Adaptive pathology: new insights into the physical examination and imaging of the thrower's shoulder and elbow.

Throwing with high velocity requires extremes of glenohumeral external rotation of the abducted arm where particularly high forces in the shoulder and elbow are endured. Repeated throwing leads to dominant-arm bony remodeling of the humerus, glenoid, and elbow, and multiple soft tissue changes that would be considered abnormal. Many of these features are thought to be adaptive and protective. The purpose of this work is to (1) define the concept of adaptive pathology; (2) review the mechanics of the throwing motion; (3) review pertinent physical examination and imaging findings seen in asymptomatic throwers' shoulders and elbows and describe how these changes develop and may be adaptive-allowing the thrower to perform at high levels; and then (4) review the principles of surgical treatment in the throwing athletes, which should focus on reducing symptoms, but not necessarily restoring the thrower's anatomy to normal.

Obesity and sex influence fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff: the Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup (ROW) and Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Fatty infiltration (FI) is one of the most important prognostic factors for outcomes after rotator cuff surgery. Established risk factors include advancing age, larger tear size, and increased tear chronicity. A growing body of evidence suggests that sex and obesity are associated with FI; however, data are limited. METHODS: We recruited 2 well-characterized multicenter cohorts of patients with rotator cuff tears (Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network [MOON] cohort [n = 80] and Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup [ROW] cohort [n = 158]). We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the presence of FI while adjusting for the participant's age at magnetic resonance imaging, sex, and duration of shoulder symptoms, as well as the cross-sectional area of the tear. We analyzed the 2 cohorts separately and performed a meta-analysis to combine estimates. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients (33.8%) in the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) cohort and 57 patients (36.1%) in the Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup (ROW) cohort had FI. When BMI < 25 kg/m2 was used as the reference category, being overweight was associated with a 2.37-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-7.29) increased odds of FI and being obese was associated with a 3.28-fold (95% CI, 1.16-9.25) increased odds of FI. Women were 4.9 times (95% CI, 2.06-11.69) as likely to have FI as men. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with rotator cuff tears, obese patients had a substantially higher likelihood of FI. Further research is needed to assess whether modifying BMI can alter FI in patients with rotator cuff tears. This may have significant clinical implications for presurgical surgical management of rotator cuff tears. Sex was also significantly associated with FI, with women having higher odds of FI than men. Higher odds of FI in female patients may also explain previously reported early suboptimal outcomes of rotator cuff surgery and higher pain levels in female patients as compared with male patients.

Male Sex, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index Score, and Sport as Predictors of Large Labral Tears of the Shoulder: A Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder Instability Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To identify factors predictive of a large labral tear at the time of shoulder instability surgery. METHODS: As part of the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder Instability cohort, patients undergoing open or arthroscopic shoulder instability surgery for a labral tear were evaluated. Patients with >270° tears were defined as having large labral tears. To build a predictive logistic regression model for large tears, the Feasible Solutions Algorithm was used to add significant interaction effects. RESULTS: After applying exclusion criteria, 1235 patients were available for analysis. There were 222 females (18.0%) and 1013 males (82.0%) in the cohort, with an average age of 24.7 years (range 12 to 66). The prevalence of large tears was 4.6% (n = 57), with the average tear size being 141.9°. Males accounted for significantly more of the large tears seen in the cohort (94.7%, P = .01). Racquet sports (P = .01), swimming (P = .02), softball (P = .05), skiing (P = .04), and golf (P = .04) were all associated with large labral tears, as was a higher Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI; P = .01). Age, race, history of dislocation, and injury during sport were not associated with having a larger tear. Using our predictive logistic regression model for large tears, patients with a larger body mass index (BMI) who played contact sports were also more likely to have large tears (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple factors were identified as being associated with large labral tears at the time of surgery, including male sex, preoperative WOSI score, and participation in certain sports including racquet sports, softball, skiing, swimming, and golf. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, prognostic study.

