Bony Regrowth and New Spur Formation as Possible Causes of Failed Distal Clavicle Excision-Mid-Term Outcomes after Revision Surgery in a Matched-Pair Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite high rates of successful outcomes after open and arthroscopic distal clavicle excision (DCE) for symptomatic acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) degeneration, some patients present with persistent symptoms and disabilities after surgical intervention. This study aims to compare radiological, functional, and subjective outcomes of open revision surgery after failed arthroscopic DCE to primary successful arthroscopic DCE. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, 10 patients who underwent open DCE revision were age- and gender-matched with 10 patients who did not require revision surgery after DCE. Radiographic evaluation included presence of acromioclavicular spurs and acromioclavicular joint distance. Functional and subjective outcomes were assessed using the CS, SSV, SST, VAS for pain, patient's satisfaction, ASES and quick DASH score. RESULTS: At the latest postoperative follow-up (case: 57.3 ± 19.2 months; control: 63.5 ± 16.3 months), spur formation was detected in twice as many cases in the revision group, while acromioclavicular distance showed no significant difference. However, a significant bony regrowth was noticed in the revision group between revision surgery and latest follow-up, with a decrease of the acromioclavicular distance from 9.2 ± 1.6 mm to 5.9 ± 4.6 mm (p = 0.026) and a development of new spur formations in 30% of cases. There were no significant differences in overall CS between the revision and control group (p = 0.174) at final follow-up, but the control group scored significantly higher in the CS subgroups pain (p = 0.012) and internal rotation (p = 0.016). Mean SSV was significantly lower in the revision (65.5 ± 22.3%) compared to the control group (85.9 ± 16.4%; p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Bony regrowth at the distal clavicle presenting as postoperative AC-distance narrowing and new spur formation was observed more distinctly in the revision group. Despite a slight increase in postoperative outcomes after revision surgery, subjective satisfaction and recalcitrant pain remain a concern. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III, retrospective case-control study.

Comparison of Outcomes After Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction Versus Arthroscopic Partial Repair or Arthroscopic Debridement for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears.

Background: Arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction (SCR), arthroscopic partial repair (PR), and arthroscopic debridement (DB) are valid treatment options for irreparable rotator cuff (RC) tears. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic SCR with arthroscopic PR and arthroscopic DB in patients with irreparable posterosuperior RC tears. It was hypothesized that SCR would lead to superior clinical and functional outcomes compared with PR or DB. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Clinical and functional outcomes of this single-center retrospective study included range of motion, strength, and the age- and sex-adjusted Constant-Murley score. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) involved the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, the Subjective Shoulder Value, and the visual analog scale for pain. Graft and repaired tendon integrity was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 12 months of follow-up. Results: In total, 57 patients treated with SCR (n = 20), PR (n = 17), and DB (n = 20) were included. The mean clinical follow-up was 33.8 ± 17.9 months. Preoperative clinical and functional characteristics were comparable among the 3 groups. The range of motion and clinical and functional scores of all 3 groups significantly improved from pre- to postoperatively. Postoperative PROMs showed no differences among all 3 study groups. SCR revealed significantly higher postoperative strength compared with PR (P = .001) and DB (P = .004). Postoperative MRI revealed a rerupture in 4 patients with SCR (20%). Postoperative MRI showed a rerupture in 9 patients with PR ( 53%). Fatty muscle infiltration of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus significantly progressed within all 3 study groups in postoperative MRI scans. No clinical and functional differences were observed between intact and reruptured PR. Conclusion: Patients who underwent SCR had better postoperative strength recovery than patients who underwent PR or DB.

Lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction using an autologous triceps tendon graft for subclinical posterolateral rotatory instability in recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate midterm outcome of lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) repair with triceps autograft in patients with PLRI under recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: In total, 25 elbows (23 patients) with recalcitrant epicondylitis longer than 12 months were included into this retrospective study. All patients underwent arthroscopic instability examination. In 18 elbows (16 patients, mean age 47.4 years, range 25-60), PLRI was verified, and an LUCL repair using an autologous triceps tendon graft was performed. Clinical outcome was evaluated before and at least 3 years after surgery using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form-Elbow Score (ASES-E), Liverpool Elbow Score (LES), Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation score (PREE), Subjective Elbow Value (SEV), quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (qDASH), and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Postoperative satisfaction with the procedure and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were available at a mean follow-up of 66.4 months (range 48-81). Patient satisfaction postoperatively was reported in 15 elbows as excellent (90%-100%) and 2 as moderate, with 93.1% overall. All scores of the 3 female and 12 male patients significantly increased from pre- to the postoperative follow-up (ASES: 28.3 ± 10.7 to 54.6 ± 12.1, P < .001; MEPI: 49.2 ± 8.3 to 90.5 ± 15.4, P < .001; PREE: 66.1 ± 14.9 to 11.3 ± 23.5, P < .001; qDASH: 63.2 ± 21.1 to 11.5 ± 22.6, P < .001; VAS: 8.75 ± 1.0 to 1.5 ± 2.0, P < .001). All patients suffered from high extension pain preoperatively, which was reported to be relieved after surgery. No recurrent instability or major complication occurred. CONCLUSION: The repair and augmentation of the LUCL with a triceps tendon autograft reached significant improvements; hence, it seems to be a good treatment option for posterolateral elbow rotatory instability with promising midterm results under a low rate of recurrent instability.

