Reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a 155° neck-shaft angle inlay implant design without reattachment of the subscapularis tendon results in satisfactory functional internal rotation and no instability: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to use the Activities of Daily Living which require Internal Rotation (ADLIR) questionnaire to assess the functional internal rotation in patients who had undergone reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) without reattachment of the subscapularis (SSc) tendon at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The secondary aim was to report the objective range of motion (ROM) and the rate of postoperative instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive primary RSA procedures without reattachment of the SSc tendon that were performed using a Delta Xtend prosthesis (an inlay system with a 155° neck-shaft angle) between January 2015 and December 2020 were identified to ensure a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients were contacted and requested to fill in several questionnaires, including the ADLIR and Auto-Constant scores. RESULTS: In total, 210 patients met the inclusion criteria; among those patients, 187 could be contacted and 151 completed questionnaires (response rate: 81%). The SSc tendon was fully detached without repair in all cases, and a superolateral approach was used in 130 (86%) cases. The median follow-up was 4.5 years (range: 2.0-7.6). At final follow-up, the mean ADLIR score was 88/100 (interquartile range (IQR): 81-96). The median level reached in internal rotation was the 3rd lumbar vertebra (IQR: lumbosacral region-12th thoracic vertebra). Of the 210 eligible patients, one required a revision for a dislocation within the first month after primary surgery. With regards to regression analysis with ADLIR score as the outcome, none of the factors were associated with the ADLIR score, although age and smoking approached significance (0.0677 and 0.0594, respectively). None of the explanatory variables were associated with ROM in internal rotation (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that satisfactory ADLIR scores and internal rotation ROM were obtained at mid-term follow-up after RSA leaving the SSc detached. Leaving the SSc detached also did not lead to high instability rates; only one out of 210 prostheses was revised for dislocation within the first month after primary surgery.

Iatrogenic nerve injury in primary and revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Iatrogenic nerve injury in orthopedic surgery can impair functional outcomes. During the last years, a steady increase in the number of performed reverse total shoulder arthroplasties has been reported and complications associated with this procedure are continuously described. Neurological complications, however, remain underreported. The aims of this study were to calculate the incidence of iatrogenic nerve injury after primary and revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in a large patient cohort, as well as identify associated patient-and surgery-related risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of our institution's internal Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (RTSA) database from September 2005 to December 2019 was undertaken and 34 patients with iatrogenic nerve injuries were identified, resulting in a neurological complication rate of 2.6%. Group comparisons between patients with nerve injuries (n = 34) and the remaining cohort without nerve injuries (n = 1275) were performed to identify patient- and surgery-related risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 34 cases with iatrogenic nerve injury, damage to terminal nerve branches occurred in 21 patients, whereas a brachial plexus lesion was diagnosed in the other 13. Nerve revision surgery was necessary in four patients. At final follow-up 13 patients (45%) had residual motor deficits and 17 (59%) had residual sensory deficits. Higher numbers of previous surgeries of the affected shoulder correlated with subsequent nerve injury (p = 0.035). Operative time was significantly longer in patients, who developed a neurologic deficit, showing a correlation between duration of surgery and occurrence of nerve injury (p = 0.013). Patients with neurologic complications were significantly younger than patients without nerve damage (median 68 vs. 72 years, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: In specialists' hands reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a rather safe procedure regarding the risk of neurologic injury. However, multiple previous surgeries of the affected shoulder increase the risk of neurological complications. Cases with post-operative neurologic compromise are rare and usually recover well, with few patients suffering long-term functional deficits from iatrogenic nerve injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Large diaphyseal-incorporating allograft prosthetic composites: when, how, and why : Treatment of advanced proximal humeral bone loss.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humeral bone loss in shoulder arthroplasty is a complex problem with a heterogeneous presentation. Different etiologies may contribute to varying degrees of severity in bone loss that dictate different treatment approaches. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this is article is to describe our technique for treatment of proximal humeral bone loss with proximal humeral allograft prosthetic composites (APC) and identify factors that may predict when larger allografts may be necessary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-nine patients were identified that had undergone reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with use of a proximal humeral allograft. Thirty-nine of these had large allografts that involved a significant portion of the diaphysis. Preoperative characteristics were examined to identify factors that may be associated with use of a larger diaphyseal-incorporating allograft. RESULTS: Well-fixed humeral stems could be treated with short metaphyseal allografts in 55 of 65 (85%) cases. Loose stems required longer diaphyseal-incorporating allografts in 28 of 31 (90%) cases, and these were commonly associated with periprosthetic fractures (n = 10), failed prior APC (n = 6), and infection (n = 5). Noncemented stems required diaphyseal grafts in 75% of cases, compared to cemented stems which required larger grafts in 34% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal humeral bone loss in the setting of revision shoulder arthroplasty can be successfully managed with a reverse total shoulder and proximal humeral allograft. Larger allografts are frequently required for loose humeral stems, and noncemented stems appear more likely to require larger allografts than cemented stems.

