Is reverse total shoulder arthroplasty more effective than hemiarthroplasty for treating displaced proximal humerus fractures in older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The indications for surgical treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures in older patients have gradually changed in the past 10 years: fewer hemiarthroplasty (HA) procedures but more reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) procedures are being done. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and radiological outcomes, the complications, reoperations and revisions of RSA and to compare them with those of HA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature published between January 2006 and February 2016 was carried out to identify studies reporting or comparing results of HA and RSA for proximal humerus fractures in patients above 65 years of age. These studies were classified based on their quality and level of evidence. Of the 67 studies that were identified and reviewed, 22 were chosen for the analysis. RESULTS: The functional outcome (Constant score) after RSA is significantly better and more reproducible that the one obtained after HA. RSA provides significantly better active range of motion in forward flexion and abduction than HA. Conversely, active internal and external rotation are worse after RSA than HA. Reattachment of the tuberosities around the RSA improves the rotation ability. Even if the tuberosities do not heal, the functional outcomes are satisfactory after RSA but not HA due to a major functional deficit. The tuberosity healing rate around the RSA does not decline with age, contrary to HA where age is a negative factor. The overall complication rate is higher after RSA than HA; however the reoperation rate is equal. The revision rate for implant change is higher after HA. CONCLUSION: Compared to HA, RSA provides more reproducible function with better recovery of active forward flexion and abduction, even when the tuberosities are not reattached or do not heal properly. The poor rotation ability can be improved by reinserting the tuberosities. While the complication rate after RSA is higher than after HA, the reoperation rate is equal, and the revision rate is lower. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Systematic review of literature.

Transfer of the clavicular or sternocostal portion of the pectoralis major muscle for irreparable tears of the subscapularis. Technique and clinical results.

PURPOSE: The transfer of the pectoralis major in cases of irreparable rupture of the subscapularis has been described through different techniques. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the clinical results of transferring the clavicular or the sternal head of the pectoralis major tendon underneath the conjoint tendon. METHODS: Fifteen patients underwent the procedure, including eight clavicular head of the pectoralis major tendon transfers and seven sternal head transfers. The mean age at the time of surgery was 57 years (range, 37-66). Each patient had pre-operative MRI and CT scan. The criteria for an irreparable subscapularis tear were retraction at the level of the glenoid and fatty infiltration of the muscle graded III or IV. Pre-operative and postoperative functions were assessed by the Constant score. Patients were finally asked if they were very satisfied, satisfied or unhappy with the functional outcome. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 24 months (range, 12-50). The mean absolute Constant score of the entire series increased significantly from 36 preoperatively to 69 at the latest follow up (p < 0.01); it improved significantly and similarly in both types of tendon harvested. Nine patients were very satisfied, three were satisfied and three were dissatisfied with the clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: A clavicular or a sternocostal head transfer of the pectoralis major under the coracoid process reduced pain, and improved the strength and function of the shoulder.

Results of 45 arthroscopic Bankart procedures: Does the ISIS remain a reliable prognostic assessment after 5 years?

PURPOSE: The Instability Severity Index Score (ISIS) includes preoperative clinical and radiological risk factors to select patients who can benefit from an arthroscopic Bankart procedure with a low rate of recurrence. Patients who underwent an arthroscopic Bankart for anterior shoulder instability with an ISIS lower than or equal to four were assessed after a minimum of 5-year follow-up. METHODS: Forty-five shoulders were assessed at a mean of 79 months (range 60-118 months). Average age was 29.4 years (range 17-58 years) at the time of surgery. Postoperative functions were assessed by the Walch and Duplay and the Rowe scores for 26 patients; an adapted telephonic interview was performed for the 19 remaining patients who could not be reassessed clinically. A failure was defined by the recurrence of an anterior dislocation or subluxation. Patients were asked whether they were finally very satisfied, satisfied or unhappy. RESULTS: The mean Walch and Duplay score at last follow-up was 84.3 (range 35-100). The final result for these patients was excellent in 14 patients (53.8 %), good in seven cases (26.9 %), poor in three patients (11.5 %) and bad in two patients (7.7 %). The mean Rowe score was 82.6 (range 35-100). Thirty-nine patients (86.7 %) were subjectively very satisfied or satisfied, and six (13.3 %) were unhappy. Four patients (8.9 %) had a recurrence of frank dislocation with a mean delay of 34 months (range 12-72 months). Three of them had a Hill-Sachs lesion preoperatively. Two patients had a preoperative ISIS at 4 points and two patients at 3 points. CONCLUSION: The selection based on the ISIS allows a low rate of failure after an average term of 5 years. Lowering the limit for indication to 3 points allows to avoid the association between two major risk factors for recurrence, which are valued at 2 points. The existence of a Hill-Sachs lesion is a stronger indicator for the outcome of instability repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Retrospective Case Series, Treatment Study.