The effect of patient-reported metal allergies on the outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although literature exists regarding hip and knee arthroplasty outcomes in patients with skin allergy to metals, there is minimal information about skin allergy implications on shoulder arthroplasty outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the results, complications, and failure rate among patients with a self-reported metal allergy undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Fifty-two shoulder arthroplasties were performed at our Institution in 43 patients with self-reported metal allergies. Forty primary and 12 revision shoulder arthroplasties were performed using anatomic (30) and reverse (22) components. Retrospective chart review was performed to determine metal allergy history, implant composition, pain, motion, and complications. Radiographs were reviewed to determine mechanical failure rates. Average follow-up time was 65 months. RESULTS: Allergies reported included nickel (37), cobalt chrome (4), copper (2), zinc (1), titanium (1), gold (1), and nonspecific metal allergy (8); 8 patients reported multiple metal allergies. All components implanted in patients with nickel allergies contained nickel. At most recent follow-up, pain was rated as none or mild in 88% of shoulders. Active elevation improved from 80° to 141° and external rotation from 24° to 52°. Two revisions were performed for glenoid loosening (3.8%); both were revision cases with substantial glenoid bone loss. One patient with mild pain had a radiographically loose glenoid component 12 years after anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: Results from this study suggest that shoulder arthroplasty in patients with self-reported metal allergy provides satisfactory pain relief and improved range of motion with low revision rates.

Primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty: how did medialized and glenoid-based lateralized style prostheses compare at 10 years?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare long-term outcomes, complications, and reoperation rates of primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) performed at a single institution using 2 implant designs: a Grammont medialized prosthesis (medialized [M] group) and a Frankle glenoid-based lateralized prosthesis (glenoid-lateralized [GL] group). METHODS: Between 2004 and 2008, 100 consecutive single-institution primary RTSAs were performed by reconstructive shoulder surgeons who were not design consultants, with the aim of obtaining 10-year follow-up: 56 in the M group and 44 in the GL group. Patients were followed up until death, until revision surgery, or for a minimum of 10 years. RESULTS: Of 100 patients, 87 had more than 2 years' follow-up (mean, 77 months). A subset analysis of 41 patients with an average of 10.2 years' follow-up showed sustained long-term outcomes. RTSA provided clinical improvements without significant differences between the M and GL groups, except for improved active forward elevation in the M group (144° in M group vs. 115° in GL group, P = .002). Reoperation was required in 6 shoulders (10-year cumulative incidence of 3 [5%] in M group vs. 3 [8%] in GL group) for a total of 16 complications (10-year cumulative incidence of 8 [14%] in M group vs. 8 [20%] in GL group). Notching rates were significantly higher in the M group (77% in M group vs. 47% in GL group, P = .013); differences in severe notching (grade 3 or 4) were clinically relevant but did not reach statistical significance (23% in M group vs. 9% in GL group, P = .22). CONCLUSION: Primary RTSA using these first 2 prosthesis designs was associated with good outcomes and low reoperation (5%-8%) and complication (14%-20%) rates at 10 years. The M group had higher rates of notching. These results may provide a benchmark for comparison with newer implants, especially considering that these results include the early RTSA implantation learning curve.

Cost analysis and complication profile of primary shoulder arthroplasty at a high-volume institution.

BACKGROUND: Paralleling the increased utilization of shoulder arthroplasty, bundled-payment reimbursement is becoming increasingly common. An understanding of the costs of each element of care and detailed information on the frequency of and reasons for readmission and reoperation are keys to developing bundled-payment initiatives. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of complications, readmission rates, and costs of primary shoulder arthroplasty at a high-volume institution. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2016, 2 shoulder surgeons from a single institution performed 1794 consecutive primary shoulder arthroplasties: 636 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs), 1081 reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSAs), and 77 hemiarthroplasties. A cost analysis was designed to include a period of 60 days preoperatively, the index surgical hospitalization, and 90 days postoperatively, including costs of any readmission or reoperation. RESULTS: The 90-day complication, reoperation, and readmission rates were 2.3%, 0.6%, and 1.8%, respectively. The 90-day readmission risk was higher among patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or greater; a 1-unit increase in the American Society of Anesthesiologists score was associated with a $429 increase in index cost. Of the hospital readmissions, 10 were directly related to the index arthroplasty whereas 21 were not. The median standardized costs were as follows: preoperative evaluation, $481; index surgical hospitalization, $15,758; and postoperative care, $183. The median standardized costs for index surgical hospitalization were different for each procedure: TSA, $14,010; RSA, $16,741; and hemiarthroplasty, $12,709. CONCLUSION: In this study, primary shoulder arthroplasty was associated with low 90-day reoperation and complication rates. The median standardized costs inclusive of preoperative workup and 90-day postoperative recovery were $14,675 and $17,407 for TSA and RSA, respectively.

