Impact of accumulating risk factors on the incidence of dislocation after primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using a medial glenoid-lateral humerus onlay prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to facilitate preoperative identification of patients at risk for dislocation after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) using the Equinoxe rTSA prosthesis (medialized glenoid, lateralized onlay humerus with a 145° neck-shaft angle) and quantify the impact of accumulating risk factors on the occurrence of dislocation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 10,023 primary rTSA patients from an international multicenter database of a single platform shoulder prosthesis and quantified the dislocation rate associated with multiple combinations of previously identified risk factors. To adapt our statistical results for prospective identification of patients most at-risk for dislocation, we stratified our data set by multiple risk factor combinations and calculated the odds ratio for each cohort to quantify the impact of accumulating risk factors on dislocation. RESULTS: Of the 10,023 primary rTSA patients, 136 (52 female, 83 male, 1 unknown) were reported to have a dislocation for a rate of 1.4%. Patients with zero risk factors were rare, where only 12.7% of patients (1268 of 10,023) had no risk factors, and only 0.5% of these (6 of 1268) had a report of dislocation. The dislocation rate increased in patient cohorts with an increasing number of risk factors. Specifically, the dislocation rate increased from 0.9% for a patient cohort with 1 risk factor to 1.0% for 2 risk factors, 1.6% for 3 risk factors, 2.7% for 4 risk factors, 5.3% for 5 risk factors, and 7.3% for 6 risk factors. Stratifying dislocation rate by multiple risk factor combinations identified numerous cohorts with either an elevated risk or a diminished risk for dislocation. DISCUSSION: This multicenter study of 10,023 rTSA patients demonstrated that 1.4% of the patients experienced dislocation with one specific medialized glenoid-lateralized humerus onlay rTSA prosthesis. Stratifying patients by multiple combinations of risk factors demonstrated the impact of accumulating risk factors on the incidence of dislocation. rTSA patients with the greatest risk of dislocation were those of male sex, age ≤67 years at the time of surgery, patients with body mass index ≥31, patients who received cemented humeral stems, patients who received glenospheres having a diameter >40 mm, and/or patients who received expanded or laterally offset glenospheres. Patients with these risk factors who are considering rTSA using a medial glenoid-lateral humerus should be made aware of their elevated dislocation risk profile.

The effect of subscapularis-specific rehabilitation following total shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing a total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) through a deltopectoral approach will require repair of the subscapularis tendon. There are no universal postoperative guidelines for rehabilitation of the subscapularis specifically. We hypothesize that the addition of a subscapularis-specific regimen will result in improved subscapularis strength and function. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing anatomic TSA for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis were included. Patients were randomized into either the traditional rehabilitation (TR) control group or the subscapularis rehabilitation (SR) group, which consisted of the traditional therapy along with early and additional subscapularis exercises. Baseline demographics, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), range of motion (ROM), provocative tests, and subscapularis strength using a handheld dynamometer were measured preoperatively at the initial clinic visit (ICV) as well as 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. The primary outcome of interest was a comparison of subscapularis strength between cohorts relative to preoperative baseline, whereas secondary outcomes were functional, ROM, and PROMs. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included in the final analysis (32 TR vs. 34 SR). There were no statistically significant differences between cohorts at the ICV with regard to demographics, baseline subscapularis strength, functional testing, or PROMs. All postoperative time points demonstrated similar subscapularis strength testing between TR and SR groups (P > .05). Additionally, peak and average subscapularis strength testing at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were similar to baseline ICV testing in both groups. Both groups demonstrated improvements across several provocative tests, ROM, and PROM outcome metrics at every postoperative time point as compared to baseline ICV values (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing anatomic TSA return to baseline internal rotation strength by 3 months postoperatively and demonstrate significant improvements in function, ROM, and several patient-reported outcome measures. The addition of early and focused subscapularis strengthening exercises does not appear to significantly impact any outcomes when compared to traditional rehabilitation programs.

Ultrasound evaluations and guided procedures of the painful joint arthroplasty.

