Editorial Commentary: Bridging Graft Techniques Improve Short-Term Outcomes for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear Repair.

There is a growing need for nonarthroplasty treatment options for irreparable rotator cuff tears. Options include superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), tendon transfers, subacromial balloon spacer, bridge grafting, biological tuberoplasty, and partial rotator cuff repair with or without augmentation. In our experience, repair with marginal convergence techniques is superior to SCR; if there is enough tissue, repair is the preferred strategy. In an effort to improve outcomes after repair, there has been increased interest in the use of interposition or bridging graft (BG) techniques, in which an allograft or autograft is secured on the humerus laterally and to the remnant tendon medially. Interposition or bridging grafts can be used to supplement partial repair in an effort to replace the patient's own missing tissues, and restore the biomechanical force couple of the rotator cuff and create a humeral head-depressing spacer effect in the subacromial space. These techniques show promising results compared to superior capsular reconstruction. Various graft options for BG are available, including human dermal allograft, fascia lata autograft, and tenotomized biceps autograft. Multiple animal studies have demonstrated that interposition grafts can improve the biomechanical properties of the repair construct, and histological studies in animal models have shown evidence of tissue in-growth into the BG, which could lead to increased repair strength over time. Finally, recent studies suggest that a bridging graft may improve short-term outcomes compared to partial repair alone. It remains to be seen whether this difference is clinically meaningful and durable.

Patient-reported outcomes of arthroscopic repair for partial or full-thickness upper third subscapularis tendon tears with open sub-pectoral biceps tenodesis: minimum 10-year outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although short-term results are promising, there are limited data for long-term results of arthroscopic subscapularis (SSC) repair. The purpose of this study is to report minimum 10-year outcomes of primary arthroscopic repair of isolated partial or full-thickness tears of the upper third of the SSC tendon. METHODS: Patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of isolated upper third SSC tears, Lafosse type I (>50% of tendon thickness) or type II were included. Surgeries were performed by a single surgeon between November 2005 and August 2011. Patient-reported outcome measures were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed at minimum follow-up of 10 years. Patient-reported outcomes utilized included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (SANE), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (QuickDASH), the Short Form 12 physical component summary, return to activity, and patient satisfaction. A subanalysis of patient age and outcomes was performed. Retears, revision surgeries, and surgical complications were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 29 patients with isolated upper third SSC repairs were identified. After application of exclusion criteria, 14 patients were included in the final analysis. Follow-up could be obtained from 11 patients. The mean age at surgery was 52.7 years (range: 36-72) and the mean follow-up was 12 years (range 10-15 years). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 52.9 ± 21.8 preoperatively to 92.2 ± 13.7 postoperatively (P < .001). Regarding the SANE and QuickDASH scores, only postoperative data were available. Mean postoperative SANE, QuickDASH, and Short Form 12 physical component summary scores were 90.27 ± 10.5, 14.6 ± 15.5, and 49.2 ± 6.6, respectively. Median patient satisfaction was 10 (range 6-10). Patients reported improvements in sleep, activities of daily living, and sports. There was no correlation between patient age and clinical outcome (P > .05). No patients underwent revision surgery for a SSC retear. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic repair of upper third SSC tendon tears leads to improved clinical scores and high patient satisfaction at minimum 10-year follow-up. The procedure is durable, with no failures in the presented cohort.

