Survivorship of a Medialized Glenoid and Lateralized Onlay Humerus Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Is High at Midterm Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is a common treatment of a variety of disabling shoulder conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine revision-free survivorship after RSA using a medialized glenoid and lateralized onlay-type humerus implant and to identify etiologies of revision. METHODS: All RSAs performed using the Comprehensive® Reverse Shoulder System (Zimmer Biomet, Inc.; Warsaw, IN, USA) at one institution from 2008 to 2014 were identified through a retrospective review. Charts were reviewed to determine whether the RSA was a primary or revision surgery. Patients were contacted by telephone, and survivorship was defined as no subsequent surgery after RSA. Of the 526 RSAs performed, responses were obtained from 403 patients (77%). A Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine survivorship over time. A χ 2 test was used to determine differences between revision rates after RSA. RESULTS: Minimum follow-up was 3 years, and average follow-up was 4.83 ± 1.60 years. Survivorship was 96% at 2 years and 93% at 5 years after RSA. Revisions were performed for instability (n = 8), humeral tray-taper junction failure (n = 5), acute fracture (n = 4), infection (n = 3), glenoid loosening (n = 3), osteolysis (n = 1), or notching (n = 1). Fourteen of the 151 patients (9.2%) who had surgery prior to RSA required revision after RSA. Having shoulder surgery prior to RSA was associated with higher rates of subsequent revision after RSA. CONCLUSION: Overall, survivorship after RSA using a medialized glenoid and lateralized onlay-type humerus RSA is high, and prostheses implanted in native shoulders have lower rates of revision at midterm follow-up. Instability (1.9%) was the most common reason for revision.

Acromion Compromise Does Not Significantly Affect Clinical Outcomes After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Matched Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of a pre-operative compromised acromion on reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is not well-studied. PURPOSES/QUESTIONS: We sought to determine the effect of a pre-operative compromised acromion on outcomes following RSA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of consecutive patients who underwent RSA over a 6-year period (June 2007 to June 2013) with a diagnosis of rotator cuff tear arthropathy. Pre-operative plain radiographs were examined to determine the presence of acromion compromise (n = 11). Acromion compromise was defined as (1) less than 25% of the normal acromion thickness (8.8 mm), (2) less than 50% of the normal acromion anteroposterior width (46.1 mm), (3) presence of an os acromiale, or (4) presence of acromial fragmentation. An age- and sex-matched control cohort without acromial compromise was also identified (n = 33). The primary outcome variable was the final minimum 2-year American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. Secondary outcomes included final minimum 2-year scores on the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), with the physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS); 2-year Marx shoulder activity scale scores; and final 2-year satisfaction scores. RESULTS: At 2 years post-operatively, there were no significant differences in final scores using ASES, SF-12 PCS or MCS, or Marx shoulder activity scale. There were no significant differences between groups for satisfaction scores in any of the assessed domains. No complications were reported at 2 years' follow-up in any of the study patients or controls. CONCLUSIONS: Between patients with and without pre-operative acromion compromise, there were no differences in clinical outcomes, satisfaction levels, or complication rates after RSA. Our findings suggest that surgeons performing RSA in the setting of pre-operative acromion compromise, including os acromiale, acromial fragmentation, or severe thinning, should not expect poor post-operative clinical outcomes.

Cerebral Oxygenation in the Sitting Position Is Not Compromised During Spontaneous or Positive-Pressure Ventilation.

BACKGROUND: General anesthesia with neuromuscular blockade may facilitate total shoulder arthroplasty but appears to increase risk of cerebral oxygen desaturation. Cerebral desaturation is undesirable and is a proxy for risk of stroke. PURPOSES/QUESTIONS: This study tested the hypothesis that cerebral oxygen desaturation occurs frequently during general anesthesia with neuromuscular blockade and positive-pressure ventilation but does not occur with spontaneous ventilation. Correlations were sought among cerebral oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and cardiac index. METHODS: We designed a prospective, observational, cohort study to measure cerebral oxygenation in 25 patients during general anesthesia, both with and without positive-pressure ventilation. Patients undergoing elective shoulder arthroplasty in the sitting position received an arterial catheter, near-infrared spectroscopic measurement of cerebral oxygenation, and non-invasive cardiac output measurement. Moderate hypotension was allowed. Blood pressure was supported as needed with ephedrine or low-dose epinephrine (but avoiding phenylephrine). Hypercapnia (45 to 55 mmHg) was targeted during positive-pressure ventilation. RESULTS: No cerebral oxygen desaturations occurred, regardless of ventilation mode. Under positive-pressure ventilation, the median (interquartile range: Q1, Q3) cerebral oxygenation was 110% of baseline (104, 113), the mean arterial pressure was 62% of baseline (59, 69), and the cardiac index was 82% of baseline (71, 104). Cerebral oxygenation did not correlate with blood pressure or cardiac index but had moderate correlation with end-tidal carbon dioxide. No strokes occurred. CONCLUSIONS: There were no signs of inadequate brain perfusion during general anesthesia using paralytic agents. Positive-pressure ventilation with moderate hypotension in the sitting position does not endanger patients, in the context of moderate hypercapnia and hemodynamic support using ephedrine or epinephrine.

