Immediate and early complications of the open Latarjet procedure: a retrospective review of a large consecutive case series.

BACKGROUND: Immediate and early postoperative complications of the Latarjet procedure are not well documented in the literature. The purpose of this study was to report the procedure-related complications of our large consecutive case series of 3 surgeons at a single high-volume center. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 416 Latarjet procedures performed on 400 patients (16 patients had bilateral procedures) who underwent surgery by the 3 senior authors from October 2002 to July 2015. Immediate and early complications included hardware problems, infection, and neurologic injury. In addition, the patient's age and history of prior instability surgery were noted and evaluated as risk factors for complication. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 5.0% (21 complications in 19 procedures). Thirteen neurologic injuries (3.1%) occurred to the axillary (7), musculocutaneous (4), and suprascapular (2) nerves, including 2 patients with multiple nerves affected. All but 2 patients had complete resolution of symptoms at time of last follow-up. Six infections (1.4%) developed, including 3 superficial infections treated with oral antibiotics and 3 deep infections requiring irrigation and débridement with intravenous antibiotics. Two early hardware-related complications (0.05%) were also noted. Increased age was associated with a higher complication rate. History of prior surgery was not associated with increased complications in our series. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the procedural complications of the Latarjet procedure. Neurologic injury was the most common complication in our series, with complete or near-complete recovery in 11 of 13 patients.

Radiographic and clinical comparison of pegged and keeled glenoid components using modern cementing techniques: midterm results of a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Glenoid component loosening remains a significant issue after anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. Pegged glenoid components have shown better lucency rates than keeled components in the short term; however, midterm to long-term results have not fully been determined. We previously reported early outcomes of the current randomized controlled group of patients, with higher glenoid lucency rates in those with a keeled glenoid. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of these components at minimum 5-year follow-up. METHODS: Fifty-nine total shoulder arthroplasties were performed in patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Patients were randomized to receive either a pegged or keeled glenoid component. Three raters graded radiographic glenoid lucencies. Clinical outcome scores and active mobility outcomes were collected preoperatively and at yearly postoperative appointments. RESULTS: Of the 46 shoulders meeting the inclusion criteria, 38 (82.6%) were available for minimum 5-year radiographic follow-up. After an average of 7.9 years, radiographic lucency was present in 100% of pegged and 91% of keeled components (P = .617). Grade 4 or 5 lucency was present in 44% of pegged and 36% of keeled components (P = .743). There were no differences in clinical outcome scores or active mobility outcomes between shoulders with pegged and keeled components at last follow-up. Within the initial cohort, 20% of the keeled shoulders (6 of 30) and 7% of the pegged shoulders (2 of 29) underwent revision surgery (P = .263). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in survival rates between groups (P = .560). CONCLUSION: At an average 7.9-year follow-up, non-ingrowth, all-polyethylene pegged glenoid implants are equivalent to keeled implants with respect to radiolucency, clinical outcomes, and need for revision surgery.

Workers' compensation claims and outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The effect of workers' compensation claims on outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes after RSA in patients with a workers' compensation claim and to compare them with a control group without a workers' compensation claim. METHODS: We identified 14 primary RSAs completed in patients with a workers' compensation claim and a minimum of 2 years of follow-up in a prospective shoulder arthroplasty registry. Fourteen patients without a workers' compensation claim served as the age-, gender-, and diagnosis-matched control group. The Constant score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, mobility, and the patient's satisfaction were assessed for both groups preoperatively and at final follow-up. RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups regarding patient demographics, duration of follow-up, complications, preoperative shoulder function scores, or preoperative mobility (P > .05). Both groups significantly improved on all shoulder function scores and for mobility from preoperative to final follow-up (all P < .001); however, the workers' compensation group had significantly worse Constant (P = .002), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (P = .003), and Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index (P = .001) scores. Only 57% of the workers' compensation group reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied at final follow-up compared with 93% in the control group. The workers' compensation group had a lower return to work rate (14.2% vs 41.7%), but this did not reach statistical significance (P = .117). CONCLUSION: Patients with a workers' compensation claim had significant improvements after RSA, but they achieved significantly worse outcomes compared with the control group.

