Shoulder arthroplasty in the upper extremity weight-bearing patient: a systematic review of clinical outcomes and complications.

BACKGROUND: Patients who rely on their upper extremities for ambulation, or upper extremity ambulators (UEAs), place considerable stress on their shoulders through the use of assistive devices like walkers, crutches, canes, and wheelchairs. It has been postulated that UEAs may be at increased risk for complications following shoulder arthroplasty. This study aimed to systematically review the literature related to (1) patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs), (2) functional outcomes, and (3) complications in UEAs who undergo shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: A systematic review of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies reporting clinical outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty in UEAs. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, patient-reported outcomes measures, radiographic outcomes, and postoperative range of motion were collected and compared to control patients (ie bipedal ambulators) from the constituent studies. RESULTS: A total of eight studies evaluating 248 UEA cases and 206 control cases were included for review. Ambulatory assistive devices utilized by UEAs included walkers (39%), wheelchairs (38%), canes (22%), and a crutch (<1%). Among UEA cases, 197 (79%) reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), 37 (15%) anatomic TSA, and 14 (6%) hemiarthroplasty were performed. Overall, patients exhibited significant improvements in mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, Constant-Murley scores, Simple Shoulder Test scores, and Visual Analog Scale scores postoperatively. Among 3 studies that included comparison with control groups of bipedal ambulators, no significant differences in outcomes were identified. The overall clinical complication rate was 17% for UEAs compared to 9.1% for controls. The rate of revision surgery was 7.7% for UEAs and 4.9% for bipedal ambulators. CONCLUSIONS: UEAs experience satisfactory pain relief, functional improvements, and good subjective outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty. However, complication and revision rates are higher compared to those for bipedal ambulators, and the majority of UEAs undergo reverse shoulder arthroplasty compared to anatomic TSA.

The Outcome of Hip Arthroscopy in the Setting of Lumbar Spine Disease Is Beneficial, Yet Limited: A Systematic Review of Existing Evidence.

PURPOSE: To compare hip arthroscopy outcomes in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) patients with concurrent symptomatic lumbar spine disease to the outcomes of arthroscopic FAI patients without spine disease. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines via PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Studies were valid for inclusion if they had an average follow-up ≥12 months and compared patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in hip arthroscopy patients with and without concurrent spinal disease. Data collected included study characteristics, patient demographics, follow-up intervals, surgical indications, spinal pathology, PROMs, and reoperation rates. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in this systematic review. 3,107 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy were evaluated: 1,056 with coexisting lumbar spine disease (spine cohort) and 2,051 control subjects without spine disease (control cohort). The average follow-up period was 24 months. Across included studies, there were 35 instances wherein postoperative PROM scores reported by each cohort were compared. In all 35 instances, the spine cohort reported inferior postoperative PROM scores with the difference being significant (P < .05) on 23 PROMs. Collectively, 23 cases were available contrasting the proportion of each cohort to achieve the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). In 22 (95.65%) of these cases, the spine cohort achieved the MCID at a lower rate than the control cohort. There were 14 PROMs, wherein intragroup analyses were reported that compared the preoperative and postoperative score reported by the spine cohort. On all 14 PROMs, the spine cohort reported significant (P < .05) improvement after arthroscopic intervention. CONCLUSION: FAI patients with coexisting lumbar spine pathology experience significant improvement from baseline state after arthroscopic intervention. However, the postoperative outcomes reported are inferior, and the improvement from arthroscopy was limited when compared to surgical control subjects with FAI and normal spinal anatomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: systematic review of Level II, III, and IV studies.

The Effect of Patient Characteristics and Comorbidities on the Rate of Revision Rotator Cuff Repair.