Rotator cuff tendon calcific tendinitis treatment algorithm for primary care musculoskeletal physicians.

PURPOSE: Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a common pathology encountered by primary care sports medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons. Understanding the patient demographics responsible for calcific tendinitis outcomes from various treatment modalities may lead to greater understanding of appropriate management. METHODS: This was a retrospective study on patients who were diagnosed with calcific tendinitis by imaging (radiographs, MRIs) at our institution from 2014 to 2016. The data collection included patient demographics, clinical signs and symptoms management. Treatment outcomes were assessed by whether symptoms resolved and the number and type of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 250 medical records were reviewed out of which 237 were involved in the data analysis. There were 95 male and 141 female patients with a mean age of 54.9 ± 11.5 years. In all, 120 patients complained of right shoulder pain and 117 of left shoulder pain. Smokers had a higher VAS Pain at Rest and Activity of 6.1 ± 3.5 and 8.2 ± 2.4, respectively, with non-smokers scoring a lower VAS Pain Rest score of 4.2 ± 3.1 and 7.9 ± 2.0 (P = 0.18). The VAS Pain Rest score after follow-up from corticosteroid injection, ultrasound-guided injection with needling, and surgery were 3.9 ± 3.0, 3.5 ± 3.0, and 0.7 ± 1.4, respectively. CONCLUSION: An algorithm constructed from our results recommends initial management with a subacromial corticosteroid injection with physical therapy followed by ultrasound-guided injection with needling and PT if the initial treatment fails. Surgical management is considered when the patient is recalcitrant to the first two forms of non-operative treatment.

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.

Patient-Specific Implants in Severe Glenoid Bone Loss.

Complex glenoid bone deformities present the treating surgeon with a complex reconstructive challenge. Although glenoid bone loss can be encountered in the primary setting (degenerative, congenital, post-traumatic), severe glenoid bone loss is encountered in most revision total shoulder arthroplasties. Severe glenoid bone loss is treated with various techniques including hemiarthroplasty, eccentric reaming, and glenoid reconstruction with bone autografts and allografts. Despite encouraging short- to mid-term results reported with these reconstruction techniques, the clinical and radiographic outcomes remain inconsistent and the high number of complications is a concern. To overcome this problem, more recently augmented components and patient specific implants were introduced. Using the computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology patient-specific implants have been created to reconstruct the glenoid vault in cases of severe glenoid bone loss. In this article we describe a patient specific glenoid implant, its indication, technical aspects and surgical technique, based on the author's experience as well as a review of the current literature on custom glenoid implants.

Risk factors for failing to achieve improvement after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Although anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) successfully improves pain and function, not all patients improve clinically. This study was conducted to determine patient-related factors for failure to achieve improvement after primary TSA for osteoarthritis at 2 years postoperatively. METHODS: This prospective study reviewed an institutional shoulder registry for consecutive patients who underwent primary TSA for osteoarthritis from 2007 to 2013 with baseline and 2-year postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form scores. A failed outcome was defined as (1) a failure to reach the ASES minimal clinically important difference of 16.1 points or (2) revision surgery within 2 years of the index procedure, or both. Univariate and multivariable analyses of clinical and demographic patient factors were performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 459 arthroplasties that met inclusion criteria, 411 were deemed successful by the aforementioned criteria, and 48 (10.5%) failed to achieve a desirable outcome. Clinical risk factors associated with failure included previous surgery to the shoulder (P = .047), presence of a torn rotator cuff (P = .025), and presence of diabetes (P = .036), after adjusting for age, sex, race, and body mass index. A higher preoperative ASES score at baseline was associated with failure (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Previous shoulder surgery, a rotator cuff tear requiring repair during TSA, presence of diabetes, surgery on the nondominant arm, and a higher baseline ASES score were associated with a higher risk of failing to achieve improvement after anatomic TSA.