Nonoperative treatment of chronic, massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: a systematic review with synthesis of a standardized rehabilitation protocol.

PURPOSE: A massive, irreparable rotator cuff tear may cause significant pain and dysfunction. However, the efficacy of nonoperative treatment modalities in this subset of patients is not currently well known. Also, there is currently no gold standard nonoperative protocol to guide treatment. The goal of the present systematic review is to determine if there is any evidence to support the use of various nonoperative treatment modalities and synthesize a standardized nonoperative treatment protocol for the patient with a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature utilizing PRISMA guidelines was performed. Studies involving clinical outcomes of nonoperative treatment of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears were included. Articles were reviewed by 2 reviewers to determine inclusion or exclusion based on established criteria. Selected articles were reviewed for results of clinical and functional outcomes. The studies were also reviewed to determine their level of evidence and potential sources of bias. A standardized nonoperative treatment protocol was developed by taking described elements of the protocols used in studies that demonstrated clinical improvement beyond the MCID for the outcome scores used by the authors. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies met inclusion criteria for our studies. Of the included studies, 1 was Level III evidence and the remaining 9 were Level IV evidence. Multiple studies showed significant improvement exceeding the MCID for functional outcome scores following treatment. Also, several studies demonstrated significant improvements in strength and range of motion. The overall success of nonoperative treatment ranged from 32%-96%. The synthesized nonoperative treatment protocol is characterized by requiring some supervised physical therapy, often requiring 12 weeks or more, focusing on supine exercises with gradual progression to upright. Corticosteroid injections and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be of benefit. CONCLUSION: Despite low-quality evidence, nonoperative treatment has been shown to be efficacious for patients with chronic, massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. Using these results, a synthesized rehabilitation program was developed to guide clinicians when treating patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Consensus statement on the treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: a Delphi approach by the Neer Circle of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Management of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCTs) remains controversial owing to variability in patient features and outcomes contributing to a lack of unanimity in treatment recommendations. The purpose of this study was to implement the Delphi process using experts from the Neer Circle of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons to determine areas of consensus regarding treatment options for a variety of MIRCTs. METHODS: A panel of 120 shoulder surgeons were sent a survey regarding MIRCT treatments including arthroscopic débridement and partial cuff repair, graft augmentation, reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), and tendon transfer. An iterative Delphi process was then conducted with a first-round questionnaire consisting of 13 patient factors with the option for open-ended responses to identify important features influencing the treatment of MIRCTs. The second-round survey sought to determine the importance of patient factors related to the 6 included treatment options. A third-round survey asked participants to classify treatment options for 60 MIRCT patient scenarios as either preferred treatment, acceptable treatment, not acceptable/contraindicated, or unsure/no opinion. Patient scenarios were declared to achieve consensus for the preferred and not acceptable/contraindicated categories when at least 80% of the survey respondents agreed on a response, and a 90% threshold was required for the acceptable treatment category, defined by an acceptable treatment or preferred treatment response. RESULTS: Seventy-two members agreed to participate and were deemed to have the requisite expertise to contribute based on their survey responses regarding clinical practice and patient volume. There were 20 clinical scenarios that reached 90% consensus as an acceptable treatment, with RSA selected for 18 scenarios and arthroscopic débridement and/or partial repair selected for 2. RSA was selected as the singular preferred treatment option in 8 scenarios. Not acceptable/contraindicated treatment options reached consensus in 8 scenarios, of which, 4 related to SCR, 3 related to RSA, and 1 related to partial repair with graft augmentation. CONCLUSION: This Delphi process exhibited significant consensus regarding RSA as a preferred treatment strategy in older patients with pseudoparesis, an irreparable subscapularis, and dynamic instability. In addition, the process identified certain unacceptable treatments for MIRCTs such as SCR in older patients with pseudoparesis and an irreparable subscapularis or RSA in young patients with an intact or reparable subscapularis without pseudoparesis or dynamic instability. The publication of these scenarios and areas of consensus may serve as a useful guide for practitioners in the management of MIRCTs.