The purpose of this article is to describe the use of ultrasound for the diagnosis and treatment of painful joint arthroplasty. Ultrasound plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of the painful joint arthroplasty, especially given its unique dynamic capabilities, convenience, and high resolution. Ultrasound guidance is also instrumental for procedures in both diagnosing and in select cases, treating the painful joint arthroplasty. Topics to be discussed in this article include trends in arthroplasty placement, benefits of the use of ultrasound overall, and ultrasound evaluation of periprosthetic joint infections. We will also review the sonographic findings with dissociated/displaced components and adverse reaction to metallic debris including metallosis, trunnionosis, and metal-on-metal pseudotumors. Additionally, we will discuss ultrasound evaluation of tendon pathologies with arthroplasties, including dynamic maneuvers to evaluate for tendon impingement/snapping. Finally, we will cover ultrasound-guided joint arthroplasty injection indications and precautions. KEY POINTS: • Ultrasound is preferred over MRI in patients with joint arthroplasty and plays a crucial role in diagnosis, especially given its unique dynamic capabilities, convenience and high resolution. • It is especially beneficial for US-guided aspiration in periprosthetic joint infections; effectively used to evaluate periprosthetic fluid collections, facilitating differentiation between abscesses and aseptic collections, and tracking sinus tracts. • Recently, the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections has shifted focus to biomarkers in the periprosthetic fluid, specifically α-defensin, which has a high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing infection. • Cutibacterium acnes is a major pathogen responsible for shoulder arthroplasty infections, often presenting with normal laboratory values and since slow growing, must be kept for a minimum of 14 days.

Preoperative Opioid Use Is Associated With Inferior Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Scores Following Rotator Cuff Repair.

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of preoperative opioid use on Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores pre- and postoperatively in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). METHODS: A retrospective review of all RCR patients aged >18 years old was performed. PROMIS pain interference ("PROMIS PI"), upper extremity function ("PROMIS UE"), and depression ("PROMIS D") scores, were reviewed. These measures were collected at preoperative, 6-month, and 1-year postoperative time points. A prescription drug-monitoring program was queried to track opioid prescriptions. Patients were categorized as chronic users, acute users, and nonusers based on prescriptions filled. Comparison of means were carried out using analysis of variance and least squares means. Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 184 patients who underwent RCR were included. Preoperatively, nonusers (n = 92) had superior PROMIS UE (30.6 vs 28.9 vs 26.1; P < .05) and PI scores (61.5 vs 64.9 vs 65.3; P < .001) compared with acute users (n = 65) and chronic users (n = 27), respectively. At 6 months postoperatively; nonusers demonstrated significantly greater PROMIS UE (41.7 vs 35.6 vs. 33.5; P < .001), lower PROMIS D (41.6 vs 45.8 vs 51.1; P < .001), and lower PROMIS PI scores (50.7 vs 56.3 vs 58.1; P < .01) when compared with acute and chronic users, respectively. Nonusers had lower PROMIS PI (47.9 vs 54.3 vs 57.4; P < .0001) and PROMIS D (41.6 vs 48.3 vs 49.2; P = .0002) scores compared with acute and chronic users at 1-year postoperatively. Nonusers experienced a significantly greater magnitude of improvement in PROMIS D 6 months postoperatively compared with chronic opioid users (-5.9 vs 0.0; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing RCR demonstrated superior PROMIS scores pre- and postoperatively if they did not use opioids within 3 months before surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative trial.

Trends in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Scores Exist Between Day of Surgical Scheduling and Day of Surgery.