Does glenoid version and its correction affect outcomes in anatomic shoulder arthroplasty? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Correction of glenoid retroversion is commonly performed in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) to increase component contact area and decrease eccentric loading of the glenoid component. Despite demonstrated biomechanical advantages, limited information exists on the clinical benefit of correcting glenoid retroversion. The purpose of this systematic review is to critically evaluate the existing literature on the effect of preoperative and postoperative glenoid retroversion on clinical functional and radiologic outcomes in patients who underwent anatomic TSA. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library evaluating the impact of glenoid retroversion on clinical and radiologic outcomes of TSA. English-language studies of level I through IV evidence were included. Blinded reviewers conducted multiple screens and methodological quality was appraised using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score. RESULTS: Sixteen studies, including 3 level III and 13 level IV studies (1211 shoulders), satisfied all inclusion criteria. To address glenoid retroversion, 9 studies used corrective reaming techniques, and 4 studies used posteriorly augmented glenoids. Two studies used noncorrective reaming techniques. Mean preoperative retroversion ranged from 12.7° to 24° across studies. Eleven studies analyzed the effect of glenoid retroversion on clinical outcomes, including patient-reported outcome scores (PROs), range of motion (ROM), or clinical failure or revision rates. Most studies (8 of 11) did not report any significant association of pre- or postoperative glenoid retroversion on any clinical outcome. Of the 3 studies that reported significant effects, 1 study reported a negative association between preoperative glenoid retroversion and PROs, 1 study reported inferior postoperative abduction in patients with postoperative glenoid retroversion greater than 15°, and 1 study found an increased clinical failure rate in patients with higher postoperative retroversion. Ten studies reported radiographic results (medial calcar resorption, Central Peg Lucency [CPL] grade, Lazarus lucency grade) at follow-up. Only 1 study reported a significant effect of pre- and postoperative retroversion greater than 15° on CPL grade. CONCLUSION: There is currently insufficient evidence that pre- or postoperative glenoid version influences postoperative outcomes independent of other morphologic factors such as joint line medialization. Given that noncorrective reaming demonstrated favorable postoperative outcomes, and postoperative glenoid version was not significantly and consistently found to impact outcomes, there is inconclusive evidence that correcting glenoid retroversion is routinely required.

Preoperative patient factors that predict achieving the minimal clinically important difference following arthroscopic treatment of snapping scapula syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values for patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after arthroscopic treatment of snapping scapula syndrome (SSS) using a distribution-based method, and to identify demographic, clinical, and intraoperative factors significantly associated with the achievement of MCID. It was hypothesized that subjective satisfaction scores after the procedure would be strongly associated with the achievement of MCID thresholds for the PROs and that pain, preoperative response to injection, and a scapulectomy in addition to bursal resection would be predictive of clinically relevant improvement. METHODS: Patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment of SSS between October 2005 and September 2020 with a minimum of 2-year short-term postoperative follow-up were enrolled in this retrospective single-center study. The MCID was calculated using a distribution-based approach for the following PROs: 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and visual analog scale (VAS) pain "today" and "at worst." The association between achievement of the MCID and postoperative subjective satisfaction was investigated, and factors associated with achievement of MCID were determined using bivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of a total of 190 patients assessed for eligibility, 77 patients (38.1 ± 14.3 years; 36 females) were included. Within the study population, statistically significant improvements in postoperative SF-12 physical component summary (PCS) (P < .001) and mental component summary (MCS) (P < 0.034), ASES (P < .001), QuickDASH (P < .001), SANE (P < .001), and VAS pain (P < .001) scores were observed at the minimum 2-year follow-up. The calculated MCID threshold values based on the study population were 5.0 for SF-12 PCS, 5.8 for SF-12 MCS, 11.3 for ASES, -10.5 for QuickDASH, 14.7 for SANE, 1.5 for VAS pain, and 1.7 for VAS pain at worst. Reaching the MCID was strongly associated with postoperative satisfaction (rated on a scale of 1-10). Across the PROs, younger age, favorable preoperative response to injection, partial scapuloplasty or scapulectomy, no prior surgery, and pain and function at baseline were significantly associated with attaining MCID. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for SSS experienced clinically significant improvements in functional scores, pain, and quality of life. This study demonstrated predictive roles for certain patient-specific factors and diagnostic variables for achieving MCID in PROs, which may help surgeons preoperatively assess the probability of success and manage patient expectations.

