Nonlinear Analytical Procedure for Predicting Debonding of Laminate from Substrate Subjected to Monotonic or Cyclic Load.

The bonding of steel/fiber-reinforced polymer (SRP/FRP) laminate strips to concrete/masonry elements has been found to be an effective and efficient technology for improving the elements' strength and stiffness. However, premature laminate-substrate debonding is commonly observed in laboratory tests, which prevents the laminate from reaching its ultimate strength, and this creates uncertainty with respect to the level of strengthening that can be achieved. Therefore, for the safe and effective application of this technology, a close estimate of the debonding load is necessary. Towards this end, in this paper, a new, relatively simple, semi-analytic model is presented to determine the debonding load and the laminate stress and deformation, as well as the interfacial slip, for concrete substrates bonded to SRP/FRP and subjected to monotonic or cyclic loading. In the model, a bond-slip law with a linearly softening branch is combined with an elasto-plastic stress-strain relationship for SRP. The model results are compared with available experimental data from single-lap shear tests, with good agreement between them.

Fragility Fractures of the Acetabulum: Current Concepts for Improving Patients' Outcomes.

The incidence of fragility fractures of the acetabulum (FFA) is constantly increasing. Generally, these fractures are related to a fall on the greater trochanter involving the anterior column. The management of FFA is extremely difficult considering both patients' comorbidities and poor bone quality. Both non-operative and several operative treatment protocols are available, and the choice among them is still ambiguous. The proposed surgical techniques for FFA [namely open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), percutaneous fixation and total hip arthroplasty (THA)] are associated with a high complication rate. The treatment with the higher early mortality is the ORIF + THA, while the one with the lowest is the non-operative. However, at longer follow-up, this difference dreadfully change is becoming the opposite. Frequently ORIF, percutaneous fixation, and non-operative treatment need a subsequent re-operation through a THA. This latter could be extremely difficult, because of poor bone quality, acetabular mal union/non-union, bone gaps and hardware retention. However, the outcomes of each of the proposed treatment are mostly poor and controverted; therefore, a comprehensive patient evaluation and an accurate fracture description are required to appropriately manage acetabular fracture in the elderly.

Problems, complications, and reinterventions in 4893 onlay humeral lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasties, a systematic review: part II-problems and reinterventions.

BACKGROUND: Several modifications to the original Grammont reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) design have been proposed to prevent distinctive issues, such as both glenoid and humeral lateralization. The aim of this systematic review was to determine rates of problems, complications, reoperations, and revisions after onlay lateralized humeral stem RSA, hypothesizing that these are design related. METHODS: This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement guidelines. A literature search was conducted (1 January 2000 to 14 April 2020) using PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, Scopus, and Google Scholar, employing several combinations of keywords: "reverse shoulder arthroplasty," "reverse shoulder prosthesis," "inverse shoulder arthroplasty," "inverse shoulder prosthesis," "problems," "complications," "results," "outcomes," "reoperation," and "revision." RESULTS: Thirty-one studies with 4893 RSA met inclusion criteria. The 892 postoperative problems and 296 postoperative complications represented overall problem and complication rates of 22.7% and 7.5%, respectively. Forty-one reoperations and 63 revisions resulted, with overall reoperation and revision rates of 1.7% and 2.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Problem, complication, and reintervention rates proved acceptable when implanting a high humeral lateralization stem RSA. The most frequent problem was scapular notching (12.6%), and the most common postoperative complication was scapular stress fracture (1.8%). An overall humeral complication rate of 1.9% was identified, whereas no humeral fractures or stem loosening were reported with short stems. Infections (1.3%) were the most common reason for component revision, followed by instability (0.8%). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review IV.

Problems, complications, and reinterventions in 4893 onlay humeral lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasties: a systematic review (part I-complications).

