The role of body mass index in survivorship and clinical outcomes in total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Increased body mass index (BMI) is a potential risk factor for poorer outcomes and complications. However, the influence of BMI on the long-term outcomes of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) remains to be fully elucidated. METHODS: Institutional records were queried to identify patients who underwent primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) between 2009 and 2020 with a minimum of 2 years of clinical follow-up. Retrospective review was performed to collect demographic characteristics; comorbidity status; and range-of-motion and strength measurements in forward elevation, external rotation, and internal rotation. Patients were contacted by telephone to provide patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Patients were stratified into 3 cohorts by BMI: underweight or normal weight (U/NW, BMI ≤25 kg/m2), overweight (OW, BMI >25 to ≤30 kg/m2), and obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). RESULTS: Among 466 TSA patients, 245 underwent aTSA whereas 221 underwent rTSA. In the aTSA cohort, 40 patients were classified as U/NW; 72, as OW; and 133, as obese. Comparatively, the rTSA cohort was composed of 33 U/NW, 79 OW, and 209 obese patients. Patients in the aTSA and rTSA cohorts had an average follow-up period of 5.8 ± 3.2 years and 4.5 ± 2.3 years, respectively. No differences in age at surgery were found in the aTSA group (U/NW vs. obese, 65.2 ± 7.9 years vs. 61.9 ± 8.9 years; P = .133); however, in the rTSA cohort, BMI was found to be inversely related to age at surgery (U/NW vs. obese, 72.4 ± 8.8 years vs. 65.7 ± 8.3 years; P < .001). Across all BMI cohorts, patients saw great improvements in range of motion and strength. Postoperative PROs after TSA did not vary by BMI in terms of Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Simple Shoulder Test, visual analog scale pain, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores. There was no significant difference in survival rates at 10-year follow-up in the aTSA cohort (U/NW vs. obese, 95.8% vs. 93.2%; P = .753) or rTSA cohort (U/NW vs. obese, 94.7% vs. 94.5%; P = .791). CONCLUSION: With dramatic improvements in range of motion, minimal differences in PROs, and high rates of implant survival, TSA is a safe and effective treatment option for all patients, including overweight and obese patients.

Outcomes of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Were Not Adversely Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: The objective was to investigate outcomes in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in patients affected by the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. We hypothesized that patients undergoing RTSA in early 2020 would have decreased access to physical therapy (PT) and worse postoperative outcomes compared to historical controls. Materials and Methods: Patients who received primary RTSA between 1/1/2020 to 3/17/2020 were included and patients who received primary RTSA between 1/1/2019 to 3/17/2019 were used as a control group. Retrospective chart review was performed, and patient reported outcomes were recorded at an average of 2.69 ± 0.06 years and a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Patient data were collected and statistically analyzed using the 2-sample t-test and Chi-square test. The Mann Whitney U test and Fisher's Exact test were used when appropriate. Results: 38 patients in 2020 were included in this study and compared to 31 patients in 2019. RTSA performed in 2019 had improvements in forward elevation (FE) (95.7º ± 47.2º to 144.7º ± 17.2º, p<0.001), but not in external rotation (ER) (32.5º ± 20.3º to 41.0º ± 13.3º, p=0.15), or internal rotation (IR) (S1 to L5, p=0.76). RTSA 2020 cases had improvements in FE (111.5º ± 40.3 to 132.8º ± 30.6, p=0.016), but not ER (31.9º ± 18.2 to 35.7º ± 15.9, p=0.36) or IR (S1 to L5, p=0.13). Patients in 2019 (FE: 4 to 5-, p<0.001; ER: 4+ to 5-, p=0.003; IR: 5- to 5, p<0.001) and 2020 (FE: 4 to 5-, p<0.001; ER: 4+ to 5, p<0.001; IR: 5- to 5, p=0.02) both experienced improvements in strength. Patients in 2020 initiated PT later (2019: 39.3 ± 27.3 days, 2020: 57.1 ± 35.5 days, p=0.028) and completed less PT sessions (2019: 20.7 ± 11.1, 2020: 12.9 ± 6.6, p<0.001) than patients in 2019. In the 2020 cohort, 10.5% (4/38) did not complete any PT, 34.2% (13/38) reported a delay in initiating PT, and 47.4% (18/38) reported that their recovery was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. At final follow-up, patients in 2020 reported a mean SANE score of 73.6 ± 17.5 on their affected shoulder and a mean VAS score of 1.68 ± 1.23. Discussion: Despite a delay in initiating PT and completing less PT overall, patients who received RTSA in 2020 experienced significant improvements in ROM and strength at final follow-up and were comparable to the 2019 patients.

