The Zadek calcaneal osteotomy in Haglund's syndrome of the heel: Clinical results and a radiographic analysis to explain its efficacy.

Local debridement or decompression of the posterior heel in Haglund's syndrome yields variable results. This condition is sometimes due to an excessively long calcaneus rather than simply a large posterosuperior bony prominence. Failure to address this abnormality may explain the poor results in some series. We recently published a new measurement (the X/Y ratio) which, combined with the calcaneal pitch angle, assesses the abnormality of the shape of the calcaneus. The Zadek osteotomy strongly modifies that shape. We retrospectively reviewed 50 patients treated by a Zadek osteotomy at a mean 7 years follow-up using the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, the VISA-A score and Tegner scale. We measured only the X/Y ratio and the calcaneal inclination angle, as the classically described radiographic measurements in Haglund's syndrome are unreliable. We then assessed the condition of the distal end of the Achilles tendon with an MRI. Our results demonstrate excellent outcomes(40/50, 80%) following Zadek osteotomy and correspond to the change in pre- and post-operative measurements, especially the X/Y ratio. An algorithm using those geometrical measurements of the calcaneus is proposed for decision making in Haglund's syndrome. Level of clinical evidence: Level 3.

The Zadek calcaneal osteotomy in Haglund's syndrome of the heel: Its effects on the dorsiflexion of the ankle and correlations to clinical and functional scores.

The Zadek osteotomy is a therapeutic option in Haglund' syndrome for patients with a X/Y ratio measurement of the calcaneus under 2.5. We hypothesized that Zadek osteotomy would lead to improvement in ankle dorsiflexion and functional scores. Twenty-two patients (mean age: 48.5 years) with Haglund's syndrome underwent a Zadek osteotomy and were enrolled in a prospective study investigating the proposed hypothesis. Radiological measurements included the X/Y ratio and the pitch angle. Measurements of the dorsiflexion of the ankle, using a hand-made frame, were performed twice by 2 independent observers. Inter and intra classes correlations were calculated. Functional results were assessed using AOFAS, EFAS and EFAS sport. Correlation between ankle dorsiflexion and functional scores were determined using linear regression curves. Our hypothesis was validated with a mean improvement of dorsiflexion of 7.27° (54.98% improvement from pre-operative measurement) (p < 0.0001). Ankle dorsiflexion measurements were highly reproducible with an interclass correlation coefficient(ICC)> 0.95 (0.98-0.99). All mean values of functional scores were significantly improved(p < 0.05) [AOFAS (61.95-94), EFAS (14-21.82), EFAS sport (7.68-13.69)] and were strongly correlated to the dorsiflexion values with a coefficient of determination of 0.82 for AOFAS and EFAS and of 0.86 for EFAS sport, respectively. The mean values of X/Y ratio and pitch angle improved from pre to postoperative conditions, 2.18-2.75 and 28.95-19.77° (p < 0.05), respectively. The angle correction obtained from modifiying the shape of the calcaneus, due to the Zadek osteotomy, confirms it as a safe and reliable treatment, with improvements of both ankle dorsiflexion and functional scores.

EOS stereographic assessment of femoral shaft malunion after intramedullary nailing. A prospective series of 48 patients at 9 months' follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to assess femoral shaft malunion following anterograde intramedullary nailing, using low-dose EOS stereoradiography. The study hypothesis was that our surgical technique is associated with radiological rotation disorder rates equivalent to those reported in the literature. METHODS: All patients with unilateral femoral shaft fracture treated by anterograde nailing between January 2014 and December 2016 and followed up in our structure were included in a single-center prospective study. The main endpoint was≥15° transverse malrotation compared to the contralateral side as measured on EOS stereoradiography. Correlations between malrotation and Harris Hip and SF12 functional scores were assessed, as were risk factors for onset of shaft malunion in rotation. Forty-eight patients with a mean age of 31.4 years were analyzed at a mean 9.3 months' follow-up. RESULTS: Stereoradiographic malrotation was found in 29.2% of patients. Mean anteversion was 18.5±13.8°. In 2.1% of patients, symptomatic rotation disorder required revision surgery. No correlations emerged between transverse malrotation and functional scores (p>0.05). Risk factors for malrotation comprised multi-site fracture (p=0.04), surgeon's inexperience (p=0.04), and open reduction (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The present radiologic malrotation rate was comparable to those reported in the literature, using the EOS stereoradiographic system, which provides precise assessment of rotation disorder following closed nailing of femoral shaft fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; prospective study without control group.