PURPOSE: To examine trends in Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores among orthopedic sports medicine patients undergoing surgery who completed PROMIS forms both in the ambulatory (preoperative) setting at the time of surgical scheduling, as well as on the day of surgery (perioperative) prior to their procedure. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing various sports medicine-related surgeries were recruited. Patients were included if they were scheduled for surgery and completed preoperative PROMIS on the day of surgical scheduling and on the day of surgery. Patients were excluded if they refused the questionnaire or had been administered perioperative anesthesia, which would interfere with questionnaire completion. Paired samples t-tests were run between preoperative and perioperative PROMIS scores to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: 153 patients were included with an average age of 46.5 years. The average (SD) time between completion of PROMIS questionnaires was 46.5 (44.4) days. The absolute value change in scores between preoperative and perioperative visits was 4.09 for PROMIS UE, 3.59 for PROMIS PF, 3.67 for PROMIS PI, and 4.13 for PROMIS D. The overall net change of scores between preoperative and perioperative visits were -.57 for PROMIS UE CAT, .16 points for PROMIS PF CAT, -.85 points for PROMIS PI CAT, and -2.14 points for PROMIS D CAT. Statistically significant differences in preoperative and perioperative PROMIS PI (P =.042) and PROMIS D (P =.004) scores were found. CONCLUSIONS: Health states-as measured by PROMIS CAT forms completed among patients undergoing orthopedic surgery-can either improve or worsen preoperatively between the time of administration in both the ambulatory and perioperative setting. Despite the existence of these preoperative trends, it is important to consider patient and surgery-specific causes, such as the anatomic region, type of surgical intervention, and timing of preoperative PROMIS administration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, prognostic.

Perceived effectiveness of video interviews for orthopaedic surgery residency during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: During the 2020-21 residency interview season, interviews were conducted through virtual platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to assess the general perceptions of applicants, residents and attendings at a single, large, metropolitan orthopaedic residency with regards to the video interview process before and after the interview season. METHODS: Surveys were sent to all orthopaedic applicants, residents, and attendings before the interview season. Applicants who received interviews and responded to the first survey (46) and faculty who responded to the first survey (28) were sent a second survey after interviews to assess how their perceptions of video interviews changed. RESULTS: Initially, 50% of applicants (360/722) and 50% of faculty and residents (28/56) responded before interview season. After interviews, 55% of interviewees (25/46) and 64% of faculty and residents (18/28) responded. Before interviews, 91% of applicants stated they would prefer in-person interviews and 71% were worried that video interviews would prevent them from finding the best program fit. Before interviews, 100% of faculty and residents stated they would rather conduct in-person interviews and 86% felt that residencies would be less likely to find applicants who best fit the program. Comparing responses before and after interviews, 16% fewer applicants (p = 0.01) perceived that in-person interviews provide a better sense of a residency program and faculty and residents' perceived ability to build rapport with interviewees improved in 11% of respondents (p = 0.01). However, in-person interviews were still heavily favored by interviewees (84%) and faculty and residents (88%) after the interview season. CONCLUSIONS: In-person interviews for Orthopaedic Surgery Residency are perceived as superior and are preferred among the overwhelming majority of applicants, residents, and interviewers. Nevertheless, perceptions toward video interviews improved in certain domains after interview season, identifying potential areas of improvement and alternative interview options for future applicants.

Risk factors for failure to achieve minimal clinically important difference and significant clinical benefit in PROMIS computer adaptive test domains in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) has emerged as a valid and efficient means of collecting outcomes in patients with rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this study was to establish threshold score changes to determine minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) in PROMIS computer adaptive test (CAT) scores following rotator cuff repair (RCR). Additionally, we sought to identify potential risk factors for failing to achieve MCID and SCB. METHODS: Patients undergoing arthroscopic RCR were identified over a 24-month period. Only patients who completed both preoperative and postoperative PROMIS CAT assessments were included in this cohort. PROMIS CAT forms for upper extremity physical function (PROMIS-UE), pain interference (PROMIS-PI), and depression (PROMIS-D) were used with a minimum of 1.5-year follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed to determine threshold score changes to determine anchor-based MCID and SCB, as well as risk factors for failure to achieve significant clinical improvement following surgery. RESULTS: Of 198 eligible patients, 168 (84.8%) were included in analysis. ΔPROMIS-UE values of 5.8 and 9.7 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.906 and 0.949, respectively) and ΔPROMIS-PI values of -11.4 and -12.9 (AUC = 0.875 and 0.938, respectively) were identified as threshold predictors of MCID and SCB achievement. On average, 81%, 65%, and 55% of patients achieved MCID for PROMIS-UE, PROMIS-PI, and PROMIS-D whereas 71%, 61%, and 38% of patients in the cohort, respectively, achieved SCB. MCID achievement in PROMIS-UE significantly differed according to risk factors, including smoking status (likelihood ratio [LR]: 9.8, P = .037), tear size (LR: 10.4, P < .001), distal clavicle excision (LR: 6.1, P = .005), and prior shoulder surgery (LR: 19.2, P < .001). Factors influencing SCB achievement for PROMIS-UE were smoking status (LR: 9.3, P = .022), tear size (LR: 8.0, P = .039), and prior shoulder surgery (11.9, P < .001). Significantly different rates of MCID and SCB achievement in PROMIS-PI for smoking status (LR: 7.0, P = .030, and LR: 5.2, P = .045) and prior shoulder surgery (LR: 9.1, P = .002, and LR: 7.4, P = .006) were also identified. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The majority of patients showed clinically significant improvements that exceeded the established MCID for PROMIS-UE and PROMIS-PI following RCR. Patients with larger tear sizes, a history of prior shoulder surgery, tobacco users, and those who received concomitant distal clavicle excision were at risk for failing to achieve MCID in PROMIS-UE. Additionally, smokers and patients who underwent prior shoulder surgery demonstrated significantly lower improvements in pain scores following surgery.