BACKGROUND: Several modifications to the original Grammont reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) design have been proposed to prevent distinctive issues, such as both glenoid and humeral lateralization. The aim of this systematic review was to determine rates of problems, complications, reoperations, and revisions after onlay lateralized humeral stem RSA, hypothesizing that these are design related. METHODS: This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement guidelines. A literature search was conducted (01.01.2000-14.04.2020) using PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, Scopus, and Google Scholar employing several combinations of keywords: "reverse shoulder arthroplasty," "reverse shoulder prosthesis," "inverse shoulder arthroplasty," "inverse shoulder prosthesis," "problems," "complications," "results," "outcomes," "reoperation," "revision." RESULTS: Thirty-one studies with 4893 RSA met inclusion criteria. The 892 postoperative problems and 296 postoperative complications represented overall problem and complication rates of 22.7% and 7.5%, respectively. Forty-one reoperations and 63 revisions resulted, with an overall reoperation rate of 1.7% and overall revision rate of 2.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Problem, complication, and reintervention rates proved acceptable when implanting a high humeral lateralization stem in RSA. The most frequent problem was scapular notching (12.6%), and the most common postoperative complication was scapular stress fracture (1.8%). An overall humeral complication rate of 1.9% was identified, whereas short stems reported no humeral fractures or stem loosening. Infections (1.3%) proved to be the most common reason for component revision, and instability had a complication rate of 0.8%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review IV.

Clinical Outcomes and Joint Stability after Lateralized Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty with and without Subscapularis Repair: A Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Subscapularis tendon repair in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty represents a potentially modifiable risk factor for dislocation, and its role continues to be debated. The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of the primary lateralized RSAs with and without subscapularis repair in terms of range of motion, clinical outcomes, dislocations, and complications rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search in MEDLINE (Pubmed), Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database was carried up to December 2020. A data extraction form was developed to collect select data from the included studies. The methodological quality was assessed using a Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) score. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager (Version 5.4, The Cochrane Collaboration). RESULTS: A total of four comparative studies involving 978 patients were included. In the pooled analysis, the reinsertion of the subscapularis yielded better functional outcomes in terms of the constant (P < 0.00001) and ASES (P = 0.002) scores. The forward elevation, external rotation at 0°, internal rotation, and dislocation rates were comparable between the two groups (P = n.s.), while statistically increased abduction was observed in those patients who did not have their subscapularis repaired (P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: The results of the present findings suggest that it seems reasonable to reinsert the subscapularis whenever it is present, in good tissue conditions, and with no evidence of fatty degeneration of its muscle belly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III meta-analysis.

Risk factors for instability after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to identify risk factors related to postoperative instability after reverse shoulder arthroplasty and evaluate the modalities and results of treatments in a large series of patients, with medium to long-term follow-up. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter series of 1035 consecutive Grammont type reverse shoulder arthroplasties implanted between 1992 and 2010. 19.9% had a reverse shoulder arthroplasty with bony lateralization on the glenoid side. Patients were reviewed and radiographed with minimum five years' follow-up. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of eight years, the overall rate of postoperative instability was 3.0%. Instability was more frequent in case of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for revision surgery, in younger patients, in case of scapular notching, and tuberosity resorption. Lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasties were associated with a lower instability rate. A reoperation to restore stability was needed in 70% of cases. The improvement in Constant Score was lower in patients with unstable reverse shoulder arthroplasties when compared to stable reverse shoulder arthroplasties. CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients are at higher risk for instability after Grammont type reverse shoulder arthroplasty implantation. Conversely, lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasties resulted protective. When conservative treatment had failed, shoulder stability can be obtained with reoperation or prosthetic revision (needed in 70% of the cases), but to the price of lower functional results.

