Trends in the most cited articles in shoulder surgery, 1900–2019

BackgroundOur purpose was to identify the 100 most cited articles in the shoulder surgery literature published in past decade and to compare them with the 100 most cited “classic” shoulder surgery articles to identify trends in the topics of shoulder research.MethodsUsing the term “shoulder,” we searched the Clarivate Analytics’ Web of Science Core Collection database for 2 periods: 2010 through 2019 (“contemporary group,” n = 12,394) and 1900 through 2009 (“classic group,” n = 8790). We used the database sort function to order articles by number of citations. Titles, abstracts, and, when necessary, full text were screened to determine relevance to orthopedic shoulder topics until the 100 most cited articles were determined for each group. We analyzed the following article characteristics: title, author(s), publication year, journal, geographic origin, article type (clinical vs basic research), study design, and level of evidence (for clinical articles). P < .05 was considered significant.ResultsThe 3 journals with the most articles in the contemporary group were the American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM) (28%), the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (JSES) (28%), and the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, American volume (JBJS Am) (23%). The top 3 journals in the classic group were JBJS Am (45%), AJSM (16%), and JSES (15%). The 3 most frequent topics in the contemporary group were rotator cuff tear (43%), instability (14%), and fractures (10%); those in the classic group were pathoanatomy (29%), rotator cuff (28%), and instability (17%). Compared with the classic group, the contemporary group had more articles on outcomes of common shoulder procedures, including rotator cuff repair (25% vs. 17%), arthroplasty (21% vs. 15%), arthroscopy (17% vs. 11%), reverse shoulder arthroplasty (13% vs. 7%), and the Latarjet procedure (7% vs. 2%). More articles reporting complications were found in the contemporary (9%) than in the classic (2%) group (P = .03). The contemporary group contained articles on topics not found in the classic group, such as platelet-rich plasma (8%), scaffolds (3%), infection (3%), Cutibacterium acnes (2%), stem cells (2%), superior capsular reconstruction (2%), bony increased offset reversed shoulder arthroplasty (2%), opioid issues (1%), and tendon transfer (1%).ConclusionThe most cited studies from 1900 to 2009 and 2010 to 2019 reported on the rotator cuff and shoulder instability. The most cited articles from 2010 to 2019 reflect the development of shoulder arthroscopy, shoulder arthroplasty, treatment of surgical complications, and augmentation or biologic interventions for rotator cuff repair.Level of evidenceLevel IV; Review Article     

Correlation between Severity of Synovitis and Clinical Features in Rotator Cuff Tears

BackgroundRotator cuff tears can be asymptomatic in some cases; however, even when the tear size is small, clinical symptoms can be very severe. This suggests that symptoms of rotator cuff tears are related to factors other than the size. Although synovitis has been cited as one of the factors, there is no grading system for synovitis in rotator cuff tears. Moreover, there are few studies that evaluated the relationship between synovitis and clinical features in patients with rotator cuff tears.MethodsPatients with medium-sized rotator cuff tears, who were scheduled for arthroscopic repair, were recruited for this study. The glenohumeral joint was divided into 4 quarters. Then, vascularity and hypertrophy of the joint were graded in each quarter using a modified scoring system. Clinical assessment was performed preoperatively and at 3 months and 6 months after surgery. Finally, correlation between the severity of synovitis and clinical features was analyzed.ResultsThe intraobserver correlation coefficient was 0.815 to 0.918 and the interobserver correlation coefficient was 0.779 to 0.992 for the single measurement. Vascularity was significantly correlated with the range of motion, strength, and constant score within 6 months after surgery. Hypertrophy was correlated with the range of motion within 6 months after surgery.ConclusionsSynovitis in the shoulder with rotator cuff tears can be graded by using our modified scoring system. The severity of synovitis was closely related to the clinical features after surgery. Therefore, when treating patients with rotator cuff tears, treatment of synovitis should also be considered.     