Treatment of non-arthritic pseudoparetic shoulders with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears: arthroscopic procedures yield comparable midterm results to reverse arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (IMRCTs) are a well-known cause for functional limitation and difficult to treat. Although several joint-preserving as well as joint-replacing procedures were found to provide pain relief and gain of function, midterm results are scarce, particularly in pseudoparetic shoulder joints unaccompanied by severe osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to compare the midterm functional outcomes of arthroscopic procedures to those of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in pseudoparetic shoulders with IMRCTs unaccompanied by severe osteoarthritis. METHODS: All patients who underwent either joint-preserving (group A) or joint-replacing (group B) procedures for IMRCT unaccompanied by severe osteoarthritis with a pseudoparetic shoulder function were retrospectively included. Clinical assessment included the Constant Score (CS), the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) and the Visual Analog Score (VAS) at baseline and at latest follow-up. Furthermore, the complication and revision rates were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, a total 56 patients were included of whom each 28 patients formed group A (male, 36%) and B (male, 53%) with a mean patient age at time of surgery of 70 ± 7 years and 72 ± 7 years, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 56 ± 17 months. At final follow-up, the total CS (group A: 66 ± 14 points; group B 54 ± 15 points) was significantly increased after arthroscopic treatment when compared to RTSA (p=0.011). However, no significant differences were detected with SSV (p=0.583) and VAS (p=0.536). Although complication rate (11% versus 18%) was not significantly different (p=0.705), number of revision surgeries was significantly higher in group B when compared to group A (p=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: In non-arthritic pseudoparetic shoulders, both joint-preserving and joint-replacing procedures yielded good clinical midterm outcomes for the treatment of degenerative IMRCTs. Despite of comparable functional and satisfactory functional improvement, increased complication rates and surgical invasiveness outweigh the benefits of primary RTSA and therefore reserve this procedure to a second-line treatment in pseudoparetic patients without any signs of severe cuff arthropathy.

Mid- to Long-Term Outcomes After Deep Infections After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

PURPOSE: To review clinical and subjective outcomes in patients with deep infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: All patients in whom deep infections developed after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a single center between 2002 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, clinical and microbiological findings, and treatment were analyzed. Clinical and subjective outcomes included the Constant score, visual analog scale score for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Simple Shoulder Test score. RESULTS: Thirty patients could be identified and included in the study. The most commonly isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus epidermidis (36.7%) and Cutibacterium acnes (30.0%). In 26 of 30 patients (86.7%), the infection was treated initially with an open surgical approach, whereas 4 patients (13.3%) underwent arthroscopic revision. A transosseous rotator cuff repair could be performed in 20.0% of patients. A single reoperation was sufficient in 80% of patients, whereas 13.3% required 2 revisions and 6.7% required 3. At the final follow-up of 8.3 years (range, 4-14 years), 26 patients (1 woman and 25 men) were available for outcome evaluation. Significant improvement from the initial surgical procedure to final follow-up was detected in the Constant score (25.7 vs 65.7, P < .001), visual analog scale score for pain (7.0 vs 1.7, P < .001), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (38.0 vs 76.7, P < .001), and Simple Shoulder Test score (4.0 vs 8.3, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with deep infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair showed moderate mid- to long-term outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Glenohumeral Microfracturing of Contained Glenohumeral Defects: Mid- to Long-term Outcome.