Lateral acromioplasty cannot sufficiently reduce the critical shoulder angle if preoperatively measured over 40°.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether arthroscopic lateral acromion resection can sufficiently reduce the critical shoulder angle (CSA) without damaging deltoid muscle insertion. METHODS: Ninety patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff (RC) repair were retrospectively analysed. According to the preoperative CSA, patients were categorized as Group I (CSA < 35°) and Group II (CSA ≥ 35°). Additional arthroscopic lateral acromion resection was performed in Group II. The CSA was measured 1 week postoperatively, while RC integrity and the deltoid attachment were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months via ultrasound. Deltoid function was evaluated using the Akimbo test, in which patients place their hands on the iliac crest with abduction in the coronal plane and internal rotation of the shoulder joint while simultaneously flexing the elbow joint and pronating the forearm. RESULTS: Large and massive RC tears were more prevalent in Group II (p = 0.017). In both groups, the CSA reduction was statistically significant (Group I = 1°: range 0°-3°, Group II = 3.7°: range 1°-8°; p < 0.001). When the preoperative CSA was > 40°, the respective postoperative CSA remained > 35° in 83.3% of cases (p < 0.001). Final shoulder strength was correlated with the amount of CSA reduction (rho = 0.41, p = 0.002). The postoperative CSA was higher, but not significantly different (n.s.), in patients with re-torn (36°, range 32°-40°) than with healed RC (33°, range 26°-38°). No clinical detachment or hypotrophy of the deltoid was observed with the Akimbo test and ultrasound evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic lateral acromion resection is a safe procedure without affecting deltoid muscle origin or function, and it is effective in significantly reducing the CSA. However, the CSA cannot always be reduced to < 35°, especially in patients with preoperative CSA values > 40°. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Superior Capsular Reconstruction With the Long Head of the Biceps Autograft Prevents Infraspinatus Retear in Massive Posterosuperior Retracted Rotator Cuff Tears.

BACKGROUND: Materials and patches with increased biomechanical and biological properties and superior capsular reconstruction may change the natural history of massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs). PURPOSE: To compare structural and clinical outcomes among 3 surgical techniques for the treatment of massive posterosuperior RCTs: double-row (DR) technique, transosseous-equivalent (TOE) technique with absorbable patch reinforcement, and superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) with the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) autograft. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence 3. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the 3 techniques in patients who underwent repair of massive posterosuperior RCTs between January 2007 and March 2017. All patients completed preoperative and 24-month postoperative evaluations: range of motion, subjective shoulder value, Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analog scale for pain, and Constant score. Tendon integrity was assessed with ultrasound 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients completed the final evaluation (28 patients, DR; 30 patients, TOE + patch; 24 patients, SCR with LHBT). Groups were statistically comparable preoperatively, except for active forward elevation and tendon retraction, which were significantly worse in the SCR group (P = .008 and P = .001, respectively). After 24 months, the mean ± SD scores for the respective groups were as follows: 76 ± 10, 72 ± 15, and 77 ± 10 for the Constant score (P = .35); 84 ± 10, 84 ± 15, and 80 ± 15 for the ASES (P = .61); 9 ± 2, 9 ± 3, and 8 ± 3 for the Simple Shoulder Test (P = .23); 82 ± 15, 80 ± 18, and 75 ± 18 for the subjective shoulder value (P = .29); and 1.4 ± 1.7, 1.8 ± 2, and 1.4 ± 1.4 for the visual analog scale (P = .65). The strength of the operated shoulder was 4 ± 3 kg, 4.7 ± 3 kg, and 6.4 ± 1.6 kg for the DR, TOE + patch, and SCR groups, respectively (P = .006). At 12 months postoperatively, 60.7% (17 of 28) of the DR group, 56.7% (17 of 30) of the TOE + patch group, and 91.7% (22 of 24) of the SCR group remained healed on ultrasound. The infraspinatus tendon remained healed in 75% of the DR group, 76.5% of the TOE + patch group, and 100% of the SCR with the LHBT group (P = .006). CONCLUSION: In cases of massive posterosuperior RCTs, SCR with the LHBT should be considered a reliable, cost-effective treatment option that protects infraspinatus integrity.