Clinical Outcomes After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty With and Without Subscapularis Repair: The Importance of Considering Glenosphere Lateralization.

INTRODUCTION: Recent biomechanical data suggests that repairing the subscapularis during reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) can increase the force required by the posterior rotator cuff and deltoid to elevate the arm. METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients who underwent primary RSA and had baseline and minimum 2-year postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder scores, stratified them according to subscapularis management, then subgrouped them according to lateralization of the glenosphere component. RESULTS: Patients with subscapularis repair and a lateralized glenosphere had significantly less improvement in ASES scores than did those without lateralization (P = 0.016) and patients without subscapularis repair (P = 0.006). Individually, subscapularis management (P = 0.163) and glenosphere lateralization (P = 0.847) had no significant effect on the change in ASES score but in combination did have a significant effect on the change in ASES score (P = 0.002). DISCUSSION: The combination of subscapularis repair and glenosphere implant lateralization in RSA translates to significantly less clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent both subscapularis repair and glenosphere lateralization had significantly less improvement in ASES scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Functional Outcomes of Modular Conversion of Hemiarthroplasty or Total to Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The advent of modular shoulder arthroplasty systems has allowed the conversion of hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder arthroplasty to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) without removing a well-fixed stem. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: To determine the feasibility, functional outcome, and complication profile of RTSA modular conversion. METHODS: A prospective shoulder arthroplasty registry was queried for consecutive patients scheduled for a modular conversion from January 1, 2007, to April 1, 2015. Eligible patients had medical charts and operative records reviewed for preoperative diagnosis, age, medical comorbidities, preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, preoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain and instability scores, and intraoperative findings. Each patient was then contacted by telephone or mail to complete up-to-date ASES and VAS questionnaires. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent a modular conversion. Nine patients were scheduled for modular conversion but underwent humeral revision due to excessive soft tissue tension (65.3% modular conversion rate). Average follow-up was 37.4 months (range 10.0-67.6 months). Pain scores improved from 5.3 (range 0.4 to 8.0) to 2.4 (range 0 to 9.3) (p < 0.01), instability VAS from 5.2 (range 0 to 10) to 1.1 (range 0 to 6.8) (p < 0.01), and ASES scores improved from 35.2 (range 20.7 to 61.3) to 65.6 (range 11.8 to 92) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Modular conversion of an anatomic to a RTSA is feasible in a majority of patients. Despite the complexity of the procedure, modular conversion of hemiarthroplasty or TSA to RTSA can significantly improve functional outcomes with a low rate of complications.

Retrieval Analysis of Porous Titanium Glenoid Posts: An Evaluation of Osteointegration.

Glenoid component loosening is a commonly encountered complication of total shoulder replacements. Therefore, focus has been placed on glenoid fixation. Porous metal implants, which promote biological fixation through osteointegration, have provided an uncemented alternative to the traditional cemented implant. In this explantation study, the authors examined the bone ingrowth and ongrowth of a specific porous titanium glenoid peg. Six explanted polyethylene glenoid components with porous titanium-coated central pegs were identified in the authors' implant retrieval program via retrospective review. The retrieved implants were sectioned into thirds with a precision saw and underwent scanning electron microscopy for analysis of bone ingrowth and ongrowth. Bone ingrowth was calculated as bone volume fraction, or the fraction of available pore space filled with bone, whereas ongrowth was the percentage of the perimeter of the implant covered with bone. The 6 total shoulders included in the study were revised at an average of 16.3 months (range, 5-48 months) for instability secondary to subscapularis rupture, subscapularis rupture plus infection, or other rotator cuff tear. All glenoid components were grossly stable on retrieval and had an average of 23% bone ingrowth and 54% ongrowth. The preliminary results show that osteointegration into a porous titanium ingrowth glenoid component is possible in the short-term, even in the presence of an unfavorable biomechanical environment, such as instability and rotator cuff dysfunction, as well as infection. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(4):e703-e707.].

Novel Solution for Massive Glenoid Defects in Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Patient-Specific Glenoid Vault Reconstruction System.

