Racial and Ethnic Disparity in Shoulder Surgery: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare disparity exists in utilization and delivery of musculoskeletal care and continues to be an obstacle for orthopedic healthcare providers to mitigate. Racial and ethnic disparities exist within various surgical fields including orthopedic surgery and are expected to continue to rise in upcoming years. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the racial and ethnic disparities on utilization and outcomes after common shoulder surgical procedures. QUESTIONS/PURPOSE: Are there racial or ethnic disparities in outcomes and utilization of shoulder surgeries? Is there evidence to explain the etiology underlying the differences in outcomes among racial and ethnic groups after shoulder surgery? PATIENTS/METHODS: A primary literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases using comprehensive Medical Subject Headings and subject-heading search terms. Studies were included if they reported utilization and or outcomes across two or more racial/ethnic groups in patients (age >16) who underwent shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), rotator cuff repair (RCR), arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR), Latarjet (LP) and internal fixation (ORIF) of PHF. Baseline demographics, data on procedure utilization, perioperative measures including mortality, operative time, length of stay (LOS), readmission and complications were extracted from included studies, and descriptive statistical analysis performed. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were identified for full text review of which 13 found race and ethnicity as factors affecting utilization and outcomes in TSA, RCR, ABR, LP and ORIF of PHF. Compared to White patients, Black patients were found to have decreased utilization, longer LOS, and greater operative time and mortality after TSA; Black patients also had longer operative times and time to discharge, and lower levels of reported satisfaction after RCR. Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was reported as an independent risk factor for post operative falls following TSA. Hispanic/Latino and Black patients have a higher risk of delayed surgery and greater risk of readmission after surgical treatment of PHF compared to patients of White race. CONCLUSION: This systematic review highlights the limited literature reporting the existence of racial and ethnic disparities in utilization and outcomes after common shoulder surgical procedures. Additionally, there is paucity of studies exploring the underlying etiology of racial and ethnic disparity in outcomes after shoulder surgery. More research is necessary to pave the way for evidence-based action plans to mitigate healthcare disparities after shoulder surgeries, but this review serves as a baseline for where efforts in direct improvement can begin.

Does the Addition of PROMIS Pain Instruments Improve the Sensitivity of PROMIS Upper Extremity Scores Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair?

INTRODUCTION: Though Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity (P-UE) has been validated in upper extremity orthopedics, it's ability to capture a patient's functional recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (aRCR), as measured by its responsiveness, is minimal in the early postoperative period. The primary purpose of this study is to determine if addition of PROMIS Pain Intensity (P-Intensity) or Pain Interference (P-Interference) scores to PROMIS UE improves the responsiveness throughout the one-year postoperative period after aRCR. METHODS: This prospective, longitudinal study included 100 patients who underwent aRCR. Patients completed P-UE, P-Interference, P-Intensity, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) scores preoperatively and at 2-weeks, 6-weeks, 3 months, 6-months and 12-months after surgery. Responsiveness at each time-point relative to preoperative baseline and one-way analysis of variance with post-hoc analysis was conducted for each PROM. Responsiveness of the outcome score was determined using the effect size (ES), graded as small (0.2), medium (0.5), or large (0.8). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was determined between these instruments at each time-point. RESULTS: In isolation, P-UE, P-Interference, and P-Intensity showed a medium-large ability to detect change (positive and negative) throughout the one-year postoperative period. The addition of PROMIS pain scores to P-UE improved the responsiveness of the instrument (from medium to a large effect size) starting at 3 months and continued throughout the 12 month follow-up period. Though the addition of pain scores increases the response burden for PROMIS, this was still lower when compared to the response burden for the legacy outcome scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of PROMIS pain instruments improves the responsiveness of the P-UE function score in patients undergoing aRCR.

Clinical outcomes of open Latarjet-Patte procedures performed for recurrent anterior shoulder instability with primary bone loss versus failed arthroscopic Bankart repair.