PURPOSE: To describe the national rates of failed primary rotator cuff repair (RCR) requiring revision repair, using numerous patient characteristics previously defined in orthopaedic literature, including smoking history, diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia (HLD), vitamin D deficiency, and osteoporosis to determine which factors independently affect the success of primary RCR. METHODS: A combined public and private national insurance database was searched from 2007 to 2016 for all patients who underwent RCR. Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify RCRs. Laterality modifiers for the primary surgery were used to identify subsequent revision RCRs. All patients who did not have a linked laterality modifier for the RCR Current Procedural Terminology code were excluded from the study. Basic demographics were recorded. International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision codes were used to identify patient characteristics including Charlson Comorbidity Index, smoking status, DM, obesity, HLD, vitamin D deficiency, and osteoporosis. Patient age categorized as <60, 60-69, 70-74, or 75+ years old. Dichotomous data were analyzed with χ2 testing. Multivariable logistic regression was used to characterize independent associations with revision RCR. RESULTS: Included in the study were 41,467 patients (41,844 shoulders, 52.7% male patients) who underwent primary arthroscopic RCR. Of all arthroscopic RCRs, 3072 patients (3463 shoulders, 53.5% male patients) underwent revision RCR (8.38%). In both primary and revision RCR, patients age 60 to 69 years were most prevalent, accounting for 38.4% and 37.6% of the cohorts, respectively. The average time from primary RCR to revision was 414.9 days (median 214.0 days). Increasing age and male sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.10, P = .019, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.19) were significantly predictive of revision RCR. Of the remaining patient characteristics, smoking most strongly predicted revision RCR (OR 1.36, P < .001, CI 1.23-1.49). Obesity (OR 1.32, P < .001, CI 1.21-1.43), hyperlipidemia (OR 1.09, P = .032, CI 1.01-1.18), and vitamin D deficiency (OR 1.18, P < .001, CI 1.08-1.28) also increased risk of revision RCR significantly. DM was found to be protective against revision surgery (OR 0.84, P < .001, CI 0.76-0.92). Overall comorbidity burden as measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index was not predictive of revision RCR. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and HLD are shown to be independent risk factors for failure of primary RCR requiring revision RCR. However, despite the suggestions of previous studies, DM, osteoporosis, and overall comorbidity burden did not demonstrate independent associations in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case Series.

Development of a return to play checklist following patellar instability surgery: a Delphi-based consensus.

PURPOSE: To date, there is no consensus for the appropriate timing or functional evaluation for safe return to play following patellar instability surgery. The purpose of this study is to develop a consensus-based return to play checklist following patellar stabilization surgery using the Delphi method. METHODS: A 3-part survey series was conducted following the systematic guidelines of the Delphi technique for gathering consensus from experts in the management of patellofemoral instability. All surveys were completed between July and November of 2017. A literature search was performed in SCOPUS and PubMed to identify existing sources on return to play following patellar instability surgery and determining patellofemoral joint strength in athletes, which served as the basis for the surveys. RESULTS: 12 of the 19 selected participants (63%) completed the first-round survey, 11 of those 12 participants (92%) completed the second-round survey, and 10 of these 11 participants (91%) completed the final survey. Of the final ten participants, there was representation from seven different states in the USA. Nine of the ten (90%) respondents endorsed the final checklist. The final checklist included eight overarching domains with defined and reproducible objective criteria. CONCLUSION: The standardized list of objective and reproducible criteria for rehabilitation outlined below should help practitioners focus more on patient-centred factors and less on arbitrary timelines. No prior study has gathered consensus from experts on this topic; therefore, this study should serve as a benchmark to help guide patients back to sport safely. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Missed Thrower's Fracture of the Humerus in a Pediatric Athlete: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Humerus fractures caused by the throwing motion are extremely rare. They have been reported mostly in recreational adult athletes in their third or later decades of life. A pediatric thrower's fracture is even less common, with few reported cases. The pediatric version of this fracture is located in the proximal to midshaft humerus, distinguishing it from the adult type, which occurs in the middle to distal shaft. CASE REPORT: A 12-year-old male pitcher experienced a "snap" in his right arm while throwing a pitch in a baseball game. He presented to the Emergency Department with right arm pain and deformity. He was misdiagnosed with a right glenohumeral dislocation and a reduction maneuver was attempted prior to any radiographic imaging. Upon further review of the imaging and outpatient follow-up, he was found to have a humeral spiral fracture consistent with a "ball-thrower's fracture." The fracture healed with conservative treatment and he returned to unrestricted sports participation. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Recognition of this fracture is important to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment of the pediatric patient. A thrower's fracture of the pediatric humerus is rare, but glenohumeral dislocation without direct trauma is even less common and has never been reported as a result of the throwing motion in a pediatric patient. Radiographic imaging is important, and consideration of the thrower's fracture should be in the differential for any patient presenting with acute pain and deformity of the arm resulting from throwing any object.