Complex glenoid deformities present the most difficult challenges in shoulder arthroplasty. These deformities may be caused by severe degenerative or congenital deformity, posttraumatic anatomy, tumor, or, in most cases, bone loss after glenoid failure in anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty. Methods of treating severe bone loss have included inlay and onlay bone-graft options with augmented fixation and, in severe cases, salvage hemiarthroplasty with limited goal expectations. Unfortunately, none of these methods has provided consistently satisfactory reproducible results. In fact, each has had high rates of failure and complications. Borrowing from hip and knee arthroplasty surgeons' experience in using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) patient-specific implants to fill significant bony defects, Dr. D. M. Dines developed a glenoid vault reconstruction system (VRS) in conjunction with the Comprehensive Shoulder Arthroplasty System (Zimmer Biomet) to treat severe glenoid bone deficiency. The VRS is patient-specific; each case involves making a preoperative plan based on 3-dimensional reconstruction of a 2-dimensional computed tomography scan. The patient-specific implant and instrumentation that are created are used to reconstruct the deformed glenoid in an anatomical position without the need for additional bone graft. In this article, we describe the implant and its indications, technical aspects of production, and surgical technique.

Depression and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have found that depression is associated with increased pain and impairment following lower-extremity arthroplasty; however, this association has not been investigated for total shoulder arthroplasty. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between depression and patient-reported outcomes following total shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: A prospectively collected institutional registry was queried for consecutive patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis from 2007 to 2013 with baseline and minimum 2-year postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores. Revision procedures and total shoulder arthroplasty for diagnoses other than osteoarthritis were excluded. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of depression (n = 88) formed the study cohort; control patients without a diagnosis of depression were matched to the study patients by age and sex in a 2:1 ratio (n = 176). Baseline characteristics and patient-reported outcome measures were compared between groups, as were minimum 2-year patient-reported outcomes and change in patient-reported outcomes. A multivariable regression was performed to investigate the independent effect of depression on improvement in ASES scores. RESULTS: Except for the Short Form-12 Mental Component Summary (SF-12 MCS) scores, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in baseline characteristics between study patients and controls. There was a significant improvement in the ASES score for patients with depression (p < 0.0001) and controls (p < 0.0001). Patients with depression had significantly lower final ASES scores (p = 0.001) and less improvement in ASES scores (p = 0.001) and SF-12 Physical Component Summary scores (p = 0.006) as well as lower satisfaction levels at 2 years; however, the latter difference did not reach clinical importance. Depression (p = 0.018) was an independent predictor of less improvement in ASES scores. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a diagnosis of depression should be counseled that they will experience a significant clinical improvement from baseline after total shoulder arthroplasty. A preoperative diagnosis of depression is an independent predictor of significantly less improvement in ASES scores following total shoulder arthroplasty; however, this difference does not reach clinical importance and should not discourage patients with a clinical diagnosis of depression from undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Staged bilateral total shoulder arthroplasty: improved outcomes with less than 6 months between surgeries.

BACKGROUND: Research on optimal timing of bilateral anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate functional outcomes in patients undergoing bilateral anatomic TSA to understand the ideal timing for the second arthroplasty. METHODS: Patients who underwent bilateral TSA for osteoarthritis between 2000 and 2012 with a minimum follow-up of 12 months since their most recent surgery were evaluated. Postoperative patient-reported outcomes (University of California-Los Angeles [UCLA] shoulder rating scale, Constant score, and Simple Shoulder Test [SST]), biometrics (strength and range of motion), and a subjective questionnaire were compared for 4 "interval groups" based on timing between surgeries: <6 months, 6 to 12 months, 12 to 24 months, and >24 months. RESULTS: Eighty-two shoulders (41 patients, 70 ± 9 years old) were analyzed. Mean postoperative UCLA, Constant, and SST scores were 29, 72, and 9 points, respectively; 83% of patients reported satisfaction with both shoulders. Patients with <6 months between surgeries demonstrated significantly better UCLA scores than 6- to 12-month interval patients (P = .04), greater Constant scores compared with all other groups (P < .001), and greater SST scores compared with 6- to 12-month and 12- to 24-month interval patients (P = .002), with no differences in length of follow-up between groups. CONCLUSION: In the absence of extrinsic factors, such as convenience, changes in social support structure, or changes in health status, patients may be advised that having the second surgery within 6 months of the first might optimize their postoperative functional outcomes and satisfaction compared with waiting a longer interval between surgeries.