Partial Shoulder Arthroplasty Guided by Three-dimensional Prototyping.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is a reality in medicine. In Orthopedics and Traumatology, 3D printing guides a precise and tailored surgical treatment. Understanding and disseminating its applicability, use, and outcomes can foster academicism and improve patient care. This is a report of a rare case of a female young adult patient with osteonecrosis of the humeral head due to avascular necrosis developed in early childhood. The treatment was tailored and optimized with 3D printing, which helped determine the steps for partial humeral arthroplasty.

Influence of subscapularis tendon reattachment after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: clinical findings and ultrasonographic evaluation of the subscapularis at 89 months mean follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is commonly used to treat rotator cuff arthropathy. In the deltopectoral approach for RSA, the subscapularis tendon is (partly) detached. The clinical effects of subscapularis reattachment are still under debate. An observational study was performed to evaluate the clinical effects of subscapularis tendon reattachment on the mid- to long-term following RSA. METHODS: In this study, 40 patients for a total of 46 shoulders with a reverse shoulder prosthesis participated. Constant Murley Score (CMS), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Range of Motion (ROM) and abduction and internal rotation strength were measured. The integrity of the subscapularis tendon at follow-up was assessed using ultrasound. Outcomes were compared between three groups: repair and intact at follow-up, repair and not intact, and no repair. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 89 months with a minimum of three years. CMS, OSS, ROM and strength did not differ between groups. One-third of the initially reattached subscapularis tendons were still present at follow-up. No dislocations were reported. CONCLUSION: This study showed no clinical effects of subscapularis reattachment after reverse shoulder arthroplasty on the mid- to long-term.

Internet search analytics for shoulder arthroplasty: what questions are patients asking?

BACKGROUND: Common questions about shoulder arthroplasty (SA) searched online by patients and the quality of this content are unknown. The purpose of this study is to uncover questions SA patients search online and determine types and quality of webpages encountered. METHODS: The "People also ask" section of Google Search was queried to return 900 questions and associated webpages for general, anatomic, and reverse SA. Questions and webpages were categorized using the Rothwell classification of questions and assessed for quality using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria. RESULTS: According to Rothwell classification, the composition of questions was fact (54.0%), value (24.7%), and policy (21.3%). The most common webpage categories were medical practice (24.6%), academic (23.2%), and medical information sites (14.4%). Journal articles represented 8.9% of results. The average JAMA score for all webpages was 1.69. Journals had the highest average JAMA score (3.91), while medical practice sites had the lowest (0.89). The most common question was, "How long does it take to recover from shoulder replacement?" CONCLUSIONS: The most common questions SA patients ask online involve specific postoperative activities and the timeline of recovery. Most information is from low-quality, non-peer-reviewed websites, highlighting the need for improvement in online resources. By understanding the questions patients are asking online, surgeons can tailor preoperative education to common patient concerns and improve postoperative outcomes.

Concomitant open distal clavicle excision is associated with greater improvement in range of motion without increased risk of acromial stress fracture after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of concomitant open distal clavicle excision (DCE) on postoperative clinical outcomes and incidence of acromial and scapular stress fractures (ASFs) in patients with symptomatic acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis (ACJ OA) undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). METHODS: A single-surgeon retrospective cohort study was conducted including patients who underwent primary elective RTSA with or without DCE from 2015 to 2019 with a minimum 6-month follow-up period. Shoulder active range of motion (AROM) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. ASFs and other adverse events were identified using postoperative notes and/or radiographs. Characteristics and outcomes were compared between the RTSA and RTSA-DCE groups. RESULTS: Forty-six RTSA patients (mean age, 67.9±8.7 years; 60.9% male; mean follow-up, 24.9±16.6 months) and 70 RTSA-DCE patients (mean age, 70.2±8.9 years; 20.0% male; mean follow-up, 22.7±12.9 months) were included. There were no significant intergroup differences in rates of ASF (RTSA, 0.0% vs. RTSA-DCE, 1.4%; P=1.00), stress reactions (RTSA, 8.7% vs. RTSA-DCE, 11.4%; P=0.76), reoperation, revision, or infection (all P>0.05), or in pre-to-postoperative reduction in VAS pain (P=0.17) at latest follow-up. However, the RTSA-DCE group had greater pre-to-postoperative improvement in flexion AROM (RTSA, 43.7°±38.5° vs. RTSA-DCE, 59.5°±33.4°; P=0.03) and internal rotation (IR) AROM (P=0.02) at latest follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant DCE in RTSA improves shoulder flexion and IR AROM, alleviates shoulder pain, and does not increase the risk of ASFs. Level of evidence: III.

