Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients over 65 years of age: successful functional outcomes and a high tendon integrity rate can be obtained after surgery.

Background: Although interest in studies evaluating the outcomes of rotator cuff repair is steadily increasing, the results and tendon integrity after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in elderly patients have only been minimally investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and repair integrity in patients over 65 years of age who underwent arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with the following inclusion criteria: (1) elective shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff repair for full-thickness posterosuperior tears; (2) age over 65 years at surgery; and (3) participation in 24 months of follow-up. Preoperatively, the range of motion (ROM) and the Constant-Murley Score (CMS) and at follow-up, the ROM, the 12-Item Short Form Survey, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and the CMS were evaluated; an ultrasonographic assessment of tendon integrity was performed according to the adapted Sugaya classification. Results: The final sample consisted of 110 patients with an average age of 69.2 ± 3.5 years. The mean duration of nonoperative management before surgery was 2.6 ± 0.8 months. The mean period of preoperative physical therapy was 0.6 ± 0.9 months. ROM and CMS showed statistically significant improvement (all P < .001) after a mean follow-up time of 54.5 ± 22.3 months. The ultrasonographic assessment showed tendon integrity (types I and II) in 75% of cases; 21% were type III repair, and rotator cuff retear (types IV and V) was recorded in 4% of cases. All scores directly correlated with the integrity of the tendon. In the multivariate analysis, higher postoperative CMS was associated with male sex (P < .001, ß = -6.085) and lower age (P = .004, ß = -0.533). Higher postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons were associated with lower age (P = .020, ß = -0.414). Higher postoperative 12-Item Short Form Survey physical component score and mental component score were associated with lower age (P = .013, ß = -0.550 and P < .001, ß = -0.520, respectively) and shorter preoperative physical therapy period (P = .013, ß = -2.075 and P = .006, ß = -1.093, respectively). Conclusion: A significant ROM and CMS recovery and a rotator cuff integrity rate of 75% can be expected in patients over 65 years of age who undergo arthroscopic repair for full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Better functional, physical, and mental health outcomes correlate with rotator cuff integrity and are predicted by male sex and a shorter period of preoperative physical therapy.

Femoral head allograft for glenoid bone loss in primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty: functional and radiologic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Several techniques have been adopted during primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) to manage glenoid bone defect. Among bone grafts, humeral head autograft is currently the mainstream option. However, autologous humeral heads may be unavailable or inadequate, and allografts may be a viable alternative. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the functional and radiologic outcomes of femoral head allografts for glenoid bone defects in primary RSA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study with prospective data collection enrolling 20 consecutive patients who underwent RSA with femoral head allografts for glenoid bone defects. Indications for surgery were eccentric cuff tear arthropathy in 10 cases (50%), concentric osteoarthritis in 9 cases (45%), and fracture sequelae in 1 case (5%). Each patient was evaluated preoperatively and at follow-up by radiologic and computed tomography (CT) and by assessing the range of motion (ROM) and the Constant-Murley score (CMS). A CT-based software, a patient-specific 3D model of the scapula, and patient-specific instrumentation were used to shape the graft and to assess the position of K-wire for the central peg. Postoperatively, CT scans were used to identify graft incorporation and resorption. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 26.5 months (24-38), ROM and CMS showed a statistically significant improvement (all P = .001). The median measures of the graft were as follows: 28 mm (28-29) for diameter, 22° (10°-31°) for angle, 4 mm (2-8 mm) for minimum thickness, and 15 mm (11-21 mm) for maximum thickness. Before the surgery, the median glenoid version was 21.8° (16.5°-33.5°) for the retroverted glenoids and -13.5° (-23° to -12°) for the anteverted glenoids. At the follow-up, the median postoperative baseplate retroversion was 5.7° (2.2°-1.5°) (P = .001), and this value was close to the 4° retroversion planned on the preoperative CT-based software. Postoperative major complications were noted in 4 patients: 2 dislocations, 1 baseplate failure following a high-energy trauma, and 1 septic baseplate failure. Partial graft resorption without glenoid component failure was observed in 3 cases that did not require revision surgery. CONCLUSION: The femoral head allograft for glenoid bone loss in primary RSA restores shoulder function, with CMS values comparable to those of sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. A high rate of incorporation of the graft and satisfactory correction of the glenoid version can be expected after surgery. The management of glenoid bone defects remains a challenging procedure, and a 15% risk of major complication must be considered.

