Obesity does not associate with 5-year surgical complications following anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although obesity has been shown to increase the risk of short-term medical complications following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), evidence is lacking on the influence of obesity on longer-term surgical complications such as revision. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of increasing obesity with 2- and 5-year all-cause revision, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), aseptic loosening, and manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) among patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) or TSA. METHODS: Patients who underwent RTSA or TSA with a minimum 5-year follow-up were identified in a national claims database (PearlDiver Technologies). Patients with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30) were compared to patients who are normal or overweight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 30). Those with obesity were further stratified to those with class I or II obesity (30 ≤ BMI < 40) and those with class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40). Outcomes for comparison included all-cause revision, PJI, aseptic loosening, and MUA within 2 or 5 years. These cohorts were compared using univariate and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Patients with obesity had no significant difference in any surgical complication within 2 or 5 years for both those who underwent TSA or RTSA. After stratifying by class I or II obesity and class III obesity, there was still no significant difference in surgical complications with 2 or 5 years for both TSA patients and RTSA patients. DISCUSSION: Obesity, when other major comorbidities are controlled for, was not associated with increased risk of long-term surgical complications after shoulder replacement surgery.

Survey of shoulder arthroplasty surgeons' methods for infection avoidance of Propionibacterium.

INTRODUCTION: Propionibacterium acnes infection after shoulder arthroplasty remains a source of morbidity. Determining practices amongst shoulder surgeons is the first step in developing infection-prevention best-practices. METHODS: A survey was sent to a shoulder fellowship alumni group to determine their arthroplasty infection prevention methods. RESULTS: 74% completed the survey. Cefazolin (90%), vancomycin (50%) and clindamycin (18%) were the most commonly used antibiotics, 61% utilized more than one antibiotic. Most (76%) reported using an experience-based protocol learned during residency/fellowship. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There are no clear standards for prevention of Propionibacterium acnes infections in shoulder arthroplasty. There is a general non-scientific approach to the prevention of shoulder arthroplasty infection.

The Epidemiology and Natural History of Anterior Shoulder Instability.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to outline the natural history and best clinical practices for nonoperative management of anterior shoulder instability. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies continue to demonstrate a role for nonoperative treatment in the successful long-term management of anterior glenohumeral instability. The success of different positions of shoulder immobilization is reviewed as well. There are specific patients who may be best treated with nonoperative means after anterior glenohumeral instability. There are also patients who are not good nonoperative candidates based on a number of factors that are outlined in this review. There continues to be no definitive literature regarding the return to play of in-season athletes. Successful management requires a thorough understanding of the epidemiology, pathoanatomy, history, physical examination, diagnostic imaging modalities, and natural history of operative and nonoperative treatment.

Technique of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Comminuted Proximal Humerus Fractures With Allograft Femoral Head Metaphyseal Reconstruction.

Proximal humerus fractures are common injuries that can require operative treatment. Different operative techniques are available, but the hallmark of fixation for 3- and 4-part fractures is a locking-plate-and-screw construct. Despite advances in this technology, obtaining anatomical reduction and fracture union can be difficult, and complications (eg, need for revision) are not uncommon. These issues can be addressed by augmenting the fixation with an endosteally placed fibular allograft. Although biomechanical and clinical results have been good, the technique can lead to difficulties in future revision to arthroplasty, a common consequence of failed open reduction and internal fixation. The technique described, an alternative to placing a long endosteal bone graft, uses a trapezoidal, individually sized pedestal of allograft femoral head to facilitate the reduction and healing of the humeral head and tuberosity fragments in a displaced 3- or 4-part fracture of the proximal humerus. It can be easily incorporated with any plate-and-screw construct and does not necessitate placing more than 1 cm of bone into the humeral intramedullary canal, limiting the negative effects on any future revision to arthroplasty.