Subacromial Balloon Spacer Does Not Reduce the Retear Rate for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: A Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: To determine whether a subacromial spacer decreases the recurrent rotator cuff tear rate in arthroscopically managed massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) with 1 year of follow-up. METHODS: We selected all patients who met the following criteria: (1) an MRCT excluding Collin type A, (2) Goutallier stage equal or less than 2, and (3) complete arthroscopic repair of the MRCT. Patients were allocated into 2 groups: A (without subacromial spacer) or B (with subacromial spacer) for a prospective evaluation 1 year after surgery. The primary outcome was the retear rate, determined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to the classification of Sugaya. Secondary outcome measures were the functional outcomes using visual analog score, Shoulder Subjective Value, and Constant-Murley Score. Preoperative rotator cuff characteristics such as number of tendons involved and the tear retraction also were evaluated. Patient-related data such as sex, age, laterality, history of smoking, and diabetes mellitus were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 31 patients were included in group A and 33 in group B. Preoperatively, only 2 differences were found between both groups: a significant (but not clinical) greater Constant score in group A (P = .034) and a slightly greater retraction of the supraspinatus in group B (P = .0025). The overall retear rate between the 2 groups was similar regarding the number of patients (P = .746) and the total number of tendons involved in the recurrent tear (P = .112). At 1-year follow-up, no differences were found in VAS (P = .397), SSV (P = .309), and Constant score (P = .105). CONCLUSIONS: In reparable massive rotator cuff tears (excluding Collin type A), the augmentation of repair with a subacromial spacer did not significantly reduce the number of patients with recurrent rotator cuff tears identified by MRI. It was also ineffective in reducing the number of re-ruptured tendons in these patients. No patient-reported or clinically significant findings were noted in Constant, SSV, and VAS scores at 1-year postoperative follow-up. Patients with MRI findings of a healed rotator cuff (Sugaya 1-3) had better clinical outcomes compared with those without. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Glenohumeral Arthropathy After Arthroscopic Surgery for Shoulder Instability: Outcomes at 16-Year Follow-up.

Background: Glenohumeral arthropathy after surgery for traumatic shoulder instability is a condition whose etiology and long-term course are still unknown. Purpose: To evaluate the risk factors for the onset of arthropathy and to assess the relationship between the degree of arthropathy and final outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We included patients who underwent surgery for a shoulder instability at a single institution between 2000 and 2004. The following variables were studied for relationship with functional outcomes: sex, age, body mass index, smoking at the time of surgery, number of episodes of shoulder dislocation, and time from first dislocation to surgery. The number of anchors used and their position were also evaluated. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, and Rowe scores, and results were compared with the onset of arthropathy according to Buscayret classification. Spearman and Pearson correlations were performed for the association between glenohumeral arthritis (Buscayret grade) and the study variables, the Mann-Whitney U test and Student t test were used to compare outcome scores with the study variables, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare Buscayret grade and outcome scores. Results: A total of 26 shoulders in 25 patients were analyzed, finding a high rate (54%) of arthropathy at a minimum follow-up of 16 years. Patients with Buscayret grade 4 had the worst functional results (P = .007). However, 80% of patients with Buscayret grade ≤3 had excellent Constant-Murley scores. A significant relationship was found between degree of arthropathy and patients who were smokers before surgery (P < .01). No relationship was found between the onset of arthropathy and the other variables analyzed. Conclusion: Postinstability glenohumeral arthropathy was not correlated with functional outcomes except in those patients with advanced arthroplasty (Buscayret grade 4). A direct relationship was found between smoking before surgery and the onset of glenohumeral arthropathy.

Intraoperative pulmonary embolism in shoulder arthroscopy in a patient with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report.