Contribution of a new radiologic calcaneal measurement to the treatment decision tree in Haglund syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: In Haglund syndrome, standard radiologic measurements lack specificity and reliability in assessing etiologic morphologic calcaneal abnormalities. We report a simple X/Y ratio to measure posterior calcaneal length, where X is calcaneal length on lateral weight-bearing view and Y is greater tuberosity length. OBJECTIVE: To compare this new parameter against the radiologic gold standard in a group of Haglund patients and a healthy control group. HYPOTHESIS: Measuring this ratio significantly distinguishes between Haglund patients and healthy subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 50 Haglund syndrome patients and 30 healthy controls. Standard measurements (Fowler-Philipangle, Chauveaux-Liet angle, Ruch pitch, Heneghan-Pavlov test) and X/Y ratio were calculated twice by 2 independent observers. Intra- and inter-observer correlations were calculated, as were the specificity and sensitivity of the various parameters, with a ROC curve to establish the X/Y threshold. RESULTS: All measurements were reproducible on intra- and inter-observer testing. There were no significant inter-group differences in standard measurement specificity or sensitivity. The Haglund group showed significantly lower X/Y ratio (2.07) than controls (2.70; p<0.0001), with a cut-off at 2.5. Threshold sensitivity in confirming Haglund syndrome was 100% (p<0.0001) and specificity 95% (p<0.0001). DISCUSSION: This new parameter measures the length of the calcaneus and its greater tuberosity. It is more reliable and reproducible in terms of sensitivity and specificity than standard measurements in Haglund syndrome. The 2.5 ratio threshold can guide surgical decision-making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Anterior Laxity at 2 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Comparable When Using Adjustable-Loop Suspensory Fixation and Interference Screw Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Adjustable-loop suspensory fixation (ALSF) devices are commonly used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, concern exists regarding the potential for lengthening under cyclical loads. PURPOSE: To compare the residual anterior laxity of 2 methods of femoral fixation, ALSF versus interference screw fixation, in patients undergoing isolated ACLR in the absence of meniscal injuries. To determine the preoperative risk factors associated with residual postoperative anterior laxity. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed comparing 2 groups of patients that underwent primary ACLR using ALSF versus bioabsorbable interference screw fixation. Anterior knee laxity was assessed with Telos stress radiography, while functional outcomes were evaluated with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Tegner activity level scale at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with residual postoperative laxity >3 mm. RESULTS: Of the 1136 patients who underwent ACLR during the study period, 363 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 272 patients (75%) (mean age, 31.7 ± 10.7 years) with a mean follow-up of 25.7 ± 4.6 months (range, 24-36 months) consented to participate (screw group: n = 121; ALSF group: n = 151). The 2 groups were statistically comparable in terms of age, sex ratio, time from injury to surgery, graft diameter, preoperative laxity, preoperative objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) grade, and preoperative Tegner score. The mean postoperative laxity as a continuous variable was significantly different comparing the ALSF and screw groups (1.49 ± 1.98 mm and 2.32 ± 1.97 mm, respectively; P < .001). In the screw group, 76 patients (62.8%) had normal (<3 mm), 40 (33.1%) had nearly normal (3-6 mm), and 5 (4.1%) had abnormal (≥6 mm) postoperative knee laxity according to the IKDC grade, while in the ALSF group, 112 patients (74.2%) had normal, 37 (24.5%) had nearly normal, and 2 (1.3%) had abnormal laxity ( P = .0833). No significant difference was found in KOOS or Tegner scores comparing the 2 femoral fixation methods: KOOS, 90.6 ± 7.5 (ALSF group) and 90.6 ± 7.4 (screw group) ( P = .7631), versus Tegner, 6.5 ± 1.3 (ALSF group) and 6.3 ± 1.4 (screw group) ( P = .2992). A negative correlation was found between postoperative laxity and final Tegner ( rs = -0.303, P < .001) and KOOS scores ( rs = -0.168, P = .005). The initial univariate analysis showed differences between groups of patients with residual knee laxity ≥3 mm and <3 mm on preoperative pivot shift, preoperative laxity, age, fixation type, and preoperative objective IKDC grade. The multivariate analysis on these factors showed that the pivot shift remained the only significant predictor for residual laxity ≥3 mm for pivot shift grade 2 compared with grade 1 (odds ratio, 4.689 [95% CI, 2.465-9.286]) and for pivot shift grade 3 compared with grade 1 (odds ratio, 58.025 [95% CI, 12.757-557.741]) ( P < .001). CONCLUSION: For primary ACLR, the use of an ALSF device for femoral fixation is associated with noninferior postoperative anterior knee laxity results compared with interference screw fixation at a minimum 2 years' follow-up. The preoperative pivot shift is the only significant risk factor for postoperative residual anterior knee laxity >3 mm.