Surgical outcomes in the Frequency, Etiology, Direction, and Severity (FEDS) classification system for shoulder instability.

BACKGROUND: The Frequency, Etiology, Direction, and Severity (FEDS) system was developed as a simple but reliable method for classifying shoulder instability based on 4 factors attainable by history and physical examination: frequency (solitary, occasional, or frequent); etiology (traumatic or atraumatic); direction (anterior, posterior, or inferior); and severity (subluxation or dislocation). This study investigated the epidemiology and 2-year surgical outcomes for the FEDS categories in the prospective Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder Instability cohort. METHODS: At the time of surgery, 1204 patients were assigned to the FEDS categories. Follow-up data were available for 636 of 734 patients (86.6%) who had undergone surgery at least 2 years prior to analysis. The most common categories were further analyzed by patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores) and rates of recurrent subluxation, recurrent dislocation, and revision surgery. RESULTS: Of the 36 FEDS categories, 16 represented at least 1% of patients. Occasional traumatic anterior dislocation (OTAD) was the most common category, with 16.4% of patients. Five other anterior categories (solitary traumatic anterior subluxation, occasional traumatic anterior subluxation [OTAS], frequent traumatic anterior subluxation [FTAS], solitary traumatic anterior dislocation, and frequent traumatic anterior dislocation) and one posterior category (solitary traumatic posterior subluxation [STPS]) represented at least 5% of patients. PROs improved significantly for each category. The highest rates of recurrent subluxation occurred in FTAS, OTAS, and OTAD cases; dislocation, OTAS and FTAS cases; and further surgery, OTAD cases. The lowest rates of failure occurred in STPS cases. Downward trends in PROs and higher failure rates were noted with an increasing number of preoperative dislocations. CONCLUSION: Different FEDS categories showed varying degrees of improvement and failure rates, indicating that the system can be used to provide prognostic insight for presurgical education. Overall, outcomes decreased with a higher number of preoperative dislocations.

Decision making in treatment after a first-time anterior glenohumeral dislocation: A Delphi approach by the Neer Circle of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of patients who sustain a first-time anterior glenohumeral dislocation (FTAGD) is controversial. The purpose of this study was to find consensus among experts using a validated iterative process in the treatment of patients after an FTAGD. METHODS: The Neer Circle is an organization of shoulder experts recognized for their service to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. Consensus among 72 identified experts from this group was sought with a series of surveys using the Delphi process. The first survey used open-ended questions designed to identify patient-related features that influence treatment decisions after an FTAGD. The second survey used a Likert scale to rank each feature's impact on treatment decisions. The third survey used highly impactful features to construct 162 clinical scenarios. For each scenario, experts recommended surgery or not and reported how strongly they made their recommendation. These data were analyzed to find clinical scenarios that had >90% consensus for recommending treatment. These data were also used in univariate and multivariate mixed-effects models to identify odds ratios (ORs) for different features and to assess how combining these features influenced the probability of surgery for specific populations. RESULTS: Of the 162 scenarios, 8 (5%) achieved >90% consensus for recommending surgery. All of these scenarios treated athletes with meaningful bone loss at the end of their season. In particular, for contact athletes aged > 14 years who were at the end of the season and had apprehension and meaningful bone loss, there was >90% consensus for recommending surgery after an FTAGD, with surgeons feeling very strongly about this recommendation. Of the scenarios, 22 (14%) reached >90% consensus for recommending nonoperative treatment. All of these scenarios lacked meaningful bone loss. In particular, surgeons felt very strongly about recommending nonoperative treatment after an FTAGD for non-athletes lacking apprehension without meaningful bone loss. The presence of meaningful bone loss (OR, 6.85; 95% confidence interval, 6.24-7.52) and apprehension (OR, 5.60; 95% confidence interval, 5.03-6.25) were the strongest predictors of surgery. When these 2 features were combined, profound effects increasing the probability of surgery for different populations (active-duty military, non-athletes, noncontact athletes, and contact athletes) were noted, particularly non-athletes. CONCLUSION: Consensus for recommending treatment of the FTAGD patient was not easily achieved. Certain combinations of patient-specific factors, such as the presence of meaningful bone loss and apprehension, increased the probability of surgery after an FTAGD in all populations. Over 90% of shoulder instability experts recommend surgery after an FTAGD for contact athletes aged > 14 years at the end of the season with both apprehension and meaningful bone loss. Over 90% of experts would not perform surgery after a first dislocation in patients who are not athletes and who lack apprehension without meaningful bone loss.