Posterolateral Corner of the Knee: An Update on Current Evaluation and Management Strategies.

Historically, the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee has been labelled as the "dark side" of the knee. The PLC is not a single structure but a confluence of multiple structures, including the lateral collateral ligament, popliteus muscle-tendon unit, and popliteofibular ligament. Understanding the individual components and their function is important to successfully identify these injuries. PLC injuries are commonly associated with cruciate injuries, and its early recognition is important to achieve successful outcomes. Injury to the PLC should be treated on a case-by-case basis, and an appropriate algorithm is required to manage them. Multiple surgical techniques ranging from primary repair to anatomic reconstruction have been reported in managing these injuries. We present the latest literature on the anatomy, biomechanics, clinical presentation, imaging, available techniques, and current management recommendations. There is a special focus on the pathoanatomy, which will help guide the treatment of these injuries.

Botulinum toxin as adjunct therapy in surgical management of a periprosthetic scapular spine fracture: a case report.

Six months after undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) a 73-year-old woman sustained a periprosthetic scapular spine fracture following a fall. She was treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), followed by botulinum toxin injection into the deltoid muscle to temporarily minimize strain at the fracture. Fracture union was achieved by 3 months, with excellent clinical function more than 1 year following fracture fixation and full resolution of deltoid function. Scapular spine fracture following RSA can be treated with ORIF and temporary deltoid paralysis using botulinum toxin in the immediate postoperative period to safely support fracture healing.

Rice-Body Synovitis, Foreign Body Reaction, and Rotator Cuff Failure After Subacromial Balloon Spacer Augmentation of a Rotator Cuff Repair: A Case Report.

CASE: A 66-year-old woman presented with shoulder pain and weakness 4 months after augmentation of a rotator cuff repair with a Stryker InSpace subacromial balloon spacer. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a failed rotator cuff repair, large effusion with rice bodies, synovitis, axillary lymphadenopathy, loose anchors, and erosive changes to the greater tuberosity. Arthroscopy revealed balloon fragmentation surrounded by diffusely hyperemic synovium without repairable cuff tissue. Final cultures proved negative for infection. Histologic evaluation revealed ulcerated synovium with diffuse chronic and focal acute inflammation. CONCLUSION: Despite promising early results, augmentation of a rotator cuff repair with a subacromial balloon spacer introduces a risk of inflammatory reaction that may mimic a deep infection and compromise rotator cuff healing.

Arthroscopic Subdeltoid Transfer of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon to the Conjoint Tendon.

Surgical intervention is often recommended for refractory pathology affecting the biceps-labrum complex. Tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) is a widely accepted treatment modality; however, the optimal technique remains elusive. Arthroscopic subdeltoid transfer of the LHBT to the conjoint tendon, as described in this technical note, continues to demonstrate excellent clinical results. Its advantages include soft tissue-to-soft tissue healing, an advantageous biomechanical construct, and comprehensive evaluation and decompression of the LHBT including the extra-articular bicipital tunnel. The primary limitation of this procedure is the perceived learning curve for safe navigation within the subdeltoid space.

Journey around the Notch: A Systematic Review on the History of ACL Reconstruction in the United States.

The evolution of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, seemingly circular at times, informs and provides context for past and current controversies in ACL management. The purpose of this systematic review is to objectively summarize the historical course of ACL reconstruction and repair in the United States over the last 40 years. Femoral tunnel drilling and graft selection have evolved dramatically over the last few decades. An initial focus on restoring ACL anatomy was for a period sacrificed for decreased operative morbidity. However, recent developments in operative techniques aim to restore ACL anatomy while also achieving minimal operative morbidity. Despite this historically iterative process, there remains no perfect choice for the treatment of ACL tears. Continued research on ACL repair, anatomic graft placement, graft choice, and augmentation will help our patients over the next generation.