Decreased Trunk Rotation at Foot Contact in Professional Baseball Pitchers With Prior Conservatively Managed SLAP Tears: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare kinematic and kinetic parameters between a cohort of fully recovered professional pitchers with prior shoulder injury treated conservatively and a cohort with no prior shoulder injury. METHODS: Twenty-six fully recovered professional baseball pitchers with a history of shoulder injury treated conservatively pitched 8 to 10 fastball pitches using 3-dimensional motion capture (480 Hz). All shoulder injuries occurred within a 1- to 4-year time span from biomechanical evaluation and were severe enough to prevent pitchers from playing for between 1 and 12 months. These pitchers were propensity score matched by age, height, weight, handedness, and ball velocity to pitchers with no prior injury history (control) at a ratio of 1:4. We compared 21 kinematic and 11 kinetic parameters between groups using appropriate parametric testing. Subanalysis comparisons of pitchers with prior SLAP injury as well as rotator cuff tendinitis were also performed. RESULTS: SLAP tears (n = 11, 42.3%) were the most frequently reported injury, followed by rotator cuff tendinitis and/or shoulder impingement (n = 7, 26.9%). Compared with the control group, the 26 pitchers with prior injury showed no significant differences across the kinematic and kinetic factors. However, the SLAP tear subgroup did show significantly less trunk rotation at foot contact compared with controls (34.1° ± 4.9° vs 39.2° ± 10.2°, P = .0075). CONCLUSIONS: Fully recovered professional baseball pitchers with shoulder injuries treated conservatively showed no significant differences in kinetics or kinematics compared with their propensity score-matched counterparts, suggesting that shoulder injury alone may not greatly alter pitching mechanics. However, whereas prior groups have shown a decrease in trunk rotation at foot contact after surgical repair for SLAP tears, our study suggests that this kinematic change may alternatively originate with the injury itself. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the cause of biomechanical adaptations by pitchers after injury can better aid clinicians and coaching staff in providing individualized and specific care to the throwing athlete.

The role of the long head of the biceps tendon in posterior shoulder stabilization during forward flexion.

BACKGROUND: The role of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) in glenohumeral stability is not fully understood. Most objects are lifted in the sagittal plane with forward flexion, which stresses the posterior aspect of the unconstrained glenohumeral joint. Determining the mechanism by which the shoulder maintains stability with functional motions is important to understanding the pathoanatomy of degenerative shoulders. Our hypothesis was that the LHBT resists posterior translation of the humeral head (HH) during forward flexion by tensioning the posterior capsuloligamentous complex. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested using an established shoulder simulator that loads the LHBT, rotator cuff, and deltoid tendons through a system of pulleys. A motion tracking system recorded glenohumeral translations with an accuracy of ±0.2 mm. In each subject, the scapula was fixed and the humerus was tested in 6 positions: 30° and 60° of glenohumeral forward flexion at (1) maximum internal rotation (IR), (2) neutral rotation, and (3) maximum external rotation (ER). The deltoid was loaded with 100 N, and the infraspinatus and subscapularis were loaded with 22 N each. The difference in glenohumeral translation was calculated at each position comparing the LHBT loaded with 45 N or unloaded. RESULTS: At 30° of glenohumeral forward flexion, unloading the LHBT increased HH posterior translation by 2.5 mm (±0.9 mm; P < .001), 1.7 mm (±1.0 mm; P < .001), and 1.0 mm (±0.9 mm; P = .01) at maximum ER, neutral rotation, and maximum IR, respectively. At 60° of glenohumeral forward flexion, unloading the LHBT increased HH posterior translation by 2.8 mm (±1.2 mm; P < .001), 2.4 mm (±1.6 mm; P < .001), and 1.7 mm (±1.4 mm; P < .001) at maximum ER, neutral rotation, and maximum IR, respectively. CONCLUSION: LHBT loading resists posterior translation of the HH during forward flexion. These data support the role of the LHBT as a posterior stabilizer of the shoulder, specifically when a person is carrying objects in front of them. Further work is needed to determine if unloading the LHBT, as is done with biceps tenotomy or tenodesis, may eventually lead to posterior labral pathology, or to the posterior glenoid wear commonly seen with osteoarthritis.

