Mid- to long-term clinical and radiological results of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with B2 glenoids.

Background: Eccentric biconcave (B2) glenoid erosion in primary glenohumeral arthritis is common. There are serious concerns regarding the longevity of fixation of cemented glenoids if anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties (aTSAs) are used in B2 glenoid. The purpose of this study is to analyze the mid- to long-term results of aTSA with B2 glenoids. Methods: This is a retrospective study of a single center experience. Thirty patients (32 shoulders) at an average of 9.2 years (range, 5.0-16.6, ±3.2) after primary TSA were evaluated. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were analyzed. Results: The mean preoperative intermediate glenoid version was -14° ± 7° (range, -2° to -29°) and the mean humeral subluxation according to the plane of the scapula was 67% ± 9% (range, 49%-87%). There was a significant improvement for all the postoperative clinical outcome parameters including the mean absolute and relative Constant Score, subjective shoulder value, active elevation, external rotation, abduction, internal rotation, pain scores, and strength (P < .001). The complication rate was 15.6% and the revision rate was 12.5% at a mean follow-up of 9.2 years (range, 5.0-16.6, ±3.2). The estimated survivorship without revision was 94% at 5 years and 85% at 10 years (12.1-14.7 years). The survival rate without advanced glenoid component loosening (defined as Lazarus grade ≥ 4 or modified Molé scores ≥ 6) was 91% at 5 years and 84% at 10 years (12.2-15.8 years). Conclusion: In this case series, aTSA with asymmetric reaming for the treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis with milder forms of B2 glenoid is a viable option with good to excellent clinical results and an 85% prosthetic survivorship at 10 years.

Return to Professional Australian Rules Football After Surgery for Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of traumatic anterior shoulder instability in professional Australian Football League (AFL) players is challenging, with an emphasis on early return to play and avoidance of instability recurrence. PURPOSE: To investigate return-to-sport (RTS) outcomes and complications after 2 different procedures for traumatic anterior shoulder instability in professional AFL players. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our surgical database for professional AFL players who underwent capsulolabral stabilization or open Latarjet procedure by a single surgeon between 2006 and 2017. Outcomes included RTS, on-field performance, and complications. Between-group analyses for RTS and complications were estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Within-group analyses for on-field performance data were performed using paired t tests with significance set at .05. RESULTS: A total of 58 capsulolabral stabilization procedures in 54 players and 32 Latarjet procedures in 29 players were included in the analysis; 93.1% of capsulolabral patients and 96.9% of Latarjet patients returned to professional AFL. The median RTS time was 6.8 months for the capsulolabral group and 7.3 months for the Latarjet group. There was no significant difference in RTS rates between the 2 groups (P = .270). Of those undergoing surgery early in the season, 75% of the capsulolabral and 71% of Latarjet group were able to RTS within the same season, at a mean time of 16.9 weeks and 18.8 weeks, respectively. There was a significant difference in instability recurrence, with 19% for the capsulolabral group and no recurrence in the Latarjet group (P = .017). There was no significant reduction in player on-field performance in either group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: In this study, the median RTS in AFL players was approximately 7 months after capsulolabral and Latarjet surgery with no compromise to on-field performance. Instability-related complications occurred only in the capsulolabral group, and the incidence increased with time.

Braided tape is equivalent to modified Mason-Allen multi-strand #2 suture in subscapularis muscle repair: results of a biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: To help determine the optimal fixation method for subscapularis tendon repair in arthroplasty, the present study compares single-passage transosseous tape (BT) and modified Mason-Allen #2 suture (MA). METHODS: Eighteen human cadaveric shoulders were randomized to two repair constructs after arthroplasty preparation. Both techniques included two transosseous passages through the bicipital groove and then through the tendon at the level of the anatomical neck. Construct was tested using a traction machine, measuring cyclic loading and ultimate load to failure. RESULTS: The mean age of our specimens was 71 years. No significant difference was observed between the repair techniques in both mean ultimate load and cyclic loading. The mean (SD) ultimate load (UL) for BT was 293 (84) N and 342 (117) N for MA, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.374). The majority of repairs failed in the tendon. Bone cut-out was observed with the MA but not for the BT repair. No correlation was found between bone density and UL for BT (r = -0.09) but there was strong correlation for MA (r = 0.63). CONCLUSIONS: The MA repair appears to be more dependant on bone mineral density for ultimate load, indicating that braided-tape might be better suited for osteoporotic patients to avoid bone cut-out.

Biomechanical study comparing 3 fixation methods for rotator cuff massive tear: Transosseous No. 2 suture, transosseous braided tape, and double-row.

BACKGROUND: Important rotator cuff repair failure rates have prompted this study of the techniques and materials used in order to optimize clinical results. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Is the reconstruction of the rotator cuff biomechanically stronger when using: 1) transosseous with 2 mm braided tape suture (TOT), 2) transosseous with multi-strand No. 2 sutures (TOS), or 3) double row suture bridge with suture anchors loaded with No. 2 braided sutures (DRSB)? METHODS: Twenty-four cadaveric pig shoulders were randomized in the three repair constructs. The infraspinatus muscle was detached to mimic a complete laceration, repaired with one of the three repair groups and tested with a traction machine. Cameras recorded tendon displacement during trials. The ultimate strength (US), failure mode, and tendon displacement, qualified by the bare footprint area (BFA), during cycling phases were compared. RESULTS: The US for DRSB was 175 ± 82 Newton (N), 91 ± 51 N for TOS, and 147 ± 63 N for TOT. The BFA after 200 cycles was 81 ± 34% for TOS, 57 ± 41% for TOT, and 26 ± 27% for DRSB repairs. No significant difference was observed between the DRSB and TOT results for US or BFA percentage of loss during all the cycling phases. TOS proved to be weaker than TOT and DRSB. CONCLUSION: All the ruptures occurred in the tendon, which seems to be the weakness of rotator cuff repairs. The use of braided tape suture with a transosseous technique seems to be a cost effective, equivalent alternative implant compared to anchor fixation.

Braided tape suture provides superior bone pull-through strength than wire suture in greater tuberosity of the humerus.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to compare the pull-through strength of transosseous braided tape suture with wire suture in proximal humeri bones (greater tuberosity). METHODS: A biomechanical study on eight cadaveric human specimens where two transosseous sutures were randomly applied on each specimen (anterior and posterior). Force/displacement curves were obtained for each specimen and the maximum pull-through load was noted. RESULTS: There is a significant difference in maximal pull-through strength favoring braided tape suture over wire suture. CONCLUSIONS: Transosseous braided tape suture provides almost twice the bone pull-through strength and is slightly correlated to volumetric bone mineral density.