The objective of this article is to describe intraoperative pulmonary embolism during shoulder arthroscopy in a patient with previous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Further, we describe how the pandemic has influenced the population by increasing the rate of embolisms. Awareness of such cases will help to increase knowledge regarding SARS-Cov-2 and to determine if such patients should receive routine antithrombotic prophylaxis.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in complex fractures of the proximal humerus: results after 7 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: There is still little information about the long-term results of clinical and radiological evolution in patients older than 65 years with complex proximal humerus fractures (CPHF) treated acutely with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The aim of this paper was to evaluate function and results 7 years after surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional cohort study was designed for this purpose. Patients who underwent RSA surgery during 2012 because of a CPHF were included. The surgical approach was randomized (deltopectoral vs anterosuperior). Functional activity, evolution of tuberosities and evidence of scapular notching 7 years after surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: After evaluating 32 patients, the Constant score improved from 64.83 in the first year to 69.54 at 7 years postoperative. Results were independent of the approach used. Functional outcomes were poorer in patients with scapular notching and when tuberosities were resorbed or displaced. CONCLUSIONS: At 7 years, function in patients undergoing RSA after CPHF demonstrated improvement in all patients except those who developed scapular notching or when tuberosities did not consolidate in an anatomical position. These results are completely independent of the approach used. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III Controlled cohort study.

Unusual and nondescript type of distal clavicular fracture.

Displaced fracture of the distal third of the clavicle usually occurs after direct trauma to the shoulder and typically results in superior displacement of the proximal fragment. We report a previously undescribed case of downward displacement of the clavicle caused by a fall on an outstretched hand, and we suggest the mechanism of injury.

¿Cómo ha afectado el confinamiento por la pandemia de SARS-COV-2 a los pacientes con fractura de cadera? / How has confinement from the SARS-COV-2 pandemic affected hip fracture patients?

Objetivo: Este estudio trata de comparar como el confinamiento durante la pandemia del Covid-19 ha afectado al tratamiento, epidemiologia y manejo de los pacientes con fractura de cadera comparándolos con un grupo equivalente de pacientes en el mismo periodo del año anterior. Material y Métodos: Analizamos prospectivamente dos periodos de tiempo desde el 14 de marzo hasta el 2 de mayo de los años 2019 y 2020. Resultados: Encontramos una reducción significativa en la estancia hospitalaria y el tiempo hasta la intervención quirúrgica, además de un incremento en las interconsultas al servicio de medicina interna y en el tiempo hasta acudir al servicio de urgencias (p<0.05). Esto nos permitió crear dos nuevos grupos de estudio: los pacientes que acudieron al servicio de urgencias en menos de 24 horas desde el traumatismo y, por otro lado, los pacientes que acudieron pasadas 24 horas, no encontrando diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos en las variables evaluadas. Concusión: Quizás la adaptación de nuestro hospital para el rápido manejo de estos pacientes y el miedo a la enfermedad hayan dado lugar a los resultados obtenidos.(AU)

Purpose: This study aims to compare how confinement during the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the treatment, epidemiology and management of patients with hip fracture with a group compared with an equivalent group in the same period of the previous year. Methods: We prospectively analyze two periods from 3/14 to 5/2 of the years 2019 and 2020. Results: We found significant reductions in hospital length of stay and time to surgery, as well as an increase in internal medicine consultations and time to emergency care (p<0.05). This led us to create two new groups: on one hand, those patients who came to the emergency care within 24 hours, and, on the other hand, those who came after 24 hours, finding no statistically significant differences in the parameters evaluated. Conclusion: Perhaps the adaptation of the hospital for the rapid management of these patients and the fear of the disease have led to the results obtained.(AU)

Is the fracture pattern in periprosthetic fractures around the knee related with the anterior femoral notch?