Long head biceps tendon instability: diagnostic performance of known and new MRI diagnostic signs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to evaluate the inter-observer agreement and diagnostic performance values of 7 MRI signs (3 known and 4 new) of long head biceps tendon instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI of 86 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Inter-observer agreement and diagnostic performance of each diagnostic sign and of all combined signs (with the exception of detour sign) were tested for identification of biceps tendon instability, with arthroscopy as the reference standard. RESULTS: Agreement between expert operators was moderate to good. Sensitivity, specificity, and sign accuracy showed a variation respectively of the following: humeral chondral print 72-80%, 62-68%, and 70-76%; subchondral bone edema 24-31%, 84-97%, and 50%; biceps tendon angle 60-71%, 97-100%, and 74-81%, biceps tendon-groove distance 31-47%, 90-100%, and 56-64%; long head biceps subluxation/dislocation on axial plane 49-53%, 97-100%, and 66-70%; displacement sign 74-80%, 74-100%, and 74-87%; detour sign 51-64%, 58-81%, and 62-64%; and all signs 98-100%, 32-61%, and 75-86%. CONCLUSION: These diagnostic signs, both known and new, individually and/or in combination, provide a valid tool in the MRI diagnosis of long head biceps tendon instability.

Comma sign of subscapularis tear: diagnostic performance and magnetic resonance imaging appearance.

BACKGROUND: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and interobserver agreement in the identification of the comma sign. The second objective was to look for a correlation between the comma sign and the detachment of the superficial fascia of the subscapularis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two radiologists, blinded to the arthroscopic findings, retrospectively assessed the magnetic resonance images of 110 shoulders and were asked to assess the presence of the comma sign and the intact subscapularis fascia. The inter-reader agreement and the MRI performance values for detection of the comma sign were calculated. In addition, the association between the intact superficial subscapularis fascia and the comma sign was evaluated. RESULTS: The agreement between the 2 radiologists was perfect. The following values were obtained: sensitivity, 90.9%; specificity, 98.8%; positive predictive value, 95.2%; negative predictive value, 97.7%; and accuracy, 97.2%. No association between the comma sign and subscapularis fascia lesions was found. CONCLUSION: MRI appears to be a reliable method for preoperative assessment of the comma sign. The comma sign appears not to be formed by the detached subscapularis fascia.

Arthroscopic reduction and subscapularis remplissage (ARR) of chronic posterior locked shoulder dislocation leads to optimized outcomes and low rate of complications.

PURPOSE: Unrecognized posterior shoulder dislocation with a concomitant humeral head fracture affects joint function and no consensus exists regarding treatment. The present study analyses clinical and radiographic outcomes of a novel arthroscopic technique for reducing chronic locked posterior shoulder dislocation associated with subscapularis remplissage. METHODS: The study comprises a retrospective analysis of consecutive chronic posterior locked shoulders (CPLS) with minimum 2-years follow-up of patients who had undergone McLaughlin technique arthroscopic modification for the treatment of CPLS with a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion. Active range of motion (ROM), Western Ontario (WOSI) and Constant Score (CS), were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were collected pre- and post-operatively, recording bone defect, osteoarthritis, cuff integrity/fatty infiltration, and the grade of filling of the reverse Hill-Sachs. RESULTS: Twelve male patients with a mean follow-up of 37.3 months ± 10.5 (range, 24-58) were included. Mean WOSI and CS scores improved from 41 to 92 and 28 to 94 points, respectively. ROM measurements all had significantly increased at final follow-up, with no significant differences in arm rotation. No defects were left unfilled at final MRI examination. CONCLUSION: The results of this uncontrolled study with a limited number of patients confirm that arthroscopic reduction and subscapularis remplissage is a highly effective and satisfactory treatment method resulting in no shoulder rotation deficits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

An Evolution of Shoulder Periprosthetic Infections Management: MicroDTTect, Bioactive Glass and Tantalum Cones Employment.