Characterizing preoperative expectations for patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There remains a paucity of information analyzing which factors most influence preoperative expectations for patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). The purposes of our study were to characterize preoperative patient expectations for those scheduled to undergo RTSA and to determine the impact of demographic factors, shoulder function, and shoulder pain on these preoperative expectations. METHODS: Patients were prospectively recruited into the study if they were scheduled to undergo an elective unilateral primary RTSA for a diagnosis of glenohumeral arthritis. Preoperative patient expectations were evaluated using the Hospital for Special Surgery's Shoulder Surgery Expectation Survey. Patients also completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function-Upper Extremity computer adaptive test (version 2.0), the PROMIS Pain Interference (PI) computer adaptive test (version 1.1), the PROMIS Depression computer adaptive test (version 1.0), visual analog scores, and an itemized satisfaction questionnaire, which paralleled the Hospital for Special Surgery's Shoulder Surgery Expectation Survey. Demographic data and preoperative shoulder range of motion (ROM) were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients scheduled to undergo RTSA were included in the study. Relief of daytime pain (n = 91, 85%), improvement in self-care (n = 86, 80%), and improvement in shoulder ROM (n = 85, 79%) were most commonly cited as "very important" expectations. In the item-specific analysis, lower PROMIS Upper Extremity scores were correlated with greater expectations for the ability to reach sideways (P = .015) and the ability to perform daily activities (P = .018). Patients with lower shoulder ROM had greater expectations for improved shoulder ROM (internal rotation with arm at 90°, P = .004) and an improved ability to perform daily activities (forward elevation, P = .038; abduction, P = .009). In the cumulative analysis, a greater number of very important expectations was associated with African American race (P = .013), higher PROMIS PI score (r = 0.351, P = .004), and lower overall preoperative satisfaction (r = 0.334, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients scheduled to undergo RTSA have the greatest expectations for relief of daytime pain, improvement in self-care, and improvement in shoulder ROM. Patients with limited preoperative ROM have greater expectations for improvement in self-care and the ability to perform daily activities in addition to expectations for improvement in shoulder ROM. Greater overall expectations for surgery were not associated with preoperative physical function but were instead associated with lower preoperative satisfaction and higher PROMIS PI scores.

The impact of external beam radiation therapy on shoulder surgical outcomes: a case series study.

