Clinical Outcomes After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients With Primary Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis Compared With Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: Does Preoperative Diagnosis Make a Difference?

INTRODUCTION: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty performed for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) with an intact rotator cuff compared with rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). METHODS: This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data including consecutive patients who underwent primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for GHOA or CTA with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Baseline patient demographics and clinical outcomes including active range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation, and visual analog scale for pain were collected. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of preoperative diagnosis on clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of GHOA demonstrated significantly better postoperative active forward elevation (138.6° versus 127.3°; P < 0.01), external rotation (54.2° versus 43.8°; P < 0.01), and change in internal rotation (Δ 2.1 points versus Δ 1.2 points; P < 0.01). Patients with GHOA demonstrated significantly better postoperative ASES (86.8 versus 76.6; P < 0.01), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (89.7 versus 78.5; P < 0.01), and visual analog scale scores (0.63 versus 1.2; P < 0.01). Minimal clinically important difference for ASES score was achieved by 97.5% of patients with GHOA compared with 86.7% of patients with CTA (P < 0.01), whereas substantial clinical benefit was achieved by 90.4% of patients with GHOA and 71.7% of patients with CTA (P < 0.01). After a multivariate linear regression analysis, postoperative ASES scores were independently associated with previous ipsilateral shoulder surgery (P = 0.042), preoperative ASES score (P = 0.01), and primary diagnosis of GHOA (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: RTSA performed in patients with GHOA and an intact rotator cuff is associated with improved functional and clinical outcomes compared with those patients treated for CTA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Therapeutic Study.

[Results in the medium long term of the reverse shoulder prosthesis in the cuff arthropathy]. / Resultados a mediano plazo de la prótesis invertida en la artropatía de manguito.

INTRODUCTION: the final stage of rotator cuff tear arthropathy generates pain and disability, treatment with reverse shoulder arthroplasty shows in different published studies good rates of pain reduction and improvements in mobility. the objective of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the medium-term results of inverted shoulder replacement at our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospectively, we analyzed 21 patients (23 prosthetics) undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty with the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear arthropathy. The average age of patients was 75.21 years The minimum follow-up was 60 months. We analyzed in all preoperative ASES, DASH and CONSTANT patients, and a new functional assessment was made using these same scales at the last follow-up visit. We analyzed pre and postoperative VAS as well as pre and postoperative mobility range. RESULTS: we achieved a statistically significant improvement in all functional scale and pain values (p < 0.001). The ASES scale showed an improvement of 38.91 points (95% CI 30.97-46.84); the 40.89-point CONSTANT scale (95% 34.57-47.21) and the 52.65-point DASH scale (95% 46.31-59.0) p < 0.001. We found an improvement of 5.41 points (95% CI 4.31-6.50) on the VAS scale. We also achieved a statistically significant improvement in flexion values 66.52o to 113.91o degrees; abduction 63.69o to 105.85o degrees at the end of the follow-up. We did not get statistical significance in terms of external rotation but with a tendency to improve in the obtained values; instead in internal rotation we obtained results that showed a tendency to worsen. Complications occurred during follow-up in 14 patients; 11 in relation to notching glenoid, one patient with a chronic infection, one patient with a late infection and one intraoperative fracture of glenoid. CONCLUSIONS: reverse shoulder arthroplasty is an effective treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy. Pain relief and improvement in shoulder flexion and abduction can be expected especially; the gain in rotations is unpredictable.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el estadio final de la artropatía de manguito (AM) genera dolor e invalidez, el tratamiento mediante artroplastía invertida (AI) muestra buenos índices de reducción de dolor y mejoras en movilidad. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar de manera retrospectiva los resultados a mediano plazo de la artroplastía invertida de hombro en nuestro centro. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: retrospectivamente analizamos 21 pacientes (23 prótesis) sometidos a AI con el diagnóstico de AM. La edad media fue de 75.21 años. El seguimiento mínimo fue de 60 meses. Analizamos las escalas ASES, DASH y CONSTANT preoperatorias y en la última visita de seguimiento. Se analizó la escala VAS preoperatoria y postoperatoria y rango de movilidad preoperatoria y postoperatoria. RESULTADOS: mejoraron todas las escalas funcionales y dolor (p < 0.001). ASES en 38.91 puntos (IC 95% 30.97-46.84); CONSTANT en 40.89 puntos (IC 95% 34.57-47.21); DASH en 52.65 puntos (IC 95% 46.31-59.0) p < 0.001; y 5.41 puntos (IC 95% 4.31-6.50) en VAS. Mejoraron con significación estadística la flexión (66.52o a 113.91o); y la abducción (63.69o a 105.85o). No obtuvimos significación estadística en rotación externa ni en rotación interna. Aparecieron complicaciones en 14 pacientes; 11 notching glenoideo, una infección crónica, una infección tardía y una fractura intraoperatoria de glenoides. CONCLUSIONES: la AI de hombro representa una alternativa eficaz para el tratamiento de la AM. Puede esperarse alivio del dolor y una mejoría en la flexión y abducción del hombro; la ganancia en rotaciones es poco predecible.