The Arthroscopic Surgery Skill Evaluation Tool Global Rating Scale is a Valid and Reliable Adjunct Measure of Performance on a Virtual Reality Simulator for Hip Arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to further evaluate the construct validity and interobserver reliability of a hip arthroscopy virtual simulator using the Arthroscopic Surgery Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) global rating scale. METHODS: Thirty participants (23 male/7 female) completed a diagnostic arthroscopy and a loose body retrieval simulation on the VirtaMed Arthros Hip Simulator (Zurich, Switzerland) twice at a minimum of 1 week apart. Subjects consisted of 12 novices (medical students, postgraduate year [PGY] 1-2), 5 intermediate trainees (PGY3-4), 9 senior trainees (PGY5 and fellows), and 4 attending faculty. Simulator metrics were recorded and then compiled to generate a total simulator score (TSS). The loose body retrieval was graded using the ASSET scoring tool. Inter-rater and intrarater reliability for the ASSET for 2 blinded raters and construct validity of the ASSET and the TSS were calculated. Correlation between the TSS, ASSET and individual simulator metrics was determined. RESULTS: Prior simulation experience (P ≤ 0.01) correlated with higher TSS and higher ASSET, while video game experience correlated with higher TSS on the diagnostic module only (P = 0.004). There was a significant difference in ASSET score among all experience groups (P < 0.04). Novices had the lowest mean ASSET whereas experts had the highest mean ASSET with a difference of 17.4 points. Overall performance on the surgical module significantly correlated with the ASSET score (r = 0.444, P = 0.016). There was a significant positive correlation among higher ASSET and number of loose bodies retrieved, operation time, camera path and grasper path length, and percentage of cartilage injury. ASSET demonstrated excellent intrarater reliability and showed substantial or better inter-reliability in 8 of 9 domains. CONCLUSION: The VirtaMed hip arthroscopy simulator demonstrated good construct validity and excellent reliability for simulator-based metrics and ASSET score. Use of both simulator metrics and ASSET offers a more comprehensive performance assessment on hip arthroscopy simulation than either measure alone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As virtual reality simulation for arthroscopy becomes more commonplace in orthopaedic training, evaluation of the most effective objective and subjective measures of performance is necessary to optimize simulation training.

Predictors of patient satisfaction after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