Periprosthetic joint infections of the shoulder (PJIS) are the major cause for revision within the first two post-operative years, and are challenging both to diagnose and treat. Success depends on early identification of microorganisms, appropriate surgical procedures and efficient antibiotic administration. The peculiar microbiology of the shoulder may render the criteria for hip/knee PJI management inappropriate. In addition, later cases with clinically subtle signs often present diagnostic challenges. In recent years, specific issues of PJIS have been managed through the use of new instruments, such as MicroDTTect in pathogen detection and Bioactive Glass and tantalum cones in humeral bone loss. In the literature to date, no reports have been found that discuss the application in shoulder revisions and infections. The early identification of the microorganisms that cause infection may help improve both treatment strategies and the efficacy of therapy. MicroDTTect proved to be more efficient than swab collection for bacterial identification in orthopedic surgery, thus reducing analysis costs. The increasing number of shoulder arthroplasties is associated with an increase in the number of revisions. In cases of massive metaphyseal humeral bone loss, several techniques have been described; no reports have been reported regarding tantalum in humeral bone loss management. In some cases the tantalum cones required adaptation for femoral diaphysis in the augmentation of the humerus metaphysis and bone loss management improvement. Obtaining stable osseointegration of prosthetic implants is one of the greatest issues in orthopedic surgery, and even more crucial in revisions. Bioactive glasses demonstrated good regenerative and osseointegration properties, and an excellent candidate as a bone graft, scaffold and antibiotics deliverer. The Bioactive glasses were used to increase prosthesis-bone interface stability and fill bone defects in PJIS revision surgeries, contributing to the prevention of re-infection. Longer-term follow-up will be necessary to determine if construction durability is improved in the long term.

Onlay Uncemented Lateralized Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Fracture Sequelae Type 1 with Valgus/Varus Malunion: Deltoid Lengthening and Outcomes.

The successful treatment of proximal humeral fractures remains challenging for shoulder surgeons, and failure rates are high, regardless of initial treatment. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and radiographic midterm results of onlay lateralized cementless stem reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with valgus/varus malunion proximal humerus fracture sequelae without metaphyseal osteotomy. We retrospectively studied 35 cases with the diagnosis of fracture sequelae of the proximal part of the humerus with valgus/varus malunion. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.6 years (range, 2 to 7 years), and the mean time between fracture and arthroplasty was 6 years (1 to 32 years). Seventeen patients (48.6%) had initially been treated nonoperatively. The Constant score (CS), active range of motion, and radiographs of the affected shoulders, as well as the acromion to greater tuberosity (AGT) distance and deltoid length (DL), were analyzed before surgery and at their latest follow-up. A total of thirty-three patients (94.3%) rated their outcome as very good or good. Mean CS, forward flexion, and external rotation improved significantly (p < 0.0001), as did internal rotation and pain (p < 0.05). AGT distance significantly increased postoperatively from 14.7 to 43.3 mm, as did DL from 143 to 170 mm (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the outcomes and valgus/varus deformity, previous surgeries, or AGT distance/DL. A total of four complications occurred (11.4%): two dislocations were detected (5.7%) and successfully revised with a longer cemented stem. Onlay lateralized uncemented stem RSA improves clinical outcomes and decreases complications when treating valgus/varus malunion fracture sequelae, avoiding intraoperative technical challenges, such as tuberosities osteotomy conscious of bone loss and proper deltoid tensioning.

The Infinity-Lock System for Chronic Grade III AC Joint Dislocation: A Novel Technique, Rehabilitation Protocol and Short Term Results.