PURPOSE: To report mid- to long-term clinical and radiological outcomes after microfracturing for symptomatic chondral defects of the glenohumeral joint. METHODS: All patients who underwent glenohumeral arthroscopic microfracturing between 2002 and 2012 at a single center were considered for inclusion in this retrospective study. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the Constant Score, Oxford Shoulder Score, and Subjective Shoulder Value. Progression of joint space narrowing, sclerosis, marginal osteophytes, and presence of cysts over time were assessed using 4 different radiological grading systems. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients (n = 9 female, n = 7 male) with a mean age of 51.8 ± 12.6 years at the time of surgery and a mean follow-up of 122 ± 51.2 months (range, 61-204 months) were included in this retrospective study. Nine patients (56.3%) showed an isolated chondral defect, while 7 patients (43.8%) had concomitant pathologies. Constant Score (60.3 ± 12.7 vs. 85.9 ± 9.3; P < .001), Oxford Shoulder Score (29.0 ± 5.8 vs. 42.4 ± 4.5; P < .001), and Subjective Shoulder Value (23.9 ± 7.4 vs. 84.3 ± 10.9; P < .001) changed significantly from pre- to postoperative. The majority of patients (88%) were able to return to their preoperative level of activity. Three patients (19.8%) developed radiological signs of progressive glenohumeral degeneration during the study period. However, only 1 patient (6.25%) showed a progression of arthritic changes of more than 1 grade according to radiographic classifications. Two patients (12.5%) underwent revision surgery to a hemi shoulder arthroplasty during the study period at 12 and 36 months after the initial procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Glenohumeral microfracturing is commonly performed together with other procedures, but seems to be a feasible treatment option for contained cartilage lesions in active patients reproducibly yielding good mid- to long-term outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic, Implant-Free Bone-Grafting for Shoulder Instability with Glenoid Bone Loss.

Anterior shoulder instability is commonly associated with injuries to the labrocapsular structures of the glenohumeral joint and with osseous glenoid defects of varying degree. If the bone defect exceeds a clinically relevant threshold, mere soft-tissue repairs result in high rates of recurrent instability and the glenoid needs to be reconstructed with osseous augmentation. The most popular techniques for glenoid reconstruction include variations of coracoid transfer or bone-block procedures; however, these procedures are not free from risks and complications, which are often related to the method of fixation1. An alternative to the widely used coracoid transfer variations or bone-block procedures is anatomic implant-free glenoid reconstruction with a J-shaped iliac-crest bone graft. After press-fit fixation, the graft undergoes a physiological remodeling process resulting in the restoration of native scapular neck morphology. Although not as widely known, the open J-bone-graft procedure has been successfully used for the treatment of glenoid bone loss for nearly 3 decades2-4. The arthroscopic J-bone-graft technique represents an innovative advancement of the open procedure. Early to midterm follow-up of the arthroscopic J-bone-graft technique has revealed excellent clinical results1. DESCRIPTION: The major steps of the procedure, which are demonstrated in the present video article, include (1) detachment of the labrocapsular ligamentous complex and preparation of the anterior aspect of the glenoid, (2) establishment of a deep anterior-inferior portal and splitting of the subscapularis tendon, (3) introduction of the "waterslide," (4) osteotomy at the scapular neck 30° relative to the glenoid surface and trial impaction, (5 and 6) harvesting and preparation of a J-shaped bicortical iliac-crest bone graft, (7) press-fit impaction of the bone graft in the prepared osteotomy over the "waterslide", and (8) capsuloligamentous repair over the graft. ALTERNATIVES: Coracoid transfer (Latarjet-Bristow), iliac-crest bone-grafting, and distal tibial allograft. RATIONALE: Although widely in use, nonanatomic coracoid transfer procedures or bone-block techniques relying on hardware fixation are associated with specific complications, including nonunion, osteolysis, coracoid fractures, hardware complications, and difficult revision1. Many of these disadvantages can be avoided by the use of anatomic implant-free glenoid reconstruction with a J-shaped iliac-crest bone graft. After press-fit fixation, the graft undergoes a physiological remodeling process that follows the law of bone adaptation to mechanical stresses described by Wolff, which ultimately results in the restoration of a nearly native anterior scapular neck morphology4. The open version of this technique has been successfully used for over 3 decades. The arthroscopic, minimally invasive variation of the J-bone-graft technique presented in this video article represents a further advancement of the anatomic nature of the procedure. EXPECTED OUTCOMES: The arthroscopic implant-free J-bone-graft technique is an alternative to other procedures widely used for the treatment of anterior glenoid bone defects. The main advantage of this technique is the avoidance of severe complications that arise from the nonanatomic reconstruction and fixation methods found with other procedures1. Early to midterm follow-up of the arthroscopic J-bone-graft technique has revealed excellent clinical results, and the traditional open technique has been in use successfully for over 3 decades2-5. Previous patients have been able to return to a variety of occupational and athletic activities including overhead, throwing, and contact sports. Return to daily living and to moderate athletic activities is usually possible within 3 months. Return to competition is allowed after 6 months2-5. IMPORTANT TIPS: •Avoid intraoperative graft fractures by applying strictly axial force during impaction.•Reduce the risk of glenoid fractures by performing an oblique osteotomy at an angle of 20° to 30° and 5 mm medial to the glenoid surface.•The postoperative physiological remodeling process determines ultimate graft fixation and glenohumeral stability. Keep this in mind when allowing return to activities.