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic fractures around the knee (PPF) are a devastating complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Anterior femoral notching during TKA is considered a risk factor for PPF. The aim of this paper is to determine if an anterior femoral notch after total knee arthroplasty may affect the fracture pattern when a PPF appears postoperatively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50 patients diagnosed in our centre of a PPF from January 2010 to December 2013 were retrospectively enrolled. 100 patients who underwent a total knee arthroplasty without fracture were randomly obtained as a control group. Evidence of the notch was searched in both groups in postoperative X-rays. In the PPF group, distance from the shield of the femoral component to the most distal (d) and proximal (D) point of the fracture were measured. RESULTS: Two different groups were obtained: 1) d = 0 (33 out of 50 patients); the fracture is supposed to be related with the notch as it's a theoretically weaker area. 2) d > 0 (17 out of 50 patients); the fracture pattern has no relationship with the notch. Prevalence of patients suffering a fracture in the shield of the prosthesis (d = 0), was similar in both patients with notch (66,7%) and without it (68%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, fracture pattern is not related with the existence of a femoral notch in the clinical setting.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in obese patients: analysis of functionality in the medium-term.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is an epidemic nowadays and this fact conditions results in orthopaedic surgery. Very few studies evaluates if obesity is a risk factor for reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to confirm if there are differences with regard to the outcomes in patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty according to their body mass index (BMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 patients were enrolled in the study. Then divided into subpopulations according to their BMI and analyzed twice. First analysis set a division 30 of BMI and second set it in 35. ASES score, major complications, length of the hospital stay, radiolucent lines in components as well as scapular notching were assessed. RESULTS: No major complications were described in our patients. No differences were found related to hospital stay, radiolucent lines or scapular notching. However, in the second analysis (BMI < 35 and ≥ 35) statistical differences were found regarding ASES score. Poorer functional outcomes were described in the type-II obese and morbidly obese population. CONCLUSION: Functional outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty are worse in patients with a BMI over 35.

Is obesity related with periprosthetic fractures around the knee?

PURPOSE: Periprosthetic fracture (PPF) is a devastating complication following primary total knee arthroplasty. Obesity is currently considered a risk factor for many complications in orthopaedics, but there is no evidence in literature about the relationship between obesity and PPF around the knee. The objective of this study was to determine whether obesity is associated with a higher incidence of PPF. METHODS: All patients diagnosed of a PPF around the knee from January 2010 to December 2013 were enrolled. Forty-nine PPF (47 women and 2 men) were included, and a total of 97 patients (80 women and 17 men) were randomly obtained as a control group. Body mass index (BMI) was obtained in both groups and classified as <25 (normal), overweight (25-29.9), obese (30-34.9), very obese (35-39.9), or morbid obesity (≥40). Both groups, were also divided into subpopulations depending on the age as follows: <70, 70-75, 75-80 and ≥80. Statistical analysis was performed to determine any difference in BMI ≥30 kg/m² distribution between groups. RESULTS: In the PPF group 61.22 % of the patients had a BMI over 30 kg/m² and likewise 62.88 % of the patients in the control group. No association was found between obesity and a higher risk of PPF (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) does not have any clinical relationship with the appearance of a periprosthetic fracture around the knee (p < 0.05).

Arthroscopic findings in melorheostosis.

Melorheostosis is a rare dysplastic bone formation disease that can also affect the joints. We present a case of a patient with knee pain that was radiographically diagnosed as melorheostosis because of "dripping wax" image. An exploratory arthroscopy was made. In the joint, we found hyperplasic synovial tissue and an increased retropatellar Hoffa pad, which was surrounding an intra-articular ossification resulting from the disease. This was removed and led to a clinical and functional improvement.

The comparison of measurement accuracy among three different imaging modalities in evaluating elastofibroma dorsi. An analysis of 52 cases.

PURPOSE: Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is a rare soft-tissue tumour. Diagnosis is made using imaging, mainly magnetic resonance due to its higher sensitivity and specificity in soft tissues. No agreement exists when deciding which imaging test must be used. Often multiple tests are made in the same patient, increasing time and costs. The aim of this paper is to compare the usual imaging exams and evaluate which one is the most accurate when diagnosing and measuring ED. METHODS: A retrospective review was made of those patients who were diagnosed and operated for ED since January 2006 to December 2013. Fifty-two ED were included (19 men, 25 women), and eight of them were bilaterally affected. They were divided into three different groups according to the imaging test used: ultrasound (US) computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR). After surgery the pieces were sized and compared with the measurements made by imaging exams. RESULTS: Two hundred fourteen measures were analysed (40 US, 33 CT and 34 MR with their pathological equivalent). When CT group and its corresponding AP were analysed, no significant differences between them were founded (p > 0.05). Moreover, we analysed absolute differences between measures. In the US group a mean difference of 2.23 ± 1.87 cm was obtained. In the CT group, the mean difference was 1.22 ± 0.97 cm. Likewise, the difference of the MR group was 1.62 ± 1.15 cm. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the CT obtains a higher correlation than MR when determining the size of ED.