Risk factors for periprosthetic infection after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Management of periprosthetic infection after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) remains a challenge. Whereas the infection rate after RSA has improved, more information would be helpful to identify patient risk factors for infection after RSA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors for infection after RSA. METHODS: We identified 301 primary RSAs with a minimum of 1-year follow-up in a prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty registry. We performed bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess the association between patient demographic and clinical characteristics (age, sex, smoking, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, body mass index, and history of prior failed hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder arthroplasty) and periprosthetic infection after RSA. RESULTS: There were 15 periprosthetic infections after RSA (5.0%). Patients with a history of RSA for failed arthroplasty (odds ratio, 5.75; 95% confidence interval, 2.01-16.43; P = .001) and patients younger than 65 years had an increased risk for development of an infection (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-15.35; P = .021). History of smoking, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or obesity did not contribute to an increased risk of infection after RSA. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study evaluating risk factors for infection after RSA while controlling for confounding variables with multivariable analysis. The greatest risk factors for infection after RSA were history of a prior failed arthroplasty and age younger than 65 years. Patients with these clinical characteristics should be counseled preoperatively about the increased risk for development of infection after RSA.

Preoperative opioid use and outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The potential adverse effect of preoperative opioid use on outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes after RSA in patients with a history of preoperative opioid use and compare them with a control group without a history of preoperative opioid use. METHODS: Sixty-eight RSAs performed for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were identified in a prospective shoulder arthroplasty registry. Thirty-two patients with a history of preoperative opioid use for shoulder pain were compared with a control group of 36 patients who did not use opioids preoperatively. Shoulder function scores and range of motion measurements were assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up. RESULTS: No differences were noted between the 2 groups in age, gender, duration of follow-up, depression, smoking, chronic back pain, diabetes, heart disease, or body mass index. Preoperative opioid use was associated with significantly lower preoperative shoulder function scores. Both groups significantly improved on all shoulder function scores and for range of motion measurements from the preoperative to the final follow-up assessment; however, the nonopioid group had significantly better outcomes. The magnitude of change between the groups from preoperatively to the final follow-up was nearly identical. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements can be expected in patients with a history of preoperative opioid use; however, patients with preoperative opioid use have a lower preoperative baseline and should not expect to reach the same peak outcome scores after RSA as patients without a history of preoperative opioid use.

Outcomes of staged bilateral reverse shoulder arthroplasties for rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy after staged bilateral reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSAs) and to compare them with an age-, gender-, and diagnosis-matched control group with a unilateral RSA. METHODS: We identified 11 patients with bilateral RSAs for rotator cuff tear arthropathy with a minimum of 2-year follow-up in a prospective shoulder arthroplasty registry. The bilateral group was matched to a control group of 19 patients with a unilateral RSA. Shoulder function scores, mobility, patient satisfaction, and activities of daily living were assessed preoperatively and at final follow-up. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the first RSA or second RSA and the control group regarding age, gender, or follow-up. No group differences were noted preoperatively for shoulder function scores or mobility (P > .10). All groups significantly improved on all shoulder function scores (Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder index, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score) and mobility at final follow-up (all P < .01). There were no significant differences in shoulder function scores or mobility between the first and second RSA in the bilateral group or between either shoulder in the bilateral group and the unilateral group (all P > .10). Patient satisfaction improved and patients were successfully able to perform many important activities of daily living after bilateral RSAs. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bilateral rotator cuff tear arthropathy can be advised that staged bilateral RSAs can be successful when indicated. Improvements in shoulder function scores, patient satisfaction, and mobility are possible for both the first RSA and the second RSA.

What went wrong and what was done about it: pitfalls in the treatment of common shoulder surgery.