全球肩袖康复十年研究热点和前沿分析

目的 应用文献计量学及可视化技术分析全球肩袖康复领域研究热点与前沿趋势.方法 以Web of Science核心合集数据库为数据来源,以"rotator cuff AND rehabilitation"主题词检索2011～2020年发表的肩袖康复领域的相关研究.使用Web of Science提供的"创建引文报告"及"...     

The Relevance of Open Rotator Cuff Repair in 2021

BackgroundThe last decade has seen a large increase in rotator cuff surgery and arthroscopic surgery. We were asked to define the relevance of open rotator cuff repair in 2021.PurposeTo define whether there are proven advantages to arthroscopic or open rotator cuff repair surgery.MethodWe reviewed the recent literature regarding recent trends, anaesthetic time, rehabilitation, post-operative pain, complications, economic considerations, the learning curve and outcomes. We outlined the senior authors’ technique preferences, rationale and patient reported outcomes.ResultsThere is no clear evidence of proven advantage in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair compared to open rotator cuff repairs, with regard to outcomes or the other aspects reviewed. There were no differences in the outcomes of arthroscopic and open repairs in the senior authors practice with his procedure indications.ConclusionsOpen rotator cuff repair surgery remains a valid option and has some appeal in specific indications and in settings where arthroscopic resources are limited. We believe surgeons should learn both techniques and the principles of good patient selection, tissue handling, and fixation techniques are of paramount importance in both arthroscopic and open rotator cuff surgery.     

关节镜下肩袖肱骨止点内移技术与传统技术治疗巨大肩袖撕裂的疗效比较

目的 :探讨关节镜下肩袖肱骨止点内移技术的可行性,为治疗巨大肩袖撕裂提供一种方案。方法 :自2014年2月至2018年4月行手术治疗巨大肩袖撕裂患者40例,分成2组,研究组20例,男8例,女12例,年龄42～82(57.55±8.90)岁,病程1 h～2年;采用肩袖在肱骨头处止点内移,重建完整肩袖技术治疗巨大肩袖撕裂;对照组20例,男10例,女10例,年龄45～75(57.75±9.10)岁,病程1 h～5年,采用传统清理后部分缝合肩袖或原位高张力下缝合技术治疗巨大肩袖撕裂。采用VAS评分、Constant评分、UCLA评分评价两组临床疗效。结果:40例患者均获随访,时间12～14个月。两组术后VAS评分、Constant评分、UCLA评分与术前比较均明显改善(P0.05);研究组在VAS评分、Constant评分和UCLA评分及疗效明显优于对照组(P0.05)。结论:关节镜下肩袖肱骨止点内移治疗巨大肩袖撕裂在肩关节疼痛缓解,功能改善满意,治疗巨大肩袖撕裂是一种可行的方案。     

全关节镜下肩袖修补术对老年肩袖损伤患者术后72 h内疼痛程度和并发症的影响

目的:分析全关节镜下肩袖修补术与小切口肩袖修补术对老年肩袖损伤患者的临床效果。方法:选取2017年1月至2018年11月收治的60例老年肩袖损伤患者作为研究对象,男37例,女23例;年龄61~77(63.45±12.34)岁;病程6~12(5.32±1.02)个月;左侧29例,右侧31例。其中,行全关节镜下肩袖修补术者30例,为观察组;行小切口肩袖修补术者30例,为对照组。观察并记录两组患者术前术后美国加州大学肩关节评分系统(University of California,Los Angeles,UCLA)评分,美国肩肘外科协会(American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons,ASES)评分,Constant-Murley评分,肩关节前屈活动度、外旋活动度、外展活动度,术后72 h内视觉模拟疼痛评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)及并发症发生情况,然后进行对比分析。结果:两组患者术后UCLA评分、ASES评分、Constant-Murley评分较术前均显著提高(P<0.05),两组术后UCLA、ASES、Constant-Murley评分相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组患者术后肩关节前屈活动度、外旋活动度、外展活动度较术前均显著增加(P<0.05),术后两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组术后24、48、72 h VAS低于对照组(P<0.05);观察组并发症总发生率13.33%(4/30)低于对照组33.33%(10/30)(P<0.05)。结论:全关节镜下肩袖修补术和小切口肩袖修补术均可以改善老年肩袖损伤后的肩部功能,但全关节镜下肩袖修补术后72 h内疼痛程度和并发症均明显优于小切口肩袖修补术,可根据患者临床实际情况与需求进行选择。     