BACKGROUND: the choice of treatment of chronic grade III acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is controversial. Several surgical techniques have been described in the literature, responding differently to nonoperative treatment. The aim of this study is to describe a modified technique of stabilizing an AC joint dislocation with the new Infinity-Lock Button System, in order to demonstrate that it is effective in optimizing outcomes and decreasing complications. METHODS: this is a retrospective study of 15 patients who underwent surgical stabilization of the AC joint dislocation between 2018 and 2019, through modified surgical technique using the Infinity-Lock Button System. Active range of motion (ROM), Specific Acromio Clavicular Score (SACS) and Constant Score (CS) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at last 18 months follow up. Patients rated their outcomes as very good, good, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory. RESULTS: a total of twelve patients rated their outcome as very good and three as good; no patients were dissatisfied with surgery. The mean Constant Score increased from 38 points preoperatively to 95 postoperatively, the average SACS score decreased from 52 points preoperatively to 10 postoperatively, both significantly. No complications were detected. CONCLUSION: the described technique is effective for treatment of chronic grade III AC joint dislocation, resulting in elevated satisfaction ratings and predictable outcomes. Nevertheless, further longer term follow-up studies are required.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of the open Latarjet procedure in skeletally immature patients.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability has been studied in the young population and limited evidence is available for adolescent patients. Our study is a retrospective review of patients aged <17 years who underwent open Latarjet procedure. METHODS: Forty-five patients were available for review. Clinical outcomes were assessed by range of movements, stability, Walch-Duplay score (WDS), Rowe score (RS), Constant-Murley score (CMS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and return to sport. Radiographs were reviewed for osteoarthritis and complications. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 15.7 years (13-17), and 56% had hyperlaxity. The median follow-up time was 6.6 years (3-26). The median postoperative movements showed recovered elevation (175°), external rotation (60°), and internal rotation (T9 level). Seventy-five percent of patients returned to the same level of sport, and 98% were satisfied. Clinical outcomes showed WDS, RS, and CMS scores of 85, 95, and 84 points, respectively, and an SSV of 95%. Twenty percent of patients described mild postoperative pain, and 1 had persistent stiffness. Other complications included 24% subjective apprehension, 4% redislocation, 4% wound problems, and 2% infection. Nine percent of cases had postoperative arthritis. The overall reoperation rate was 11%: 1 open washout for infection and 4 arthroscopic screw removal due to persistent pain. We found that hyperlaxity, female sex, and large or deep Hill-Sachs lesions were frequently associated with persistent apprehension at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The open Latarjet procedure provides a low rate of recurrent instability with acceptable complication rates in the long term for skeletally immature patients. It is an effective, safe treatment option without any significant glenoid growth disturbance.

Experience-optimised fast track improves outcomes and decreases complications in total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe an advanced total knee arthroplasty (TKA) fast-track programme and determine discharge parameters during hospitalisation, as well as patient satisfaction, outcomes and complications within the first 12 months after surgery. METHODS: This prospective study was based on patients selected consecutively for primary elective TKA, undergoing surgery between 2014 and 2017 in an established fast-track setting. Hospitalisation-related parameters were collected: demographics, body mass index (BMI), surgical time, ischaemia time, haemoglobin values, blood transfusions, length of stay, weight-bearing and stair-climbing time, opioid administration, preoperative and discharge loss of extension and maximum active flexion of the knee, visual analogue scale (VAS), 12-month follow-up satisfaction rate and range of motion, any complications, hospital re-admission and re-operation within the first 12 months. Differences were determined using t-tests. RESULTS: A total of 704 total knee replacements implanted in 481 patients were included in the study and 223 patients had a bilateral TKA. Their mean age was 69.8 years (range 57-88 years). At the 12-month follow-up, 623 patients (88.5%) reported being satisfied or very satisfied and 15 (2.1%) were dissatisfied with their TKA, mean active flexion and loss of extension were 104.4° and 2.3°, respectively. A total of 15 complications occurred (two percent): five painful knees, three knee stiffness, three haematomas, two infections, one hospital re-admission and one deep venous thrombosis. No cases of pulmonary embolism and death related to surgery were reported. CONCLUSION: The study reports on an advanced fast-track programme for TKA with a low incidence of surgery- and hospitalisation-related issues and complications and without any severe adverse events during the first year. On average, the fast-track programme had a short length of stay, an early recovery of weight-bearing, knee mobility, pain control and a high satisfaction rate, accompanied with an acceptable 12 month range of motion.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of open Latarjet procedure in patients aged 40 years or older.