Arthroscopic repair for isolated subscapularis tear: successful functional outcomes and high tendon healing rate can be expected nine years after surgery.

BACKGROUND: Literature describing outcomes and integrity after isolated subscapularis (SSC) tendon repair is emerging but remains limited to a few small case series with short-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes and repair integrity in patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of isolated SSC tears. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted with the following inclusion criteria: (1) primary and elective shoulder arthroscopy for isolated SSC repair, (2) type III (a full-thickness tear in the upper two-thirds of the tendon) or IV (a complete tear without tendon retraction) SSC tear according to the Lafosse classification, and (3) a minimum 24-month follow-up. Preoperatively, the range of motion (ROM) and the Constant-Murley score (CMS) and at follow-up, the ROM, the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Rating Scale, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and the CMS were evaluated; an ultrasonographic assessment of tendon healing was performed according to the Sugaya classification. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 45 patients with an average age of 55 ± 9 years. After a mean follow-up time of 107 ± 54 months, the mean UCLA and DASH scores were 8.7 ± 1.3 and 42.2 ± 6.4, respectively. ROM and CMS showed statistically significant improvements (all P < .001). Before surgery, the mean CMS was 49% that of sex- and age-matched healthy individuals, and all patients showed a CMS lower than the normative data. At the final follow-up visit, the mean CMS was 94.2% that of sex- and age-matched healthy individuals, and no patients showed CMS of 30 or less. The mean increase in the CMS was 41.4 ± 9.8 points (range, 23-60 points). The ultrasonographic assessment showed SSC tendon healing in 39 (86.7%) cases; tendon retear was recorded in 5 (13.3%) cases. All scores directly correlated with the healing of the tendon. A higher postoperative DASH score was associated with male sex (P = .039, ß = 5.538) and a longer follow-up period (P = .044, ß = 0.001). The postoperative CMS (P < .001) and UCLA scores (P = .001) were significantly higher in patients younger than 60 years of age at surgery than in older individuals. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic repair of isolated SSC tears achieves excellent clinical and functional results at a mean of 9 years postoperatively, with a satisfactory healing rate. Better functional outcomes correlate with SSC tendon integrity and were observed in male patients and in those younger than 60 years at surgery.

Arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulder: when etiology matters.