BACKGROUND: This study compares the outcomes of Latarjet-Patte procedures (LPs) performed for primary glenohumeral instability in the setting of critical bone loss (LP-BL) versus salvage surgery performed after a failed arthroscopic Bankart repair (LP-FB). METHODS: LP's performed by senior author from 2017 to 2021 were separated into cohorts by LP indication. Data abstracted from electronic medical records included demographic information, preoperative clinical scores, radiological imaging, and complications. Postoperative clinical outcome scores collected after a 2-year minimum follow-up included: patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) upper extremity (UE), PROMIS pain interference, PROMIS pain intensity, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and visual analog scale pain scores. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients (LP-BL: n=29, LP-FB: n=18) with a mean age of 29 years (range, 15-58 years) were included in this study. Both cohorts achieved good upper extremity functionality without significant differences as indicated by mean PROMIS UE (LP-BL: 52.6±10.0 vs. LP-FB: 54.6±7.6, P=0.442) and ASES score (LP-BL: 89.9±15.7 vs. LP-FB: 91.5±14.4, P=0.712). However, the LP-FB cohort reported lower levels of pain (LP-FB: 0.5±1.1 vs. LP-BL: 1.9±2.7, P=0.020) at their latest follow-up. There were no significant differences in complication rates including re-dislocation between cohorts (LP-BL: 2/29 [6.9%] vs. LP-FB: 2/18 [11.1%], P=0.629). CONCLUSIONS: When performed after failed Bankart repair, the LP results in similar postoperative functional outcomes and similar rates of complications and re-dislocations when compared to the primary indication of recurrent glenohumeral instability in the setting of critical bone loss. Level of evidence: III.

Analysis of factors associated with patient-reported outcome (PRO) score completion rate one year after shoulder surgeries.

Background: Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) are important metrics for monitoring improvements following shoulder surgery. Despite the easy accessibility of electronic PROM surveys, completion rates vary, and factors predictive of survey completion for patients enrolled in medical survey follow-up after shoulder surgery remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate survey completion rates for common shoulder procedures and identify factors predictive of PROM completion at one-year postoperatively. We hypothesize that the response rate to shoulder PROMs may vary by the shoulder procedure type after surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), rotator cuff repair (RCR), and instability surgery (Latarjet procedure [LP], and arthroscopic Bankart repair [ABR]) from 2019 to 2021 were prospectively enrolled. Each patient was administered PROM surveys via email preoperatively and at 2-weeks, 6-weeks, 3-months, 6-months, and 12-months following surgery. Demographics and socioeconomic characteristics were collected from our institutional database. The primary outcome studied was survey completion rate by procedure. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors predictive of completing 12-month follow-up. Results: A total of 514 (251 TSA, 194 RCR, and 69 instability surgery (35 LP, 34 ABR)) patients with an average age of 58 ± 15 years were included in this study. Overall, the 12-month survey completion rate for all procedures was 57.2%. TSA had the highest completion rate (64.9%), followed by RCR (52.1%), ABR (44.2%), and LP (42.9%). ABR and LP demonstrated more than a 50% drop in survey response at 2 weeks, and the RCR cohort demonstrated an increased attrition in survey response at the 6-month mark. Patients who completed the 12-month follow-up survey were older [61 ± 14 vs. 54 ± 17; P < .001], less frequently self-identified as Hispanic [13% vs. 23%; P = .009], less frequently single [32% vs. 44%; P = .008], and most frequently classified as the American Society of Anesthesiology [ASA] score II [65%, P = .001]. Conclusion: Postoperative PROM survey completion rates vary significantly among commonly performed shoulder procedures during the first year after surgery. Hispanic ethnicity and younger age were all predictive of a lower propensity, and the TSA procedure is predictive of higher odds for PROM survey completion at the 12-month follow-up.

Trends in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures from 2010 to 2020.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of proximal humerus fractures (PHF) is continuing to rise due to shifts towards a more aged population as well as advancements in surgical treatment options. The purpose of this study is to examine and compare trends in the treatment of PHFs (nonoperative vs. operative; different surgical treatments) across different age groups over the last decade (2010-2020). METHODS: The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database was queried using International Classification of Diseases and Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify all patients presenting with or undergoing surgery for PHF between 2010 and 2020. Treatment trends, demographics, and insurance information were analyzed during the study period. Comparisons were made between operative and nonoperative trends with respect to the number and type of surgeries performed among 3 age groups: ≤49 years, 50-64 years, and ≥65 years. The rate of postoperative complications and reoperations was evaluated and compared among different surgical treatments for patients with a minimum 1-year postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 92,308 patients with a mean age of 67.8 ± 16.8 years were included. Over the last decade, there was no significant increase in the percentage of PHFs treated with surgery. A total of 15,523 PHFs (16.82%) were treated operatively, and these patients, compared with the nonoperative cohort, were younger (64.9 years vs. 68.4 years, P < .001), more likely to be White (80.2% vs. 74.7%, P < .001), and more likely to have private insurance (41.4% vs. 32.0%, P < .001). For patients ≤49 years old, trends in operative treatment have remained stable with internal fixation (IF) as the most used surgical modality. For patients 50-64 years old, we observed a gradual decline in the use of hemiarthroplasty (HA), with a corresponding increase in the use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), but IF continued to be the most used operative modality. In patients over 65 years, a steep decline in the use of IF and HA was noted during the first half of the decade along with a significant exponential increase in the use of rTSA, which surpassed the use of IF in 2019. Despite the increase in the use of rTSA, no differences in rate of surgical complications were noted between rTSA and IF (χ2 = 0.245, P = .621) or reoperations (χ2 = 0.112, P = .730). CONCLUSION: Nonsurgical treatment remains the mainstay treatment of PHFs. Although there is no increase in the prevalence of operative treatment in patients ≥50 years in the last decade, there is an exponential increase in the use of rTSA with a corresponding decrease in HA and IF, a trend more substantial in patients ≥65 years compared with patients between 50 and 64 years.