Effect of COVID-19 on Shoulder Arthroplasty at a Tertiary Care Medical Center in New York City.

Objective The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented pause in elective surgeries, including shoulder arthroplasty. We sought to determine whether clinical and/or demographic differences would be seen between patients who presented for shoulder arthroplasty during the pandemic compared with the previous year (2019). Methods Institutional records were queried for patients who underwent shoulder replacement between March 1 and July 1 of 2019 and 2020. Demographics, range of motion, surgical duration, hospitalization time, discharge disposition, and postoperative management were analyzed. Results The mean duration of surgery was 160 ± 50 minutes in 2020 and 179 ± 54 minutes in 2019 ( p = 0.13). The mean hospitalization time was 36 ± 13 hours in 2020 and 51 ± 40 hours in 2019 ( p = 0.04). In 2019, 96% of the patients participated in physical therapy, while 71% did it in 2020 ( p = 0.003). A total of 100% of the 2019 patients and 86% of the 2020 patients participated in an in-person postoperative follow-up ( p = 0.006). The 2019 patients reported for an office visit on average 14 ± 11 days after surgery; the 2020 patients waited 25 ± 25 days to return for a follow-up ( p = 0.10). Range of motion, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, and complication rates did not differ between the cohorts. Conclusion Patients presenting for surgery during the initial phase of the pandemic were demographically and clinically similar to 2019 patients. However, the length of stay was significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Postoperative follow-up and physical therapy were delayed in 2020, but this did not lead to differences in complication or readmission rates compared with those of the 2019 cohort. Level of Evidence III.

Correlation Between Implant Positioning and Functional Outcomes in Partial Shoulder Resurfacing.

Objective The present study aimed to correlate functional outcomes and implant positioning in a case series of partial shoulder resurfacing arthroplasties. Methods A total of 25 patients were assessed for range of motion, functional outcome per the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score and radiographic findings. Pre- and postoperative data were compared. In addition, patients were grouped according to the cervical-diaphyseal angle (CDA) determined by an anteroposterior radiography and to the retroversion angle (RVA) determined by an axillary radiography. A CDA from 130° to 140° and a RVA from 20° to 40° consisted in ideal positioning (anatomical standard). Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Kruskal-Wallis test or the Mann-Whitney test as appropriate. Results The mean follow-up time was 48.3 months (12 to 67 months). The postoperative functional score (31.5) was higher than the preoperative score (15.5) ( p < 0.001). In 6 patients, the implant was in anatomical positioning, while implant positioning was considered "nonstandard" in 19 subjects. Seven patients had a CDA < 130°, and 14 patients had a CDA ranging from 130° to 140°; in addition, the CDA was > 140° in 4 subjects. The RVA was up to 20° in 15 patients and ranged from 20° to 40° in 10 subjects. Using these criteria to group patients, the postoperative clinical-functional parameters were not statistically different from the preoperative findings ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Partial shoulder resurfacing results in significant postoperative functional recovery in patients with degenerative joint diseases. However, implant positioning assessed by CDA and RVA does not correlate with clinical-functional outcomes and, therefore, it is an inaccurate indicator of surgical success. Level of Evidence IV; Case Series.