Outcomes of total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with prior anterior shoulder instability: minimum 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Patients with a history of anterior shoulder instability (ASI) commonly progress to glenohumeral arthritis or even dislocation arthropathy and often require total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purposes of this study were to (1) report patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after TSA in patients with a history of ASI, (2) compare TSA outcomes of patients whose ASI was managed operatively vs. nonoperatively, and (3) report PROs of TSA in patients who previously underwent arthroscopic vs. open ASI management. METHODS: Patients were included if they had a history of ASI and had undergone TSA ≥5 years earlier, performed by a single surgeon, between October 2005 and January 2017. The exclusion criteria included prior rotator cuff repair, hemiarthroplasty, or glenohumeral joint infection before the index TSA procedure. Patients were separated into 2 groups: those whose ASI was previously operatively managed and those whose ASI was treated nonoperatively. This was a retrospective review of prospective collected data. Data collected was demographic, surgical and subjective. The PROs used were the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation score, QuickDASH (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score, and 12-item Short Form physical component score. Failure was defined as revision TSA surgery, conversion to reverse TSA, or prosthetic joint infection. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed. RESULTS: This study included 36 patients (27 men and 9 women) with a mean age of 56.4 years (range, 18.8-72.2 years). Patients in the operative ASI group were younger than those in the nonoperative ASI group (50.6 years vs. 64.0 years, P < .001). Operative ASI patients underwent 10 open and 11 arthroscopic anterior stabilization surgical procedures prior to TSA (mean, 2 procedures; range, 1-4 procedures). TSA failure occurred in 6 of 21 patients with operative ASI (28.6%), whereas no failures occurred in the nonoperative ASI group (P = .03). Follow-up was obtained in 28 of 30 eligible patients (93%) at an average of 7.45 years (range, 5.0-13.6 years). In the collective cohort, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation score, QuickDASH (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score, and 12-item Short Form physical component score significantly improved, with no differences in the postoperative PROs between the 2 groups. We found no significant differences when comparing PROs between prior open and prior arthroscopic ASI procedures or when comparing the number of prior ASI procedures. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a 79% 5-year survivorship rate in patients with prior ASI surgery and a 100% survivorship rate in nonoperatively managed ASI patients (P = .030). CONCLUSION: At mid-term follow-up, patients with a history of ASI undergoing TSA can expect continued improvement in function compared with preoperative values. However, TSA survivorship is decreased in patients with a history of ASI surgery compared with those without prior surgery.

Mid-term outcomes of microfracture for the treatment of focal, full-thickness cartilage defects isolated to the humeral head.

BACKGROUND: While microfracture has been shown to be an effective treatment for chondral lesions in the knee, evidence to support its use for chondral defects in the shoulder is limited to short-term outcomes studies. The purpose of this study is to determine if microfracture provides pain relief and improved shoulder function in patients with isolated focal chondral defects of the humeral head at a minimum 5-year follow-up. METHODS: Patients who underwent microfracture procedure for isolated focal chondral defects of the humeral head with a minimum follow-up of 5 years between 02/2006 and 08/2016 were included. At minimum 5-year follow-up, pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures were collected, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Short Form-12 (SF-12) Physical Component Summary (PCS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and patient satisfaction level (1 = unsatisfied, 10 = very satisfied). Demographic, injury, and surgical data were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical failure was defined as revision surgery for humeral chondral defects or conversion to arthroplasty. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine survivorship at 5 years. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria. There were 15 men and 2 women with an average age of 51 years (range 36-69) and an average follow-up of 9.4 years (range 5.0-15.8). The median ASES score improved from 62 (range: 22-88) preoperatively to 90 (range: 50-100) postoperatively (P = .011). Median satisfaction was 8 out of 10 (range: 2-10). There was no correlation between patient age or defect size and PROs. Postoperatively, patients reported significant improvements in recreational and sporting activity as well as the ability to sleep on the affected shoulder (P ≤ .05). Three patients failed and required revision surgery. The Kaplan-Meier analysis determined an overall survivorship rate of 80% at 5 years. CONCLUSION: The presented study illustrates significant improvements for PROs, improved ability to perform recreational and sporting activities, and a survival rate of 80% at a mean of 9.4 years after microfracture for focal chondral humeral head defects.