HYPOTHESIS: The aims of this study were to determine patient satisfaction and to identify predictors of satisfaction after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). We hypothesized that the majority of patients would be satisfied after RSA and that patients with worse preoperative mental and physical health would be less satisfied. METHODS: Satisfaction was assessed 2 years after primary RSA with domains for pain, work, activities, quality of life, and overall satisfaction. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported factors were measured using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, Shoulder Activity Scale score, Short Form 12 (SF-12) mental and physical component summary scores, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain, fatigue, and general health scores. Pearson correlations were used to determine the relationship between patient-reported factors and satisfaction. Multivariate regression was performed to control for potential confounding variables. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients were evaluated at 2 years postoperatively. Patients were "very satisfied" in an average of 3.3 of the 5 domains. Improvements in ASES, Shoulder Activity Scale, VAS pain, and SF-12 physical component summary scores were associated with higher satisfaction, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.27 to 0.49. On multivariate analysis, patients with higher preoperative ASES scores were less satisfied after surgery (P = .005). In addition, patients with worse VAS fatigue (P = .011) and SF-12 mental (P = .034) and physical (0.011) component summary scores preoperatively had lower satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Improvements in pain and outcome scores are associated with increased satisfaction. Patients with higher shoulder function, worse physical health, and worse mental health prior to surgery are more likely to have lower satisfaction after RSA.

Fragility of randomized clinical trials of treatment of clavicular fractures.

BACKGROUND: Statistical significance, as reported by the P value, has traditionally been the most commonly reported way to determine whether a difference exists between clinical interventions. Unfortunately, P values alone confer little about the robustness of a study's conclusions. An emerging metric, the fragility index (FI), helps to address this challenge by quantifying the number of events per outcome group that would need to be reversed to the alternative outcome in order to raise the P value above the 0.05 threshold. METHODS: Using systematic search strategy, we identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) pertaining to clavicular fractures published in the last decade (2007-2017). Studies included for analysis involved 2 parallel arms, were published in English, allocated patients to treatment and control arms in a 1:1 ratio, and reported statistical significance (P < .05) for dichotomous variables. The FI was determined based on the Fisher exact test, using previously published methods. RESULTS: Fifteen RCTs were included. The median FI was 2 (range, 0-17). Eleven studies (73.3%) had an FI of 2 or less. Seven of the trials (46.7%) reported that the number of patients lost to follow-up exceeded the FI. CONCLUSIONS: The median FI reported in the recent literature on clavicular fractures is only 2. The FI is a useful metric to analyze the robustness of study conclusions that should complement other methods of critical data evaluation, including the P value or effect sizes. Future efforts are needed to increase institutional collaboration and patient recruitment to strengthen the robustness of RCT conclusions, especially in the realm of clavicular fracture management.

The fragility of findings of randomized controlled trials in shoulder and elbow surgery.

BACKGROUND: Considered the gold standard of study designs, randomized controlled trials' (RCTs) results shape clinical practice, effect policy, and influence reimbursement. The fragility index (FI) can be used to quantitate the relative robustness of RCT results, with higher scores indicating more stout results. Unfortunately, most RCTs in surgery have fragile results. The aim of this study was to report on the FI in addition to a qualitative assessment of recent RCTs within the field of shoulder and elbow surgery. METHODS: A systematic review was performed identifying recently published shoulder/elbow RCTs that included 1:1 allocated parallel study arms, dichotomous primary outcome variables, and statistical significance. The FI was calculated by sequentially modifying outcome groups by exchanging a nonevent in one group to an event until the P value for the outcome comparison, as calculated by the Fisher exact test, was increased above the .05 threshold. RESULTS: Thirty RCTs were included. The median FI was 4. Sixty percent trials had a FI of 2 or less. Fifty-three percent studies reported that participants were lost to follow-up. In 87.5% of these studies, the losses to follow-up exceeded their respective FIs. Only 53% of studies defined a primary outcome variable and 60% studies performed a prestudy power analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The median FI reported in the recent shoulder/elbow literature is 4; however, a high proportion of included RCTs display significant methodological concerns. The FI is a useful adjunct to analyze RCT results, but careful analysis of trial methods should be employed in each circumstance before drawing conclusions.