Mildly decreased preoperative bilirubin levels are associated with infections after shoulder and knee arthroplasty.

Increasing numbers of arthroplasties are also accompanied by postoperative infections. The main purpose was to evaluate preoperative serum bilirubin levels between patients with and without infections after shoulder and knee arthroplasties. For this retrospective case-control single-center study, a total of 108 patients were extracted from a prospectively collected database. Eighteen patients with infections after shoulder (n = 8) and knee (n = 10) arthroplasty were matched by age, gender, and implant type in a 1:5-scenario to 90 patients (40 shoulders and 50 knees) without postoperative infection. Demographic data, preoperative blood parameters, and postoperative infection-related outcomes were evaluated. Total bilirubin was the only preoperative parameter significantly different between the infection (8.21 ± 3.25 µmol/L or 0.48 ± 0.19 mg/dL) and noninfection (10.78 ± 4.62 µmol/L or 0.63 ± 0.27 mg/dL; P = .014) group, while C-reactive protein and other liver parameters were similar between the groups. Significantly more controls (92.1%) had preoperative bilirubin levels above 8.72 µmol/L or 0.51 mg/dL than cases (7.9%; P = .007). The 5-year infection survival-rate was 65.6% for patients with preoperative bilirubin levels < 8.72 µmol/L or < 0.51 mg/dL and 91.2% with ≥ 8.72 µmol/L or ≥ 0.51 mg/dL. Mildly decreased preoperative bilirubin levels with a cutoff at 8.72 µmol/L or 0.51 mg/dL were significantly associated to patients with infections after shoulder and knee arthroplasty. There were no differences in other blood parameters or comorbidities between patients with infections and their matched-controls.

Delaminated Rotator Cuff Tears Showed Lower Short-term Retear Rates After Arthroscopic Double-Layer Repair Versus Bursal Layer-Only Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The rotator cuff is known to consist of 2 macroscopically visible layers that have different biomechanical properties. Sometimes the inferior layer may be neglected during rotator cuff repair. However, it is controversial whether double-layer (DL) repair is superior to single-layer (SL) repair in terms of retear rate and outcome. PURPOSE: To investigate whether DL as compared with SL repair could decrease retear rates after arthroscopic reconstruction of posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A total of 70 patients were 1:1 randomized to receive an arthroscopic DL reconstruction (study group: DL suture-bridge repair) or SL reconstruction (control group: SL suture-bridge repair) for posterosuperior tears of the rotator cuff between 2.0 and 3.5 cm of the footprint detachment. Exclusion criteria were subscapularis tendon rupture (Lafosse >1°), fatty muscular infiltration >2°, and nondelaminated tendons. Tendon integrity according to Sugaya, fatty degeneration, and muscular atrophy were evaluated by magnetic resonance tomography. Pre- and postoperative evaluations included the Constant score, range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder Test, subjective shoulder value, and postoperative satisfaction with the procedure. Complications were monitored throughout the study. RESULTS: Ninety percent of patients (n = 34, DL; n = 29, SL) were followed-up. There were no significant group differences regarding baseline characteristics and pre- and postoperative fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus and atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. The rate of magnetic resonance-verified intact repairs (Sugaya grades 1 + 2) was significantly higher in the DL group (70.6%) than in the SL group (44.8%; P = .045). One patient in the control group with a retear underwent revision. All functional and subjective scores improved significantly pre- to postoperatively in both groups (P < .05). No significant group differences were detected regarding postoperative Constant score, forward flexion, external rotation, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder Test, subjective shoulder value, and visual analog scale and between intact and retorn tendons. The majority of patients were very satisfied or satisfied with their arthroscopic procedure (DL, 94.1%; SL, 92.9%). CONCLUSION: This randomized controlled trial showed significantly lower retear rates after DL repair as compared with SL repair in delaminated rotator cuff tears. Clinical short-term outcome was not different between the DL and SL repair groups. REGISTRATION: NCT003362320 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Patient-specific instrumentation improved three-dimensional accuracy in total knee arthroplasty: a comparative radiographic analysis of 1257 total knee arthroplasties.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare restoration of mechanical limb alignment and three-dimensional component-positioning between conventional and patient-specific instrumentation in total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Radiographic data of patients undergoing mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty (n = 1257), using either conventional (n = 442) or patient-specific instrumentation (n = 812), were analyzed. To evaluate accuracy of axis restoration and 3D-component-positioning between conventional and patient-specific instrumentation, absolute deviations from the targeted neutral mechanical limb alignment and planned implant positions were determined. Measurements were performed on standardized coronal long-leg and sagittal knee radiographs. CT-scans were evaluated for accuracy of axial femoral implant rotation. Outliers were defined as deviations from the targeted neutral mechanical axis of > ± 3° or from the intraoperative component-positioning goals of > ± 2°. Deviations greater than ± 5° from set targets were considered to be severe outliers. RESULTS: Deviations from a neutral mechanical axis (conventional instrumentation: 2.3°± 1.7° vs. patient-specific instrumentation: 1.7°± 1.2°; p < 0.001) and numbers of outliers (conventional instrumentation: 25.8% vs. patient-specific instrumentation: 10.1%; p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the patient-specific instrumentation group. Significantly lower mean deviations and less outliers were detected regarding 3D-component-positioning in the patient-specific instrumentation compared to the conventional instrumentation group (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patient-specific instrumentation prevented from severe limb malalignment and component-positioning outliers (> ± 5° deviation). Use of patient-specific instrumentation proved to be superior to conventional instrumentation in achieving more accurate limb alignment and 3D-component positioning, particularly regarding femoral component rotation. Furthermore, the use of patient-specific instrumentation successfully prevented severe (> 5° deviation) outliers.

