Does having a rotator cuff repair prior to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty influence the outcome?

AIMS: The number of rotator cuff repairs that are undertaken is increasing. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is the procedure of choice for patients with rotator cuff arthropathy. We sought to determine whether patients who underwent rotator cuff repair and subsequent RSA had different outcomes compared with a matched control group who underwent RSA without a previous rotator cuff repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with a history of rotator cuff repair who underwent RSA between 2000 and 2015 with a minimum follow-up of two years were eligible for inclusion as the study group. Outcomes, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, were compared with a matched control group of patients who underwent RSA without having previously undergone rotator cuff repair. RESULTS: The study group included 45 patients. Their mean age was 69 years (sd 8.6) and 27 patients (60%) were women. The mean ASES score improved from 43.1 to 76.6 two years postoperatively, and to 66.9 five years postoperatively. There was no significant difference between the outcomes at two years in the two groups (all p ≥ 0.05), although there was significantly more improvement in ASES scores in the control group (44.5 vs 33.4; p = 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between ASES scores at two and five years when baseline ASES scores were matched in the two groups (p = 0.42 at two years; p = 0.35 at five years). CONCLUSION: Significant improvements in ASES scores were seen following RSA in patients who had previously undergone rotator cuff repair. They had higher baseline ASES scores than those who had not previously undergone this surgery. However, there was no significant difference in outcomes between the two groups, two years postoperatively. Previous rotator cuff repair does not appear to affect the early outcome after RSA adversely.

Effect of pre-operative expectations on the outcomes following total shoulder arthroplasty.

AIMS: Few studies have evaluated the relationship between patients' pre-operative expectations and the outcome of orthopaedic procedures. Our aim was to determine the effect of expectations on the outcome after primary anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). We hypothesised that patients with greater expectations would have better outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing primary anatomical TSA completed the Hospital for Special Surgery's Shoulder Expectations Survey pre-operatively. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Shoulder Activity Scale (SAS), Short-Form-36 (SF-36), and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, fatigue, and general health scores were also collected pre-operatively and two years post-operatively. Pearson correlations were used to assess the relationship between the number of expectations and the outcomes. Differences in outcomes between those with higher and lower levels of expectations for each expectation were assessed by independent samples t-test. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to control for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients were evaluated two years post-operatively. Most parameters of outcome improved significantly from baseline and most patients were satisfied. A greater number of expectations was associated with a significantly greater improvement in the ASES score (p = 0.02). In the multivariable analysis, a greater number of expectations was an independent predictor of better ASES, VAS and SF-36 scores, as well as improvements in ASES and VAS pain scores (p < 0.05). Greater expectations for many specific expectation questions were significantly associated with better outcomes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TSA is a successful procedure with significant improvements in outcome, and greater pre-operative expectations are associated with better outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1190-6.

Preoperative planning for accurate glenoid component positioning in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Glenoid component positioning in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is challenging. Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has been advocated to improve accuracy, and is based on precise preoperative planning. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of glenoid component positioning when only the glenoid surface is visible, compared to when the entire scapula is visible on a 3D virtual model. METHODS: CT scans of 30 arthritic shoulders were reconstructed in 3D models. Two surgeons then virtually placed a glenosphere component in the model while visualizing only the glenoid surface, in order to simulate typical intraoperative exposure ("blind 3D" surgery). One surgeon then placed the component in an ideal position while visualizing the entire scapula ("visible 3D" surgery). These two positions were then compared, and the accuracy of glenoid component positioning was assessed in terms of correction of native glenoid version and tilt, and avoidance of glenoid vault perforation. RESULTS: Mean version and tilt after "blind 3D" surgery were +1.4° (SD 8.8°) and +7.6° (SD 6°), respectively; glenoid vault perforation occurred in 17 specimens. Mean version and tilt after "visible 3D" surgery were +0.3° (SD 0.8°) and +0.1° (SD 0.5°), respectively, with glenoid vault perforation in 6 cases. "Visible 3D" surgery provided significantly better accuracy than "blind 3D" surgery (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: When the entire scapula is used as reference, accuracy is improved and glenoid vault perforation is less frequent. This type of visualization is only possible with pre-operative 3D CT planning, and may be augmented by PSI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic science study. Level III.

Coracoid impingement syndrome, rotator interval reconstruction, and biceps tenodesis in the overhead athlete.