No difference in complications between two-week vs. six-week duration of sling immobilization after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: The purpose of our study was to compare the outcomes and complications after a two- vs. six-week duration of sling immobilization following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). Methods: We conducted a retrospective review from our institutional database on 960 patients treated by primary rTSA between 2011 and 2021. Patients were separated into two cohorts of postoperative sling immobilization (a two-week and six-week group). Multivariate analysis was conducted to evaluate what factors were associated with patients experiencing either a postoperative complication or requiring reoperation. Results: A total of 276 patients were instructed to keep their operative arm in a sling for six weeks postoperatively, and 684 patients discontinued use at two weeks. There was no difference in postoperative complication rate (15.0% vs. 12.0%, P = .21), dislocation rate (P = .79), acromion stress fractures (P = .06), implant loosening (P = .15), and periprosthetic joint infections (P = .48) between the six- and two-week sling cohorts. In the immediate 90-day postoperative time period, no difference was seen in the reoperation rates (P = .73). Discussion: Shorter duration of sling immobilization (two weeks) does not incur additional risk of complications compared to standard duration (six weeks) of sling immobilization following rTSA.

Comparison of trends of inpatient charges among primary and revision shoulder arthroplasty over a decade: a regional database study.

Background: This study examined trends in inpatient charges for primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), hemiarthroplasty (HA), and revision total shoulder arthroplasty (revTSA) over the past decade. Methods: The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System was queried for patients undergoing primary aTSA, rTSA, HA, and revTSA from 2010 to 2020 using International Classification of Diseases procedure codes. The primary outcome measured was total charges per encounter. Secondary outcomes included accommodation and ancillary charges, charges covered by insurance, and facility volume. Ancillary charges were defined as fees for diagnostic and therapeutic services and accommodation charges were defined as fees associated with room and board. Subgroup analysis was performed to assess differences between high- and low-volume centers. Results: During the study period, 46,044 shoulder arthroplasty cases were performed: 18,653 aTSA, 4002 HA, 19,253 rTSA, and 4136 revTSA. An exponential increase in rTSA (2428%) and considerable decrease in HA (83.9%) volumes were observed during this period. Total charges were the highest for rTSA and revTSA and the lowest for aTSA. Subgroup analysis of revTSA by indication revealed that total charges were the highest for periprosthetic fractures. For aTSA, rTSA, and HA, high-volume centers achieved significantly lower total charges compared to low-volume centers. Over the study period, total inpatient charges increased by 57.2%, 38.4%, 102.4%, and 68.4% for aTSA, rTSA, HA, and revTSA, outpacing the inflation rate of 18.7%. Conclusion: Total inpatient charges for all arthroplasty types increased dramatically from 2010 to 2020, outpacing inflation rates, but high-volume centers demonstrated greater success at mitigating charge increases compared to low-volume centers.