HYPOTHESIS: External beam radiation therapy (XRT) is a commonly used treatment adjunct in patients with breast cancer and is known to cause soft tissue dysfunction. However, data on XRT as a preoperative risk factor for shoulder surgery is limited. The purpose of this study was to assess whether prior history of breast cancer treated with XRT has an impact on surgical complications or outcomes. We hypothesize that patients treated with XRT will have a higher rate of surgical complications and lower outcomes. METHODS: A 20-year retrospective chart review across a large, academic health care system was performed. Inclusion criterion comprised any patient with history of breast cancer of the upper-outer or axillary region treated with XRT. Patients also must have undergone a surgical procedure to the ipsilateral shoulder with at least 1-year postoperative follow-up. Patients were stratified by demographics, hand dominance, and surgery type. Postoperative outcomes including range of motion (ROM) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain were also collected. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were identified (100% female) with an average age of 66.3 years (standard deviation 10.5 years). Ten shoulders underwent rotator cuff repair (RCR), 4 total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), 3 reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), and 1 arthroscopic superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) repair. Four patients treated with RCR (40%) experienced postoperative complications related to their procedure. These included scapular winging, adhesive capsulitis, stiffness, and one retear. Two patients treated with shoulder arthroplasty (28.6%) experienced postoperative complications that included lymphedema and periprosthetic fracture following a mechanical fall in one RSA patient and periprosthetic infection in a TSA patient. ROM across all groups improved, most significantly in forward flexion and internal rotation among RCR patients (P < .001). Furthermore, a statistically significant improvement in VAS scores was achieved in each group (6.2 ± 2.14 preoperation, 1.06 ± 1.75 postoperation; P < .001). CONCLUSION: When compared to national averages, complication rates in our cohort were higher (40% vs. 10%-17% in RCR patients and 28.6% vs. 4%-14% in arthroplasty patients). On further scrutiny, many of these complications were independent of a history of XRT and many resolved with appropriate therapy. Most importantly, functional outcomes as measured by ROM and pain scores showed appropriate improvement consistent with normal populations without history of XRT. Thus, our results suggest that performing shoulder surgery after ipsilateral XRT for breast cancer is likely safe and may offer improved pain and ROM compared to forgoing surgery without necessarily increasing the risk for postoperative complication.

Patients With Preoperative Clinical Depression Symptomology Experience Significant Improvements in Postoperative Pain, Function, and Depressive Symptoms Following Rotator Cuff Repair.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of clinical depression on outcomes after rotator cuff repair (RCR), as measured by Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) health domains. METHODS: RCR patients were given PROMIS CAT assessments for physical function (PROMIS UE), pain interference (PROMIS PI), and depression (PROMIS D) during preoperative and postoperative clinic visits. PROMIS D scores ≥55 correlate with mild clinical depression; thus patients with PROMIS D scores ≥ 55 were placed in the clinical depression (CD) group, whereas patients with scores <55 were placed in the "no clinical depression" (NCD) group. Categorical variables were compared at preoperative and postoperative (6 months and ≥1 year) timepoints using χ2 tests. Continuous variables were compared using Student's t-tests. RESULTS: Of the 340 RCR patients included in this study, 65 (19.1%) were found to have mild clinical depression preoperatively, with that number being reduced to 23 (6.8%) at 6 months and 19 (5.6%) at ≥1 year after surgery. Compared with preoperative PROMIS scores, CD patients had significant postoperative improvements at 6 months and ≥1 year in mean PROMIS UE (26.7 vs 35.5 vs 38.9; P < .001) and PROMIS PI (67.6 vs 56.7 vs 56.4; P < .001). NCD patients had similar postoperative improvements at 6 months and ≥1 year in mean PROMIS UE (30.8 vs 38.6 vs 46.9; P < .001) and PROMIS PI (61.7 vs 53.0 vs 47.6; P < .001). The improvement in PROMIS scores was similar for the CD and NCD groups in both PROMIS UE (12.2 vs 16.1, respectively) and PROMIS PI (-11.2 vs -14.1, respectively). CONCLUSION: Despite starting with worse PROMIS UE and PROMIS PI scores, patients undergoing RCR with symptoms of CD experienced significant improvement in function, pain, and depressive symptoms. Preoperative depression should not be a contraindication to arthroscopic RCR in patients who are otherwise appropriate operative candidates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative trial.