Cutibacterium Acnes (Formerly Propionibacterium Acnes) Contamination of the Surgical Field During Shoulder Arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of Cutibacterium acnes in the shoulder region and to analyze changes in C acnes contamination during shoulder arthroscopy, as well as to investigate the influence of sex and type of arthroscopic surgery on those parameters. METHODS: Forty-eight consecutive patients undergoing reconstructive or non-reconstructive shoulder arthroscopy, after hair removal with a medical clipper, routine antibiotic prophylaxis, and skin preparation with an alcohol-based skin disinfectant, were prospectively enrolled in this study. The shoulder was divided into 4 regions of interest (anterior, medial, posterior, and axilla). Skin swabs were taken from each region at 3 time points (preoperatively before and after skin preparation, and at the conclusion of surgery), cultured for 21 days, and analyzed for the prevalence of C acnes. RESULTS: The rate of C acnes-positive skin cultures was significantly increased at the end of surgery compared with preoperatively before (44.3% vs 27.6%, P < .001) and after (44.3% vs 31.3%, P = .001) skin preparation. No reduction in C acnes was observed with preoperative skin preparation (27.6% vs 31.3%, P = .401). At the end of shoulder arthroscopy, 64.6% of patients showed at least 1 culture positive for C acnes. The C acnes prevalence was significantly higher in male patients (48.3%) than female patients (20.1%, P < .001), at all time points (P < .016), and in all regions of interest (P < .001) except the axilla. No differences in the prevalence of C acnes were found between non-reconstructive and reconstructive procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Skin contamination with C acnes around the shoulder increased significantly from before and after skin preparation to the conclusion of surgery in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy despite perioperative preventive measures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

The knotless cinch-bridge technique for delaminated rotator cuff tears leads to a high healing rate and a more favorable short-term clinical outcome than suture-bridge repair.

PURPOSE: To compare functional outcomes and magnetic resonance image (MRI) tendon integrity following either the suture bridge or the knotless cinch-bridge technique used for arthroscopic double-layer rotator cuff repair. METHODS: 37 prospectively enrolled patients (46-76 years), who were treated with arthroscopic double-layer rotator cuff repair (group 1: suture bridge n = 20, group 2: cinch bridge n = 17) were clinically and radiographically assessed before and at an average of 24.0 ± 4.7 months after the procedure. Shoulder function was evaluated by the constant score (CS), range of motion, and various patient-related scores. Repaired tendon integrity was evaluated by MRI. Peri- and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: All functional and patient-related scores significantly improved from pre- to postoperative. Significantly better postoperative CS (P = 0.037), flexion (P < 0.001), and abduction (P = 0.009) were detected after arthroscopic cinch compared to suture-bridge repair. The mean CS improvements from baseline to follow-up were not significantly different between the groups (n.s.). Patient-related scores did not show any statistical significant differences. The MRI healing rate following arthroscopic double-layer repair with the suture- and cinch-bridge technique was 95% and 94%, respectively. Fatty infiltration regarding the supraspinatus and infraspinatus increased in 55% and 35% (group 1) and in 53% and 48% (group 2), respectively. Muscle hypotrophy remained stable in all patients. Overall, 92% of the patients were very satisfied or satisfied with the procedure. No complications were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic knotless double-layer rotator cuff repair with the cinch-bridge technique showed higher CS, forward flexion, and abduction values, as well as similar patient-related short-term outcome and MRI integrity compared to the suture-bridge technique. These results highlight the potential importance of less tendon strangulation for better clinical short-term outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Glenoid morphology is associated with the development of instability arthropathy.