Do corticosteroid injections compromise rotator cuff tendon healing after arthroscopic repair?

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tears are associated with capsular contraction and stiffness that should be restored before surgical repair. Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) are frequently used as conservative treatments before surgical repair. This study aimed to determine the influence of preoperative and postoperative CSIs on clinical and anatomic outcomes after rotator cuff repair. METHODS: The authors analyzed the records of 257 patients who had arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, of whom 212 were evaluated at 3.1 ± 1.0 years (median, 2.9 years; range, 1.4-7.1 years) by clinical (Constant score) and ultrasound (Sugaya classification) examinations. Univariable and multivariable regressions were performed to determine associations between outcomes and administration of preoperative and postoperative CSIs, patient characteristics, and tendon characteristics. RESULTS: The Constant scores improved from 56.4 ± 15.1 to 80.8 ± 12.5. Multivariable regression confirmed that postoperative scores were associated with postoperative CSIs (P < .001), preoperative scores (P < .001), gender (P < .001), and fatty infiltration (P < .005). Retears (Sugaya types IV-V) were observed in 27 shoulders (13%). Multivariable regression clarified that retear rates were associated only with postoperative CSIs (P = .007) and stage 3 fatty infiltration (P = .001). Adjusting for confounders, an additional postoperative CSI would decrease scores by 4.7 points and double retear risks. DISCUSSION: Preoperative CSIs had no influence on clinical scores and retear rates, whereas postoperative CSIs were associated with lower scores and more retears. Although we can infer that preoperative CSIs do not affect outcomes, we cannot determine whether postoperative CSIs compromised outcomes or were administered in patients who had already poor outcomes. Our findings may resolve controversies about the administration of preoperative CSIs.

Critical period and risk factors for retear following arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff.