BACKGROUND: The Latarjet procedure is often used to treat shoulder instability in younger patients. Little is reported on the outcomes of this procedure in older (≥40 years) populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients aged 40 years or older with recurrent anterior shoulder instability who underwent open Latarjet stabilization. METHODS: A total of 168 patients aged 40 years or older were treated surgically for recurrent anterior shoulder instability with an open Latarjet procedure between 1988 and 2014. Bankart lesions or anteroinferior glenoid fractures were confirmed preoperatively with a computed tomography arthrogram. Outcomes were assessed with preoperative and postoperative physical examinations, clinical outcome scoring, and radiographic examinations. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients with complete data were available with a mean follow-up period of 13 years (range, 3-23 years). At the time of final follow-up, 94% of patients did not have recurrence of instability. Of the patients, 90% were satisfied or very satisfied with their outcomes and 54% returned to their preinjury level of activity. The overall complication rate was 21% (the most common complications being subjective apprehension [9%] and recurrent instability [6%]), with 9% of patients requiring reoperation. A full-thickness rotator cuff requiring repair was identified in 22% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The Latarjet procedure is an effective treatment option for older patients (aged ≥ 40 years) with recurrent anterior shoulder instability in the setting of an anteroinferior capsulolabral and/or bony injury.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage for non-engaging Hill-Sachs lesion in professional collision athletes.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to determine whether arthroscopic remplissage with Bankart repair is an effective treatment for improving outcomes for collision athletes with Bankart and non-engaging Hill-Sachs lesions. METHODS: Twenty collision athletes underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with posterior capsulotenodesis (B&R group) and were evaluated retrospectively, using pre- and postoperative WOSI (Western Ontario Shoulder Instability), EQ-5D (EuroQOL five dimensions), EQ-VAS (EuroQol-visual analogue scale) scores and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). The recurrence and re-operation rates were compared to a matched group with isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair (B group). RESULTS: The mean age was 25 years with an mean follow-up of 26 months. All mean scores improved with SSV of 90%. There was a mean deficit in external rotation at the side of 10°. One patient was treated with hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder. One patient had residual posterior discomfort but no apprehension in the B&R group compared to 5% persistent apprehension in the B group. In comparison, the recurrence and re-operation rates were 5% and 30% (p = 0.015), 5% and 35% (p = 0.005) in the B&R and B groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This combined technique demonstrated good outcomes, with lower recurrence rates in high-risk collision athletes. The slight restriction in external rotation does not significantly affect any clinical outcomes and return to play.

Grammont Award 2018: Scapular fractures in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (Grammont style): prevalence, functional, and radiographic results with minimum 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Scapular fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are an increasingly reported complication. Information is missing regarding midterm to long-term follow-up consequences. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of scapular fracture (acromial base and spine) after Grammont-style RSA and to report functional and radiographic results of patients with a minimum 5-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1953 Grammont-style RSAs in 1745 patients in a multicenter study. Of these, 953 patients (1035 RSAs) had minimum 5-year follow-up for functional and radiographic assessment (anteroposterior and scapular Y views. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (1.3%) had sustained a scapular fracture; of these, 19 (10 acromial base and 9 spine fractures) had minimum 5-year follow-up and were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 97 months. Three patients (15.8%) were diagnosed at the last follow-up after an undiagnosed fracture. There were 3 traumatic cases (15.8%) and 13 (68.4%) without antecedent trauma. These 16 patients underwent nonoperative treatment. The fracture was healed in 8 (4 acromion and 4 spine). The average active forward elevation was 109° (range, 50°-170°), and the Constant score was 47.0 points (range, 8-81 points). CONCLUSIONS: Scapular fractures after Grammont-style RSAs are rare (1.3%) but remain a concern. These fractures occur mainly in the early postoperative 6 months. Immobilization with an abduction splint frequently resulted in nonunion or malunion. Final functional outcomes are poor regardless of acromial or spine fracture compared with primary RSA without fracture.