When performing revision shoulder surgery, it is important that the surgeon understands why the index procedure failed and has a clear plan to address problems in the revision procedure. The most common cause of failure after anterior instability shoulder surgery is a failure to treat the underlying glenoid bone loss. For most defects, a Latarjet transfer can effectively restore anterior glenoid bone stock and restore shoulder stability. Persistent anterior shoulder pain after rotator cuff surgery may be the result of missed biceps pathology. This can be effectively treated via a biceps tenodesis. The most difficult failures to treat after acromioclavicular joint reconstruction surgery are those involving fractures of either the coracoid or the clavicle. Clavicle hook plates can be used as supplemental fixation during the treatment of these fractures to help offload the fracture site and allow healing while restoring stability to the acromioclavicular articulation. A failed hemiarthroplasty for a proximal humeral fracture frequently results when the tuberosities fail to heal correctly. This complication can be avoided by paying close attention to the implant position and the tuberosity fixation. If hemiarthroplasty is unsuccessful, the patient is best treated with conversion to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Glenoid perforation does not affect the short-term outcomes of pegged all-polyethylene implants in total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The glenoid vault can be perforated during pegged glenoid preparation in total shoulder arthroplasty. The clinical implications of glenoid vault perforation, however, are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of perforation of the glenoid during total shoulder arthroplasty on clinical and radiographic outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with known intraoperative glenoid perforations were prospectively identified and compared with 34 patients matched by age, gender, diagnosis, and arm dominance during the same period. Patients were evaluated with multiple outcome scores. Radiographs were evaluated for glenoid lucency immediately postoperatively and at final follow-up. RESULTS: Average follow-up was 28.1 months for the perforated group and 31.2 months for the matched controls. Both groups had significant improvements in outcome scores postoperatively. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores increased from 39.8 to 91.0 (P < .001) in the perforated group and from 36.9 to 82.6 (P < .001) in the control group. Constant scores increased from 24.4 to 77.4 (P < .001) in the perforated group and from 36.9 to 75.6 (P < .001) in the control group. Ninety-four percent of the perforated group and 80% of the matched controls were satisfied or very satisfied with their result (P = .896). The presence and number of perforations were not related to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P = .549), Constant score (P = .154), or radiographic lucency grade (P = .584). CONCLUSIONS: Glenoid perforation during pegged glenoid preparation in total shoulder arthroplasty does not seem to have an adverse effect on clinical or radiographic outcomes at an average of 2 years of follow-up.

Ultrasound evaluation of arthroscopic full-thickness supraspinatus rotator cuff repair: single-row versus double-row suture bridge (transosseous equivalent) fixation. Results of a prospective, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the structural outcomes of a single-row rotator cuff repair and double-row suture bridge fixation after arthroscopic repair of a full-thickness supraspinatus rotator cuff tear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated with diagnostic ultrasound a consecutive series of ninety shoulders in ninety patients with full-thickness supraspinatus tears at an average of 10 months (range, 6-12) after operation. A single surgeon at a single hospital performed the repairs. Inclusion criteria were full-thickness supraspinatus tears less than 25 mm in their anterior to posterior dimension. Exclusion criteria were prior operations on the shoulder, partial thickness tears, subscapularis tears, infraspinatus tears, combined supraspinatus and infraspinatus repairs and irreparable supraspinatus tears. Forty-three shoulders were repaired with single-row technique and 47 shoulders with double-row suture bridge technique. Postoperative rehabilitation was identical for both groups. Ultrasound criteria for healed repair included visualization of a tendon with normal thickness and length, and a negative compression test. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were available for ultrasound examination (40 single-row and 43 suture-bridge). Thirty of 40 patients (75%) with single-row repair demonstrated a healed rotator cuff repair compared to 40/43 (93%) patients with suture-bridge repair (P = .024). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic double-row suture bridge repair (transosseous equivalent) of an isolated supraspinatus rotator cuff tear resulted in a significantly higher tendon healing rate (as determined by ultrasound examination) when compared to arthroscopic single-row repair.

Inferior tilt of the glenoid component does not decrease scapular notching in reverse shoulder arthroplasty: results of a prospective randomized study.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to determine if inferior tilt of the glenoid component decreased the amount of radiographic scapular notching after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. A secondary goal was to determine if inferior tilt had any effect on clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized trial of 52 consecutive reverse shoulder arthroplasties performed by 1 surgeon for cuff tear arthropathy was performed. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive a glenoid component with no inferior tilt (control group) or a glenoid component that was inferiorly tilted 10° to protect the inferior glenoid (inferior tilt group). All glenoid components were placed in 3 mm of inferior translation. Radiographic notching was graded at a minimum of 1 year after surgery. Clinical outcomes of the groups were recorded. RESULTS: Follow-up radiographs and data were available for 42 subjects, 20 in the inferior tilt group and 22 in the control group. The experimental groups did not differ significantly in the notch ratings or clinical outcomes. Notching occurred in 15 patients (75%) in the inferior tilt group and in 19 (86%) in the control group. Notching scores were 2 or greater in 10 patients (50%) in the inferior tilt group and in 11 (50%) in the control group. CONCLUSION: Placing the glenoid component with inferior tilt does not reduce the incidence or severity of radiographic scapular notching after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. No clinical differences were observed between the groups.