Anterior shoulder problems are extremely common in throwing athletes. Coracoid impingement syndrome, lesions of the long head of the biceps tendon, and rotator interval lesions are included in the extensive differential diagnosis which exists for anterior shoulder pain. In this article, we focus on the anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of these conditions.

Arthroscopy for failed shoulder arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: It was the purpose of this study to describe the specifics of technique and results of arthroscopic evaluation and treatment of failed shoulder arthroplasties in 10 patients with early and late complications of shoulder arthroplasty. TYPE OF STUDY: Case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients (2 bilateral) underwent 13 arthroscopies after poor results following shoulder arthroplasty. The arthroscopic diagnoses ranged from rotator cuff tears in 5 shoulders, fibrosis and scarring of the long head of the biceps in 5 shoulders, impingement and biceps tendinitis in 1 shoulder, and capsular contracture in 1 shoulder. We performed 4 mini-open rotator cuff repairs, 1 open rotator cuff repair with revision of the humeral component, 5 arthroscopic debridements of the long head of the biceps, 2 arthroscopic decompressions with biceps tenodesis, and 1 arthroscopic capsular release. RESULTS: Before arthroscopy, the preoperative Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores were 6 fair and 6 poor. At latest follow-up, there were 3 excellent, 4 good, and 5 fair results. There was a statistically significant improvement in HSS scores and range of motion for all patients in this study. All patients were satisfied with the results of the procedure. There were no infections or wound problems and neurovascular status was unaltered after arthroscopy. There was 1 intraoperative complication, a periprosthetic humerus fracture after manipulation in an osteoporotic woman with rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopy proved to be a reliable diagnostic and therapeutic tool in dealing with some of the postoperative complications encountered both early and late after shoulder arthroplasty. Careful attention to surgical technique, including use of blunt trocars, traction, and intraoperative prophylactic antibiotics, can minimize complications of arthroscopy in this setting.

Proximal humerus malunions.

Malunion of a proximal humerus fracture often is painful and debilitating. Operative management of this deformity is technically demanding and frequently results in a relatively high rate of complications. Reconstruction involves a spectrum of procedures including excision of bony prominences, tuberosity osteotomy and realignment, and shoulder arthroplasty. This article covers the etiology, classification, diagnosis, and management of these complex injuries. A successfully performed reconstruction diminishes the patient's pain and potentially increases function.

Arthroscopic assisted rotator cuff repair.

The advent of the arthroscope has revolutionized orthopaedic surgery, particularly for injuries to the knee or shoulder. The enhanced visualization accompanied by minimal soft tissue injury afforded by the arthroscope has been applied successfully to the treatment of many shoulder girdie pathologies, most notably impingement syndrome and rotator cuff injuries. As such, the traditional open surgery with the incumbent morbidity, while still utilized for more complex tears is finding less application in smaller tears to the rotator cuff. This review will address the history, indications, technique, and results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Glenoid replacement in total shoulder arthroplasty.

The outcome of total shoulder arthroplasty is largely based on the quality of glenoid component fixation, which, in turn, is related to the amount and quality of bone stock, glenohumeral stability, and rotator cuff function. This article discusses the anatomic and pathologic indications for glenoid replacement, surgical techniques, and results.

Hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder for rotator cuff arthropathy.

Sixteen patients underwent hemiarthroplasty for rotator cuff arthropathy between June 1989 and March 1992, and evaluations obtained before and after surgery in all patients were compared. A modular head large enough to articulate with the coracoacromial arch but not so large as to prevent approximately 50% of humeral head translation on the glenoid was used in these cases. Each patient was evaluated with Neer's limited goals rating scale after an average follow-up of 33 months (24 to 55 months). Ten patients were rated as successful and six as unsuccessful. Four of the six unsuccessful patients had undergone at least one attempt at rotator cuff repair with acromioplasty before the index procedure, and two of these four patients had deficient deltoid function after this rotator cuff surgery as a result of postoperative deltoid detachment. Also, three of these four patients who had previously undergone acromioplasty subsequently had anterosuperior subluxation after hemiarthroplasty. Hemiarthroplasty did not provide for a successful outcome in all patients with rotator cuff arthropathy. However, 10 of the 12 patients in this series with good deltoid function and an adequate coracoacromial arch were rated as successful by Neer's limited goals criteria. In addition, this study illustrates that formal acromioplasty carried out during attempts at rotator cuff repair in such patients may jeopardize the subsequent success of hemiarthroplasty.