Effects of increased body mass index on one year outcomes following soft tissue arthroscopic shoulder instability repair.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of high body mass index on the 1-year minimal outcome following arthroscopic shoulder stabilization. Methods: Patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) between 2017 and 2021 were identified and assigned to 1 of 3 cohorts based on their preoperative body mass index: normal (18-25), overweight (25-30), and obese (>30). The primary outcomes assessed were postoperative shoulder instability and revision rates. The 3 groups were compared using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) upper extremity, pain interference, pain intensity, Clinical Global Impression scores, visual analog scale pain scores, and shoulder range of motion at 1 year postoperatively. Results: During the study period, 142 patients underwent ABR and had an average age of 35 ± 10 years. Obese patients had a higher percentage of partial rotator cuff tears (60% vs. 27%, odds ratio: 3.2 [1.1, 9.2]; P = .009), longer mean operative time (99.8 ± 40.0 vs. 75.7 ± 28.5 minutes; P < .001), and shorter time to complication (0.5 ± 0 vs. 7.0 ± 0 months; P = .038). After controlling for confounding factors, obesity was associated with a lesser improvement in upper extremity function scores (obese vs. normal: -4.9 [-9.4, -0.5]; P = .029); although this difference exists, found future studies are needed to determine the clinical significance. There were no differences in patient reported outcome measures, recurrence rate, or revision surgery rates between cohorts at any time point (P > .05). Conclusion: Obesity is an independent risk factor for longer operative times but does not confer a higher risk of recurrent instability, revision surgery, or lower outcome scores 1 year following ABR.

Effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers on need for operative intervention for idiopathic adhesive capsulitis.

Background: The exact pathogenesis of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis (IAC) is not fully understood, but an inflammatory profibrotic cascade, largely mediated by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF- ß1) has been implicated. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) both decrease the activity of TGF-ß1. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of ACE-Is or ARBs use on the need for operative intervention in IAC. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients from a single institutional database with IAC, divided into two cohorts, with and without ACE-I and/or ARB use as the primary exposure and a minimum 2-year follow-up. The primary outcome measured was the incidence of operative intervention including manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) and arthroscopic capsular release (ACR). Additional multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate associations between ACE-I/ARB use and likelihood of undergoing an operative procedure. Results: A total of 17,645 patients met inclusion criteria, with 5424 patients in the ACE-I/ARB cohort and 12,221 in the non-ACE-I/ARB cohort. Overall, 422 (2.4%) patients underwent surgical treatment, 378 (2.1%) ACR, and 74 (0.4%) MUA. There was no significant difference between cohorts in the frequency of surgical procedures or time to procedure since diagnosis. There were no significant differences between individual ACE-Is or ARBs, although Losartan was found to have a trend of decreased rate of intervention (31.7% vs. 36.8%, P = .209) when compared to patients not on losartan that did not reach statistical significance. Patient factors predictive of undergoing MUA/ACR were diabetes (P = .013), obesity (P < .001), and male sex (P < .001). Increasing patient age reduces the likelihood of undergoing operative intervention, with patients aged 50-70 years (P = .022) and age >70 years (P < .001) demonstrating reduced odds as compared to patients aged <30 years. Conclusion: Patients with IAC have an overall low (2.4%) rate of requiring surgical intervention. While the antifibrotic mechanism of ACE inhibitors and ARBs did not significantly affect the rate of requiring surgical intervention, male gender, obesity, younger age, and diabetes, all increased the risk for operative intervention. Losartan, specifically, may have a disease modifying effect on IAC that should be investigated with larger controlled trials.

Snapping Sternoclavicular Joint.

Snapping sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a rare presentation in the SCJ. We present a case report detailing the presentation and treatment of unilateral snapping SCJ in a 14-year-old male patient. Clinical findings included the subluxation of the medial end of the clavicle in the anterior-posterior direction following a specific maneuver by the patient that involved repetitive external rotation with the arm in horizontal abduction. Dynamic ultrasound demonstrated an asymmetric widening of the right sternoclavicular joint in the neutral position with a pronounced subluxation in provocative positioning. At 3.5-year follow-up, he continued to remain pain-free without static deformity of the SCJ. Snapping SCJ is a benign phenomenon that does not require any intervention and is not associated with ligament laxity.