Preoperative patient expectations of elective reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine patients' preoperative expectations before primary elective reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). We hypothesized that younger patients, patients with better preoperative function, patients with shoulder osteoarthritis (OA), and patients with no prior joint replacements would have higher expectations of RSA. METHODS: We prospectively studied 333 primary RSAs performed for cuff tear arthropathy (n = 242), OA (n = 68), or post-traumatic arthritis (n = 23). Expectations were assessed preoperatively using the Hospital for Special Surgery's shoulder surgery expectations survey. Preoperative patient-reported measures were assessed with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score; Shoulder Activity Scale score; Short Form 12 mental component and physical component scores; and visual analog scale scores for pain, fatigue, and general health. A Poisson regression model was performed to control for potential confounding variables. RESULTS: Relief of night-time pain, relief of daytime pain, improvement in self-care, improvement in the ability to drive or put on a seat belt, and improvement in the ability to perform daily activities were reported as "very important" by approximately half of patients. No association was found between age and overall expectations. Multivariate analysis showed that better preoperative Shoulder Activity Scale and Short Form 12 physical component scores were associated with greater expectations (P < .001). OA was associated with greater expectations compared with cuff tear arthropathy (P < .001). A history of either contralateral RSA or any joint replacement was associated with lower expectations (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients have the highest expectations for pain relief and the performance of simple tasks after RSA. Patients with higher preoperative function, OA, and no previous joint replacements have greater expectations of RSA.

Effect of preoperative patient expectations on outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of preoperative expectations on outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). We hypothesized that patients with greater expectations would have better outcomes. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary RSA completed the Hospital for Special Surgery's Shoulder Expectations Survey preoperatively. Preoperative and 2-year postoperative clinical outcomes were measured with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, Shoulder Activity Scale (SAS), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and visual analog scales (VASs). Pearson correlations were used to assess the relationship between the number of expectations and outcomes. Differences in outcomes between those with higher and lower levels of expectations for each expectation question were assessed by independent samples t test. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to control for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: We evaluated 135 patients at 2 years postoperatively. Patients had higher expectations for relieving pain, improving self-care, improving ability to perform daily activities, and improving ability to drive or put on a seatbelt. Patients with a greater number of high expectations preoperatively did not have better ASES, SAS, or VAS pain scores postoperatively. However, higher expectations for relieving nighttime pain was associated with ASES (ß = 7.0, P = .048) and VAS pain scores (ß = -5.9, P = .047) as well as 2-year improvement of VAS pain (ß = -6.1, P = .039). Higher expectations for improving the ability to participate in nonoverhead sports was associated with improvements in SAS (ß = 2.8, P = .020). CONCLUSION: A higher level of expectations for relief of nighttime pain and improving ability to participate in nonoverhead sports is associated with improved outcomes after RSA.

Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Outcomes Were Not Negatively Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective To investigate whether patients undergoing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) between January and March 2020 experienced different postoperative outcomes than patients in 2019. We hypothesized that patients in 2020 would have less access to physical therapy (PT) and experience different postoperative outcomes. Methods Records from patients who received ATSA between January 1st, 2019, and March 17th, 2019, and January 1st, 2020, to March 17th, 2020, were analyzed. Patient data, including demographic information, range of motion (ROM), strength, and PT was collected and compared between the two groups. The 2020 patients were contacted by phone during October 2022 and patient-reported metrics were gathered. Results The present study identified 24 patients in 2019 and 27 patients in 2020 who underwent ATSA during the specified time frame and had a minimum 1-year follow-up. Patients in 2019 experienced improvements in forward elevation (FE) ROM (125.4° to 146.7°; p = 0.008), external rotation (ER; 33.0° to 47.7°; p < 0.001), and internal rotation (IR; S1 to L4; p = 0.019). Patients in 2020 also experienced significant improvements in FE (120.2° to 141.1°; p = 0.009), ER (32.9° to 42.0°; p = 0.037), and IR (S1 to L3; p = 0.002). Patients in 2020 terminated PT earlier (2019: 125.8 days; 2020: 91.1 days; p = 0.046) and completed fewer sessions (2019: 21.4 sessions; 2020: 13.1 sessions; p = 0.003). At the final follow-up, patients in 2020 reported an average Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score of 1.67 ± 1.1. Conclusion Despite decreased PT, patients who underwent ATSA in 2020 had significant improvements in ROM and strength and were comparable to patients in 2019.

Hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty in patients with a history of solid organ transplant: A review.

Solid organ transplants (SOT) have evolved into life-saving interventions for end-stage diseases affecting vital organs. Advances in transplantation techniques, donor selection, and immunosuppressive therapies have enhanced outcomes, leading to a growing demand for SOT. Patients with a solid organ transplant are living long enough to develop the same pathologies which are indicated for joint replacement surgery in the general population. SOT patients who undergo a total hip, knee, or shoulder arthroplasty do similarly in the context of clinical outcomes and implant survival when compared to the general population. These immunosuppressed patients tend to have higher complication rates in the short-term following surgery. Prudent management of these patients in the short-term may be necessary, but patients can expect to do well otherwise.

Lateral Femoral Condyle Allograft in the Treatment of Elbow Capitellar Avascular Necrosis: A Case Report.

CASE: A 27-year-old woman developed capitellar osteonecrosis after long-term corticosteroid use to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She underwent an osteochondral reconstruction using a lateral femoral condyle (LFC) allograft. This graft was selected because it has a similar radius of curvature to the capitellum. The patient had osseous integration, painless, near full range of motion of her elbow 6 months postoperatively and good shoulder function 1.0 year postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The LFC allograft should be considered a viable option in treating capitellar osteonecrosis.

Functionality, complications, and survivorship of total shoulder arthroplasty in patients under 60 years old.

Background: As total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) expands to younger patients, it is crucial to weigh the benefits of early intervention against potential complications and implant longevity in patients under 60 years of age. This study examines mid-term outcomes in this patient subset. Methods: Between 2009 and 2019, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 50 patients (25 male, 25 female) who underwent anatomic TSA (TSA) under the age of 60 with minimum 5 years follow-up. Demographic and baseline variables were extracted from medical records. Pre-operative and post-operative outcomes of range of motion (ROM) and strength were recorded. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were obtained. Results: Fifty patients were followed for an average of 8.7 ± 2.4 years, having a mean age of 54.1 ± 8.4 years. Comparison of pre-operative and post-operative measurements revealed significant improvements in active ROM, including external rotation (ER) (p < 0.0001), forward elevation (FE) (p < 0.0001), and internal rotation (IR) (p = 0.0001). There were significant improvements in functional strength scores, including ER (p = 0.0005) and FE (p = 0.0002). PROs included visual analog scale (VAS) (2.2 ± 2.6), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) (80.3 ± 17.6), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score (76.4 ± 22.8), and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) (8.9 ± 3.2). The 5-year and 10-year implant survival rates were found to be 98.0 % and 83.3 %, respectively. There were 7 postoperative complications in 5 patients (14.0 %), including glenoid loosening (n = 2), infection (n = 1), atraumatic instability (n = 1), lesser tuberosity avulsion (n = 1), painful arthroplasty (n = 1) and traumatic rotator cuff insufficiency (n = 1). Subsequently, all 5 patients underwent revision shoulder arthroplasty at an average of 6.5 years after the initial procedure. Conclusion: Positive mid to long-term outcomes, including significant improvements in ROM and strength, along with high 5-year and 10-year implant survival rates support TSA as an effective treatment option for patients under the age of 60.

Pediatric upper extremity stress injuries.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide primary care physicians with strategies to evaluate and manage pediatric upper extremity stress injuries related to overuse with a focus on anatomic location, patient history, physical examination, and imaging. RECENT FINDINGS: Children are susceptible to stress injuries due to their open physes. The physeal cartilage of epiphyses and apophyses is the weakest structure in the developing skeleton. The differential diagnosis for pediatric stress injuries includes injury to the bone, physis, epiphysis, and apophysis. Most stress injuries in children improve with rest. Missed or misdiagnosed stress injuries can lead to growth abnormalities and potential malalignment. SUMMARY: Awareness of stress injuries is important for timely diagnosis and prevention of sequelae. A thorough history, focused physical examination, and proper imaging studies are crucial steps to identify upper extremity stress injuries in the pediatric population.