Which Is the Best Outcome Measure for Rotator Cuff Tears?

BACKGROUND: The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Form (ASES), the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and the shortened Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (quickDASH) are patient-reported upper extremity-specific outcome scales currently used to evaluate patients with rotator cuff tears. This heterogeneity does not allow for a uniform metric for research and patient care. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Our objective was to determine psychometric properties (reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and responsiveness) of five commonly used outcome instruments (the ASES, the SPADI, the quickDASH, the SF-12, and the EuroQol-5D) in a longitudinal study of patients undergoing treatment for rotator cuff tears. METHODS: From February 2011 through June 2015, 120 patients completed a standardized history, the five outcome scales under study, a physical examination, and an MRI. Of these, 47 (39%) were lost to followup before 18 months, and another 24 (20%) were accounted for at 18 months but had missing data at one or more of the earlier prespecified followup intervals (3, 6, or 12 months). Reliability (the reproducibility of an outcome instrument between subjects; tested by Cronbach's alpha), convergent and discriminant validity (determining which outcome measures correlate most strongly with others; tested by Spearman's correlation coefficients), and responsiveness (the change in outcome scales over time based on percent improvement in shoulder functionality using the minimal clinically important difference [MCID] and the subjective shoulder value) were calculated. RESULTS: All outcomes measures had a Cronbach's alpha above 0.70 (range, 0.74-0.94) and therefore were considered reliable. Convergent validity was demonstrated as the upper extremity-specific measures (SPADI, ASES, and quickDASH) were more strongly correlated with each other (rho = 0.74-0.81; p < 0.001) than with any of the other measures. Discriminant validity was demonstrated because the Spearman's correlation coefficients were stronger for the relationships between upper extremity measures compared with the correlations between upper extremity measures and general health measures for 53 of the 54 correlations that were compared. Both internal and external responsiveness of the measures was supported. Patients who achieved the MCID and at least a 30% change on the subjective shoulder value had more positive change in scores over time compared with those who did not. Mixed model linear regressions revealed that all three upper extremity-specific measures had a group by time interaction for the MCID, indicating that patients who achieved the MCID had greater change over time compared with those who did not achieve the MCID. Results showed that the measure with the best discrimination between groups, or best internal responsiveness, was the ASES (beta = -8.26, 95% confidence interval [CI], -11.39 to -5.14; p < 0.001; η = 0.089) followed by the SPADI (beta = 6.88, 95% CI, 3.78-9.97; p < 0.001; η = 0.088) then the quickDASH (beta = 3.43, 95% CI, 0.86-6.01; p = 0.009, η = 0.027). Measures with the best external responsiveness followed the same pattern of results. CONCLUSIONS: All the upper extremity-specific scales had acceptable psychometric properties. Correlations were high and thus only one upper extremity-specific instrument is needed for outcome assessment. Given the overall psychometric assessment, we recommend SPADI be the shoulder-specific instrument used to assess outcomes in patients with rotator cuff tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