Effectiveness of progressive and resisted and non-progressive or non-resisted exercise in rotator cuff related shoulder pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Synthesize evidence regarding effectiveness of progressive and resisted or non-progressive and non-resisted exercise compared with placebo or no treatment, in rotator cuff related pain. DATA SOURCES: English articles, searched in Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases up until May 19, 2020. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials in people with rotator cuff related pain comparing either progressive and resisted exercise or non-progressive and non-resisted exercise, with placebo or no treatment were included. Data extracted independently by two authors. Risk of bias appraised with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. RESULTS: Seven trials (468 participants) were included, four trials (271 participants) included progressive and resisted exercise and three trials (197 participants) included non-progressive or non-resisted exercise. There was uncertain clinical benefit for composite pain and function (15 point difference, 95% CI 9 to 21, 100-point scale) and pain outcomes at >6 weeks to 6 months with progressive and resisted exercise compared to placebo or no treatment (comparison 1). For non-progressive or non-resisted exercise there was no significant benefit for composite pain and function (4 point difference, 95% CI -2 to 9, 100-point scale) and pain outcomes at >6 weeks to 6 months compared to placebo or no treatment (comparison 2). Adverse events were seldom reported and mild. CONCLUSIONS: There is uncertain clinical benefit for all outcomes with progressive and resisted exercise and no significant benefit with non-progressive and non-resisted exercise, versus no treatment or placebo at >6 weeks to 6 months. Findings are low certainty and should be interpreted with caution.

Clinical results of bony increased-offset reverse shoulder arthroplasty (BIO-RSA) associated with an onlay 145° curved stem in patients with cuff tear arthropathy: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The main limits of the Grammont design reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are loss of external rotation and scapular notching. They can be addressed with glenoid or humeral lateralization. The aim of the study was to compare outcomes of lateralized bony increased-offset RSA (BIO-RSA) vs. standard RSA in patients with an onlay 145° curved stem. METHODS: A comparative cohort study of 29 standard RSAs and 30 BIO-RSAs was performed. At 2 years postoperatively, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale score, range of motion, and radiographs were evaluated. After comparison between the groups, patients were analyzed considering patients younger and older than 65 years. RESULTS: All parameters significantly improved after surgery in both groups. Postoperatively, the 2 groups did not show any clinical and radiographic differences (P > .05). In patients <66 years, BIO-RSA showed a significantly higher value of external rotation (49° ± 12° vs. 30° ± 19° [P = .025], elbow at side; 81° ± 17° vs. 56° ± 22° [P = .016], elbow at 90° of abduction) and a positive trend for all other parameters (P > .05). In patients >65 years, standard technique showed a positive trend for all the parameters (P > .05). No other significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: At 2 years of follow-up, the use of standard RSA or BIO-RSA in an implant with an onlay 145° curved stem provided similar outcomes. The humeral lateralization alone is sufficient to decrease notching and to improve external rotation. BIO-RSA increases external rotation in patients between 50 and 65 years old. Glenoid bone graft in RSA has a high incorporation rate (completed in 90%).

The effect of subscapularis repair on dislocation rates in reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is an effective treatment for patients with rotator cuff arthropathy; however, complication rates are relatively high (19%-50%), with implant instability and infection being particularly devastating to overall outcomes. The objective of this study was to analyze the highest level of data comparing dislocation rates and outcomes in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with and without the subscapularis tendon repaired. METHODS: The databases MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL were searched using a sensitive search strategy for this meta-analysis/systematic review. Eligibility included any studies in which patients were treated with a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in which the status of the subscapularis tendon could be determined. A data extraction form was developed to collect select data from the included studies. A meta-analysis was performed on pooled data of 5 studies comparing dislocation rates and 3 studies comparing postoperative forward elevation, rate of infection, overall complication rates, and fractures. RESULTS: Two independent researchers reviewed 1008 studies. Seven studies met inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was performed on all level III studies, resulting in 1306 patients being analyzed. Results demonstrated lower dislocation rates in the subscapularis repair group (odds ratio, 0.19; P < .001). However, in patients without a subscapularis repair, lateralized center of rotation (COR) resulted in a significantly lower dislocation rate compared with medialized COR (odds ratio, 0.24; P < .001). CONCLUSION: The results of our meta-analysis of the available data demonstrated a decrease in dislocation risk when the subscapularis tendon was repaired in medialized and lateralized designs. When subscapularis repair is not performed, lateralized COR, regardless of humeral socket design, may reduce the dislocation rates.