Modern Applications of Machine Learning in Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Review.

¼ There is increased integration of machine learning (ML) to aid clinical decision-making in orthopaedic surgery.¼ ML has the ability to predict both clinical outcomes such as range of motion and complications in total shoulder arthroplasty patients.¼ An increased area of focus is the ability for ML to identify implants to aid in revision surgery planning.¼ In this article, we review the current applications of ML in shoulder arthroplasty and discuss future areas where it may enhance orthopaedic practice.

Shoulder arthroplasty following solid organ transplant: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to report a systematic review and meta-analysis of solid organ transplant (SOT) patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty to compare functional and radiographic outcomes, demographics, and complications with non-transplant patients. Methods: Studies were included if they examined patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty in the setting of prior solid organ transplantation and included post operative range of motion, patient-reported outcomes, complications, or revisions. Studies were excluded if they were national database analyses or lacked clinical data. Pubmed, MEDLine, Scopus, and Web of Science were queried using relevant search terms in July 2022. Data was pooled, weighted, and a paired t-test and chi-square analysis was performed. Results: There were 71 SOT and 159 non-SOT shoulders included in the study. The most common indication for surgery was avascular necrosis (n = 26) in the solid organ transplant group and osteoarthritis (n = 60) in the non-SOT group. Forward elevation, external rotation, ASES, and VAS pain scores improved significantly in both cohorts following surgery. There was no significant difference in age at surgery (p-value = 0.20), postoperative forward elevation (p-value = 0.08), postoperative external rotation (0.84), and postoperative ASES scores (p-value = 0.11) between the two cohorts. VAS pain scores were significantly lower in the SOT cohort (p-value<0.01). The risk of death was significantly higher in the SOT group (p-value<0.01). but the rate of overall complications (p = 0.47), surgical complication (p-value = 0.79), or revision surgery (p-value = 1.00) was not significantly different between the two cohorts. Conclusion: Shoulder arthroplasty is a safe, effective option in patients following solid organ transplant. There is not an increased risk of adverse outcomes, and SOT patients had comparable range of motion and patient-reported outcomes when compared to their non-SOT peers. Level of evidence: III.

Complete Restoration of Native Glenoid Width Improves Glenohumeral Biomechanics After Simulated Latarjet.

BACKGROUND: The amount of glenoid width that must be restored with a Latarjet procedure in order to reestablish glenohumeral stability has not been determined. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this article was to determine the percentage of glenoid width restoration necessary for glenohumeral stability after Latarjet by measuring anterior humeral head translation and force distribution on the coracoid graft. The hypothesis was that at least 100% of glenoid width restoration with Latarjet would be required to maintain glenohumeral stability. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Nine cadaveric shoulders were prepared and mounted on an established shoulder simulator. A lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO) was performed to allow accurate removal of glenoid bone. Coracoid osteotomy was performed, and the coracoid graft was sized to a depth of 10 mm. Glenoid bone was sequentially removed, and Latarjet was performed using 2 screws to reestablish 110%, 100%, 90%, and 80% of native glenoid width. The graft was passed through a subscapularis muscle split, and the LTO was repaired. A motion tracking system recorded glenohumeral translations, and force distribution was recorded using a TekScan pressure sensor secured to the glenoid face and coracoid graft. Testing conditions included native; LTO; Bankart tear; and 110%, 100%, 90%, and 80% of glenoid width restoration with Latarjet. Glenohumeral translations were recorded while applying an anteroinferior load of 44 N at 90° of humerothoracic abduction and 0° or 45° of glenohumeral external rotation. Force distribution was recorded without an anteroinferior load. RESULTS: Anterior humeral head translation progressively increased as the proportion of glenoid width restored decreased. A marked increase in anterior humeral head translation was found with 90% versus 100% glenoid width restoration (10.8 ± 3.0 vs 4.1 ± 2.6 mm, respectively; P < .001). Greater glenoid bone loss also led to increased force on the coracoid graft relative to the native glenoid bone after Latarjet. A pronounced increase in force on the coracoid graft was seen with 90% versus 100% glenoid width restoration (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Anterior humeral head translation and force distribution on the coracoid graft dramatically increased when <100% of the native glenoid width was restored with a Latarjet procedure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If a Latarjet is unable to fully restore the native glenoid width, surgeons should consider alternative graft sources to minimize the risk of recurrent instability or coracoid overload.

