, internal rotation, external rotation in abduction, and external rotation in adduction were 130° (±15°), 27° (±5°), 28° (±10°), and 16° (±6°), respectively. The mean postoperative visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Constant, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores were 1.8 (±0.8), 74 (±6), 58 (±11), and 74% (±8), respectively. There were no significant differences in final ROM and functional scores between the cemented and uncemented groups. The rate of tuberosity healing did not vary significantly in relation to whether the stem was cemented. The subgroup of patients with tuberosity healing presented significantly better active elevation, external rotation, and Constant scores than the subgroup without tuberosity healing. There were 5 complications (7%) and no cases of aseptic humeral stem loosening. CONCLUSION: In the short term (mean, 41 months), there were no significant differences in postoperative ROM, functional outcomes, complications, and revisions between patients operated on with cemented RSA and those operated on with uncemented RSA for proximal humeral fractures. Patients with healed tuberosities presented significantly better ROM and functional scores than patients without tuberosity healing. The cementation of the stem did not significantly affect the rate of tuberosity healing.

Subacromial Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections Decrease Pain and Improve Functional Outcomes in Patients With Refractory Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of subacromial platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in patients with refractory rotator cuff tendinopathies based on pain improvement, functional outcomes, sleep disturbances, and return to sports to the same level as before the injury. METHODS: Between March 2019 and October 2019, 50 patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy refractory to conservative treatment were treated with one subacromial PRP injection in our institution. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in all patients to confirm diagnosis. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain. Range of motion, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and the Constant score were used to assess functional outcomes. Eighty percent of the patients (40 of 50 patients) and 86% of the patients (43 of 50 patients) achieved a clinically significant improvement that exceeded the substantial clinical benefit for the ASES and Constant scores, respectively. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep disorders. Return to sports was also evaluated. The mean follow-up was 12 months, and the mean (SD) age was 37.3 (9.3) years. RESULTS: All mobility parameters evaluated improved significantly after treatment. The VAS, ASES, and Constant scores showed statistical improvement after the injection (P < .001). Sleep disturbances were resolved in 86% of the patients. Of the 32 patients who practiced sports before the injury, 84% returned to sports and 78% returned to the same level. There were no complications associated with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In most patients with refractory rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial injections of leukocyte-rich PRP significantly decreased pain, improved functional outcomes, and resolved sleep disturbances. Moreover, most of the athletes returned to sports at the same level they had before the injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

The Latarjet Procedure Without Remplissage Is Effective to Restore Stability in Athletes With Glenoid Bone Defects Greater Than 25% and Off-Track Hill-Sachs Lesions.

PURPOSE: There were 2 main purposes in this study: (1) to report on clinical outcomes of the Latarjet procedure without remplissage in athletes with glenoid bone defects greater than 25% and off-track Hill-Sachs lesions and (2) to determine whether the isolated Latarjet procedure converted off-track Hill-Sachs lesions to on-track Hill-Sachs lesions as measured on computed tomography (CT). METHODS: During the study period, a total of 29 athletes who had anterior glenohumeral instability with glenoid bone defects greater than 25% and off-track Hill-Sachs lesions, who underwent Latarjet surgery, and who had a minimum follow-up period of 24 months were included in this study. The glenoid track was analyzed before and 3 months after the procedure using 3-dimensional CT. Return to sport and range of motion, as well as the Rowe score, visual analog scale score for pain during sports activity, and Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System score, were used to assess functional outcomes. Recurrences were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 35 months (standard deviation [SD], 6 months), and the mean age was 30 years (SD, 2 years). Of the patients, 27 (93%) were able to return to sports and 25 (86%) returned to the same level as before their injury. No significant difference in shoulder range of motion was found between preoperative and postoperative results. The Rowe, visual analog scale, and Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System scores showed statistically significant improvements after surgery (P < .001). The mean width of the glenoid pathway changed significantly from 21.5 mm (SD, 2.54 mm) in the preoperative period to 35.1 mm (SD, 5.46 mm) at 3 months' follow-up. All the Hill-Sachs lesions remained on track, and no patient had recurrence of instability at the end of follow-up. No complications occurred in this series. CONCLUSIONS: The Latarjet procedure was effective to restore stability in athletes with recurrent glenohumeral instability with glenoid bone defects greater than 25% and off-track Hill-Sachs lesions, avoiding recurrence in all patients after an average follow-up period of 35 months. Moreover, the Latarjet procedure converted all off-track Hill-Sachs lesions to on-track Hill-Sachs lesions as measured on CT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Is sarcopenia a risk factor for rotator cuff tears?