Epidemiology of the Frequency, Etiology, Direction, and Severity (FEDS) system for classifying glenohumeral instability.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this multicenter epidemiologic study was to determine the distribution of patients within the Frequency, Etiology, Direction, and Severity (FEDS) classification system to determine which categories are of clinical importance. METHODS: Shoulder instability patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision coding data from 3 separate institutions from 2005-2010. Data were collected retrospectively. Details of instability were recorded in accordance with the FEDS classification system. Each patient was assigned a classification within the FEDS system. After all patients were assigned to a group, each group was individually analyzed and compared with the other groups. RESULTS: There are a total of 36 possible combinations within the FEDS system. Only 16 categories were represented by at least 1% of our patient population. Six categories captured at least 5% of all patients with shoulder instability. Only 2 categories represented greater than 10% of the population: solitary, traumatic, anterior dislocation, with 95 patients (24.8%), and occasional, traumatic, anterior dislocation, with 63 patients (16.4%). CONCLUSIONS: There are 16 categories within the FEDS classification that are clinically significant. Solitary, traumatic, anterior dislocation and occasional, traumatic, anterior dislocation were the most frequently observed in our cohort.

Physical therapy versus natural history in outcomes of rotator cuff tears: the Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup (ROW) cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We compared the outcomes of patients who performed physical therapy versus those who did not in a longitudinal cohort of patients undergoing nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff tears. We also assessed whether there was a dose effect in which the pain and functional outcomes in patients performing physical therapy plateaued. METHODS: From February 2011 to June 2015, a multicenter cohort of patients with rotator cuff tears undergoing nonoperative treatment completed a detailed health and demographic questionnaire and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Longitudinal mixed models were used to assess whether physical therapy in the first 3 months predicted SPADI scores and dose effect. RESULTS: Among the 55 patients in our cohort, the performance of physical therapy within the first 3 months predicted better SPADI scores versus nonperformance of physical therapy at 3 months (P = .02). Scores were similar between groups at 6, 12, and 18 months. A threshold of 16 physical therapy sessions was observed for pain and functional improvement during follow-up, after which significant improvement was not seen. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who performed physical therapy within the first 3 months had statistically significant improvements in pain and function as measured by the SPADI score at 3 months compared with patients who did not report performing physical therapy. Depending on the minimal clinically important difference used for the SPADI score, our results could be interpreted as meeting the minimal clinically important difference threshold or not. Improvement in outcomes was observed up to 16 sessions of physical therapy, after which outcomes plateaued.

Predictors of pain and functional outcomes after operative treatment for rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: Optimal patient selection is key to success of operative treatment for cuff tears. We assessed predictors of pain and functional outcomes in a longitudinal cohort of patients undergoing operative treatment. METHODS: From March 2011 to January 2015, a cohort of patients with rotator cuff tears undergoing rotator cuff surgery was recruited. Patients completed a detailed health and demographic questionnaire, standardized shoulder questionnaires, including the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Patients received follow-up questionnaires at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. We assessed longitudinal predictors of SPADI using longitudinal mixed models. Interactions with follow-up duration after surgery were also assessed. RESULTS: In our analysis (n = 50), a lower Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire physical activity score (P = .001) predicted a lower SPADI score (better shoulder pain and function). Those consuming alcohol 1 to 2 times per week or more had lower SPADI scores than those consuming alcohol 2 to 3 times per month or less (P = .017). Both of these variables had a significant interaction with duration of follow-up. Variables that were not significant predictors of SPADI included sociodemographic characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging characteristics, such as tear size and muscle quality, shoulder strength, and variations in surgical techniques/performance of adjuvant surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Those with higher fear avoidance behavior and alcohol use of 1 to 2 times per week had worse shoulder pain and function at 18 months of follow-up. These data can be used to select optimal candidates for operative treatment of rotator cuff tears and assist with patient education and expectations before treatment.