Orthobiologics for the Management of Early Arthritis in the Middle-Aged Athlete.

This article is dedicated to the use of orthobiologic therapies in the management of early osteoarthritis in middle-aged athletes. Understanding a patient's presenting symptoms, physical examination, imaging results, and goals is of critical importance in applying orthobiologic therapies. The field of orthobiologics is expanding at a rapid pace, and the clinical studies examining the utility of each treatment lag behind the direct-to-consumer marketing that leads to these products being used. Here we provide a review of the available treatments, emerging treatments, and the current literature supporting or refuting their use. Currently studied orthobiologics include autologous and allogenic cell therapies, autologous blood products, hyaluronic acid, gene therapies, Wnt inhibitors, and a variety of systemic treatments.

The quality and accuracy of direct-to-consumer biologic marketing for shoulder pathology are poor.

Background: The growing role of biologic therapies as adjunct or standalone procedures in orthopedic practice has led to greater levels of direct-to-consumer biologic marketing. The present study aims to assess the quality, accuracy, and readability of online educational resources available to patients regarding biologic therapies for shoulder pathology. Methods: Eight search terms relevant to shoulder biologic therapies (shoulder + BMAC, Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate, PRP, Platelet Rich Plasma, Lipogems, Adipose Tissue, Biologic therapy, and Stem cell therapy) were searched across three separate search engines. The first 25 websites of each search were recorded. Duplicate websites and those not specific to shoulder pathology were excluded. Three evaluators independently assessed quality using an author-derived scoring rubric for a total of 25 possible points and accuracy for a total of 12 possible points. The Flesch-Kincaid readability test was used to quantify reading levels. Websites were further characterized by authorship and the presence of commercial bias. Results: Of the 600 results from the initial search, 59 met inclusion criteria. The mean quality of the websites was poor, with 7.97 ± 2.3 of 25 points (32%). The mean accuracy was low, with 8.47 ± 1.52 of 12 points (71%). The average reading level was 11.2 ± 1.93, with 32% of websites' reading at greater than 12th grade reading level. The search terms of "shoulder PRP" and "shoulder Platelet Rich Plasma" yielded the highest quality results (mean = 8.14 ± 2.63). "shoulder Lipogems" and "shoulder Adipose tissue" yielded the most accurate results (mean = 9.25 ± 0.96). "shoulder BMAC" and "shoulder bone marrow aspirate concentrate" were most difficult to read (mean = 12.54 ± 3.73). Sixty-four percent of websites were authored by physicians, hospitals, or medical groups. The accuracy of websites authored by health care professionals was significantly higher than the accuracy of those authored by other industry sources (P = .01). Fifteen percent of websites demonstrated commercial bias. Discussion: The online resources available to patients seeking information about biologic therapies for the treatment of shoulder pathologies are of very poor quality, moderately poor accuracy, and advanced readability. Providers should caution patients about the reliability of direct-to-consumer biologic marketing for shoulder pathology. Conclusion: The information available to patients online regarding the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of shoulder pathology with biologic therapies is of poor quality and accuracy and difficult readability.