Familial calcification of the superior transverse scapular ligament causing neuropathy.

Two patients, members of the same family, were found to have entrapment of the suprascapular nerve from a calcified superior transverse scapular ligament. The chief complaint in both cases was pain and weakness and atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. The nerve entrapment was confirmed by electromyographic studies and required surgical decompression to relieve the symptoms in both patients. Release of the entrapped nerve resulted in complete pain relief and full return of strength at 1-year followup.

Humeral head osteonecrosis: clinical course and radiographic predictors of outcome.

Forty-two patients (65 shoulders) with osteonecrosis of the humeral head were reviewed. Minimal follow-up was 2 years or until shoulder arthroplasty was performed for persistent severe pain and disability not responsive to conservative treatment. Thirteen shoulders had surgery shortly after presentation, whereas 22 others initially treated conservatively required surgery. Thirty shoulders in 20 patients have been treated without surgery and were evaluated at an average of 10 years after initial presentation. Fifteen shoulders are doing satisfactorily, whereas 15 others are doing poorly. Overall, 37 (71%) shoulders had clinical progression of disease requiring shoulder arthroplasty or resulting in severe pain and disability. All had radiographic stage III, IV, or V, and 41 (85%) had articular surface incongruity of 2 mm or greater. Humeral head drilling was not effective in preventing clinical or radiographic progression in stage III.disease. Radiographic stages of III or greater and documented radiographic disease progression were significantly associated with a poor outcome.

The conservative management of the unstable shoulder including rehabilitation.

The conservative management of shoulder instability depends on a well-defined program that emphasizes early diminution in the patient's symptoms, appropriate immobilization, and a well-defined precise rehabilitation program that can be individually tailored to meet the patient's needs. Immobilization should be considered in younger patients less than 20 years of age for between 3 to 4 weeks in order to enhance capsulolabral complex healing. Older patients may be immobilized for a shorter period of time. Analgesic medication and local physical therapeutic modalities may be used to decrease the patient's symptomatic complaints. Once the immobilization period has ended, a precise and specific rehabilitation program tailored for the individual needs of the patient should be undertaken. The rehabilitation program should emphasize early and safe regaining of normal ROM, strengthening of the dynamic stabilizers of the shoulder, and strengthening of the scapular stabilizing muscles of the shoulder. Finally, rehabilitation programs that enhance the patient's neuromuscular control over the glenohumeral joint should be considered in the conservative management of the unstable shoulder.

Arthroscopic fixation of superior labral lesions using a biodegradable implant: a preliminary report.

Twenty-two patients were treated for symptomatic lesions of the superior glenoid labrum in association with instability of the tendinous insertion of the long head of the biceps brachii. A biodegradable implant was used to fix the labrum to the bony glenoid using an arthroscopic technique. At 2-year average follow-up, satisfactory results were obtained in 86% of the patients. Two patients, both of whom had undergone concomitant subacromial decompression, continued to complain of pain after the procedure; 3 patients had restricted motion postoperatively, and 1 required manipulation under anesthesia. Twelve of 13 overhead athletes were able to return to full premorbid function. Arthroscopic fixation of unstable lesions of the superior labrum led to a resolution of symptoms in the majority of patients. There were no complications related to the use of the biodegradable implant.

Modular shoulder hemiarthroplasty for acute fractures. Surgical considerations.

Displaced fractures of the proximal humerus with concomitant comminution, interruption of vascular supply, and articular incongruity often require prosthetic replacement for successful treatment. In these difficult cases, the success of prosthetic replacement is dependent on proper patient selection, appropriate surgical technique, and a well-supervised postoperative rehabilitation program. Careful surgical technique should ensure proper placement of the humeral component at the correct height and version, and proper position and fixation of the displaced tuberosities. Supervised rehabilitation emphasizing early range of motion and strength when the tuberosities have healed improves results. The authors found that a modular design humeral implant allows for improved tensioning of the soft tissues and reconstruction of the tuberosities.

Instability of the shoulder after arthroplasty.