Scapula fracture incidence in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using screws above or below metaglene central cage: clinical and biomechanical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a viable treatment option for rotator cuff tear arthropathy but carries a complication risk of scapular fracture. We hypothesized that using screws above the central glenoid axis for metaglene fixation creates a stress riser contributing to increased scapula fracture incidence. Clinical type III scapular fracture incidence was determined with screw placement correlation: superior screw vs. screws placed exclusively below the glenoid midpoint. Cadaveric RTSA biomechanical modeling was employed to analyze scapular fractures. METHODS: We reviewed 318 single-surgeon single-implant RTSAs with screw correlation to identify type III scapular fractures. Seventeen cadaveric scapula specimens were matched for bone mineral density, metaglenes implanted, and fixation with 2 screw configurations: inferior screws alone (group 1INF) vs. inferior screws with one additional superior screw (group 2SUP). Biomechanical load to failure was analyzed. RESULTS: Of 206 patients, 9 (4.4%) from the superior screw group experienced scapula fractures (type III); 0 fractures (0/112; 0%) were identified in the inferior screw group. Biomechanically, superior screw constructs (group 2SUP) demonstrated significantly (P < .05) lower load to failure (1077 N vs. 1970 N) compared with constructs with no superior screws (group 1INF). There was no significant age or bone mineral density discrepancy. CONCLUSION: Clinical scapular fracture incidence significantly decreased (P < .05) for patients with no screws placed above the central cage compared with patients with superior metaglene screws. Biomechanical modeling demonstrates significant construct compromise when screws are used above the central cage, fracturing at nearly half the ultimate load of the inferior screw constructs. We recommend use of inferior screws, all positioned below the central glenoid axis, unless necessary to stabilize the metaglene construct.

Core decompression and arthroplasty outcomes for atraumatic osteonecrosis of the humeral head.

BACKGROUND: Humeral head osteonecrosis treatment varies depending on the stage and symptoms. Successful outcomes for humeral head core decompression for stage I/II disease in chronic steroid-induced (CSI) osteonecrosis have been reported, but fewer data exist for sickle cell disease (SCD) etiology. Resurfacing and hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are common for advanced collapse, with mixed results. METHODS: We evaluate radiographic and functional outcomes after procedures for humeral head atraumatic avascular necrosis (HAAVN), decompression efficacy in CSI and SCD populations, and report outcomes of advanced disease requiring arthroplasty. Twenty-five shoulders were treated surgically for HAAVN. Post-traumatic AVN patients were excluded. Stage I/II disease received core decompression and ultrasound bone stimulation. Stage III received surface replacement or hemiarthroplasty, and arthroplasty was performed for stage IV/V. Radiographs and clinical scores were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Included were 25 HAAVN shoulders (13 SCD and 12 CSI). Eleven shoulders (stage I/II disease) underwent core decompression. Seven of 8 shoulders (88%) progressed to stage III/IV after decompression. All SCD patients progressed to collapse. The procedure in 19 shoulders was surface replacement, hemiarthroplasty, or TSA. Constant, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Simple Shoulder Test-12, and University of California Los Angeles Shoulder scores were significantly higher at 1- and 2-year follow-up with arthroplasty; 13 of 16 arthroplasty patients (81%) had satisfactory to excellent results. One surface replacement was revised to reverse TSA. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest core decompression for AVN in SCD patients does not alter osteonecrosis progression and humeral head collapse. Resurfacing and hemiarthroplasty are viable treatment options for stage III, whereas shoulder replacement for stage IV/V disease appears to offer better functional results.

Adolescent Hip Dislocation Combined With Proximal Femoral Physeal Fractures and Epiphysiolysis.