[Height control in shoulder hemiarthroplasty for treatment of proximal humerus fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate methods of reduction using fragments of the greater tuberosity, and determine the clinical efficacy of humeral head replacement prosthesis height for proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with proximal humerus fractures who were treated and followed up from January 2015 to December 2019, 19 patients met the indications for humeral head replacement, including 7 males and 12 females;8 on the left side and 11 on the right side. The age ranged from 58 to 84 years old with an average of (71.5±5.8 ) years old. The time from injury to operation 3 to 18 d with an average of (7.9±4.3) d. According to Neer's classification, there were 2 cases of three-part fractures with dislocations and 17 cases of four-part fractures, including 6 cases with dislocation and 2 cases with head splits. All 19 patients used the modular prosthesis. The greater tuberosity fracture fragments were reduced to determine the distance from the apex of the greater tuberosity to the humerus marking point. This distance was used as the standard for the height of the prosthesis. One year after the operation, the Constant-Murley score and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score were used to evaluate the functional status of the shoulder joint and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The 19 patients were followed up from 12 to 58 months with an average of (31.9±14.2) months. The length of the upper arm was 26 to 32 cm after the operation, two-sided comparison error <0.5 cm. Anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of the shoulder joint at 3 months after operation showed that the fracture fragments were all healed. After one year follow-up, the Constant-Murley score was 80.8±8.9, and the UCLA score was 27.9±4.8. Patient satisfaction rate was 89.5%(17/19). CONCLUSION: The greater tuberosity fracture fragments reduction technique, which use the distance from the apex of the greater tuberosity of humerus to the humeral marking point as the standard for the height of the prosthesis, is a simple and effective way with good outcomes in shoulder hemiarthroplasty for treatment of proximal humerus fractures.

Debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention in infected shoulder arthroplasty caused by Serratia marcescens: a case report.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most devastating complications that can occur after shoulder arthroplasty. Although staged revision arthroplasty is the standard treatment in many cases, surgical intervention with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) can be an effective option for acute PJI. We report a complex case of infected reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in a 73-year-old male. The patient had been previously treated for infected nonunion of a proximal humerus fracture caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. He presented with a sinus tract 16 days after the implantation of RSA and was diagnosed with PJI caused by Serratia marcescens. The patient was successfully treated with DAIR and was free of infection at the last follow-up visit at 4 years postoperatively.

Short-term comparative outcomes between reverse shoulder arthroplasty for shoulder trauma and shoulder arthritis: a Southeast Asian experience.

BACKGROUND: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), first introduced as a management option for cuff tear arthropathy, is now an accepted treatment for complex proximal humeral fractures. Few studies have identified whether the outcomes of RSA for shoulder trauma are comparable to those of RSA for shoulder arthritis. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-institution cohort study of all patients who underwent RSA at our institution between January 2013 and December 2019. In total, 49 patients met the inclusion criteria. As outcomes, we evaluated the 1-year American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant shoulder scores, postoperative shoulder range of motion, intra- and postoperative complications, and cumulative revision rate. The patients were grouped based on preoperative diagnosis to compare postoperative outcomes across two broad groups. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 32.8 months (interquartile range, 12.6-66.6 months). The 1-year visual analog scale, range of motion, and Constant and ASES functional scores were comparable between RSAs performed to treat shoulder trauma and that performed for arthritis. The overall complication rate was 20.4%, with patients with a preoperative diagnosis of arthritis having significantly more complications than those with a preoperative diagnosis of trauma (34.8% vs. 7.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent RSA due to a proximal humeral fracture or dislocation did not fare worse than those who underwent RSA for arthritis at 1 year, in terms of both functional and radiological outcomes.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Evaluation of the Clinical and Functional Outcomes per Etiology.

Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty to treat several conditions. Methods Retrospective, longitudinal study analyzing the Constant and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scores and range of motion of patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Results In total, 28 patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 75.6 years old. The mean duration of follow-up was 45 months. Overall, there was a significant variation ( p < 0.0001) between the preoperative (10.2 points) and the postoperative UCLA scores (29.6 points), corresponding to a relative increase of approximately 200%. In addition, the mean Constant score was 67.8, and the complication rate was 17.8%. As for functional outcomes per etiology, fracture sequelae cases presented the best mean elevation (165°), Constant score (79 points), postoperative UCLA score (32.5 points), and absolute delta UCLA score increase (22 points), but with no statistical significance. However, cases operated for fracture sequelae showed significantly higher elevation ( p = 0.027) and Constant score ( p = 0.047) compared to rotator cuff arthropathy cases. In addition, the lowest mean postoperative Constant and UCLA scores were observed for the following etiologies: primary arthrosis, acute fracture, and arthroplasty revision. Conclusion Reverse shoulder arthroplasty showed satisfactory functional outcomes and may be a treatment option not only for rotator cuff arthropathy but for several other conditions.

Risk factors of instability following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with no history of shoulder surgery.