A replacement arthroplasty was performed in 236 shoulders at The Hospital for Special Surgery from 1984 through 1989. Ten patients (eight women and two men) from that group were identified as having instability of the shoulder at the time of follow-up, and the results for these patients were reviewed retrospectively. The ages of the patients ranged from fifty-six to seventy-nine years. The instability was anterior in seven of the patients and posterior in three. The anterior instability was caused by a rupture of the repaired subscapularis tendon. The operative treatment of the anterior instability consisted of mobilization and repair of the tendon, but three of the seven patients continued to have instability. A static stabilizer, consisting of an allograft of Achilles tendon, was inserted in these three patients, and the result was a success. The etiology of the posterior instability (three patients) was multifactorial. Treatment consisted of correction of any soft-tissue imbalance and revision of the prosthetic components as necessary. All ten patients were followed clinically and radiographically for at least two years. All of the patients had some loss of motion of the shoulder as compared with the motion before the dislocation. There were no neurovascular complications, problems related to the allografts, or any other complications. We concluded that proper balancing of the soft tissues and positioning of the prosthetic components are essential to a successful arthroplasty of the shoulder. The postoperative rehabilitation should include a physical therapy program in which the range of motion of the arm that was achieved in the operating room is not exceeded.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Posttraumatic changes of the proximal humerus: Malunion, nonunion, and osteonecrosis. Treatment with modular hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder arthroplasty.

Since 1986, 20 shoulder orthroplasties have been performed for chronic, posttroumatic changes of the proximal humerus with a modular prosthetic system. The average patient follow-up was 33 months, range 24 to 47 months. Sixteen women and four men with an average age of 69.6 years were studied. The procedure was carried out for malunion of the tuberosities or humeral head in eight patients, nonunion of the humeral head in six patients, osteonecrosis in three patients, and chronic impression fractures associated with dislocations of the humeral head in three patients. Fair, good, or excellent results were achieved in 90% of patients. The average postoperative motions were forward elevation, 111°; external rotation, 30°; and internal rotation to L2. Two failures occurred. One patient had nonunion of a tuberosity repair with superior instability and secondary impingement requiring revision surgery. A second patient had a postoperative neuropothy and posterior subluxotion with poor function. Patients younger than 70 years of age and those who did not require tuberosity osteotomy had better results. The success of orthroplasty in these difficult occurrences is dependent upon appropriate patient selection, extensive preoperative evaluation, strict attention to surgical detail, and postoperative rehabilitation. Avoidance of tuberosity osteotomy, when feasible, is advised. A modular design has advantages because it facilitates soft-tissue tensioning and tuberosity repair.

Modular hemiarthroplasty for fractures of the proximal part of the humerus.

A new biomodular prosthesis was used for the treatment of a displaced fracture of the proximal part of the humerus in twenty-two shoulders in twenty-two patients. The fractures were classified according to the Neer system; there were thirteen four-part, five three-part, and four head-splitting fractures. There were fifteen women and seven men, and the mean age was seventy years (range, forty-nine to eighty-seven years). The hemiarthroplasty was performed an average of eleven days (range, one to forty-five days) after the injury. The deltopectoral interval was used in all patients, and the prosthesis was implanted with cement in twenty of the shoulders. All of the patients participated in a supervised program of rehabilitation. The patients were followed for an average of thirty-six months (range, twenty-six to forty-nine months). Twenty of the twenty-two patients had a good or excellent result. The active forward elevation averaged 119 degrees; external rotation, 40 degrees; and internal rotation, to the twelfth thoracic vertebra. All of the patients except for the two who had a poor result had satisfactory relief of pain. The two patients who had a poor result had a successful revision with a modular prosthesis of the same design. The modular head could be removed, enabling the surgeon to gain access to the glenoid and to adjust the soft tissues. The over-all scores correlated inversely with the age of the patients and the interval from the injury to the operation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The coracoid impingement syndrome.

Coracoid impingement results from encroachment on the coracohumeral space, presenting as anterior shoulder pain and clicking, particularly in forward flexion, medial rotation, and adduction. In eight shoulders in seven patients, coracohumeral decompression by excision of the lateral 1.5 cm of the coracoid with re-attachment of the conjoined tendon gave pain relief in all, and complete relief in six. This procedure is described and recommended.

Total knee arthroplasty in patients with psoriasis.

Patients with progressive psoriasis have an increased infection rate when having total joint arthroplasty. Therefore, maximum precautions should be taken in the perioperative period as well as with long-term follow-up care to prevent joint sepsis in these patients. In particular, skin care should be meticulous. Special attention should be given to use of a topical corticosteroid or other dermatologic treatment when total joint arthroplasty is considered.