Radiographic comparison of pegged and keeled glenoid components using modern cementing techniques: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Modern cementing techniques have improved glenoid fixation, reduced glenoid lucency seen with keeled components, and may eliminate differences attributable to glenoid design. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of glenoid design on immediate and follow-up radiographic lucency of pegged and keeled glenoid components, using modern cementing techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-three total shoulder arthroplasties were performed in patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Patients were randomized prospectively to receive either a pegged or keeled glenoid component. Three raters graded radiographic glenoid lucencies. RESULTS: On immediate radiographs, there was no significant difference in the rate of glenoid lucency between pegged (0%) and keeled (15%) glenoid components (P = .128). However, after an average of 26 months, the rate of glenoid lucency was significantly higher in patients with keeled components (46%) compared to patients with pegged components (15%) (P = .003). CONCLUSION: Even with modern cementing techniques, pegged glenoid components remain radiographically superior to keeled glenoid components.

Subscapularis insufficiency and the risk of shoulder dislocation after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

HYPOTHESIS: Dislocation is the most common serious complication after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. One theorized cause is subscapularis insufficiency because the tendon cannot be repaired at the time of surgery. There are no documented risk assessments of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty dislocation related to this cause. The study objective was to quantify the risk of postoperative dislocation after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with a subscapularis tendon that was irreparable at the time of surgery. METHOD: A prospective evaluation was done of 138 consecutive reverse arthroplasties performed through a deltopectoral approach by a single surgeon (average follow-up, 36 months). RESULTS: The subscapularis was reparable in 62 patients and irreparable in 76 at the conclusion of the procedure. Seven postoperative dislocations occurred; all dislocations were in patients whose subscapularis was irreparable (P = .012). Dislocations were more likely in patients with complex diagnoses, including proximal humeral nonunion, fixed glenohumeral dislocation, and failed prior arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: This report documents that an irreparable subscapularis tendon at the time of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using a deltopectoral approach results in a statistically significant risk for postoperative dislocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Case Series, Treatment Study.

Safety and utility of computer-aided shoulder arthroplasty.

This study evaluated the safety and utility of a novel, image-free, shoulder navigation system in a cadaver and in an initial cohort of shoulder arthroplasty patients. Shoulder arthroplasty was performed on a cadaver and 27 patients using an image-free navigation system (NaviProtrade mark; Kinamed Navigation Systems LLC, Camarillo, CA). Optical trackers were attached to the proximal humerus and the coracoid process. Prior to and following humeral head resection, the anatomic neck axis (retroversion, inclination) and humeral head diameter were measured with the navigation system. Native glenoid surface orientation was registered, and a navigation tracker was attached to the glenoid reamer. The navigation system recorded change in inclination and version relative to the native glenoid during reaming. The cadaver results demonstrated that the trackers did not impede surgical performance and that system accuracy was 2.6 degrees +/- 2.5 degrees . In the clinical series, the navigation system reported the anatomic humeral neck measurements (retroversion 30.0 degrees +/- 16.0 degrees ; inclination 137.0 degrees +/- 11.7 degrees ), the humeral head diameters (major axis 46.2 mm +/- 4.8 mm; minor axis 43.2 mm +/- 3.8 mm), the humeral neck resection angles (retroversion 29.9 degrees +/- 15.1 degrees and inclination 135.6 degrees +/- 9.1 degrees ), and glenoid reaming orientation relative to the native glenoid (+3.0 degrees +/- 6.3 degrees of version; -6.7 degrees +/- 4.4 degrees of inclination). This initial clinical experience with computer-aided shoulder navigation demonstrates that the procedure is safe and can provide valuable intraoperative measurements. With an anatomic humeral implant system, the navigation system provides real-time feedback on the humeral resection as it relates to anatomic neck geometry. The system also provides real-time angulation of the glenoid reamer relative to preoperative glenoid deformity.

Effect of total shoulder replacements on airport security screening in the post-9/11 era.