Effect of Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity on Complications After Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Metabolic syndrome can adversely affect surgical outcomes. This study evaluated the postoperative outcomes of patients with metabolic syndrome after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). A retrospective cohort study of 4751 patients undergoing TSA was conducted with use of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005 to 2013. Metabolic syndrome was defined as hypertension, diabetes, and body mass index of 30.0 kg/m(2) or greater. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for the outcomes of any postoperative complications and extended length of stay. Patients classified as obese III had a significantly increased risk of extended length of stay (P=.011) compared with control subjects who were of normal weight. In the multivariable adjusted models, compared with nonobese patients, those classified as obese I and obese II had a significantly decreased risk of postoperative complications (odds ratio, 0.84, P=.020, and odds ratio, 0.82, P=.045, respectively), whereas those classified as obese I were less likely to have extended length of stay (odds ratio, 0.79, P=.004). Metabolic syndrome was not a significant predictor of postoperative complications or extended length of stay. Morbidly obese patients undergoing TSA have an increased risk of postoperative complications and extended length of stay. Those classified as obese I and obese II may have a decreased risk of postoperative complications and shorter length of stay. Despite the hypothesized negative effect of metabolic syndrome on outcomes, the overall effect of metabolic syndrome was insignificant. These results are consistent with previous studies on obesity in patients undergoing TSA and may explain why recent studies have not shown differences in the rate of complications after TSA in obese patients with a body mass index of 30 to 40 mg/kg(2). [Orthopedics.2016; 39(5):309-316.].

Causes of poor postoperative improvement after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has been successful in improving pain and function in most patients, some patients fail to improve clinically. The present study used a large registry of RTSA patients to evaluate associations between patient-related factors and poor postoperative improvement after RTSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty registry was queried for consecutive patients who underwent RTSA from 2007 to 2013. Patients with baseline and minimum 2-year postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were included. Poor postoperative improvement was defined as a change in the ASES of less than 12 points. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Logistic regression revealed that male sex (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.9; P = .004), presence of an intact rotator cuff at the time of surgery (adjusted OR, 4.8; P = .025), depression (adjusted OR, 11.2; P = .005), a higher baseline ASES score (P < .001), and higher total number of medical comorbidities (P = .035) were associated with poor postoperative improvement after RTSA. CONCLUSIONS: Surrogates for better preoperative function after RTSA, such as a higher baseline ASES score and intact rotator cuff at the time of surgery, correlated with poor postoperative improvement. In addition, male sex, depression, and total number of medical comorbidities also correlated with poor postoperative improvement. Interestingly, factors such as patient age and indication for surgery were not found to correlate with poor improvement after RTSA.

Scapular Notching.

Developed in 1985, the Grammont-style reverse total shoulder arthroplasty offered a biomechanical advantage for the deltoid muscle as well as predictably reduced pain and improved shoulder function in rotator cuff-deficient shoulders. Despite favorable outcomes, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is associated with a unique set of complications, one of which is scapular notching. Scapular notching is believed to be a result of mechanical impingement of the humeral component on the lateral scapular pillar. Although it appears that scapular notching progresses with time, its effect on implant survivorship and clinical outcomes is unknown. Factors associated with scapular notching are categorized into several groups, including patient-specific risk factors, surgical approach and technique, and prosthetic design. Surgical strategies to reduce the rate of scapular notching include inferior positioning of the glenosphere, inferior tilting of the glenosphere, and increasing the size of the glenosphere. A lateralized center of rotation and a decreased humeral shaft-neck angle also decrease the incidence of scapular notching. As the indications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty expand, it is important for orthopaedic surgeons to understand the etiology and incidence, predictive factors, and clinical relevance of scapular notching as well as strategies to avoid it.

Arthroplasty for the surgical management of complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly: a cost-utility analysis.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) has been the standard treatment for complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly requiring surgery but not amenable to fixation. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has also emerged as a costly albeit highly effective alternative. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of nonoperative fracture care, HA, and RTSA for complex proximal humerus fractures from the perspective of both U.S. payors and hospitals. METHODS: A Markov model was constructed for the treatment alternatives. Costs were expressed in 2013 U.S. dollars and effectiveness in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The principal outcome measure was incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate model assumptions. RESULTS: In the base case, from the payor perspective, RTSA was associated with an ICER of $8100/QALY; HA was eliminated from payor analysis as a cost-ineffective strategy. From the hospital perspective, however, HA was not cost-ineffective and the ICER for HA was $36,700/QALY, with RTSA providing incremental effectiveness at $57,400/QALY. RTSA was the optimal strategy in 61% and 54% of payor and hospital probabilistic sensitivity analyses, respectively. The preferred strategy was dependent on associated QALY gains, primary RTSA cost, and failure rates for RTSA. CONCLUSIONS: RTSA can be a cost-effective intervention in the surgical treatment of complex proximal humerus fractures. HA can also be a cost-effective intervention, depending on the cost perspective (cost-ineffective for payor but cost-effective for the hospital). This analysis highlights the opportunities for increased cost-sharing strategies to alleviate the cost burden on hospitals.