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and consequent loss of muscle function with aging. Currently, it is considered an independent risk factor for falls and fractures, disability, postoperative complications, and mortality. Rotator cuff tears are known to be influenced by systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, thyroid disease, and osteoporosis. The aim of our study was to determine if there is a correlation between sarcopenia prevalence and rotator cuff tears. METHODS: This is a prospective case-control study. Between May 2017 and May 2018, 106 patients were evaluated and divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (cases) included 53 consecutive patients with chronic symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears (mean age, 72 ± 5 years), and group 2 (controls) included 53 patients without rotator cuff tears (mean age, 71 ± 6 years). Sarcopenia was diagnosed with the presence of 2 of 3 criteria: low skeletal muscle mass, inadequate muscle strength, and inadequate physical performance. Rotator cuff integrity was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging in all patients. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in baseline data and demographic factors between the groups, except for the smoking habit (P = .02). The prevalence of sarcopenia was not significantly different between the groups, nor were gait speed, grip strength, and skeletal muscle mass index (P = .15, .99, and .9, respectively). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with rotator cuff tears was similar to an age- and sex-matched control population. Thus, with these results, we are not able to consider sarcopenia as an independent risk factor for rotator cuff tears.

Similar Results in Return to Sports, Recurrences, and Healing Rates Between the Classic and Congruent-Arc Latarjet for Athletes With Recurrent Glenohumeral Instability and a Failed Stabilization.

PURPOSE: To compare the return-to-sport rate, functional outcomes, and complications of the "classic Latarjet" surgery with those of the "congruent arc Latarjet" surgery in athletes with recurrent glenohumeral instability and failed previous stabilization procedures. METHODS: All the included patients were operated between May 2009 and April 2017. The inclusion criteria were athletes with recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability, a glenoid bone defect greater than 20%, at least 1 previous failed stabilization surgery operated with the classic or the congruent-arc Latarjet procedures, and a minimum 2 years of follow-up. Return to sports, range of motion (ROM), the Rowe score, a visual analog scale for pain, and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System score were used to assess functional outcomes. Complications were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 135 athletes were included in the study (55 patients were operated with the classic technique and 80 with the congruent arc technique). The mean follow-up was 40.3 months (range, 24-88 months) and the mean age was 26.5 years (range, 18-45 years). Overall, 87% were able to return to sports and 92% returned at the same level. No significant difference regarding return to sports was found between the groups. No significant difference in shoulder ROM was found between preoperative and postoperative results. The Rowe, visual analog scale, and Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System scores showed statistical improvement after operation (P < .001). No significant difference in shoulder ROM and functional scores was found between patients operated with the classic and congruent arc procedures. There were 6 recurrences (4%). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between groups. The bone block healed in 92% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: In athletes with recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability and a failed previous operative repair, the Latarjet procedure produced excellent functional outcomes and most athletes returned to sport at their preinjury level with a very low rate of recurrences, regardless of whether the Latarjet was performed with the classic or with the congruent arc technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study; Level of evidence, 3.

Return to Sports After in Situ Arthroscopic Repair of Partial Rotator Cuff Tears.

PURPOSE: To evaluate return to sport, clinical outcomes, and complications in a series of athletes with painful partial-thickness rotator cuff tears treated with the arthroscopic in situ repair with a minimum 2-year follow-up. METHODS: Retrospective case series. Seventy-two patients who had undergone an arthroscopic in situ repair for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears were evaluated. We assessed return to sport and the level achieved after surgery. Clinical assessment consisted of glenohumeral range of motion measurement and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score. Pain was recorded using a visual analog scale. Postoperative complications were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean age was 42.2 years (range, 21-66 years), and the mean follow-up was 54 months (range, 24-113 months). Sixty-one patients (87%) were able to return to sports. Fifty-six patients (80%) returned to the same level they had previous to the injury. The mean interval between surgery and return to competition was 5.6 months. The final functional outcomes were related neither to the type of sports nor to the level of competition before the injury. All active range of motion parameters improved significantly (P < .0001). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 43.3 to 88.1, and the visual analog scale scores improved from 6.1 to 1.2 (P < .0001). No significant difference regarding return to sports or functional outcomes was found between articular and bursal-sided tears. Only 5 patients developed a postoperative adhesive capsulitis that responded to physical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, arthroscopic in situ repair resulted in excellent functional outcomes, with most of the patients returning to sport and at the same level they had before injury. The results were equally favorable in articular and bursal tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Long-Term Outcomes After In Situ Arthroscopic Repair of Partial Rotator Cuff Tears.

PURPOSE: To analyze clinical outcomes, return to sports, and complications in a series of patients with painful partial-thickness rotator cuff tears treated with arthroscopic in situ repair with suture anchors who had a minimum of 8 years of follow-up. METHODS: Sixty-two patients who had undergone an arthroscopic in situ repair for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears were evaluated. All injuries involved the supraspinatus tendon. Clinical assessment consisted of glenohumeral range-of-motion measurement and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score. Pain was rated by using a visual analog scale. We assessed return to sports and the level of performance achieved after surgery. Postoperative complications were also assessed. RESULTS: Mean age was 52.4 years (range, 32 to 67 years), and mean duration of follow-up was 10.4 years (range, 8 to 12 years). All active range-of-motion parameters improved significantly (P < .0001). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 45.6 to 85.1; and the visual analog scale scores improved from 6.4 to 1.6 (P < .0001). Thirty patients participated in sports before injury: 21 were recreational athletes and 9 were competitive athletes. Twenty-six (87%) were able to return to sports, and 24 (80%) returned to the same level they had achieved before injury. No significant difference regarding functional outcomes or return to sports was found between patients with articular-sided tears and those with bursal-sided tears. No revision surgeries were performed. Three patients had postoperative adhesive capsulitis that responded favorably to physical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: During long-term follow-up, arthroscopic in situ repair of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears produces excellent functional outcomes in more than 80% of patients, and revision rates are low. Most patients return to their chosen sport at the same level they had achieved before injury. The results are equally favorable for articular-sided and bursal-sided tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, therapeutic case series.