Humeral head histopathological changes in cuff tear arthropathy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological changes in the humeral head in cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) compared with those in glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) and humeral neck fracture, which served as non-cuff tear controls. METHODS: Twenty-three humeral heads extracted at the time of shoulder prosthesis arthroplasty between June 2014 and July 2015 were evaluated in the present study. The diagnoses included four-part humeral neck fracture ( n = 4; average age, 85.0 years), glenohumeral OA ( n = 4; average age, 71.0 years), and CTA ( n = 15; average age, 73.0 years). The humeral heads were evaluated pathologically by hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin-O staining, and the thickness of the articular cartilage was measured. RESULTS: Fibrillation, thinning, and tearing of the cartilage were observed in the superior area of the humeral heads in CTA and glenohumeral OA. In CTA cases, clusters of chondrocytes in the cartilage were observed. Moreover, the thickness of the cartilage layer in the middle of the humeral head was 1.54 ± 0.07, 0.32 ± 0.46, and 2.19 ± 0.50 mm in humeral neck fracture, glenohumeral OA, and CTA, respectively. The cartilage layer in CTA was thicker than that in glenohumeral OA (CTA vs. OA: p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: OA changes in the superior area of the humeral heads and thickening of the cartilage layer from the middle to the inferior of the humeral heads were confirmed histopathologically, suggesting that simultaneous mechanical and nutritional factors might be contributing to CTA pathogenesis. The current study provided the better understanding of cartilage damage and thickening in CTA. This will help guide treatment options in the setting of CTA.

Comprehensive Review of Provocative and Instability Physical Examination Tests of the Shoulder.

A detailed physical examination of the shoulder is crucial in creating a diagnosis in patients who present with shoulder pain. Tests of the cervical spine, scapula, and rotator cuff muscles have already been evaluated in a previous article. This article assesses provocative and instability examination tests of the shoulder. Descriptions on how the tests are performed and their diagnostic accuracy are presented.

Latissimus dorsi muscle transfer reduces external rotation deficit at the cost of internal rotation in reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients: a cohort study.

HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy (RCA) with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) and an additional latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) in patients with an active external rotation deficit (ERD) would restore external rotation (ER) with concomitant deterioration in internal rotation. METHODS: In our cohort study, 26 RCA patients with an active ERD (ie, positive lag sign and maximum active ER of 0°) underwent RSA between September 2007 and February 2015; LDT was completed in 13 of these patients. In addition, 88 control patients without ERD who underwent only RSA were identified. Clinical outcomes of strength, range of motion, Constant-Murley score, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index score, as well as complications, were documented 6, 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively. We made comparative analyses using statistical mixed models. RESULTS: The LDT procedure extended the surgical time by 26 minutes (P = .003). LDT patients had up to 22° better postoperative active ER than control patients (P < .001), although this was accompanied by an internal rotation deficit (77% vs 46% of control patients could not reach the lumbosacral region, P = .010). We calculated a 23% risk of local procedure-related complications for RSA patients with an active ERD and LDT. CONCLUSION: Patients with RCA and an active ERD seem to benefit from an LDT, although this is accompanied by the potential loss of internal rotation. This additional procedure is associated with an extended surgical time as well as a possible increase in the risk of a complication occurring.

The pathogenesis and management of cuff tear arthropathy.

Massive rotator cuff tears may lead to the development of cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). Although this pathology has been recognized for more than 150 years, treatment strategies have continued to evolve. During the last decade, there has been increased understanding of the molecular and cellular changes that govern rotator cuff tear outcomes and development of new treatment strategies to repair or reconstruct the rotator cuff. These have included an expansion of the use of arthroscopic double-row transosseous-equivalent repairs and the development of superior capsule reconstruction. However, the greatest change in the management of CTA has been the expansion of the use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, which has become the standard of care for patients who do not have a repair option and when nonoperative management has failed. This review article summarizes the current literature on the management of CTA, including nonoperative, repair, reconstruction, and replacement options, with a focus on literature in the last 5 years.

Shoulder Lesion in a 69 Year Old Woman.