Inpatient charges, complication, and revision rates for shoulder arthroplasty in Parkinson disease: a regional database study.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson disease (PD) is an established risk factor for higher rates of complications and revision surgery following shoulder arthroplasty, yet the economic burden of PD remains to be elucidated. The purpose of this study is to compare rates of complication and revisions as well as inpatient charges for shoulder arthroplasty procedures between PD and non-PD patients using an all-payer statewide database. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty from 2010 to 2020 were identified from the New York (NY) Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database. Study groups were assigned based on concomitant diagnosis of PD at the time of index procedure. Baseline demographics, inpatient data, and medical comorbidities were collected. Primary outcomes measured were accommodation, ancillary, and total inpatient charges. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complication and reoperation rates. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate effect of PD on shoulder arthroplasty revision and complication rates. All statistical analysis was performed using R. RESULTS: A total of 39,011 patients (429 PD vs. 38,582 non-PD) underwent 43,432 primary shoulder arthroplasties (477 PD vs. 42,955 non-PD) with mean follow-up duration of 2.9 ± 2.8 years. The PD cohort was older (72.3 ± 8.0 vs. 68.6 ± 10.4 years, P < .001), with greater male composition (50.8% vs. 43.0%, P = .001), and higher mean Elixhauser scores (1.0 ± 4.6 vs. 7.2 ± 4.3, P < .001). The PD cohort had significantly greater accommodation charges ($10,967 vs. $7,661, P < .001) and total inpatient charges ($62,000 vs. $56,000, P < .001). PD patients had significantly higher rates of revision surgery (7.7% vs. 4.2%, P = .002) and complications (14.1% vs. 10.5%, P = .040), as well as significantly higher incidences of readmission at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. After controlling for age and baseline comorbidities, PD patients had 1.64 times greater odds of reoperation compared to non-PD patients (95% CI 1.10, 2.37; P = .012) and a hazard ratio of 1.54 for reoperation when evaluating revision-free survival following primary shoulder arthroplasty (95% CI 1.07, 2.20; P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: PD confers a longer length of stay, higher rates of postoperative complications and revisions, and greater inpatient charges in patients undergoing TSA. Knowledge of the associated risks and resource requirements of this population will aid surgeons in their decision making as they continue to provide care to a growing number of patients affected by PD.

90-day outcomes and factors for complications following radial head arthroplasty for Mason Type III and IV radial head fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate 90-day outcomes and complications following radial head arthroplasty (RHA) for Mason Type III and IV radial head fractures (RHFs) and determine factors predisposing patients to early complications and revision surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing RHA for Mason Type III and IV RHFs were identified retrospectively from an institutional database. Postoperative complications, reoperations, elbow range of motion, radiographs and concomitant injuries on the ipsilateral upper extremity were reviewed. Additionally, injuries were sub-classified as low-energy trauma (LET) or high-energy trauma (HET). Univariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the risk for complications using patient factors not limited to the presence of concomitant ligamentous or bony injuries. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Seventy four patients were included in our study with an average follow-up time of 12.7 months. Complications within 90-days of operation occurred in 8.1% of patients: heterotopic ossification (4.1%), superficial wound dehiscence (2.7%), and posterior interosseous nerve palsy (1.4%). No patients required readmission or revision surgery in the 90-day postoperative period. Univariate regression analysis did not demonstrate a significant association between diabetes, ASA status, HET versus LET, or the presence of concomitant injury. Concomitant injuries were found in 92% of patients. CONCLUSION: Radial head arthroplasty for RHFs demonstrates a low complication rate in the short-term. Diabetes, ASA class, high versus low energy trauma, and presence of concomitant injury were not found to be associated with higher complication rates in the 90-day postoperative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level of evidence IV, retrospective case series.

Prognostic factors associated with improvements in patient-reported outcomes in idiopathic adhesive capsulitis.

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors that are associated with improvements in patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) related to upper extremity function and pain in those suffering from idiopathic adhesive capsulitis. Methods: All patients treated conservatively for primary idiopathic adhesive capsulitis were identified from our institutional database between 2019 and 2021. Exclusion criteria included any patients treated surgically, follow-up less than one year, or incomplete survey results. PROMs including Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity Computer Adaptive Test Version 2.0 (P-UE), Pain Interference (P-Interference), Pain Intensity (P-Intensity), and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores. They were obtained at initial consultation and at one year to assess patient-perceived impact of their condition. Multiple linear and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with improvement in patient-perceived pain and shoulder function using final PROM scores and difference in PROM scores from initial consultation. An independent t-test was used to compare baseline and one-year minimum follow-up PROMs. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each factor; a P value of < .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 56 patients (40 females and 16 males) were enrolled in the study with an average age of 54.7 ± 7.7 years. A significant improvement (P < .001) was demonstrated at one-year minimum outcomes for P-UE, P-Interference, P-Intensity, and VAS scores. With respect to comorbid conditions, hypothyroidism [P-UE (ß: 9.57, P = .006)] was associated with greater improvements in PROMs, while hyperlipidemia [P-UE (ß: -4.13, P = .01) and P-Intensity (ß: 2.40, P = .02)] and anxiety [P-UE (ß: -4.13, P = .03)] were associated with poorer reported changes in PROMs. Female sex [P-UE (ß: 4.03, P = .007) and P-Interference (ß: -2.65, P = .04)] and employment in manual labor professions [P-Interference (ß: -3.07, P = .01), P-Intensity (ß: -2.92, P = .006), and VAS (ß: -0.66, P = .03)] were associated with significantly better patient-perceived outcomes. Hispanic heritage was associated with higher reported changes of P-Intensity (ß: 8.45, P = .004) and VAS (ß: 2.65, P = .002). Conclusion: Patient-perceived improvements in PROMIS score during the natural history of adhesive capsulitis are likely multifactorial, with anxiety, hyperlipidemia, increased body mass index, and Hispanic heritage associated with reduced improvement in PROMIS scores.