Knotless All-Suture, Soft Anchor Bankart Repair Results in Excellent Patient-Reported Outcomes, High Patient Satisfaction, and Acceptable Recurrent Instability Rates at Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate minimum 2-year outcomes after arthroscopic knotless all-suture soft anchor Bankart repair in patients with anterior shoulder instability. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of patients who underwent Bankart repair using soft, all-suture, knotless anchors (FiberTak anchors) from 10/2017 to 06/2019. Exclusion criteria were concomitant bony Bankart lesion, shoulder pathology other than that involving the superior labrum or long head biceps tendon, or previous shoulder surgery. Scores collected preoperatively and postoperatively included SF-12 PCS, ASES, SANE, QuickDASH, and patient satisfaction with various sports participation questions. Surgical failure was defined as revision instability surgery or redislocation requiring reduction. RESULTS: A total of 31 active patients, 8 females and 23 males, with a mean age of 29 (range: 16-55) years were included. At a mean of 2.6 years (range: 2.0-4.0), patient-reported outcomes significantly improved over preoperative levels. ASES score improved from 69.9 to 93.3 (P < .001), SANE improved from 56.3 to 93.8 (P < .001), QuickDASH improved from 32.1 to 6.3 (P < .001) and SF-12 PCS improved from 45.6 to 55.7 (P < .001). Median patient postoperative satisfaction was 10/10 (range: 4-10). Patients reported a significant improvement sports participation (P < .001), pain with competition (P = .001), ability to compete in sports (P < .001), painless use of arm for overhead activities (P = .001), and shoulder function during recreational sporting activity (P < .001). Postoperative shoulder redislocations were reported in 4 cases (12.9%)-all after major trauma-with 2 patients progressing to Latarjet (6.45%) at 2 and 3 years postoperatively. There were no cases of postoperative instability without major trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Knotless all-suture, soft anchor Bankart repair resulted in excellent patient-reported outcomes, high patient satisfaction, and acceptable recurrent instability rates, in this series of active patients. Redislocation after arthroscopic Bankart repair with a soft, all-suture anchor only occurred after return to competitive sports with new high-level trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Superior Capsule Reconstruction Using Acellular Dermal Allograft Secured at 45° of Glenohumeral Abduction Improves the Superior Stability of the Glenohumeral Joint in Irreparable Massive Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to create a dynamic cadaveric shoulder model to determine the effect of graft fixation angle on shoulder biomechanics following SCR and to assess which commonly used fixation angle (30° vs 45° of abduction) results in superior glenohumeral biomechanics. METHODS: Twelve fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were evaluated using a dynamic shoulder testing system. Humeral head translation, subacromial and glenohumeral contact pressures were compared among 4 conditions: 1) Intact, 2) Irreparable supra- and infraspinatus tendon tear, 3) SCR using acellular dermal allograft (ADA) fixation at 30° of abduction, and 4) SCR with ADA fixation at 45° of abduction. RESULTS: SCR at both 30° (0.287 mm, CI: -0.480 - 1.05 mm; P < .0001) and 45° (0.528 mm, CI: -0.239-1.305 mm; P = .0006) significantly decreased superior translation compared to the irreparably torn state. No significant changes in subacromial peak contact pressure were observed between any states. The average glenohumeral contact pressure increased significantly following creation of an irreparable RCT (373 kPa, CI: 304-443 vs 283 kPa, CI 214-352; P = .0147). The SCR performed at 45° (295 kPa, CI: 226-365, P = .0394) of abduction significantly decreased the average glenohumeral contact pressure compared to the RCT state. There was no statistically significant difference between the average glenohumeral contact pressure of the intact state and SCR at 30° and 45°. CONCLUSION: SCR improved the superior stability of the glenohumeral joint when the graft was secured at 30° or 45° of glenohumeral abduction. Fixation at 45° of glenohumeral abduction provided more stability than did fixation at 30°. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Grafts attached at 45° of glenohumeral abduction biomechanically restore the glenohumeral stability after SCR using ADA better than fixation at 30° of glenohumeral abduction.

Losartan in Combination With Bone Marrow Stimulation Showed Synergistic Effects on Load to Failure and Tendon Matrix Organization in a Rabbit Model.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of combining bone marrow stimulation (BMS) with oral losartan to block transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) on biomechanical repair strength in a rabbit chronic injury model. METHODS: Forty rabbits were randomly allocated into 4 groups (10 in each group). The supraspinatus tendon was detached and left alone for 6 weeks to establish a rabbit chronic injury model and was then repaired in a surgical procedure using a transosseous, linked, crossing repair construct. The animals were divided into the following groups: control group (group C), surgical repair only; BMS group (group B), surgical repair with BMS of the tuberosity; losartan group (group L), surgical repair plus oral losartan (TGF-ß1 blocker) for 8 weeks; and BMS-plus-losartan group (group BL), surgical repair plus BMS plus oral losartan for 8 weeks. At 8 weeks after repair, biomechanical and histologic evaluations were performed. RESULTS: The biomechanical testing results showed significantly higher ultimate load to failure in group BL than in group B (P = .029) but not compared with group C or group L. A 2 × 2 analysis-of-variance model found that the effect of losartan on ultimate load significantly depended on whether BMS was performed (interaction term F1,28 = 5.78, P = .018). No difference was found between the other groups. No difference in stiffness was found between any groups. On histologic assessment, groups B, L, and BL showed improved tendon morphology and an organized type I collagen matrix with less type III collagen compared with group C. Group BL showed the most highly organized tendon matrix with more type I collagen and less type III collagen, which indicates less fibrosis. Similar results were found at the bone-tendon interface. CONCLUSIONS: Rotator cuff repair combined with oral losartan and BMS of the greater tuberosity showed improved pullout strength and a highly organized tendon matrix in this rabbit chronic injury model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tendon healing or scarring is accompanied by the formation of fibrosis, which has been shown to result in compromised biomechanical properties, and is therefore a potential limiting factor in healing after rotator cuff repair. TGF-ß1 expression has been shown to play an important role in the formation of fibrosis. Recent studies focusing on muscle healing and cartilage repair have found that the downregulation of TGF-ß1 by losartan intake can reduce fibrosis and improve tissue regeneration in animal models.