Hemiarthroplasty Versus Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Shoulder Osteoarthritis: A Matched Comparison of Return to Sports.

BACKGROUND: Return to activity is a commonly used indication for shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) compared with total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Despite clinical studies demonstrating better functional outcomes after TSA, the literature has failed to show a difference in return to sports. PURPOSE: To compare rates of return to sports in a matched cohort of TSA and HA patients with a preoperative diagnosis of glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A prospectively collected registry was queried retrospectively for consecutive patients who underwent HA. Inclusion criteria were preoperative diagnosis of OA and more than 2 years of follow-up. After meeting the inclusion criteria, all HA patients were statistically matched to a TSA patient. All patients had end-stage OA with significant glenohumeral joint space narrowing. RESULTS: At final follow-up, 40 HA patients and 40 TSA patients were available. The average (±SD) age at surgery was 65.7 ± 10.5 years and 66.2 ± 9.6 years for the HA and TSA groups, respectively (P = .06). Average follow-up was 62.0 months and 61.1 months for the HA and TSA groups, respectively (P = .52). Average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores improved from 36.3 to 70.2 for HA patients and from 34.0 to 78.5 for TSA patients (P < .001 for both); final scores were not significantly different between groups (P = .21). Average visual analog scale pain scores improved from 6.3 to 2.2 for HA patients and from 6.1 to 0.6 for TSA patients (P < .001 for both). HA patients had significantly worse final visual analog scale scores compared with the TSA group (P = .002). Significantly more TSA patients were satisfied with their surgery compared with HA patients (100% vs 70%) (P = .01). Of both groups, 65.5% of HA patients (19 of 29) returned to at least 1 sport postoperatively compared with 97.3% of TSA patients (36 of 37) (P < .001). Average timing for return to full sports was 5.5 ± 4.2 months and 5.4 ± 3.1 months for the HA and TSA groups, respectively (P = .92). Significantly more TSA patients returned to higher upper extremity use sports (P = .01). CONCLUSION: In patients with OA, rate of return to sports was significantly better after TSA compared with HA. HA patients had significantly more pain, worse surgical satisfaction, and decreased ability to return to high upper extremity use sports. For patients with OA who wish to return to sporting activities, these results help manage expectations.

Buprenorphine, Clonidine, Dexamethasone, and Ropivacaine for Interscalene Nerve Blockade: A Prospective, Randomized, Blinded, Ropivacaine Dose-Response Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated interscalene block for shoulder arthroplasty with various ropivacaine concentrations in the presence of clonidine, dexamethasone, and buprenorphine. The goal was prolonged analgesia with minimal motor blockade. DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University-affiliated orthopedic hospital. METHODS: Patients (20/group) received acetaminophen, ketorolac, pregabalin, opioids, and "Control"; interscalene block, 0.375% ropivacaine, intravenous additives (buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone); "High Dose"; 0.375% ropivacaine, perineural additives; "Medium Dose"; 0.2% ropivacaine, perineural additives; and "Low Dose"; 0.1% ropivacaine, perineural additives. RESULTS: Pain with movement at 24 hours was 4.9 ± 2.5 (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) (Control), 4.5 ± 3.0 (High Dose), 3.4 ± 1.8 (Medium Dose), 4.2 ± 2.4 (Low Dose). The difference between Medium Dose and Control was -1.5 (95% CI: -2.9, -0.1) (P = 0.040). Median time until need for opioids was 16.1 hours (Control) vs 23.7 hours (High Dose); hazard ratio 0.37 [95% CI: 0.17, 0.79]. High Dose had less pain with movement the morning after surgery, vs Control; 2.9 ± 2.5 vs 4.9 ± 2.7; P = 0.027. Pain with movement in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit was higher in Low Dose, vs Control; 0.9 ± 1.4 vs 0 ± 0, P = 0.009. Low Dose had superior hand strength in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (mean ± SD of pre-operative strength: 44.0 ± 20.3%) compared to Control (27.5 ± 24.5%) (P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: For maximum pain reduction, combining perineural additives with ropivacaine 0.375% or 0.2% is suggested. To minimize motor blockade, perineural additives can be combined with ropivacaine, 0.1%.