PURPOSE: No therapeutic intervention is universally accepted for frozen shoulder, and the most effective management to restore motion and diminish pain has yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to investigate functional and psychological outcomes in patients who underwent arthroscopic capsular release for a frozen shoulder. METHODS: A retrospective study with prospective data collection was conducted with 78 patients suffering from frozen shoulder resistance to conservative treatment. Considering the etiology, there were 36 (46.2%) idiopathic, 31 (39.7%) postoperative, and 11 (14.1%) posttraumatic cases. Preoperatively, each patient was evaluated with the range of motion (ROM) assessment and the Constant-Murley score (CMS). At follow-up, the 4-point subjective satisfaction scale (SSS), the ROM assessment, the SF-12 questionnaire, the numerical rating scale (NRS) for the subjective assessment of pain, the CMS and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 54.2 ± 22.3 months, ROM and CMS showed a statistically significant improvement between pre- and postoperative values (all p < 0.001). Before surgery, the mean CMS was 36.9% that of sex- and age-matched healthy individuals, and all patients showed a CMS lower than the normative data. At the final follow-up visit, the mean CMS was 99.9% that of sex- and age-matched healthy individuals, and 49 (62.8%) patients showed a CMS equal to or higher than the normative data. The mean increase in the CMS was 56.1 ± 8.3 points. The mean SSS, HADS-A, HADS-D, and NRS were 3.7 ± 0.5, 2.5 ± 1.6, 2.2 ± 1.3, and 2.2 ± 1.0, respectively. All patients returned to their previous level of work and sports activity after 2 and 2.5 months, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed the association between a higher postoperative CMS and the idiopathic etiology of a frozen shoulder (p = 0.004, ß = 3.971). No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperatively, four patients (5.1%) were treated with intra-articular steroid injections to manage residual symptoms. One patient (1.3%) with a postoperative frozen shoulder showed persistent symptoms and underwent a new successful arthroscopic capsular release. CONCLUSION: High patient satisfaction and statistically significant ROM and CMS recovery can be achieved after arthroscopic capsular release to manage frozen shoulder. Better functional outcomes are expected when the etiology is idiopathic. Results can help surgeons identify the patients who will most benefit from surgery and should be discussed with the patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Modified Weaver-Dunn Procedure for Type 3 Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation: Functional and Radiological Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Controversy surrounds the indication for treatment of type 3 acromioclavicular joint dislocation, and the optimal reconstructive technique has not yet been defined. Since the first description of the Weaver-Dunn procedure, several studies have described the clinical and radiological results that can be expected postoperatively; however, few studies have evaluated the outcomes of this technique for chronic type 3 acromioclavicular joint dislocation. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic mid- to long-term outcomes of a modified Weaver-Dunn procedure for chronic Rockwood type 3 acromioclavicular joint dislocation. We hypothesized that (1) functional outcomes comparable with sex- and age-matched healthy individuals could be achieved with the modified Weaver-Dunn procedure and (2) joint stability could be restored after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Out of 30 patients who sustained a chronic type 3 acromioclavicular joint dislocation, 27 had a minimum 12-month follow-up and were included in the study. All patients underwent a modified Weaver-Dunn procedure. The Constant-Murley score was used to assess patient postoperative function. Subjective evaluation of patient satisfaction with surgery was also recorded. Radiological assessment was performed postoperatively to evaluate superoinferior and anteroposterior joint stability. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up period of 51.6 months, the mean Constant-Murley score was 90.1, which was 97.2% that of a group of sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. In the multivariate analysis, higher Constant-Murley score was associated with male sex (ß = 0.385; P = .043) and higher subjective satisfaction scale (ß = 0.528; P = .003). All patients returned to their previous work and sport activity levels having high satisfaction with surgery. Successful vertical acromioclavicular joint reduction was obtained in all but 1 patient; however, horizontal joint stability was not completely restored with the modified Weaver-Dunn procedure. No intraoperative complications occurred, and the postoperative complication rate was 7.4%. CONCLUSION: In patients with chronic type 3 acromioclavicular joint dislocation, the modified Weaver-Dunn procedure is an effective technique to restore vertical but not horizontal joint stability 4 years after surgery. High levels of satisfaction with surgery and functional outcomes comparable with sex- and age-matched healthy individuals can be achieved.

The latissimus dorsi tendon functions as an external rotator after arthroscopic-assisted transfer for massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

PURPOSE: Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer is a surgical option for the treatment of massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. Whether a favourable clinical outcome is due to the latissimus dorsi muscle contraction rather than the passive tenodesis effect remains to be confirmed. The purpose of the current case-control study was to evaluate the shoulder kinematics and latissimus dorsi activation after latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. METHODS: Eighteen patients suffering from irreparable rotator cuff tear that underwent latissimus dorsi tendon transfer and 18 healthy individuals were examined using a 3D kinematic tracking system and electromyography. Active maximal flexion-extension and abduction-adduction of the humerus were measured for the operated and the contralateral shoulder of the patients and the shoulder of healthy individuals to evaluate the range of motion (ROM) and scapulohumeral rhythm. Electromyographic comparison of isometric contraction between the latissimus dorsi of the operated and contralateral shoulder was carried out. RESULTS: After arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer, patients showed comparable flexion and abduction ROM to their asymptomatic contralateral shoulders and to the shoulders of healthy individuals. Significantly higher scapular ROM values were found between the latissimus dorsi tendon transfer side and the shoulders of healthy individuals. While performing external rotation with 0° shoulder abduction, a greater percentage of the electromyographic peak value (p = 0.047) and a higher latissimus dorsi internal/external rotation ratio (p = 0.004) were noted for the transferred muscle in comparison to the contralateral shoulder. CONCLUSION: Although the arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer failed to normalize scapulothoracic joint movements of patients, a functional latissimus flap and a shoulder ROM similar to the contralateral side or the shoulder of healthy individuals can be expected after this procedure in patients with massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Functional outcomes and repair integrity after arthroscopic repair of partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion.