Capitellum Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow.

Reconstruction of unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the capitellum using fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation from the capitellum has the advantages of restoring hyaline cartilage, matching the native radius of curvature, and avoiding the donor-site morbidity encountered with osteochondral autograft transfer. This technical note describes the indications and contraindications, pertinent anatomy, and surgical technique of open osteochondral allograft transplantation using fresh distal humerus allograft for the treatment of unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the capitellum.

Preventing varus collapse in proximal humerus fracture fixation: 90-90 dual plating versus endosteal fibular allograft strut.

INTRODUCTION: Screw cut out and varus collapse are the most common complication of locked plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare dual plating and endosteal fibular allograft struts as augmentation strategies to prevent varus collapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A trapezoidal osteotomy was created at the metaphysis to create a 2-part proximal humerus model in 18 paired shoulder specimens. Each specimen was assigned to group A, B, or C and was fixed with either a lateral locking plate, a lateral locking plate and anterior one-third tubular plate in an orthogonal 90/90 configuration, or a lateral locking plate with intramedullary fibular strut, respectively. The specimens were stressed in axial compression to failure. Displacement, elastic limit, ultimate load, and stiffness were recorded and calculated. RESULTS: There was no difference in mean cyclic displacement between the three groups (0.71 mm vs 0.89 mm vs 0.61 mm for Group A, B, C, respectively). Lateral plating demonstrated the greatest absolute and relative displacement at the elastic limit (5.3 mm ± 1.5 and 4.4 mm ± 1.3) without significance. The elastic limit or yield point was greatest for fibular allograft, Group C (1223 N ± 501 vs 1048 N ± 367 for Group B and 951 N ± 249 for Group A) without significance. CONCLUSIONS: Dual plating of proximal humerus fractures in a 90-90 configuration demonstrates similar biomechanical properties as endosteal fibular strut allograft. Both strategies demonstrate superior stiffness to isolated lateral locked plating.

Editorial Commentary: Shoulder Superior Capsular Reconstruction Graft Tensioning Between 30° and 40° of Glenohumeral Abduction Is Recommended: The Balance Beam of Superior Capsular Reconstruction.

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears in young, active patients pose a challenging treatment dilemma. Since the relatively recent development of the superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) procedure, the technique has been increasingly used to stave off reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in this demographic. As a result of continued output of supportive literature, both biomechanically and clinically, SCR has been adopted by surgeons despite some technical aspects of the procedure not being fully elucidated. One notable topic of study is the ideal glenohumeral position in which to determine graft length and therefore graft tension. Tensioning inevitably affects glenohumeral joint kinematics, including superior humeral head translation, subacromial contact pressure, and graft healing potential. Although it is currently known that some degree of glenohumeral abduction is necessary for appropriate graft tensioning, and there are some biomechanical studies from our group and other groups that have looked at this, there is not a clinically supported position in which to measure graft length and therefore set graft tension. Well-designed biomechanical studies will serve as the foundation for what is performed clinically. On the basis of the best available evidence, tensioning the graft between 30° and 40° of glenohumeral abduction is recommended and has yielded encouraging clinical outcomes for SCR in our patients.

Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management of Shoulder Arthritis.

Glenohumeral arthritis is a challenging problem, especially in the young, active patient. After nonoperative treatment, including activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and injections, is exhausted, surgical treatment ranging from simple debridement to arthroplasty is commonly offered. Given concerns regarding arthroplasty implant longevity, there is an interest in joint-preserving procedures. In this difficult population, the authors recommend a systematic, inclusive approach to the array of pathologies encountered in the setting of early glenohumeral arthritis: the Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) procedure. CAM consists of the combination of arthroscopy, glenohumeral chondroplasty, synovectomy, loose body removal, microfracture, capsular release, humeral osteoplasty, axillary nerve neurolysis, subacromial decompression, and biceps tenodesis. Key perioperative care includes the use of regional nerve blocks to allow immediate physical therapy with the goal of restoring range of motion by 4 to 6 weeks with strengthening beginning at 6 to 12 weeks and return to full activities at 4 to 6 months. Although this is still considered a bridging procedure, the literature has reported 92% survival at 1 year, 85% survival at 2 years, 77% survival at 5 years, and 63% survival at 10 years. Predictors of failure of the CAM procedure include joint space <2 mm, flattening of the humeral head, and abnormal posterior glenoid morphology. Patient selection and education is therefore essential for optimizing outcomes.