BACKGROUND: Instability arthropathy (IA) is a major long-term concern in patients with anterior shoulder instability. This study investigated the association of glenoid morphology with the development of IA. METHODS: The study included 118 patients with unilateral anterior shoulder instability and available bilateral computed tomography scans. Instability-specific information was obtained from all patients. The glenoid morphology of the affected shoulder was compared with the nonaffected contralateral side resembling the constitutional preinjury glenoid shape. Both shoulders were evaluated independently by 3 observers to assess the grade of IA according to a Comprehensive Arthropathy Rating (CAR) system. Associations between IA and the glenoid morphology parameters were investigated. RESULTS: The average glenoid retroversion (P < .001), glenoid depth (P < .001), glenoid diameter (P < .001), and the bony shoulder stability ratio (P < .001) of the affected shoulder were significantly reduced compared with the contralateral side due to bony defects in 79.6% of the patients. The CAR of the affected side was significantly higher (P < .001), with more osteophytes (P = .001) and more sclerosis and cysts (P < .001). Differences in CAR (Δ-CAR) correlated positively with the age at the time of the computed tomography scan (P < .001), age at the initial dislocation (P = .001), size of the glenoid defect (P = .005), and the contralateral glenoid depth (P = .011), glenoid diameter (P = .016), and bony shoulder stability (P = .029), and negatively with glenoid retroversion of the affected side (P = .027). CONCLUSION: Development of IA arthropathy is associated not only with the age of the patients but also with morphologic parameters of the glenoid, including glenoid defect size and the constitutional glenoid concavity shape.

Double-Layer Rotator Cuff Repair: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Superior Capsule and Rotator Cuff Improves Biomechanical Properties in Repairs of Delaminated Rotator Cuff Tears.

BACKGROUND: Delamination in rotator cuff tears has been identified as a prognostic factor for negative outcome after repair, with a reported prevalence between 38% and 88%. PURPOSE: To compare biomechanical properties of 3 repair techniques for delaminated rotator cuff tears. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used to evaluate rotator cuff footprint reconstruction, contact area and pressure, displacement under cyclical loading, and load to failure of 3 double-row repair configurations: double-row suture repair with medial row knots (medially knotted bridge, mkB); knotless double-row repair using suture tapes (knotless bridge, klB); and knotless double-row, double-layer-specific repair (double-layer, DL). Dynamic pressure sensors were used to assess contact patterns at the footprint region in 0°, 30°, and 60° of glenohumeral abduction and 5 rotational positions (0°, 30° of internal rotation, 30° of external rotation, 60° of internal rotation, 60° of external rotation). Optical markers were used to document whole tendon and individual layer displacement after rotator cuff repair under cyclical loading for 200 cycles (10 N to 100 N at 1 Hz). Specimens were then loaded monotonically to failure at a rate of 33 mm/min. RESULTS: Mean contact area and footprint restoration were highest in the DL group at 60° of glenohumeral abduction for all rotational positions (mkB mean ± SD, 195.4 ± 54.3 mm2, 66.7% ± 19.7%; klB, 250.6 ± 34.9 mm2, 76.2% ± 10.3%; DL, 318.4 ± 36.6 mm2, 109.1% ± 24.0%; P < .001). The double-layer-specific repair showed the least displacement under cyclical loading (mkB mean ± SD, 0.53 ± 0.18 mm; klB, 0.79 ± 0.37 mm; DL, 0.31 ± 0.24 mm; P = .029), most closely resembling the native tendon. Peak loads at failure were comparable between repair groups (mkB mean ± SD, 366.92 ± 70.59 N; klB, 280.05 ± 77.66 N; DL, 398.35 ± 109.04 N; P = .083). CONCLUSION: Anatomic restoration of the superior capsular and tendon insertion in delaminated rotator cuff tears with a double-layer-specific repair configuration demonstrated superior footprint restoration with increasing abduction, while providing construct displacement comparable to the native tendon under cyclical loading. Peak load at failure was comparable between repair constructs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The prevalence and clinical importance of delaminated rotator cuff tears have long been underestimated. Anatomically correct individual reconstruction of the superior capsule and rotator cuff could restore near-native biomechanics and potentially reduce the risk of rotator cuff repair failure.