Early return to baseline range of motion and strength after anterior shoulder instability surgery: a Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) shoulder group cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients often return to higher-level activities and sports at 4 to 8 months after anterior shoulder stabilization procedures. It is unknown what percentage of patients have regained normal function at this time frame and what factors predict residual deficits, range of motion (ROM), and strength after anterior shoulder instability surgery. METHODS: Ten participating sites throughout the United States enrolled patients in a prospective cohort study including primary, revision, arthroscopic, and open anterior stabilization procedures. Baseline demographic data and patient outcomes questionnaires were collected with initial physical examination, treatment, surgical findings, and surgical repair details. At the 6-month follow-up visit, ROM and strength measurements were collected and compared with preoperative measurements. RESULTS: There were 348 patients identified who underwent surgical treatment for anterior shoulder instability. Of these, 259 patients (74.0%) returned to baseline, and 89 (26.0%) did not return to baseline shoulder ROM (≥20° loss of ROM) or strength. A higher Beighton score (P = .01) and number of dislocations (P < .01) were associated with failure to regain baseline ROM and strength at early follow-up. No surgical variables were found to influence return to baseline function, including open vs. arthroscopic surgery, primary vs. revision surgery, and number of suture anchors. CONCLUSIONS: By 4 to 8 months postoperatively, 76% of patients return to baseline ROM, 98% return to baseline strength, and 74% return to both baseline ROM and strength. An increased number of dislocations and generalized joint laxity were associated with failure to return to baseline ROM and strength at early follow-up after anterior shoulder instability surgery.

Charcot shoulder and elbow: a review of the literature and update on treatment.

Charcot arthropathy of the shoulder and elbow is a rare disease process initially described in the 1700s; however, it was not until the 19th century that physicians understood its association with other disease processes such as cervical spine pathology and diabetes. A primary complaint is painful or painless joint dysfunction, meaning the orthopedic surgeon is regularly the first physician to evaluate the patient. Frequently, the condition of these patients is misdiagnosed. Although the pathogenesis of the disease is controversial, the etiology is commonly due to syringomyelia. The key to successful management is a thorough history and examination along with a workup including specific laboratory testing and imaging to rule out other disease processes. Most neuropathic shoulders and elbows have historically been managed conservatively because of poor outcomes with operative interventions. Newer data have emerged hinting that early neurosurgical intervention can stabilize this degenerative process. If clinical and radiographic stabilization occurs, recent studies have outlined surgical indications that can provide surgeons with a guide as to patients in whom successful operative outcomes can be achieved in the face of failed conservative management.

Genetic and familial predisposition to rotator cuff disease: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff disease is a common disorder leading to shoulder pain and loss of function. Its etiology in atraumatic cases is uncertain and is likely to extend beyond repetitive microtrauma or overuse. Our objective was to determine whether there is a genetic or familial predisposition to rotator cuff disease. METHODS: A literature search of PubMed and Embase databases identified 251 citations. After review of the titles, abstracts, and full articles, 7 met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Four studies assessed familial predisposition to rotator cuff disease. One of these demonstrated that siblings of an individual with a rotator cuff tear were more likely to develop a full-thickness tear and more likely to be symptomatic. A 5-year follow-up showed that the relative risks were increased for the siblings to have a full-thickness tear, for a tear to progress in size, and for being symptomatic. Another study demonstrated that a significantly higher number of individuals with tears had family members with a history of tears or surgery than those without tears did. The other 3 studies investigated whether a genetic predisposition to rotator cuff disease exists and found significant association of haplotypes in DEFB1, FGFR1, FGF3, ESRRB, and FGF10 and 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms within SAP30BP and SASH1. CONCLUSION: Prior studies provide preliminary evidence for genetic and familial predisposition to rotator cuff disease. However, there is a lack of large genome-wide studies that can provide more definitive information and guide early detection of individuals at risk, prophylactic rehabilitation, and potential gene therapies and regenerative medicine interventions.

A systematic review of cost-effective treatment of postoperative rotator cuff repairs.