There are few reports in the literature on the effect of orthopaedic implants on airport security devices and none on shoulder arthroplasty implants after September 11, 2001. Since 9/11, airport security screening devices have become more sensitive in response to the increasing threat of terrorism. Often, patients with joint implants activate the metal detectors and are subsequently subjected to more intensive screening. We assess the effects of shoulder joint implants on different airport security devices and what effect the results had on passenger travel. In this study, 154 patients who had previously undergone shoulder replacement responded to a questionnaire regarding their travel experiences after 9/11. Of these, 85 had flown during the time period studied (47 men and 38 women; mean age, 67.8 years); 79 had traveled domestically (mean, 7 flights), and 22 had taken international flights (mean, 6.1 flights). The questionnaire addressed each patient's height/weight, the number of flight segments flown (domestic and international), the number of times that a patient activated the doorway alarm/wand alarm, and the effect of a card stating that the patient had joint replacement (when applicable). On average, patients with shoulder replacement traveling domestically activated the security gate 52% of the time. The average for international travel was 42%. Of the patients who flew both domestically and internationally, there was a high correlation of activation (R = 0.54). Twenty-six patients had multiple joint implants (mean, 2.8). Multiple joint implants caused increased alarm activation (P < .001). All patients reported that their travel was delayed during the instances of security activation. There was no statistically significant effect of body mass index, height, weight, age, or sex on security device activation. Of the patients, 71% were told by their doctor that the shoulder replacement may activate security devices. Of these, 46 were given a card by their doctor indicating the presence of a total joint implant. In only 30% of the security encounters of these patients did the card expedite the screening process. This is the largest study on the effects of joint implants, and shoulder implants in particular, on airport security devices and the only one that has analyzed the data of post-9/11 travel. Patients traveling after total shoulder replacement are often delayed and subjected to more rigorous screening when traveling, especially in the post-9/11 environment. Doctors often warn their patients of potential problems and may try to avert this by giving them cards documenting the presence of a joint implant. The acceptance of these cards is sporadic. This study raises the importance of notifying patients of potential security delays, especially those with multiple joint implants, as they may directly affect travel plans. In addition, these patients may benefit from the establishment of an international joint registry.

Glenoid component insertion in total shoulder arthroplasty: comparison of three techniques for drying the glenoid before cementation.

This prospective randomized study compared the immediate postoperative periglenoid radiolucencies among 3 glenoid-drying techniques used in total shoulder arthroplasty. Seventy-one consecutive patients with primary osteoarthritis underwent total shoulder arthroplasty by use of 1 prosthetic system with convex-back, keeled, polyethylene glenoid components; the same modern, instrumented pressurization technique was used to cement all glenoids. Of the shoulders, 21 had glenoid implants cemented after bony preparation with thrombin-soaked gel foam, 24 after compressed gas lavage, and 26 after saline solution lavage with sponge drying. The immediate postoperative anteroposterior radiographs were examined to evaluate the presence of periglenoid radiolucencies. Of the patients, 29 (41%) had radiolucencies evident immediately postoperatively, with all radiolucencies occurring in the faceplate zones. The mean total radiolucent line score was 0.63 (P = .94), with no significant difference among cementing preparation techniques (P = .89). Prosthetic mismatch did not differ among glenoid preparation techniques (P = .86). There was no statistical association between prosthetic mismatch and radiolucent line score either across (P = .62) or within (P = .99) the glenoid preparation groups. The associated costs in the gel foam group and compressed gas lavage group were 70 times higher than the cost in the saline solution lavage group. All radiolucencies were noted in the faceplate zones, with no radiolucency greater than 2 mm. Preparation of the glenoid surface for cementing showed no significant difference among the 3 techniques studied, although the material costs were significantly higher in the gel foam and compressed gas lavage groups compared with the saline solution lavage group.

The arthroscopic square knot: a biomechanical comparison with open and arthroscopic knots.

PURPOSE: To compare the loop and knot security of arthroscopic square knots with other arthroscopic and open knots with the use of 2 commonly used suture types. METHODS: Five knot configurations were tested 12 times each. The arthroscopic square knot was compared with the open square knot, arthroscopic and open half hitches with alternating posts, and the Duncan loop. Load-to-failure testing was performed at a rate of 1.25 mm/sec, and cyclic testing was performed between 7 N and 30 N at a rate of 1 N/sec for 50 cycles. Two suture types were tested: No. 2 Ethibond suture and No. 2 FiberWire. RESULTS: Among the No. 2 Ethibond sutures, the arthroscopic Duncan loop had the highest load-to-failure at 165 N. The remaining knot types failed at between 142 N and 148 N. The load at 3 mm of lengthening was between 100 N and 120 N for all knots. The No. 2 FiberWire failed at higher loads than the No. 2 Ethibond suture for all knot types except the Duncan loop. The arthroscopic half hitches, arthroscopic square knots, and open half hitches all failed at between 220 N and 264 N. The open square knot failed at 188 N, and the Duncan loop failed at 147 N. The load at 3 mm of lengthening was between 130 N and 165 N for all knots except the Duncan loop, which failed at 95 N. With cyclic testing, arthroscopic square knots performed better than all knot types, but the differences were clinically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic square knots have the same or greater strength when compared with other arthroscopic or open knots tied with the same suture type, and they perform as well or better in the face of cyclic loads. Good knot security can be attained with all of the knots tested, regardless of suture type. Equivalent knots tied with No. 2 FiberWire fail at higher loads, except for those tied with the Duncan loop. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Arthroscopic square knots can be used in the clinical setting with no compromise in function when compared with open square knots.