Increased scapular spine fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a humeral onlay short stem: an analysis of 485 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Scapular stress fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are a potentially serious complication with modern lateralized and onlay implants. The aim of this study was to report the scapular spine stress fracture rate after RSA with an onlay, 145° humeral stem, analyzing potential fracture risk factors and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of patients. METHODS: A consecutive series of 485 RSAs were implanted with the Aequalis Ascend Flex stem. Data collection included preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiographic assessment findings (rotator cuff Goutallier grade; Hamada, Walch, and Favard classifications; range of motion; Constant score) and perioperative data. Patients with a scapular spine fracture following RSA were matched with nonfracture control patients, and preoperative variables were tested to determine whether they were predictive of a scapular spine fracture. RESULTS: A scapular spine fracture following RSA occurred in 21 patients (4.3%), with a mean time to diagnosis of 8.6 months (range, 1-34 months). No preoperative factor was found to be a significant predictor of scapular spine fracture. Both groups showed significant improvements in active mobility measurements and Constant scores from preoperatively to final follow-up (P < .001). The control group scored significantly better than the scapular spine fracture group regarding the Constant score and forward flexion. CONCLUSION: Scapular spine fractures have shown an increased prevalence after onlay-design RSA. This series was not able to link any clear risk factors. Functional results are limited, regardless of the fracture management.

Long-term humeral complications after Grammont-style reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Recent experiences with Grammont reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have revealed some problems related to the biomechanical changes of the shoulder and humeral stem complications. We analyzed humeral complications in a long-term follow-up of a large series of RSAs, searching for correlations between these and the initial etiology, the follow-up duration, and the clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiologic assessments of 1035 RSAs with a minimum 5-year follow-up (implanted in 7 specialized shoulder centers between 1993 and 2010) were retrospectively collected. Postoperative humeral complications, managed conservatively or surgically, were radiographically documented. RESULTS: Overall, a 3.3% rate of postoperative humeral complications was found in our database. We identified 17 cases (1.6%) with postoperative humeral fractures, 15 cases (1.4%) with aseptic humeral loosening, and 3 cases (0.3%) with humeral stem disassembly. The humeral complications were more frequent in RSAs implanted for tumors, fracture sequelae, and revision for failed arthroplasty. DISCUSSION: Humeral complications after RSA are not rare, increase with longer follow-up, and have a negative impact on functional outcomes. Postoperative humeral fractures are more frequent in elderly patients, operated on through a superior approach, and after cemented stem implantation. In the absence of associated humeral loosening, conservative treatment should be preferred. Proximal humeral bone loss (due to revisions and tumors) is the most significant risk factor for humeral loosening. Implant unscrewing was initially related to a technological problem, which has been solved, and this complication has disappeared.

Grammont humeral design versus onlay curved-stem reverse shoulder arthroplasty: comparison of clinical and radiographic outcomes with minimum 2-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: There are few investigations comparing lateralized and medialized reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in patients with cuff tear arthropathy. This study assessed the outcomes of 2 RTSA designs. METHODS: Sixty-eight consecutive cuff tear arthropathy patients (74 shoulders) with a follow-up of at least 24 months received a Grammont or an onlay curved short-stem humeral component, with or without glenoid lateralization; a cementless humeral stem was implanted in >90%. Clinical outcome measures included active range of motion (anterior and lateral elevation, external and internal rotation), pain, and the Constant-Murley score. Radiologic outcomes included radiolucency, condensation lines, cortical thinning, spot weld, loosening and subsidence, and tuberosity resorption for the humeral component and radiolucency, scapular notching, formation of scapular bone spurs, ossifications, and loosening for the glenoid component. RESULTS: Both prostheses provided significant differences between preoperative and postoperative scores and showed a similar complication rate. Scapular fractures were found only in the patients who received the curved short-stem implant. Glenoid bone grafting did not significantly affect clinical scores. Both implants provided similar postoperative shoulder mobility, even though the lateralized curved stem was associated with higher delta scores for external rotation (P = .002) and lower rates of scapular notching (P = .0003), glenoid radiolucency (P = .016), and humeral bone remodeling (P = .004 and P = .030 for cortical thinning and spot weld, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Medialized and short-stem lateralized RTSA implants provided similar midterm clinical outcomes and range of motion. The curved short stem was associated with higher delta scores for external rotation and a lower rate of radiographic risk factors.