OBJECTIVE: The Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative combines payment of multiple services for episodes of care into 1 bundle. Rotator cuff repair is a likely candidate for future inclusion. The objective of this study was to determine cost-effective, high-quality postoperative rehabilitation dosing and cryotherapy for patients undergoing rotator cuff repair based on systematic review of the literature. METHODS: Systematic review of level I and level II articles was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Databases, and PEDro. Conference references and bibliographies were also reviewed. For postoperative therapy, keywords included rotator cuff, rotator cuff repair, exercise therapy, exercise, unsupervised, self-care, postoperative period, physical therapy, and physiotherapy; for cryotherapy, keywords included rotator cuff repair, shoulder, cryotherapy, and ice. RESULTS: Five studies compared postoperative outcomes in participants assigned to supervised therapy vs. unsupervised therapy. Three found no difference between groups. One found improved outcomes in supervised therapy. Limitations included that therapies were not consistently defined and significant methodologic issues were present, decreasing the applicability and validity of the results. Five articles examined cryotherapy outcomes in the postoperative shoulder. Two studies showed improved patient outcomes with cryotherapy vs. no cryotherapy; 2 studies showed no decrease in joint space temperatures at 90 minutes but decrease in temperature at 4 to 23 hours postoperatively. One study indicated that an ice bag and Ace bandage might be as effective as continuous, compressive cryotherapy units using patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION: Further studies are needed to determine effective dosing of physical therapy after rotator cuff repair. Cryotherapy is favorable and cost-effective using simple methods for delivery.

The True Recurrence Rate and Factors Predicting Recurrent Instability After Nonsurgical Management of Traumatic Primary Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To (1) define the cumulative recurrence rate after primary anterior shoulder dislocation in Level I and II comparative studies and (2) to pool risk ratios for common risk factors to provide a clinically practical hierarchy of modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for recurrence. METHODS: Level I and II prognostic studies were identified using the electronic databases CINAHL, Embase, and MEDLINE from inception to December 2014. Included studies (n = 15) had recurrent dislocation as the main outcome, and a minimum 2-year follow-up. The cumulative odds ratio of prognostic factors was calculated where appropriate. Bias was assessed in each study using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. RESULTS: The reported rate of recurrence ranged from 19% to 88% (pooled overall = 21%; pooled Level I only = 47%). The pooled time to recurrence was 10.8 months (standard deviation 0.42). Male sex (n = 6 studies) conferred a 2.68 (1.66-4.31; P < .001) and patient age <20 years (n = 4 studies) conferred a 12.76 (5.77-28.2; P < .001; vs >20 years) increased odds of recurrence. An associated greater tuberosity fracture (n = 7 studies) decreased the odds of recurrence by 3.8 times (2.94-5.00; P < .001). The quality of evidence was moderate for age, low for sex, and very low for all other prognostic variables. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled rate of recurrence after primary anterior shoulder instability was found to be 21% among moderate- to high-quality prognostic studies. Male sex and younger age predicted a significantly higher risk of recurrent instability (approaching 80%), whereas concurrent fracture of the greater tuberosity significantly decreased the risk of subsequent recurrent dislocation. However, considering the quality of available evidence for these predictors, there remains a clear need for further high-quality prospective studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, systematic review of Level I and II prognostic studies.

Why Measure Outcomes?

The concept of measuring the outcomes of treatment in health care was promoted by Ernest Amory Codman in the early 1900s, but, until recently, his ideas were generally ignored. The forces that have advanced outcome measurement to the forefront of health care include the shift in payers for health care from the patient to large insurance companies or government agencies, the movement toward assessing the care of populations not individuals, and the effort to find value (or cost-effective treatments) amid rising healthcare costs. No ideal method exists to measure outcomes, and the information gathered depends on the reason the outcome information is required. Outcome measures used in research are best able to answer research questions. The methods for assessing physician and hospital performance include process measures, patient-experience measures, structure measures, and measures used to assess the outcomes of treatment. The methods used to assess performance should be validated, be reliable, and reflect a patient's perception of the treatment results. The healthcare industry must measure outcomes to identify which treatments are most effective and provide the most benefit to patients.