INTRODUCTION: Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and disability. Arthroscopic repair is an effective treatment for partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions, and transtendon repair and completion of the tear and repair are the surgical techniques commonly used to treat such lesions. Our aim was to retrospectively evaluate the minimum 24-month clinical and radiological results of PASTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients suffering from PASTA lesion who underwent arthroscopic repair with a minimum 24-month follow-up were included in this study. The Constant and Murley score (CMS) was used to assess the patients' functionality pre- and postoperatively. The postoperative patient assessment included the simple shoulder test (SST). Postoperative tendon integrity was evaluated by ultrasound examination. RESULTS: 151 patients (153 shoulders) were retrospectively evaluated 73.9 (24-142) months after a completion-repair (94 cases) or transtendon repair (59 cases) of a PASTA lesion. The CMS significantly improved from 47.7 (22-63) preoperatively to 84.2 (62-100) postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean postoperative SST score was 10.1 (5-12), and 95% of patients were satisfied with the surgery. No significant differences were noted between the two techniques in terms of postoperative CMS, SST score and satisfaction. Seventy-four and 43 cases treated with completion and repair and transtendon repair, respectively, performed ultrasound examination 66.1 (24-142) months after surgery. The overall retear rate was 13.7%, supraspinatus retears were observed in ten shoulder subjected to completion and repair (13.5%) and six shoulders subjected to transtendon repair (13.9%), and no significant differences were noted between the two techniques as for CMS (p = 0.896), SST (p = 0.973), satisfaction (p = 0.621) and retear (p = 0.999). Males and younger patients had a higher postoperative CMS (p values < 0.001), and SST score (p < 0.001 and p = 0.038, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic repair of PASTA lesion achieves high rates of repair integrity regardless of repair type and high levels of functional recovery and patient satisfaction 6 years after surgery.

Tenodesis is not superior to tenotomy in the treatment of the long head of biceps tendon lesions.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of tenodesis and tenotomy in the treatment of long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) lesions. The null hypothesis was that there is no difference in functional scores between the tenotomy and tenodesis groups. METHODS: A total of 69 patients with a combined supraspinatus tear and LHBT lesion aged over 40 years entered this prospective comparative study and were randomly assigned to the arthroscopic LHB tenotomy or tenodesis group. Fifty-five patients (31 in the tenotomy group and 24 in the tenodesis group) were available for the 6- and 24-month post-operative evaluations. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in post-operative Constant and Murley score, quality of life, pain, and strengths between groups. Higher rates of Popeye's sign were noted 6 and 24 months post-operatively in the tenotomy group compared to tenodesis. CONCLUSIONS: Although tenotomy is affected by a higher incidence of cosmetic deformity, there is no superiority of arthroscopic tenodesis over tenotomy in the treatment of LHBT lesion as a concomitant procedure to an arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus tendon in terms of functional outcomes, quality of life, pain, and strength measured 6 and 24 months post-operatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Arthroscopic Partial Repair of Irreparable, Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.

Several treatment options for chronic, massive rotator cuff tears exist, and they include debridement with possible biceps tenotomy or tenodesis, open or arthroscopic partial repair, muscle or tendon transfer, superior capsule reconstruction, synthetic patch augmentation, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The aim of this technique article is to describe our preferred surgical option for irreparable, massive rotator cuff tears with an irreparable supraspinatus, a reparable infraspinatus, and an intact or reparable subscapularis tendon.