BACKGROUND: The risks and long-term effects of acute hip dislocation combined with proximal femoral physeal fractures and epiphysiolysis have been minimally addressed in the literature. This infrequent combination must be understood to avoid the major complications of complete separation of proximal femoral components during attempted reduction and to predict the probable outcome of surgical treatment. METHODS: Medical records and imaging were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with a diagnosis of severe to complete slipped capital femoral epiphysis (CFE) or proximal femoral epiphysiolysis in association with hip dislocation. The focus included possible anatomic/vascular disruption and their consequences. RESULTS: Twelve patients were identified. Nine dislocations were posterior; 3 were anterior. In 4 patients, the intact proximal femur was dislocated posteriorly. In 3 patients only the femoral neck was reduced, whereas the CFE remained dislocated. In 1 patient percutaneous pinning was done in the dislocated position before closed reduction. The reduction was successful. In 7 patients only the CFE (4 patients) or femoral neck (3 patients) was displaced at the initial presentation in the emergency room. One patient presented with posterior dislocation associated with complete separation of both components. Ten patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Two patients had closed reduction. Nine patients developed complete avascular necrosis, progressive collapse of the femoral head, and degenerative arthritis. Three subsequently had a total hip arthroplasty. One patient developed ischemic change limited to the femoral neck and a nonunion through the epiphysis. One patient had incomplete ischemic necrosis. Only 1 patient had no evidence of ischemic necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: This combination of injuries has several anatomic variations. Leaving the CFE dislocated while reducing only the femoral neck must be avoided. Reduction should be done in the operating room with muscle relaxation. The emergency room is not the venue for reduction. The risk of avascular necrosis is extremely high, whether the separation occurs during the acute dislocation or attempted reduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series (retrospective review).

Continued growth after limited physeal bridging.

BACKGROUND: After any physeal injury, the primary concern is the possibility of some pattern of growth alteration, particularly transphyseal bridging that may cause lasting deformities and impact subsequent patient care. Small areas of physeal bridging, however, may be associated with continued growth, rather than impairment. METHODS: Seven patients with small central physeal bridges of the distal femur were identified. Demographic data and imaging studies were reviewed. RESULTS: Radiography identified small, relatively centrally located transphyseal osseous bridging that was associated with a linear (longitudinal) region of osseous density extending from the physeal bridge proximally into the metaphysis. This linear striation disappeared at the metaphyseal/diaphyseal gradation, an area of progression proximally from metaphysis to diaphysis. Only 1 patient had a significant leg length inequality. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the intrametaphyseal linear sclerotic bone and its disappearance with diaphyseal remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: Small, central transphyseal osseous bridges may form after radiologically confirmed acute physeal injury. Normal physiological (hydrostatic) growth forces can be sufficient to overcome such limited central bridging and allow continued, essentially normal, longitudinal growth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (retrospective case series); anatomic study.

Cost analysis and complication rate comparing open, mini-open, and all arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Hypothesis/Background: Value-based healthcare delivery models are becoming increasingly common and are driving cost effectiveness initiatives. Rotator cuff repair (RCR) is a commonly performed procedure with some variations on the specific surgical technique. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of the cost, complications, and readmission rates of 3 categories of RCR techniques (open [oRCR], combined arthroscopically assisted and mini-open [CRCR], and all arthroscopic [ARCR]) at a high-volume institution. Methods: All RCR procedures performed by 2 fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons at a single institution between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively identified. These consisted of oRCR, CRCR, and ARCR repair techniques. One surgeon performed oRCR and CRCR, and the second surgeon performed ARCR. A cost analysis was designed to include a period of 60 days preoperatively, the index surgical hospitalization, and 90 days postoperatively, including costs of any readmission or reoperation. Results: The cohort consisted of 95 oRCR, 233 CRCR, and 287 ARCR. Median standardized costs were as follows: preoperative evaluation $486.03; index surgical hospitalization oRCR $9,343.10, CRCR $10,057.20, and ARCR $10,330.60; and postoperative care $875.02. Preoperative and postoperative costs did not vary based on the type of RCR performed. However, significant differences were observed among index surgical costs (P = .0008). The highest standardized cost for hospitalization for both the CRCR group and the ARCR group was related to the cost of the operating room and the implants. The 90-day complication, reoperation, and readmission rates were 1.1%, 1.1%, and 2.1% in the open group; 0.8%, 0.8%, and 1.7% in the combination group; 0%, 0%, and 1.7% in the all arthroscopic group, respectively. There were no significant differences among the 3 surgical procedures with respect to complication (P = .26), reoperation (P = .26), and readmission rates (P = .96). Discussion/Conclusions: In this investigation, the median standardized costs for RCR inclusive of 60-day workup and 90-day postoperative care were $10,704.15, $11,418.25, and $11,691.65 for oRCR, CRCR (average added cost $714.10), and ARCR (added cost $987.50), respectively. The group complication, reoperation, and readmission rate were 0.5%, 0.5%, and 1.8% with no significant differences between the varying techniques, respectively. This retrospective cost analysis and complication profile may serve as a useful reference as surgeons consider engaging in bundled payment for RCR. As value based initiatives continue to progress, implant cost may serve as an actionable area for cost reduction.

Radial Head Replacement for Acute Radial Head Fractures: Outcome and Survival of Three Implant Designs With and Without Cement Fixation.