Editorial Commentary: Current Indications for Lateral Acromioplasty Include Patients With Elevated Critical Shoulder Angle Plus Subacromial Impingement With Rotator Cuff Pathology or Previous Rotator Cuff Repair.

The critical shoulder angle (CSA) reflects the lateral extent of the acromion and the inclination of the glenoid. In 2013, CSA was first introduced and its association with rotator cuff (RC) tears and glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) was shown. It was speculated that with a high CSA, there was an increased superior force vector from the deltoid and that this superior force led to RC tears. Conversely, when the CSA was low, there was a greater compressive force from the deltoid and that this compressive force led to GHOA. CSA serves as a further development of 2 previously reported measurements (glenoid inclination and acromial index). A key potential therapeutic aspect of the CSA is the ability to modify it surgically, which theoretically could protect RC repairs or prevent progression. In our current clinical practice, we perform lateral acromioplasty (LA) in patients undergoing treatment of subacromial impingement with an "at-risk" rotator cuff (partial rotator cuff tear and severe tendinopathy on magnetic resonance imaging) with a CSA > 38° or all patients with a CSA >35° after an RC repair to protect the RC repair construct. The relationships of high and low CSA, the anatomic safe zone, and thus clinical applicability of LA are well established and performed in our daily surgical practice. However, we do not yet have widespread clear clinical evidence on potential benefits regarding the clinical outcome after LA. Finally, at this time, the downsides seem minimal, so we continue to use LA as an adjunct in patients with RC tears and RC tendons that are at risk.

Results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for calcific tendonitis: a comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes following arthroscopic excision of calcific tendonitis and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (CT-ARCR) are relatively limited without comparison analysis to standard arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after CT-ARCR compared against a matched cohort who received standard ARCR. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review was performed for patients aged 18-80 years receiving CT-ARCR by a single surgeon from 2006-2018. These were matched 1:3 with patients receiving ARCR. Patients with concurrent labral repair, subscapularis repair, or glenohumeral joint arthritis procedures; refusal to participate; deceased; inadequate contact information; or those with inadequate records were excluded. PROs included Short Form-12 Physical Component Summary (SF-12 PCS) score; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES); Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE); Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH); patient satisfaction; activity level/symptoms; and sport participation scores. RESULTS: 21 CT-ARCR patients (mean age 50 years, range 36-62) and 54 ARCR patients (mean age 52 years, range 19-77) were included. Minimum 2-year follow-up was obtained in 18 of 21 (86%) CT-ARCR (mean 5.9 years) and 45 of 54 (83%) ARCR patients (mean 5.6 years). CT-ARCR patients improved pre- to postoperation in mean SF-12 PCS (41.1 to 50.0), ASES (54.2 to 94.0), and QuickDASH (54.2 to 94.0). SANE score improvements (57.6 to 82.8) were not significant. ARCR controls improved pre- to postoperation in mean SF-12 PCS (41.4 to 49.0), ASES (59.4 to 88.0), QuickDASH (35.1 to 13.8), and SANE scores (52.6 to 80.8). Pre- to postoperative pain during recreation and sport participation similarly improved in both groups. The only postoperative difference observed between CT-ARCR and ARCR was better patient satisfaction with CT-ARCR (9.7 vs. 8.3). CONCLUSION: CT-ARCR results in excellent PROs, activity symptoms, and sports participation at final follow-up. CT-ARCR results were comparable to patients who received conventional ARCR for similar-sized rotator cuff tears that did not have calcific tendonitis.