Dexamethasone decreases postoperative opioid and antiemetic use in shoulder arthroplasty patients: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal pain control can be beneficial in relieving postoperative pain and limiting narcotic use following orthopedic procedures. Additionally, with increasing interest in outpatient arthroplasty procedures, providers have interest in adequate early postoperative pain control and complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dexamethasone on pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and length of stay following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). METHODS: One hundred twelve patients undergoing TSA or RTSA by a single surgeon were assessed for inclusion in this investigation. We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of 10 mg of dexamethasone administered within 90 minutes of surgery. Primary outcome assessed was the average morphine equivalent use over the first 24 hours postsurgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, antiemetic use, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were included in the final analysis, with 32 patients (42.7%) randomized to the control group and 43 (57.3%) randomized to the dexamethasone group. Body mass index was significantly greater in the control group (33.8 vs. 30.3, P = .014); otherwise, there were no significant demographic differences between groups. Average ondansetron use was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group compared with controls for the 0- to 4-hour interval (0.1 vs. 0.9 mg, respectively, P = .006) and was lower overall for the first 24 hours (0.3 vs. 1.0 mg, P = .025). Differences in VAS scores were significantly lower in the dexamethasone group at all time points (P < .05 for all). The average VAS score over the 24-hour period for the dexamethasone group was also significantly lower than the controls (3 vs. 6, P < .001). Morphine equivalent use was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group compared with controls at 12-16 hours (1.7 vs. 4.0 mg, respectively, P = .004) and at 16-20 hours (1.7 vs. 3.4 mg, respectively, P = .006). When averaged over the first 24 hours, morphine equivalent was also significantly lower in the dexamethasone group (16.1 vs. 25.4 mg, P = .007). There was no significant difference in glucose control or complications between groups. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone decreases opioid requirements in the first 24 hours following surgery, provides improved pain control, and decreases antiemetic use following shoulder arthroplasty. Dexamethasone is an important multimodal adjunct for controlling pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting following primary TSA.

PROMIS CAT forms demonstrate responsiveness in patients following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair across numerous health domains.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies of patients with rotator cuff tears have demonstrated improved efficiency with Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) when compared with traditional patient-reported outcome measures (PROM). However, these studies have been cross-sectional in nature and the responsiveness of PROMIS computer adaptive test (CAT) forms has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine the responsiveness of PROMIS CAT assessments in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: All patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by one of 3 fellowship-trained surgeons were included in the study. PROMIS CAT upper extremity physical function ("PROMIS-UE"), pain interference ("PROMIS-PI"), and depression ("PROMIS-D") scores from preoperative and 6-month postoperative visits were collected and analyzed. Patient-centric demographic factors, tear size, and biceps involvement were also correlated to preoperative and postoperative PROMIS scores. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were enrolled in the study. The average age was 59.8 ± 8.9 years with 51 males (50.5%). Preoperative PROMIS-UE, PROMIS-PI, and PROMIS-D CAT scores improved significantly from 29.8 ± 6.0, 62.6 ± 5.1, and 48.4 ± 8.7, respectively, to 40.9 ± 9.8, 51.2 ± 9.3, and 42.9 ± 9.0, respectively, at 6-month follow-up (P < .001). Preoperative correlations were found between PROMIS-UE and PROMIS-PI scores (P < .001) and between PROMIS-PI and PROMIS-D scores (P = .001). No significant correlation was found between PROMIS-UE and PROMIS-D scores (P = .08), preoperatively. Preoperative PROMIS-UE, PROMIS-PI, or PROMIS-D scores were not correlated with rotator cuff tear size (P = .4). CONCLUSION: PROMIS CAT forms demonstrate responsiveness in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair across numerous domains.