Milwaukee Shoulder Syndrome (MSS) is a painful progressive arthropathy in which hydroxyapatite crystal deposition in synovial tissue induces lysosomal release of collagenase and neutral proteases. These enzymes are destructive to periarticular tissue, including the synovium, articular cartilage, rotator cuff muscles, and the intrasynovial cortical bone. MSS predominantly occurring in women (90%) over the age of 70 years of age with a clinical history marked by recurrent joint effusions and pain, which classically worsens at night. Our patient is a 69-year-old woman who presented with progressive shoulder pain, most prominent at night, with limited range of motion and swelling; intermittent discharge; and intermittent neck pain that radiated to her right upper extremity. Her medical history was notable for invasive carcinoma of the right breast treated with mastectomy and radiation. She was also treated with radiation therapy for right shoulder pain and a lucent right shoulder lesion presumed to be metastatic breast cancer. The remainder of her medical history consists of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and uneventful bilateral total knee arthroplasties. At presentation, she denied constitutional symptoms. Based on the patient's history and physical exam the differential diagnosis included primary and metastatic malignancy, radiation induced sarcoma and necrosis, infection, Charcot disease, and crystal arthropathies. Physical exam, laboratory findings, and imaging studies led us to the diagnosis of MSS.

The effect of patient gender on outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Gender differences may exist for patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. Limited data suggest that women may have worse preoperative disability and outcomes. Our objective was to determine whether gender influences preoperative disability and patient-reported outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected for patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for rotator cuff arthropathy or osteoarthritis with a rotator cuff tear at a single institution between 2009 and 2015. Range of motion, visual analog scale, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were collected at the preoperative, 1-year, and 2-year postoperative time points. Data were analyzed using multivariate mixed-effect regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 117 patients included. Men and women had similar demographics, preoperative range of motion, pain, and function. Length of stay was similar (men, 2.32 days; women, 2.58 days; P = .18). Controlling for patient variables, men achieved higher ASES function (P = .009) and SF-12 Physical Component Summary (P = .008) scores compared with women. There was no difference between men and women in ASES pain and SF-12 Mental Component Summary scores, visual analog scale score, or range of motion. CONCLUSION: Improvements in pain and range of motion were similar in men and women; however, men achieved higher ASES function and SF-12 Physical Component Summary scores. Women may be more functionally impaired on the basis of differences in activities of daily living. These results may be used to guide discussion about expected benefits after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

The risk of nerve injury during anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: an intraoperative neuromonitoring study.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the incidence and pattern of potential nerve injuries between reverse shoulder (RSA) and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) using intraoperative neuromonitoring. Our hypothesis was that RSA has a greater risk of nerve injury than TSA due to arm lengthening. METHODS: We reviewed 36 consecutive patients who underwent RSA (n = 12) or TSA (n = 24) with intraoperative neuromonitoring. The number of nerve alerts was recorded for each stage of surgery. Neurologic function was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at routine follow-up visits. Predictive factors for increased intraoperative nerve alerts and clinically detectable neurologic deficits were determined. RESULTS: There were nearly 5 times as many postreduction nerve alerts per patient in the RSA cohort compared with the TSA cohort (2.17 vs. 0.46). There were 17 unresolved nerve alerts postoperatively, with only 2 clinically detectable nerve injuries, which fully resolved by 6 months postoperatively. A preoperative decrease in active forward flexion and the diagnosis of rotator cuff arthropathy were independent predictors of intraoperative nerve alerts. CONCLUSION: RSA has a higher incidence of intraoperative nerve alerts than TSA during the postreduction stage due to arm lengthening. Decreased preoperative active forward flexion and the diagnosis of rotator cuff arthropathy are predictors of more nerve alerts. The clinical utility of routine intraoperative nerve monitoring remains in question given the high level of nerve alerts and lack of persistent postoperative neurologic deficits.

Obesity Has Minimal Impact on Short-Term Functional Scores After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy.

The potential adverse effect of body mass index (BMI) on shoulder function scores after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has not been investigated. We conducted a study to examine outcomes of RSA performed for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA) across BMI categories (normal weight, overweight, obese). We hypothesized that, compared with normal-weight patients, obese patients would have worse shoulder function scores, worse mobility, and more complications. Using a prospective shoulder arthroplasty registry, we identified 77 primary RSAs performed for RCTA with minimum 2-year follow-up. Thirty-four patients had normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2), 21 were overweight (BMI 25-30 kg/m2), and 22 were obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). Shoulder function scores, mobility, and satisfaction were evaluated before surgery and at final follow-up. The 3 BMI groups were not significantly different on demographic factors, preoperative shoulder function scores, or preoperative mobility (P > .05). For each group, shoulder function scores and mobility significantly improved between the preoperative and final follow-up assessments (P < .001). Patient satisfaction was similar between groups (P = .967). Improved shoulder function scores, mobility, and patient satisfaction can be expected after RSA for RCTA in patients regardless of BMI.