High rate of return to sport and excellent patient-reported outcomes after an open Latarjet procedure.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to report return to sport, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), subjective outcomes, and complications or failures in patients who underwent open Latarjet surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent open Latarjet surgery performed by 2 fellowship-trained surgeons between August 2006 and November 2018 were included. Prospectively collected data were reviewed. Recurrent instability and revision surgical procedures were recorded. Subjective outcomes included return to sport and fear of reinjury or activity modification as a result of patients' instability history. PROs included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Short Form 12 Physical Component Summary score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and satisfaction. Age, sex, sports participation, pain, primary vs. revision surgery (prior failed arthroscopic or open Bankart repair), dislocation number, glenoid bone loss, glenoid track concept, and projected glenoid track were evaluated. Failure was defined as an ASES score <70, recurrent dislocation, or revision instability surgery. RESULTS: A total of 126 shoulders (125 patients) met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 28.1 years (range, 15-57 years). Of 126 shoulders, 7 (5.5%) underwent additional procedures prior to final follow-up and were excluded from outcome analyses; failure occurred in 6 of these shoulders. Mean follow-up data at 3.7 years (range, 2-9.3 years) were attained in 86.6% of patients (103 of 119). All PROs significantly improved from preoperative baseline (ASES score, from 69.7 to 90.2; Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, from 55.8 to 85.9; and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, from 28.4 to 10.5). PROs did not differ based on sex, sports participation type, dislocation with or without sports, primary vs. revision procedure, and preoperative dislocation number. No correlations existed between PROs and age, glenoid bone loss, or number of previous surgical procedures. On-track lesions (50 of 105, 47.6%) and projected on-track lesions (90 of 105, 85.7%) correlated with better patient satisfaction but not PROs. Despite not having recurrences, 63 of 99 patients (63.6%) reported activity modifications and 44 of 99 patients (44.4%) feared reinjury. These groups had statistically worse PROs, although the minimal clinically important difference was not met. Return to sport was reported by 97% of patients (86 of 89), with 74% (66 of 89) returning at the same level or slightly below the preinjury level. Revision stabilization surgery was required 6 of 126 cases (4.8%), and 6 of 103 shoulders (5.8%) had ASES scores <70. CONCLUSION: The open Latarjet procedure led to significant improvements in all PROs, and overall, 97% of patients returned to sport. Fear of reinjury and activity modifications were common after open Latarjet procedures but did not appear to affect clinical outcomes. On-track and projected on-track measurements correlated with better patient satisfaction but not improved PROs.

Clinical outcomes of revision arthroscopic Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability: a systematic review of studies.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review the literature to ascertain the functional outcomes, recurrence rates, and subsequent revision rates following revision arthroscopic Bankart repair. METHODS: Two independent reviewers performed a literature search based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines using the Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies in which arthroscopic Bankart repair was performed as a revision procedure were included. The clinical outcomes extracted and analyzed were functional outcomes, return to play, and recurrent instability. RESULTS: Fourteen studies with 433 patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were male patients (63.7%); the average age was 26.1 years (range, 14-58 years), and the mean follow-up period was 37.6 months (range, 10-144 months). The mean Rowe score was 84.2, and 79.7% of patients had good to excellent outcomes. The rate of return to play was 78.5%, with 47.5% of patients returning to their preinjury level of play across 10 studies. The rate of recurrent instability was reported in 12 studies, with 328 shoulders demonstrating 86 instability events (26.2%). The rate of recurrent instability due to dislocation was reported in 7 studies (n = 176), with 19 events (10.8%), whereas the rate of subluxation was reported in 4 studies (n = 76), with 6 events (7.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Revision arthroscopic Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability was shown to result in a high rate of recurrent shoulder instability. There was a relatively poor rate of return to sport among athletes, and only about half of the patients were able to return at or above their preoperative level of ability.

Anatomic safe zones for arthroscopic snapping scapula surgery: quantitative anatomy of the superomedial scapula and associated neurovascular structures and the effects of arm positioning on safety.

BACKGROUND: Neurovascular anatomy has not been previously quantified for the arthroscopic snapping scapula approach with the patient in the most frequent patient position ("chicken-wing" position). The purposes of this study were (1) to determine anatomic relationships of the superomedial scapula and neurovascular structures at risk during arthroscopic surgical treatment of snapping scapula syndrome (SSS), (2) to compare these measurements between the arm in the neutral position and the arm in the chicken-wing position, and (3) to establish safe zones for arthroscopic treatment of SSS. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric hemi-torsos (mean age, 55.8 years; range, 52-66 years) were dissected to ascertain relevant anatomic structure locations including the (1) spinal accessory nerve, (2) dorsal scapular nerve, and (3) suprascapular nerve. A coordinate measuring device was used to collect data on the relationships of anatomic landmarks and at-risk structures during the surgical approach. RESULTS: The dorsal scapular nerve was a mean of 24.4 mm medial to the superomedial scapula in the neutral position and 33.1 mm medial in the chicken-wing position (P < .001); the dorsal scapular nerve was 21.7 mm medial to the medial border of the scapular spine in the neutral position and 35.5 mm medial in the chicken-wing position (P < .001). The mean distance from the superomedial angle to the spinal accessory nerve intersection at the superior scapular border was 16.5 mm in the neutral position and 15.0 mm in the chicken-wing position (P = .031). The average distance from the superomedial angle to the closest point of the spinal accessory nerve was 11.6 mm and 10.4 mm in the neutral position and chicken-wing position, respectively (P = .039). CONCLUSION: Neurologic structures around the scapula vary significantly between the neutral arm position and the chicken-wing position commonly used in the arthroscopic treatment of SSS. The chicken-wing position improves safe distances for the dorsal scapular nerve during medial-portal placement and should be considered as a primary position for arthroscopic management of SSS.