Obesity Has Minimal Impact on Short-Term Functional Scores After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy.

The potential adverse effect of body mass index (BMI) on shoulder function scores after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has not been investigated. We conducted a study to examine outcomes of RSA performed for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA) across BMI categories (normal weight, overweight, obese). We hypothesized that, compared with normal-weight patients, obese patients would have worse shoulder function scores, worse mobility, and more complications. Using a prospective shoulder arthroplasty registry, we identified 77 primary RSAs performed for RCTA with minimum 2-year follow-up. Thirty-four patients had normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2), 21 were overweight (BMI 25-30 kg/m2), and 22 were obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). Shoulder function scores, mobility, and satisfaction were evaluated before surgery and at final follow-up. The 3 BMI groups were not significantly different on demographic factors, preoperative shoulder function scores, or preoperative mobility (P > .05). For each group, shoulder function scores and mobility significantly improved between the preoperative and final follow-up assessments (P < .001). Patient satisfaction was similar between groups (P = .967). Improved shoulder function scores, mobility, and patient satisfaction can be expected after RSA for RCTA in patients regardless of BMI.

A comparison of pain, strength, range of motion, and functional outcomes after hemiarthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A systematic review of the literature was performed to estimate the impact of hemiarthroplasty compared with total shoulder arthroplasty on function and range of motion in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the shoulder. METHODS: We conducted an electronic search for relevant studies published in any language from 1966 to 2004, a manual search of the proceedings from five major orthopaedic meetings from 1995 to 2003, and a review of the reference lists from potentially relevant studies. Four randomized clinical trials, with similar eligibility criteria and surgical techniques, that compared hemiarthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder were found to be eligible. Authors from three of the four studies provided original patient data. Analysis of covariance focused on the two-year outcome and included a comparison of the aggregate University of California at Los Angeles shoulder score, four University of California at Los Angeles domain scores, and range of motion. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients (fifty managed with hemiarthroplasty and sixty-two managed with total shoulder arthroplasty), who had a mean age of sixty-eight years, were included in this analysis. A significant moderate effect was detected in the function domain of the University of California at Los Angeles shoulder score (p < 0.001) in favor of total shoulder arthroplasty (mean [and standard deviation], 8.1 +/- 0.3) compared with hemiarthroplasty (mean, 6.6 +/- 0.3). A significant difference in the pain score was found in favor of the total shoulder arthroplasty group (p < 0.0001). However, the large degree of heterogeneity (p = 0.006, I(2) = 80.2%) among the studies decreased our confidence that total shoulder arthroplasty provides a true, consistent benefit with regard to pain. There was a significant difference in the overall change in forward elevation of 13 degrees (95% confidence interval, 0.5 degrees to 26 degrees ) in favor of the total shoulder arthroplasty group (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: At a minimum of two years of follow-up, total shoulder arthroplasty provided better functional outcome than hemiarthroplasty for patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Since continuous degeneration of the glenoid after hemiarthroplasty or glenoid loosening after total shoulder arthroplasty may affect the eventual outcome, longer-term (five to ten-year) results are necessary to determine whether these findings remain consistent over time.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Management of Postinfectious Arthropathy With Rotator Cuff Deficiency.

Treatment of patients with rotator cuff deficiency and arthritis in the setting of a prior glenohumeral infection (postinfectious arthropathy) is complex, with little evidence to guide treatment. The current authors present their approach to management of these patients and clinical outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). All primary RSAs performed for postinfectious arthropathy and rotator cuff deficiency with native glenohumeral joints were identified in a prospective shoulder arthroplasty registry. Eight patients with a minimum of 2-year follow-up were included in the analysis. Clinical outcomes, including the Constant score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder (WOOS) index, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, and range of motion measurements, were assessed preoperatively and at final follow-up. At an average follow-up of 4.4 years, no patient had a clinically detectable recurrence of infection. Significant improvements were noted in all outcome scores from preoperative evaluation to final follow-up after RSA, including Constant score (P=.003), ASES score (P<.001), WOOS index (P=.002), SANE score (P=.025), forward flexion (P<.001), abduction (P<.001), and external rotation (P=.020). Seven of 8 patients reported they were satisfied or very satisfied at final follow-up. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty can be performed in patients without significant medical comorbidities in the setting of postinfectious arthropathy and rotator cuff deficiency with a low risk of recurrence of infection. Significant clinical improvements were noted at short-term follow-up.