Quality of Life and Functional Results of Arthroscopic Partial Repair of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the minimum 2-year results and possible outcomes of arthroscopic partial repair in different patterns of irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs). METHODS: Patients suffering from an irreparable supraspinatus and a reparable infraspinatus tendons who underwent arthroscopic partial repair with a minimum 24-month follow-up were included in this study. The Constant and Murley score (CMS) was used to assess patients' functionality pre- and postoperatively. Postoperative patient assessment included the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and the Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). A postoperative range of motion, CMS, and strength were compared with the contralateral side. Postoperative SF-36 was compared with age- and sex-matched norms. RESULTS: Ninety patients (95 shoulders) were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 7 (range 2-12) years. The subscapularis tendon was intact in 80 shoulders and torn but completely reparable in the remaining 15 shoulders. The CMS improved from 39.1 ± 8.4 (10-61) to 76.3 ± 9.7 (32-93) (P < .001). The mean postoperative SST was 9.1 ± 2.2 (1-12). Although the patients had lower postoperative abduction and internal rotation, strength in abduction and CMS in comparison with the measurements from the contralateral side, the median postoperative SF-36 physical and mental component summaries were 98% and 100% of the matched norms. No significant differences were found in postoperative outcomes according to the RCT pattern. Males showed significantly higher strengths in abduction (B = -1.384, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.144 to -0.624, η2 = 0.123, P < .001, 95% power), external rotation (B = -3.646, 95% CI -5.2 to -2.092, η2 = 0.189, P < .001, 100% power), and internal rotation (B = -3.867, 95% CI -5.676 to -2.057, η2 = 0.162, P < .001, 99% power) than females. Significantly higher ranges of abduction (η2 = 0.431, P = .019, 98% power) and external rotation (η2 = 0.417, P < .03, 97% power) were noted in younger patients. Higher strengths in abduction (η2 = 0.495, P = .002, 100% power) and internal rotation (η2 = 0.464, P = .006, 99% power) were also reported in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: When there is an irreparable supraspinatus but there is still the possibility to repair the infraspinatus and subscapularis, the arthroscopic partial cuff repair should be considered as an effective surgical option. Indeed, a significant clinical improvement can be achieved and, differently from pure symptomatic surgical procedures, this technique represents a reasonable effort to restore, at least in part, the shoulder joint functionality. Successful and reliable results can be expected at an average 7-year follow-up, regardless of the RCT pattern. Female and older patients have a greater likelihood of lower functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Functional status and failed rotator cuff repair predict outcomes after arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) has been recently introduced for treatment of irreparable, posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears. We sought to evaluate the functional outcomes of this technique and to check for possible outcome predictors. METHODS: The study reviewed 86 patients (aged 59.8 ± 5.9 years) who underwent an arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer after 36.4 ± 9 months of follow-up. Of these, 14 patients (16.3%) sustained an irreparable massive rotator cuff tear after a failed arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The Constant and Murley score (CMS) was used to assess patients' functionality preoperatively and at follow-up. RESULTS: As a group, the CMS improved with surgery from 35.5 ± 6.1 to 69.5 ± 12.3 (P < .001). A lower preoperative CMS and a previous failed rotator cuff repair resulted in lower postoperative range of motion (P = .044 and P = .007, respectively) and CMS (P = .042 and P = .018, respectively). A previous rotator cuff repair resulted in lower satisfaction with surgery (P = .009). Gender and age did not affect the clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the effectiveness of arthroscopic-assisted LDTT in the treatment of patients with an irreparable, posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears in pain relief, functional recovery, and postoperative satisfaction. Patients with lower preoperative CMS and a history of failed rotator cuff repair have a greater likelihood of having a lower clinical result. However, the favorable values of summary postoperative scores do not exclude these patients as candidates for arthroscopic-assisted LDTT.

Predictors of functional outcomes and recurrent shoulder instability after arthroscopic anterior stabilization.

PURPOSE: To investigate what factors might predict the results of arthroscopic stabilization for anterior shoulder instability. METHODS: One hundred and forty-three patients averaging 25 (15-58) years with traumatic anterior shoulder instability who underwent arthroscopic stabilization were reviewed at a median follow-up of 81 (24-172) months. Sixty-two (56.4 %) individuals were involved in contact sport activities, and there were 40 (30 %) patients who had only one dislocation prior to having surgery. Rowe score was measured preoperatively and at follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-three (23.1 %) patients experienced recurrent instability 12 (1-120) months after surgery, and 15 of those underwent further surgery. There was a statistically significant lower risk of failure (p = 0.027) for patients who had a surgical procedure after only one episode of shoulder dislocation. Patients treated after the second or further episode of shoulder dislocation exhibited a mean odds ratio for failure of 3.8 (95 % confidence interval 1.2-11.6, p = 0.044) with regard to first-time dislocators. The Rowe score significantly improved from a preoperative value of 25 (5-55) to a postoperative value of 100 (40-100) (p < 0.001). A significantly higher postoperative Rowe score was found in patients older than 24 years of age at the operation (p = 0.011) and in patients with less than eight dislocations prior to surgery (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that better functional results following arthroscopic stabilization can be expected in patients over 24 years of age and in those with a fewer number of dislocations preoperatively. A lower rate of recurrence can be expected if the patient undergoes surgery after the first episode of dislocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level II.