Mid-Term Outcomes of Arthroscopically-Assisted Anatomic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Using Tendon Allograft for High-Grade Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to assess clinical and radiographic outcomes of arthroscopically-assisted, anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using tendon allograft (AA-ACCR) for the treatment of Rockwood type III-V injuries at minimum 2-year follow-up and to perform subgroup analyses of clinical and radiographic outcomes for acute versus chronic and type III versus type IV-V injuries. METHODS: In this retrospective study of prospectively collected data, patients who underwent primary AA-ACCR for the treatment of type III-V dislocations and had minimum 2-year follow-up were included. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) were collected, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Numeric Assessment Evaluation score, Short Form-12 Physical Component Summary, Quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand score, and patient satisfaction. Preoperative and postoperative coracoclavicular distance (CCD) was obtained. PROs and CCD were reported for the total cohort and for the subgroups. Complication and revision rates were demonstrated. RESULTS: In total, 102 patients (10 women, 92 men) with a mean age of 45.0 years (range, 18-73 years) were included. There were 13 complications (12.7%) resulting in revision surgery. After exclusion of revised patients, PROs were available for 69 (77.5%). At mean follow-up of 4.7 years (range, 2.0-12.8 years), all PROs improved significantly (P < .001). Median patient satisfaction was 9.0 (interquartile range, 8.0-10.0). Median preoperative to postoperative CCD decreased significantly (P < .001). Subgroup analyses revealed significant improvements in all PROs and CCD from preoperative to postoperative for both acute and chronic, and type III and type IV-V dislocations (P < .05) with no significant differences in postoperative PROs and satisfaction between (P > .05). CONCLUSION: AA-ACCR for high-grade acromioclavicular joint injuries resulted in high postoperative PROs and patient satisfaction with significant improvements from before to after surgery in those who did not undergo revision surgery. Furthermore, subgroup analyses revealed that acute and chronic, and type III and type IV-V injuries benefitted similarly from AA-ACCR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; therapeutic case series.

Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Suprascapular Nerve Decompression for Suprascapular Neuropathy.

PURPOSE: To report clinical outcomes following arthroscopic suprascapular nerve (SSN) decompression for suprascapular neuropathy at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant pathology. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data of 19 patients who underwent SSN release at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch between April 2006 and August 2017 with ≥2 years of follow-up. Patients who underwent concomitant rotator cuff or labral repairs or had severe osteoarthritis were excluded. Pre- and postoperative strength and patient-reported outcomes were collected, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), 12-item Short Form (SF-12), and satisfaction. Complications and revisions were recorded. RESULTS: At a mean final follow-up of 4.8 years, pre- to postoperative ASES (64.9 ± 18.7 versus 83.5 ± 23.1; P = .018), QuickDASH (28.7 ± 17.2 versus 12.7 ± 17.1; P = .028), SANE (64.3 ± 16.4 versus 80.8 ± 22.3; P = .034), and SF-12 PCS (41.1 ± 10.8 versus 52.3 ± 5.8; P = .007) scores all significantly improved. Median strength for external rotation improved significantly (4 [range 2 to 5] versus 5 [range 3 to 5]; P = .014). There was no statistically significant improvement in median strength for abduction (4 [range 3 to 5] versus 5 [5]; P = .059). Median postoperative satisfaction was 9 (range 1 to 10), with 8 patients (50%) rating satisfaction ≥9. No complications were observed, and no patients went on to revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic SSN decompression for suprascapular neuropathy at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology results in good functional outcomes with significant improvements from before to after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, therapeutic case series.