PURPOSE: The incidence of retear following rotator cuff repair remains a major concern, and the cause and timing of retear remain unclear. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the timing of retears following rotator cuff repair at multiple time intervals. The hypothesis was that the 'critical period' for retears extends beyond the first three post-operative months. METHODS: The authors prospectively studied 206 shoulders that underwent arthroscopic double-row (without suture bridge) suture anchor repair for rotator cuff tears. Patients were recalled to three follow-up visits at the following post-operative time intervals: 3, 6, and 12 months or longer. Ultrasonography was performed at each visit, and Constant score was collected during the last visit. RESULTS: A total of 176 shoulders attended all required follow-up visits with mean age 56.0 years. Ultrasonography revealed retears in 16 shoulders (9.1 %) at 3 months, in 6 shoulders (3.4 %) at 6 months, and in 5 others (2.8 %) at the last follow-up, while it confirmed intact rotator cuffs in 149 shoulders (84.7 %) at the last follow-up (median 35.5; range 12-61). The incidence of retears was significantly associated with tear size (p = 0.001) and tendon degeneration (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The 'critical period' for healing following rotator cuff repair, during which risks of retears are high, extends to the first 6 months. The risk of retear is greatest for massive 3-tendon tears, which may require longer periods of protection. The clinical relevance of this study is the identification of patients at risk of retear and the adjustment of their rehabilitation strategy and time for return to work. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Efficacy of Osteoconductive Ceramics in Bioresorbable Screws for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective Intrapatient Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoconductive additives are used in resorbable interference screws for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to improve graft incorporation and mitigate adverse effects. There are no published studies that compare biological performances of bioresorbable and biocomposite screws without artifacts due to different follow-up times and intrinsic patient characteristics. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of osteoconductive agents in bioresorbable screws for ACL reconstruction at minimum follow-up of 2 years by intrapatient comparison. The hypothesis was that osteoconductive ceramics would result in slower resorption, improved ossification, and less tunnel widening. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A total of 28 ACL reconstructions at 2 centers were randomly assigned into 2 comparable groups: (1) the graft was fixed in the tibia using standard bioresorbable screws and in the femur using biocomposite screws with osteoconductive agents (biphasic calcium phosphate), and (2) the graft was fixed in the femur using a standard bioresorbable screw and in the tibia using a biocomposite screw with osteoconductive agents. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients completed evaluations at 29.9 ± 4.0 months. Resorption was complete for more bioresorbable (81%) than biocomposite (37%) screws (P = .0029), whereas satisfactory ossification was observed in more biocomposite (52%) than bioresorbable (15%) screws (P = .0216). The tunnel shape was normal in more biocomposite (81%) than bioresorbable (48%) screws (P = .0126), and marked cortical formation was twice more frequent for biocomposite (78%) than bioresorbable (37%) screws (P = .0012). Bioresorbable screws exhibited faster resorption in the femur (P = .0202) but not in the tibia (not significant). Conversely, biocomposite screws demonstrated better ossification, less tunnel widening, and more cortical formation in the tibia (P < .0001, P = .0227, and P < .0001, respectively) but not in the femur (not significant for all). CONCLUSION: Osteoconductive additives can reduce the extent of resorption while improving ossification, reducing tunnel widening, and increasing cortical formation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The benefits of osteoconductive agents justify their associated costs for ACL reconstruction, particularly in the tibia.

Ultrasonic evaluation of the repair integrity can predict functional outcomes after arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair.

PURPOSE: Despite proven accuracy of US for the evaluation of rotator cuff integrity, there is no US-based classification for this purpose. This study aimed to assess US for the evaluation of rotator cuff repair integrity in accordance with a well-established MRI classification. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 257 patients who underwent arthroscopic double-row suture anchor repair for rotator cuff tears. Post-operative function was rated using the Constant score, the UCLA rating and the SSV, whereas repair integrity was assessed using US as described in the MRI classification of Sugaya et al. RESULTS: A total of 212 patients aged 55.6 ± 9.8 years had complete functional and radiographic assessments at a mean follow-up of 36.8 ± 11.6 months. Using all three ratings, repairs of Type I had highest scores, repairs of Type II had discernibly lower scores, whereas repairs of Types III, IV and V had similar intermediate scores. CONCLUSION: Comparison of the UCLA scores with those of Sugaya et al. revealed similar scores for repairs of Type I and of Type V. The scores are less comparable for repairs of Types II, III and IV, because US does not allow identification of partial tears if shielded by bony structures and because partial tears correspond to minimal impairment. The study reveals that US is an adequate imaging modality to classify rotator cuff repair integrity, which could reduce economic and practical burdens of CTA, MRI or MRA. The results also confirm that post-operative repair integrity and functional outcome depend on pre-operative tear size and fatty infiltration, which provides clinicians with reasoning for early surgical repair and warning of the risks of strenuous activity for patients with larger tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level IV.