Modified Latarjet Procedure Without Capsulolabral Repair for the Treatment of Failed Previous Operative Stabilizations in Athletes.

PURPOSE: To analyze time to return to sport, functional outcomes, and recurrences of the modified Latarjet procedure without capsulolabral repair in athletes with recurrent anterior shoulder instability after a failed previous operative stabilization. METHODS: We included athletes with recurrent anterior shoulder instability with a previous failed operative stabilization treated with the modified Latarjet procedure without capsulolabral repair with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Return to sports, range of motion, the Rowe score, a visual analog scale for pain in sport activity, and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System were used to assess functional outcomes. Recurrences were also evaluated. The postoperative bone block position and consolidation were assessed with computed tomography. RESULTS: Between June 2008 and June 2015, 68 athletes were treated with the modified Latarjet procedure without capsulolabral reconstruction for recurrent shoulder instability after a previous failed stabilization surgery. The mean follow-up was 44 months (range, 24-108 months), and the mean age at the time of operation was 26.8 years (range, 17-35 years). All the patients returned to sports, and 95% returned to the same sport they practiced before the surgery, all to the same level. No significant difference in shoulder range of motion was found between preoperative and postoperative results. The Rowe score, visual analog scale, and Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System showed statistical improvement after operation (P < .001). There was no recurrence of shoulder dislocation or subluxation. The bone block healed in 92% of patients. There were 8 complications (12.3%) and 2 reoperations (3%). CONCLUSIONS: In athletes with previous failed operative stabilization procedures, the modified Latarjet without capsulolabral repair produced excellent functional outcomes with most athletes returning to sport at the same level they had before the surgery without recurrences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic, case series study.

Arthroscopic Transtendon Repair of Partial-Thickness Articular-Side Rotator Cuff Tears.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and complications in a series of patients with painful partial articular cuff tears treated with the arthroscopic transtendinous repair with a minimum 2-year follow-up. METHODS: Eighty patients with a mean age of 51 ± 5.4 years who had undergone an arthroscopic transtendon repair for a painful articular-sided rotator cuff tear with a minimum of 2-year follow-up were contacted. Clinical outcomes using a patient-based questionnaire, the University of California at Los Angeles score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and the visual analog scale were evaluated. Postoperative complications were also assessed. RESULTS: After arthroscopic repair, the University of California at Los Angeles scores improved from 13.6 to 31.5; the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores improved from 44.4 to 76.1; and the visual analog scale scores improved from 6.3 to 1.3 (P < .0001). A total of 92.5% of patients were satisfied with their results. Only 5 patients developed a postoperative adhesive capsulitis that responded favorably to physical therapy. Eleven patients had concurrent procedures performed at the time of surgery. We found no difference between these patients and those who had an isolated tendon repair. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic transtendon repair of partial-thickness articular-side rotator cuff tears is a reliable procedure that can be expected to produce satisfactory functional improvements and pain relief in most patients with a low rate of complications in the midterm follow-up. Concurrent procedures performed at the time of supraspinatus repair do not change functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Surgical treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures with precontoured plates.

BACKGROUND: Plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures has been shown to decrease nonunion, symptomatic malunion, and residual shoulder disability compared with nonoperative treatment. However hardware-related complications are a problem. The new features of the precontoured locking plates may reduce the need for hardware removal, thus maintaining the advantages of plate fixation. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients with displaced midshaft clavicular fractures treated with precontoured locking plates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2008 to December 2012, we surgically treated 72 patients with displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. We retrospectively evaluated 68 patients who underwent 68 interventions. Postoperative functional outcomes were assessed with the Constant score, the 11-item version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire, and radiographs. Pain was subjectively assessed with a visual analog scale. Complications were recorded. Patients were asked if they were able to return to their previous employment level. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 23.6 ± 10.7 months. The average values of the Constant, QuickDASH, and visual analog scale scores were 97.8, 1.8, and 0.4 points, respectively. At the last follow-up, 98.5% were able to return to their regular work. Of 15 complications (22.1%) that occurred, only 3 were considered as major: 1 subclavian vein extrinsic compression, 1 nonunion, and 1 hardware loosening. Hardware removal was required in 9 patients (13.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory clinical results with a low rate of complications were achieved with precontoured locking plates for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures and a low rate of hardware removal compared with traditional plates.