Return to play rates after ulnar nerve transposition and decompression surgery: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Medial elbow pain is a common complaint in overhead throwing athletes. The throwing motion places repetitive tensile and compressive forces on the elbow resulting in significant stress across the ulnohumeral joint. This stress can result in soft-tissue, ligamentous, and ulnar nerve injury. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the clinical findings and outcomes, including return to play rates, of patients who underwent ulnar nerve transposition surgery for isolated ulnar neuritis. METHODS: Throwing athletes who underwent isolated, primary ulnar nerve transposition surgery over an eight-year period, 2009 to 2017, were identified and included in our analysis. Nonthrowing athletes, those who underwent revision ulnar nerve transposition surgery, and those who underwent concomitant ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction or repair were excluded. Patients were contacted to complete the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow Score as well as a return to play rate questionnaire. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. RESULTS: Fifteen patients met the inclusion criteria: 13 (86.7%) men and 2 (13.3%) women. The average age at the time of surgery was 19.2 years old (range, 15.6-28.0). Preoperatively, 13 (86.7%) patients played baseball and 2 (13.3%) patients played softball. Two patients (13.3%) underwent a previous ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. There were no complications. The average final follow-up was 65.26 (range, 24.44-113.29) months with an average Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Score of 64.51 (range, 28.60-100.00). Thirteen (86.7%) patients were able to return to their preinjury sport, 2 to a higher level of competition, 8 to the same level, and 3 to a lower level. Seven of the 13 (53.8%) patients sustained a postoperative ipsilateral shoulder or elbow injury at an average of 19.57 (range, 7.00-36.00) months postoperatively. All patients reported sustaining the injury as a result of throwing. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicate that ulnar nerve transposition surgery in throwing athletes allows athletes to return to throwing with low reoperation rates. However, more than half of the athletes in our analysis sustained a subsequent ipsilateral shoulder or elbow injury. Further investigation regarding outcomes in throwing athletes after ulnar nerve transposition surgery is warranted.

Radiologic Measurements in the Assessment of Patellar Instability: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Numerous diagnostic imaging measurements related to patellar instability have been evaluated in the literature; however, little has been done to compare these findings across multiple studies. PURPOSE: To review the different imaging measurements used to evaluate patellar instability and to assess the prevalence of each measure and its utility in predicting instability. We focused on reliability across imaging modalities and between patients with and without patellar instability. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature using the PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases. Each database was searched for variations of the terms "patellar instability," "patellar dislocation," "trochlear dysplasia," "radiographic measures," "computed tomography," and "magnetic resonance imaging." Studies were included if they were published after May 1, 2009, and before May 1, 2019. A meta-analysis using a random effects model was performed on several measurements, comparing instability and control groups to generate pooled values. RESULTS: A total of 813 articles were identified, and 96 articles comprising 7912 patients and 106 unique metrics were included in the analysis. The mean patient age was 23.1 years (95% CI, 21.1-24.5), and 41% were male. The tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance was the most frequently included metric (59 studies), followed by the Insall-Salvati ratio and Caton-Deschamps index (both 26 studies). The interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients were excellent or good for the TT-TG distance and Insall-Salvati ratio in 100% of studies reporting them; however, for the Caton-Deschamps index and Blackburne-Peel ratio, they were excellent or good in only 43% and 40% of studies. Pooled magnetic resonance imaging values for TT-TG distance (P < .01), Insall-Salvati ratio (P = .01), and femoral sulcus angle (P = .02) were significantly different between the instability and control groups. Values for tibial tubercle-posterior cruciate ligament distance (P = .36) and Caton-Deschamps index (P = .09) were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: The most commonly reported measurements for evaluating patellar instability assessed patellar tracking and trochlear morphology. The TT-TG distance was the most common measurement and was greater in the patellar instability group as compared with the control group. In addition, the TT-TG, tibial tubercle-posterior cruciate ligament, and patellar tendon-trochlear groove distances were highly reproducible measurements for patellar tracking, and the Insall-Salvati ratio had superior reproducibility for assessing patellar height.