Radiological changes do not influence clinical mid-term outcome in stemless humeral head replacements with hollow screw fixation: a prospective radiological and clinical evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Stemless shoulder arthroplasty is a fairly new concept. Clinical and radiological follow-up is essential to prove implant safety and concept. This prospective single-centre study was performed to evaluate the influence of radiological changes on clinical mid-term outcome following stemless humeral head replacement with hollow screw fixation. METHODS: Short- and mid-term radiological and clinical evaluations were performed in 73 consecutive shoulders treated mainly for idiopathic and posttraumatic osteoarthritis with stemless humeral head arthroplasty including 40 hemi- (HSA) and 33 total shoulder arthroplasties (TSA). Operating times of stemless implantations were compared to 110 stemmed anatomical shoulder prostheses. Appearances of humeral radiolucencies or radiological signs of osteolysis or stress shielding were assessed on standardized radiographs. Patients' clinical outcome was evaluated using the Constant score and patients' satisfaction was documented. RESULTS: Radiological changes, detected in 37.0%, did not affect clinical outcome. Constant scores significantly improved from baseline to short and mid-term follow-up (p < 0.001). The majority of patients (96.2%) were satisfied with the procedure. No loosening of the humeral head component was detected during a mean follow-up of 58 months. Operating times were significantly shorter with stemless compared to stemmed implants (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical mid-term outcome after stemless humeral head replacement was not affected by radiological changes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The institutional review board (St. Vincent Hospital Vienna; 201212_EK01; date of issue: 11.12.2012) approved the study. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT02754024 ). Retrospective registration.

An Arthroscopic Knotless Technique for Anatomical Restoration of the Rotator Cuff and Superior Capsule: The Double-Layer Cinch Bridge.

Rotator cuff repairs are the most common procedures in shoulder surgery, but still show long-term retear rates of up to 70%. Nonanatomic reconstruction is one possible cause of repair failure. The rotator cuff histologically consists of 5 separate layers of which 2 are macroscopically identifiable: the superior or tendinous layer and the inferior or capsule-ligamentous layer. In case of rotator cuff tears, these layers are often retracted to different degrees. The intraoperative detectable prevalence of rotator cuff delamination reaches up to 85%. Anatomical rotator cuff repair, which also includes restoration of the layered structure, could re-establish native tendon morphology and thus potentially decreases retear rates. The use of a knotless construct to avoid cuff strangulation and maintaining tendon perfusion could further decrease the risk of repair failure. Double-layer reconstructions are challenging and time consuming because each layer needs to be penetrated separately. Only few studies reported about double-layer reconstruction of the posterosuperior rotator cuff. This Technical Note is the first to present an arthroscopic knotless transosseous-equivalent double-layer repair technique.

Arthroscopic Versus Open Iliac Crest Bone Grafting in Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability With Glenoid Bone Loss: A Computed Tomography-Based Quantitative Assessment.

PURPOSE: To assess the iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) position in the en-face view and axial plane comparing arthroscopic with open procedures. METHODS: A total of 40 consecutive patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability and glenoid bone loss over 10% treated by 2 independent orthopaedic departments were included. Two independent observers analyzed preoperative and immediate postoperative computed tomography scans of 20 open (group O) and 20 arthroscopic (group A) procedures. Defect and ICBG characteristics of the J-shaped graft in the en-face view and axial plane were manually assessed by multiplanar reconstructed computed tomography scans. Variances in terms of graft positioning were analyzed. RESULTS: No significant variances in arthroscopic graft positioning were observed. The graft position in the en-face view was comparable in both groups, with the superior extent of the arthroscopic graft (40° ± 9° [inferior extent, 139° ± 16°]) lying significantly higher than the superior extent in group O (50° ± 13°, P = .005 [inferior extent, 147° ± 21°; P = .178]). The covered glenoid defect size was above 95% (98% ± 1% in group O vs 95% ± 2% in group A, P = .001). The arthroscopic graft in the axial plane showed a significantly steeper impaction angle (34.8° ± 7.8° vs 26.9° ± 9.9°, P = .010), with a significantly increased medial offset compared with group O (6.6 ± 1.7 mm vs 5.4 ± 1.3 mm, P = .024). The mediolateral step formation, however, was not significantly different (2.9 ± 1.1 mm in group A vs 3.2 ± 0.8 mm in group O, P = .289). The interobserver reliability was very good for all measurements (R = 0.969; 95% confidence interval, 0.965-0.972). CONCLUSIONS: Positioning of the arthroscopic ICBG in the en-face view and axial plane is comparable to that of the open technique. Good glenoid defect coverage and glenoid concavity reconstruction can be achieved with the arthroscopic technique. The main difference compared with the open procedure is the significantly steeper impaction angle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Glenoid Reconstruction With an Implant-Free J-Bone Graft for Anterior Glenoid Bone Loss.