Return to Sport after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair of Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Perform a systematic literature review regarding return to sport (RTS) outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (aRCR) for full-thickness rotator cuff tears (FTRCTs). DATA SOURCES: Systematic review of all articles in PubMed, Medline, and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) was conducted in April 2022 using a combination of keywords: "rotator cuff repair," "RCR," "complete," "full-thickness," "tear," "RCT," "injury," "shoulder," "arthroscopic," "return to sport," "RTS," "sport," "return to play," and "athlete." Cohorts were included from all articles reporting RTS after aRCR for FTRCTs. Studies that were non-English, failed to distinguish between partial and FTRCT outcomes, or treated FTRCTs by open RCR, mini-open RCR, debridement, or nonsurgical management were excluded. Abstracted data included study design, surgical techniques, concomitant procedures, demographics, FTRCT type and size, patient-reported outcomes, type of sport, competition level, time to return, and reasons for failing to RTS. MAIN RESULTS: 11 studies were reviewed, with inclusion of 463 patients (385 athletes; mean age 47.9). RTS varied considerably in rate and timing, with 50.0% to 100% of patients returning on average between 4.8 to 14 months. In addition, 31 patients returned to a higher level of sport, 107 returned to or near preinjury level, and 36 returned to a lower level of competition or failed to RTS entirely. CONCLUSIONS: The ability for athletes to RTS after aRCR for FTRCTs is likely multifactorial, demonstrating high variability in return rates and time to RTS. Given the paucity of available literature, future studies are warranted to provide a more definitive consensus.

Analysis of patient factors associated with selection of corticosteroid injection in the freezing phase of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis.

BACKGROUND: Primary idiopathic adhesive capsulitis (AC) is characterized by shoulder pain and global limitations in range of motion (ROM). The aim of this study was to determine (1) if a spectrum of symptom severity exists during the freezing phase of AC and (2) identify factors associated with patient selection of corticosteroid injection (CSI) for treatment. METHODS: Patients presenting within 6 months of symptom onset of AC (freezing phase) were enrolled in this single-site retrospective case control study. Visual analog pain scale (VAS) score, shoulder ROM, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) scores, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS function and pain) scores were collected. Each patient was offered oral anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and intra-articular CSI. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: those electing vs. those deferring CSI. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify patient or symptom characteristics predictive of electing CSI. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients (mean age = 54.7 ± 8.8 years, female = 76 [67.9%], mean symptom duration = 13.2 ± 7.9 weeks, elected CSI = 74 [66.1%]) were included in our analysis. The overall study population demonstrated a wide spectrum of VAS pain scores (6.0 ± 2.8, range: 0-10) and ROM: forward elevation (99° ± 27°, range: 30°-150°), abduction (82° ± 24°, range: 30°-130°), external rotation (47° ± 13°, range: 0°-90°), internal rotation (38° ± 26°, range: 5°-90°). The CSI group had higher mean VAS pain score (6.6 ± 2.5 vs. 4.9 ± 3.0, P = .005) and greater limitations in ROM for forward elevation (92° ± 27° vs. 113° ± 25°, P = .001) and abduction (77° ± 24° vs. 90° ± 21°, P = .005) compared with the non-CSI cohort. The CSI group demonstrated significantly worse shoulder function based on Constant (P < .05), ASES (P = .001), P-UE (P = .016), P-Intensity (P = .002), and P-Interference (P = .004). Logistic regression demonstrated decreased total shoulder ROM in forward elevation and abduction plane (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.97-0.99, P = .004). Hispanic ethnicity and increased VAS pain score (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.01-1.43, P = .04) were associated with increased likelihood of electing CSI. CONCLUSION: A spectrum of symptom severity exists during the freezing phase of primary AC, despite similar etiology. AC patients with greater pain severity, and greater limitations in ROM at initial evaluation were associated with patient selection of CSI.