Results of total shoulder arthroplasty in patients aged 55 years or younger versus those older than 55 years: an analysis of 1135 patients with over 2 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The results of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in younger patients have not been clearly elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare early outcomes after TSA in patients aged 55 years or younger versus patients older than 55 years. METHODS: A total of 1135 patients who were treated with TSA for glenohumeral arthritis and had a mean follow-up period of over 4 years were retrospectively reviewed. Etiologies included osteoarthritis (n = 1044), osteonecrosis (n = 35), inflammatory arthritis (n = 34), and post-traumatic arthritis (n = 22). Validated outcome measures, range of motion, and patient satisfaction were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative metrics were compared, and a multivariate analysis was performed to isolate age from sex, body mass index, previous surgery, and diagnosis as independent factors. RESULTS: Female patients, patients with a history of surgery, and patients with a diagnosis of osteonecrosis were more likely to undergo TSA when aged 55 years or younger. Both age groups showed similar preoperative range of motion and showed no differences in recorded outcome scores. Postoperatively, patients older than 55 years had slightly greater active abduction (P = .004) and internal rotation (P = .030). A higher percentage of patients older than 55 years rated their outcome as better or much better compared with those aged 55 years or younger (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Female sex, a history of surgery, and a diagnosis of osteonecrosis were associated with undergoing TSA when aged 55 years or younger. Despite similar preoperative function and minor differences in postoperative range of motion and outcome scores, patients aged 55 years or younger reported lower overall satisfaction with their TSA.

Liposomal bupivacaine versus interscalene nerve block for pain control after shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective randomized trial.

HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis was that in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, a prospective randomized trial would find no significant differences in average daily pain scores of those treated with interscalene nerve block (INB) vs. local liposomal bupivacaine (LB). METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty were assessed for eligibility. Study arms included either intraoperative local infiltration of LB (20 mL bupivacaine/20 mL saline) or preoperative INB, with a primary outcome of postoperative average daily visual analog scale scores for 4 days. Secondary outcomes assessed included opioid consumption, length of stay, and complications. Randomization was by a computerized algorithm. Only the observer was blinded to the intervention. RESULTS: Three patients were excluded, all before randomization. A total of 57 patients were analyzed. Outcomes showed a significant increase in pain in the LB group between 0 and 8 hours postoperatively (mean [standard deviation] 5.3 [2.2] vs. 2.5 [3.0]; P = .001). A significant increase in intravenous morphine equivalents was found in the INB group at 13 to 16 hours (mean [standard deviation] 1.2 [0.9] vs. 0.6 [0.7]; P = .01). No significant differences were found in any variable after postoperative day 0 between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: An increase in early postoperative pain on the day of surgery was found with LB, whereas the INB group required more narcotics at the end of the day. After the day of surgery, there were no significant differences found in any variables. These findings suggest that LB provides similar overall pain relief as INB, with no increase in complications or length of stay and a decrease in narcotic requirements on the day of surgery.

Biologic resurfacing of the glenoid with humeral head resurfacing for glenohumeral arthritis in the young patient.

BACKGROUND: Resurfacing of the glenoid with an interposition soft tissue graft in conjunction with humeral head arthroplasty has been proposed as an option to improve glenohumeral arthritis in young patients while avoiding the potential complications associated with total shoulder arthroplasty. There currently exist minimal outcomes data for this procedure, and the results have not been consistent. The purpose of this study was to report on the outcomes in our cohort of patients aged younger than 55 years. METHODS: A multicenter review of 16 patients who had undergone humeral head arthroplasty with soft tissue interposition grafting of the glenoid was performed. All patients had a minimum follow-up time of 24 months, unless revision surgery was required because of failure of the procedure. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 60 months, the patients showed improvement in the visual analog scale score for pain from 8.1 to 5.8 (P < .05), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 23.2 to 57.7 (P < .05). Forward elevation improved from 128° to 134° (P = .33), and external rotation improved from 28° to 32° (P = .5). Internal rotation showed no improvement. Conversion to a total shoulder arthroplasty was performed in 7 patients (44%) at a mean of 36 months. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal management for the young patient with arthritis has not yet been established. Because of the limited improvement in patient outcomes and the relatively high revision rate, biologic resurfacing of the glenoid with humeral head resurfacing is no longer our primary treatment option for young patients and should be used with caution.

Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of septic arthritis of the native hip joint: a 20-year retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: The primary purpose of this retrospective case series was to describe the prevalence and outcomes of single-stage hip arthroplasty in patients who were previously treated for septic arthritis of the native hip at our institution over a 20-year period. This study also examined rates of persistent or recurrent infection, reoperation, and mortality for septic arthritis of the native hip. METHODS: Adult patients treated for septic arthritis of the native hip at our institution from 1995 to 2015 were retrospectively identified. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, missing or incomplete medical records, treatment at an outside institution, and prior surgery of the hip. RESULTS: 97 patients were included in this study. 3 patients (3.1%) who were previously treated for septic arthritis of the native hip underwent single-stage hip arthroplasty an average of 40 ± 25 months from the date of infection. 3 of the 18 (16.7%) patients who were treated with resection arthroplasty underwent second-stage joint reconstruction. There were no cases of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). 1 patient who underwent single-stage arthroplasty experienced implant-induced metallosis, necessitating removal of the implant. There were no other cases of revision arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of single-stage hip arthroplasty in patients with a history of septic arthritis of the native hip joint was 3.1%, which is higher than the prevalence of hip arthroplasty in the United States general population, suggesting that a history of septic arthritis may increase the risk of requiring hip arthroplasty. In the small number of patients who went on to receive a hip replacement, there were no reported cases of PJI. This study suggests that hip arthroplasty is a viable option for patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis and a history of septic arthritis of their hip.

Utility of Artificial Intelligence in Orthopedic Surgery Literature Review: A Comparative Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Literature reviews are essential to the scientific process and allow clinician researchers to advance general knowledge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the artificial intelligence (AI) programs ChatGPT and Perplexity.AI can perform an orthopedic surgery literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five different search topics of varying specificity within orthopedic surgery were chosen for each search arm to investigate. A consolidated list of unique articles for each search topic was recorded for the experimental AI search arms and compared with the results of the control arm of two independent reviewers. Articles in the experimental arms were examined by the two independent reviewers for relevancy and validity. RESULTS: ChatGPT was able to identify a total of 61 unique articles. Four articles were not relevant to the search topic and 51 articles were deemed to be fraudulent, resulting in 6 valid articles. Perplexity.AI was able to identify a total of 43 unique articles. Nineteen were not relevant to the search topic but all articles were able to be verified, resulting in 24 valid articles. The control arm was able to identify 132 articles. Success rates for ChatGPT and Perplexity. AI were 4.6% (6 of 132) and 18.2% (24 of 132), respectively. CONCLUSION: The current iteration of ChatGPT cannot perform a reliable literature review, and Perplexity.AI is only able to perform a limited review of the medical literature. Any utilization of these open AI programs should be done with caution and human quality assurance to promote responsible use and avoid the risk of using fabricated search results. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(3):e125-e130.].

Comparing the Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Humeral Shaft Fractures by Treatment Type.

PURPOSE: Humeral shaft fractures are common orthopedic injuries, representing 1-5% of all fractures. There is conflicting literature regarding the superiority of operative versus nonoperative treatment of these fractures. The purpose of this study was to examine functional outcomes and time to radiographic union in humeral shaft fractures with the hypothesis that both would be improved in patients treated operatively relative to those treated nonoperatively. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study examined patients with humeral shaft fractures treated at a single large healthcare system between 2010 and 2020. A chart and radiograph review were performed to collect information on demographics, fracture, treatment, and outcome information. These measures were compared between patients treated operatively and nonoperatively. RESULTS: Five hundred seventeen adult patients meeting inclusion criteria were identified; 233 were treated nonoperatively, and 284 were treated operatively. The mean patient age was 50.2 years in those who underwent surgery relative to 59.9 years in those treated without surgery (P<0.001). Operatively-treated patients had significantly faster time to radiographic union at a median of 113 days compared to a median of 161 days in nonoperatively-treated patients (P=0.001). The operative group was made weight-bearing as tolerated significantly faster than the nonoperative group (84 days versus 98 days, respectively, P=0.002). No statistically significant difference was seen between the two treatment groups in rates of complications or range of motion at the time of radiographic union. However, patients who underwent surgery were found to be up to two times more likely to achieve full shoulder forward elevation by the time of their final follow-up than those treated without surgery (P=0.011). CONCLUSION: Patients with humeral shaft fractures treated operatively have faster time to union, earlier weight bearing, and no change in the rate of complications compared to patients treated nonoperatively.