The teres minor muscle in rotator cuff tendon tears.

OBJECTIVES: Although the teres minor has received little attention in the literature compared to the other musculotendinous units of the rotator cuff, it is an important component of shoulder function. Our purpose was to study the appearance of the teres minor muscle on CT and MRI images in various patterns of rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the appearance of the teres minor according to the Walch classification (normal, hypertrophic, atrophic, or absent) in 1,332 CT and in 240 MRI images of rotator cuff tears and we correlated it with the type of rotator cuff tears, time period between initial onset of symptoms and diagnostic imaging, age of the patient at the time of imaging, and degree of fatty infiltration of other rotator cuff muscles. RESULTS: The teres minor was classified as normal in 90.8% of cases, hypertrophic in 5.8%, atrophic in 3.2%, and absent in 0.2%. Significant variability existed in the appearance of the teres minor muscle among different patterns of rotator cuff tears in the CT (P < 0.0001) and MRI groups (P < 0.0001). The teres minor appeared most frequently hypertrophic in anterior tears and atrophic in posterior-superior tears. CONCLUSIONS: The teres minor was normal in most rotator cuff tears. A morphologic classification system allowed the appearance of the teres minor to be defined in isolated and multiple rotator cuff tears in CT and MRI images.

Fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus: a reliability study.

BACKGROUND: The Goutallier classification of rotator cuff fatty infiltration is an accepted standard, yet no recommendations exist for which computed tomography plane is best to identify fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus. Our purpose was to determine the most reliable plane to evaluate supraspinatus fatty infiltration, assess reliability of the tangent sign, and to correlate fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy. METHODS: Fatty infiltration in 87 computed tomography scans was reviewed by 3 shoulder surgeons using the 5-tiered Goutallier classification and a separate 3-grade scale. The supraspinatus muscle was evaluated in the axial, coronal, and sagittal plane. The tangent sign was used to assess muscle atrophy. RESULTS: The axial plane produced the highest agreement for both the 5-tiered and 3-tiered systems. An objective radiographic marker was described to reliably determine grade 3 fatty infiltration. The tangent sign produced excellent agreement for the presence of muscle atrophy. A significant relationship between the tangent sign and fatty infiltration was discovered (P < .0001); grades 3 and 4 fatty infiltration correlated statistically with supraspinatus atrophy. CONCLUSION: The tangent sign is acceptable for determining the presence of muscle atrophy and clinical decision making. A positive tangent sign is an indicator of advanced fatty infiltration. The axial computed tomography plane should be used when evaluating fatty infiltration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3; Diagnostic study.

A novel lesion of the infraspinatus characterized by musculotendinous disruption, edema, and late fatty infiltration.

Isolated, atraumatic rupture of the infraspinatus (IS) with associated edema of its muscle is a previously undescribed lesion. We retrospectively identified 19 patients with MRI detected, isolated lesions of the IS tendon or musculotendinous junction with associated muscle edema. The average age at the time of presentation was 47.7 years (range, 30-66). There were 15 females and 4 males. Fourteen patients were treated nonoperatively; 5 underwent an open repair. All patients underwent clinical and MRI follow-up at an average of 50.3 months (range, 24-79) after the initial MRI. Constant scores were recorded as was a detailed physical examination. Two patients had a clear history of trauma with no preceeding shoulder problems; 17 had a history of chronic shoulder pain. We identified disruption occurring within the IS tendon in 9 patients and at the level of the musculotendinous junction in 8, while the level of disruption was inconclusive in 2. No patient had other full thickness tears. Electromyographic studies were normal, as were nerve conduction velocities in the suprascapular nerve in the 15 patients tested. There was a significant improvement in the Constant score comparing the score at presentation (53 points; range, 24-69) with the score at final follow-up (67.2 points; range, 28-95; P = .009). There was no significant benefit seen comparing the gain in the Constant score between those treated operatively and nonoperatively (P = .61). All 19 patients had progressed to stage 4 fatty infiltration of the IS muscle at latest follow-up.