OBJECTIVES: To determine outcomes of radial head replacement (RHR) for acute fractures using 3 different implant designs with or without cement fixation. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fourteen elbows underwent RHR for an acute radial head fracture using either (1) a nonanatomic design and smooth stem (n = 60), (2) a nonanatomic design with a grit-blasted, ingrowth, curved stem (n = 21), or (3) an anatomic design with a grit-blasted ingrowth straight stem (n = 33). Cemented (25%) or uncemented (75%) fixation was used at the discretion of the treating surgeon. INTERVENTION: RHR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was implant survivorship free of revision or removal for any reason. All elbows were evaluated clinically (the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and reoperations/complications) and radiographically. RESULTS: Fourteen implants (12%) were revised. Of elbows with a minimum 2-year clinical follow-up, the average Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 88. The rate of survivorship free from revision was 92% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 87%-98%] at 2 years, 90% (CI = 84%-96%) at 5 years and 84% (CI = 75%-94%) at 10 years. The differences in survivorship between the 3 implants did not reach statistical significance, but the nonanatomic design with a grit-blasted ingrowth curved stem had a hazard ratio of 4.6 (95% CI = 0.9%-23%) for failure. There were no differences in survivorship between cemented versus uncemented stems. For those elbows with a minimum of 2 years of radiographic follow-up, implant tilt was observed in 10 (16%) elbows and loosening in 16 (26%) elbows. Stress shielding was present in 19 (42%) of well-fixed implants. CONCLUSIONS: RHR for acute trauma leads to survivorship greater than 80% at 10 years. Radiographic changes (loosening, stress shielding, and implant tilting) can be expected in a substantial portion of elbows at long-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Is Allograft Reconstruction of the Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Elbow a Viable Option for Nonelite Athletes? Outcomes at a Mean of 8 Years.

BACKGROUND: The rate of elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) injury and surgery continues to rise steadily. While authors have failed to reach a consensus on the optimal graft or anchor configuration for MUCL reconstruction, the vast majority of the literature is focused on the young, elite athlete population utilizing autograft. These studies may not be as applicable for the "weekend warrior" type of patient or for young kids playing on high school leagues or recreationally without the intent or aspiration to participate at an elite level. PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical outcomes and complication rates of MUCL reconstruction utilizing only allograft sources in nonelite athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patient records were retrospectively analyzed for individuals who underwent allograft MUCL reconstruction at a single institution between 2000 and 2016. A total of 25 patients met inclusion criteria as laborers or nonelite (not collegiate or professional) athletes with a minimum of 2 years of postoperative follow-up. A review of the medical records for the included patients was performed to determine survivorship free of reoperation, complications, and clinical outcomes with use of the Summary Outcome Determination (SOD) and Timmerman-Andrews scores. Statistical analysis included a Wilcoxon rank-sum test to compare continuous variables between groups with an alpha level set at .05 for significance. Subgroup analysis included comparing outcome scores based on the allograft type used. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean time to follow-up was 91 months (range, 25-195 months), and the mean age at the time of surgery was 25 years (range, 12-65 years). There were no revision operations for recurrent instability. The mean SOD score was 9 (range, 5-10) at the most recent follow-up, and the Timmerman-Andrews scores averaged 97 (range, 80-100). Three patients underwent subsequent surgical procedures for ulnar neuropathy (n = 2) and contracture (n = 1), and 1 patient underwent surgical intervention for combined ulnar neuropathy and contracture. CONCLUSION: Allograft MUCL reconstruction in nonelite athletes demonstrates comparable functional scores with many previously reported autograft outcomes in elite athletes. These results may be informative for elbow surgeons who wish to avoid autograft morbidity in common laborers and nonelite athletes with MUCL incompetency.

Current insights on use of growth factors as therapy for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Chronic low back pain is a critical health problem and a leading cause of disability in aging populations. A major cause of low back pain is considered to be the degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD). Recent advances in therapeutics, particularly cell and tissue engineering, offer potential methods for inhibiting or reversing IVD degeneration, which have previously been impossible. The use of growth factors is under serious consideration as a potential therapy to enhance IVD tissue regeneration. We reviewed the role of chosen prototypical growth factors and growth factor combinations that have the capacity to improve IVD restoration. A number of growth factors have demonstrated potential to modulate the anabolic and anticatabolic effects in both in vitro and animal studies of IVD tissue engineering. Members of the transforming growth factor-ß superfamily, IGF-1, GDF-5, BMP-2, BMP-7, and platelet-derived growth factor have all been investigated as possible therapeutic options for IVD regeneration. The role of growth factors in IVD tissue engineering appears promising; however, further extensive research is needed at both basic science and clinical levels before its application is appropriate for clinical use.