Introduction: As its indications expand, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) utilization continues to increase. Though relatively uncommon, instability following rTSA can be associated with significant morbidity and need for subsequent revision and treatment. This case control study aims to characterize factors leading to instability after rTSA, especially in those with no previous shoulder surgery. Methods: 194 rTSAs performed within the study period with appropriate operative indications and follow-up were included. Risk factors used in analysis included age, gender, BMI, ASA class, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), glenosphere, tray, and liner size. Data was analyzed using a hierarchical binary logistical regression to create a predictive model for instability. Results: Seven patients sustained a post-operative dislocation. Mean time to dislocation was 60.4 weeks. Five required open reduction with placement of either a larger humeral tray or polyethylene spacer. One required open reduction with osteophyte removal, and one was converted to a resection arthroplasty. Dislocators were more likely to have a larger BMI (p = 0.002), higher ASA classification (p = 0.09), and larger liner size (p = 0.01). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a large series of patients successfully treated with rTSA. Dislocations were an uncommon complication, but were clearly associated with higher patient BMI, ASA classification, and increased liner size.

Tranexamic acid use to decrease blood loss in primary shoulder and elbow replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an inexpensive antifibrinolytic agent that significantly reduces peri-operative blood loss and transfusion requirements after total hip and knee replacement. This meta-analysis demonstrates the effects of TXA on blood loss in total shoulder replacement (TSR) and total elbow replacement (TER). METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL from inception to September 03, 2020 for randomised controlled trial (RCTs) and observational studies. Our primary outcome was blood loss. Secondary outcomes included the need for blood transfusion, and post-operative venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications. Mean differences (MD) and relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. RESULTS: Four RCTs and five retrospective cohort studies (RCS) met eligibility criteria for TSRs, but none for TERs. RCT data determined that TXA administration significantly decreased estimated total blood loss (MD -358mL), post-operative blood loss (MD -113mL), change in haemoglobin (Hb) (MD -0.71 g/dL) and total Hb loss (MD -35.3g) when compared to placebo. RCS data demonstrated significant association between TXA administration and decreased in post-operative blood loss, change in Hb, change in Hct and length of stay. There was no significant difference in transfusion requirements or VTE complications. CONCLUSION: TXA administration in safe and effective in patients undergoing primary TSR: it significantly decreases blood loss compared with placebo and is associated with shorter length of stay compared with no treatment. No significant increase in VTE complications was found. TXA administration should be routinely considered for patients undergoing TSR. Further research is needed to demonstrate the treatment effect in patients undergoing TER.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty: Functional results in rotator cuff arthropathy.

Objective To evaluate the functional results of patients submitted to reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy refractory to conservative treatment. Methods A retrospective study of 20 patients (21 shoulders), 17 women (81%) and 3 men (19%), underwent a reverse shoulder arthroplasty between October 2012 and September 2017, for a rotator cuff arthropathy treatment, operated by a single surgeon in a single center. The patients were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, the Short-Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36), the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain rating, and the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) score. The mean age at surgery was of 66 years old (range: 55 to 83 years old). The duration of symptoms before surgery was of ∼ 2.5 years (range: 12 months to 6 years). The mean follow-up was of 42.4 months (range: 19 to 56.7 months). Results The mean postoperative scores were 18.2 points in DASH; 2 points in EVA, of which 16 (77%) corresponded to mild pain, 4 (18%) to moderate pain, and 1 (5%) to severe pain; 29 points in UCLA, of which 6 patients presented a regular result (28%), 10 patients a good result (48%), and 5 patients an excellent result (24%); and 63 points in the SF-36. The complications were four cases of notching, one case of acromial fracture due to stress, and one case of postoperative infection. Conclusions Reverse arthroplasty of the shoulder presents good functional results in the evaluated scores, providing a significant improvement in the quality of life of the patients.

[Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of old fracture of proximal humerus in elderly patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in treating old fracture of proximal humerus in elderly patients. METHODS: From January 2012 to December 2017, 12 elderly patients with old proximal humeral fractures were treated with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. There were 5 males and 7 females with an average age of 70.2 years old (ranged from 63 to 81 years old) and an average course of 12.3 months (ranged from 9 to 18 months). VAS score was used to evaluate the degree of pain relief of shoulder joint, Constant-Murley score was used to evaluate the improvement of shoulder joint function and observe the complications during and after operation. RESULTS: All the 12 patients were followed up with an average duration of 22.3 months (ranged from 15 to 56 months). At the latest follow-up, the VAS score was 1.9±1.4, and Constant-Murley score was 83.4±8.4. Among them, shoulder joint flexion was (92.5±7.7)°, abduction was (90.4±14.3)°, external rotation was(31.9±10.0)°, and internal rotation was(58.9±13.1)°. There was statistical significance before and after treatment(P<0.05). There were 2 cases with glenoid notch. The imaging findings were grade I and grade II respectively. No loosening was found during follow-up. No infection, acromial fracture, prosthesis loosening, axillary nerve injury and other complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in treating old proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients can achieve satisfactory results, however, indications and complications should be noted.

[Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of comminuted fracture of proximal humerus in elderly patients with rotator cuff injury].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in treating comminuted fracture of proximal humerus in elderly patients with rotator cuff injury. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 12, 12 comminuted fracture or dislocation of proximal humerus elderly patients were diagnosed as rotator cuff injury by preoperative MRI and operative exploration, and treated by reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Among them, including 7 males and 5 females aged from 65 to 86 years old; 5 patients injured on the left side and 7 patients injured on the right side. Range of motion, postoperative complication were observed, VAS score was used to evaluate pain release and UCLA score was used to assess recovery of shoulder joint. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 8 to 18 months. At the latest follow-up, shoulder range of motion conditions were as following:forward bend and lifts ranged from 90° to 150°, external rotation ranged from 10°to 30°, internal rotation could reached L3 level(S1-L1), VAS was for 0 to 6 points, UCLA score ranged from 18 to 32 points, 5 patients were good and 7 patients were poor. No infection, prothesis loosening, shoulder stress fracture, injury of vessel and nerve occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in treating comminuted fracture of proximal humerus in elderly patients with rotator cuff injury has advantages of early recovery of shoulder joint range of motion, less pain and high patients' satisfactory.

[Treatment of comminuted Neer IV fracture of proximal humerus with lower shoulder replacement assisted by 3D technique].

OBJECTIVE: To observe and compare the shoulder joint function, complications and clinical effects of hemiarthroplasty and open reduction and locking plate in the treatment of comminuted proximal humeral fracture (Neer IV) with 3D printing technique. METHODS: From March 2012 to April 2018, 31 middle age and elderly patients with comminuted proximal humeral fractures (Neer IV) were treated, including 4 males and 27 females, aged from 55 to 94 years old with an average age of 71 years, with a course of 1 to 3 years. Among them, 20 cases were treated with open reduction and locking plate internal fixation (ORIF group) and 11 cases were treated with lower half shoulder replacement (HA group) assisted by 3D printing technology. Using CT data and Mimics software of Materialise Company in Belgium, the reconstruction of fracture was simulated on computer. The height of fracture end to humeral head, the height of tubercle to humeral head, the angle of humeral head backward obliquity were measured to assist the hemiarthroplasty. Follow-up and X-ray examination were performed, the incidence of complications were observed, and Neer score was used for the shoulder joint function. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were followed up for 1 to 3 years with an average of 2 years. In HA group, there was no prosthesis loosening, fracture and subsidence, the head of artificial humerus was intact, the fracture of nodules and nodules did not heal in 1 case, Neer score was 84.18±3.55; in ORIF group, there were 8 cases of proximal humerus bone resorption, 1 case of fracture nonunion, 1 case of internal fixation loosening, Neer score was 55.91±10.78; there was significant difference in Neer score of shoulder joint function between the two groups(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided minimal traverse-cross technique repair for acute closed Achilles tendon ruptures, which promise minimal incision, protect sural nerve, ensure quality of tendon anastomosis and fixation, and is a ideal method for repairing acute closed Achilles tendon ruptures.

[Surgical treatment for distal humerus type C fractures].

Distal humerus type C fracture is a rare and complicated intra-articular injury. Non-surgical treatment is difficult to achieve accurately reduction and reconstruction of articular surface, while open reduction and internal fixation is the best treatment option. Olecranon osteotomy could provide adequate surgical exposure, and is the most commonly used surgical method, but complications such as non-union osteotomy, internal fixation failure occurred. To avoid sacrificing integrity of olecranon, paratricipital approach, triceps reflecting approach, triceps reflectin ganconeus pedicle approach, triceps splitting and triceps tongue-shaped flap approach have been applied to fracture revealed. However, there is a certain contradiction of choice between surgical exposure and extension function of elbow due to limitations of different approaches. With the promotion of "double-column" theory, double plates has significant mechanical advantages over single plates. Even if parallel double-plate has more advantageous than vertical double-plate in vitro biomechanical experiments, it is not clear whether there is any difference between two methods in clinical application. Elbow arthroplasty may be the final choice for C-type fractures that could not be reconstructed on articular surface, but its long-term efficacy remains to be observed due to technical limitations.