Return-to-Play Guidelines After Patellar Instability Surgery Requiring Bony Realignment: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent patellar instability can be treated nonoperatively or surgically, and surgical management may vary based on the causative pathology in the structures surrounding the patella. Although isolated soft tissue reconstruction is among the most common operative treatments, certain patient populations require bony realignment for adequate stabilization. PURPOSE: To evaluate postoperative guidelines, including return to play and rehabilitation, after bony procedures involving the tibial tubercle for patellar instability. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review on return-to-play guidelines was conducted with studies published from 1997 to 2019 that detailed procedures involving bony realignment by tibial tubercle osteotomies and tibial tubercle transfers with or without soft tissue reconstruction. Exclusion criteria included animal or cadaveric studies, basic science articles, nonsurgical rehabilitation protocols, and patients with mean age <18 years. Studies were assessed for return-to-play criteria, rehabilitation protocols, and bias. RESULTS: Included in the review were 39 studies with a total of 1477 patients and 1598 knees. Mean patient age ranged from 17.5 to 34.0 years, and mean follow-up ranged from 23 to 161 months. All 39 studies described postoperative rehabilitation; however, only 16 studies specifically outlined return-to-play criteria. The most commonly cited return-to-play criterion was quadriceps strength (62.5%). Range of motion (50.0%), physical therapy protocols (18.8%), and radiographic evidence of healing (18.8%) were other cited objective criteria for return-to-play. Four of 16 (25.0%) studies described subjective criteria for return to play, including pain, swelling, and patient comfort and confidence. Of the 11 studies that described a timeline for return to play, the range was between 2 and 6 months. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that 100% of papers evaluated lacked adequate return-to-play guidelines. Moreover, timelines significantly varied among studies. More clearly defined return-to-play guidelines after tibial tubercle transfer for patellar instability are required.

An Algorithmic Approach to the Management of Shoulder Instability.

The recurrence of anterior shoulder instability can be as high as 86.7% in high-risk patients who are treated nonoperatively after their first incident of instability. CT and MR arthrography are necessary for preoperative imaging and assessment of glenoid bone loss. Patient expectations in conjunction with appropriate preoperative imaging are critical for surgical planning. Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization is often sufficient in most cases where glenoid bone loss is minimal, with recurrent dislocation rates close to 4% in the literature. Open stabilization procedures are generally indicated in patients with greater than 20% glenoid bone loss.

Stress Fractures of the Elbow in the Throwing Athlete: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Stress fractures of the elbow are rare in throwing athletes and present a challenge from both a management and rehabilitation perspective. Although the incidence of stress fractures of the elbow is increasing, there is a lack of data in the literature focused on throwers. PURPOSE: To evaluate studies regarding the management and outcomes of stress fractures of the elbow in throwing athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by searching the Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library electronic databases to identify studies reporting on the management and outcomes of stress fractures in overhead-throwing athletes. Management data included nonoperative and operative modalities, and outcome data included return to play, encompassing the timing and level of activity. Studies were excluded if the stress fracture of the elbow was not a result of a sport injury attributed to throwing or if the study failed to report whether an athlete returned to play. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this analysis. There were 52 patients in total (50 male, 2 female) with a mean age of 19.7 years (range, 13-29.1 years). The olecranon was the most common location of the stress fracture (51 patients; 98.1%), followed by the distal humerus (1 patient; 1.9%). The majority of patients (n = 40; 76.9%) were treated operatively. Of the 40 patients who were treated surgically, 14 (35.0%) underwent a period of conservative treatment preoperatively that ultimately failed because of persistent nonunion or continued elbow pain. A total of 50 patients (96.2%) returned to sport either at or above their preinjury level. Of the 2 patients (3.8%) who did not return to sport, 1 did not return because of continued elbow pain postoperatively, and the other was lost to follow-up. Complications occurred in 9 patients (17.3%), all of whom were treated surgically. CONCLUSION: On the basis of this systematic review, the majority of elbow stress fractures were treated operatively and approximately one-third after a period of failed nonoperative management. The return-to-sport rate was high. Further, higher level studies are needed to optimize management and return-to-sport rates in this population.

Biceps Tenodesis: A Comparison of Tendon-to-Bone and Tendon-to-Tendon Healing in a Rat Model.

In this article, we report on the differences in the healing biology of biceps tenodesis performed on either bone or soft tissue in a rat model. This work provides further insight into what may be the optimal strategy for managing biceps-labrum complex disease.