BACKGROUND: The anatomic restoration of glenoid morphology with an implant-free J-shaped iliac crest bone graft offers an alternative to currently widely used glenoid reconstruction techniques. No biomechanical data on the J-bone grafting technique are currently available. PURPOSE: To evaluate (1) glenohumeral contact patterns, (2) graft fixation under cyclic loading, and (3) the initial stabilizing effect of anatomic glenoid reconstruction with the implant-free J-bone grafting technique. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders and J-shaped iliac crest bone grafts were used for this study. J-bone grafts were harvested, prepared, and implanted according to a previously described, clinically used technique. Glenohumeral contact patterns were measured using dynamic pressure-sensitive sensors under a compressive load of 440 N with the humerus in (a) 30° of abduction, (b) 30° of abduction and 60° of external rotation, (c) 60° of abduction, and (d) 60° of abduction and 60° of external rotation. Using a custom shoulder-testing system allowing positioning with 6 degrees of freedom, a compressive load of 50 N was applied, and the peak force needed to translate the humeral head 10 mm anteriorly at a rate of 2.0 mm/s was recorded. All tests were performed (1) for the intact glenoid, (2) after the creation of a 30% anterior osseous glenoid defect parallel to the longitudinal axis of the glenoid, and (3) after anatomic glenoid reconstruction with an implant-free J-bone graft. Furthermore, after glenoid reconstruction, each specimen was translated anteriorly for 5 mm at a rate of 4.0 mm/s for a total of 3000 cycles while logging graft protrusion and mediolateral bending motions. Graft micromovements were recorded using 2 high-resolution, linear differential variable reluctance transducer strain gauges placed in line with the long leg of the graft and the mediolateral direction, respectively. RESULTS: The creation of a 30% glenoid defect significantly decreased glenohumeral contact areas ( P < .05) but significantly increased contact pressures at all abduction and rotation positions ( P < .05). Glenoid reconstruction restored the contact area and contact pressure back to levels of the native glenohumeral joint in all tested positions. The mean (±SD) force to translate the humeral head anteriorly for 10 mm (60° of abduction: 31.7 ± 12.6 N; 60° of abduction and 60° of external rotation: 28.6 ± 7.6 N) was significantly reduced after the creation of a 30% anterior bone glenoid defect (60° of abduction: 12.2 ± 6.8 N; 60° of abduction and 60° of external rotation: 11.4 ± 5.4 N; P < .001). After glenoid reconstruction with a J-bone graft, the mean peak translational force significantly increased (60° of abduction: 85.0 ± 8.2 N; 60° of abduction and 60° of external rotation: 73.6 ± 4.5 N; P < .001) compared with the defect state and baseline. The mean total graft protrusion under cyclical translation of the humeral head over 3000 cycles was 138.3 ± 169.8 µm, whereas the mean maximal mediolateral graft deflection was 320.1 ± 475.7 µm. CONCLUSION: Implant-free anatomic glenoid reconstruction with the J-bone grafting technique restored near-native glenohumeral contact areas and pressures, provided secure initial graft fixation, and demonstrated excellent osseous glenohumeral stability at time zero. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The implant-free J-bone graft is a viable alternative to commonly used glenoid reconstruction techniques, providing excellent graft fixation and glenohumeral stability immediately postoperatively. The normalization of glenohumeral contact patterns after reconstruction could potentially avoid the progression of dislocation arthropathy.

Critical shoulder angle combined with age predict five shoulder pathologies: a retrospective analysis of 1000 cases.

BACKGROUND: Acromial morphology has previously been defined as a risk factor for some shoulder pathologies. Yet, study results are inconclusive and not all major shoulder diseases have been sufficiently investigated. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze predictive value of three radiological parameters including the critical shoulder angle, acromion index, and lateral acromion angle in relationship to symptomatic patients with either cuff tear arthropathy, glenohumeral osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear, impingement, and tendinitis calcarea. METHODS: A total of 1000 patients' standardized true-anteroposterior radiographs were retrospectively assessed. Receiver-operating curve analyses and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine the association between shoulder pathologies and acromion morphology. The prediction model was derived from a development cohort and applied to a validation cohort. Prediction model's performance was statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The majority of radiological measurements were significantly different between shoulder pathologies, but the critical shoulder angle was an overall better parameter to predict and distinguish between the different pathologies than the acromion index or lateral acromion angle. Typical critical shoulder angle-age patterns for the different shoulder pathologies could be detected. Patients diagnosed with rotator cuff tears had the highest, whereas patients with osteoarthritis had the lowest critical shoulder angle. The youngest patients were in the tendinitis calcarea and the oldest in the cuff tear arthropathy group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that critical shoulder angle and age, two easily assessable variables, adequately predict different shoulder pathologies in patients with shoulder complaints.