Arthroscopic versus mini-open rotator cuff repair: A meta-analysis

BackgroundAn all-arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ASR) may result in less postoperative pain and better functional outcomes than the mini-open (MOR) approach. This meta-analysis provides an updated assessment of the current literature which compares the clinical outcomes of mini-open versus all arthroscopic rotator cuff repair techniques.Material and methodsThe main online databases were accessed in October 2021. All the trials directly comparing primary ASR versus MOR for rotator cuff rupture were accessed. Studies concerning revision settings were not eligible, nor where those combining the surgical procedures with other adjuvants.ResultsA total of 21 articles were retrieved. Data from 1644 procedures (ASR = 995, MOR = 649) were collected. The mean follow-up was 26.7 (6.0–56.4) months. Comparability was found between ASR and MOR groups at baseline with regards to age (P = 0.3), gender (P = 0.7) and mean duration of the follow-up (P = 0.7). No difference was found between ASR and MOR with regard to surgical duration (P = 0.05), Constant score (P = 0.2), University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder (P = 0.3), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder (P = 0.5), VAS (P = 0.2), forward flexion (P = 0.3), abduction (P = 0.3), external rotation (P = 0.2), internal rotation (P = 0.7), re-tear (P = 0.9), adhesive capsulitis (P = 0.5).ConclusionArthroscopic and mini-open rotator cuff repair result in similar clinical outcomes. Male gender and older age lead to greater rates of rotator cuff re-tears, while longer surgical duration was associated with a greater rate of adhesive capsulitis.     

Clinical and Anatomical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Repair of Large Rotator Cuff Tears with Allograft Patch Augmentation: A Prospective,Single-Blinded,Randomized Controlled Trial with a Long-term Follow-up

BackgroundArthroscopic rotator cuff repair using human dermal matrix allograft augmentation has been widely used. We assessed the effect of acellular human dermal matrix augmentation after arthroscopic repair of large rotator cuff tears through a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with a long-term follow-up.MethodsSixty patients with large-sized rotator cuff tears were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in the control group underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Allograft patch augmentation was additionally performed in the allograft group. All patients were subdivided into a complete coverage (CC) group or an incomplete coverage (IC) group according to footprint coverage after cuff repair. Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were assessed preoperatively and at final follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging was also performed at the same time to evaluate the anatomical results.ResultsForty-three patients were followed up for an average of 5.7 years. Clinical scores (Constant and ASES) increased significantly at the last follow-up in both groups. The increase in ASES score in the allograft group was statistically significantly greater than that in the control group. The degree of Constant score improvement did not differ significantly between the two groups. The retear rate was 9.1% in the allograft group, which was significantly lower than that in the control group (38.1%). In the control group, the CC subgroup had a statistically significantly lower retear rate (16.7%) than did the IC subgroup. There were no retear cases in the CC subgroup of the allograft group.ConclusionsLong-term follow-up of arthroscopic repair of large rotator cuff tears with allograft patch augmentation showed better clinical and anatomical results. Footprint coverage after rotator cuff repair was an important factor affecting the retear rate. If the footprint was not completely covered after rotator cuff repair, allograft patch augmentation may reduce the retear rate.     

肩袖撕裂合并冻结肩行手法松解后的关节镜下表现及影响因素分析

目的 观察肩袖撕裂合并冻结肩行手法松解后的关节镜下表现,并分析其影响因素。方法 回顾性分析2017年9月至2019年9月收治的68例肩袖撕裂合并冻结肩病人的病例资料,其中,男35例,女33例,年龄为（52.68±6.54）岁,均行一期麻醉后手法松解联合关节镜检查并肩袖修复术,观察手法松解后的关节镜下表现,比较松解损伤病人和未损伤病人之间的性别、患侧、肩袖撕裂程度差异,分析患肩关节疼痛时间、肩关节活动受限病程和实施手法松解时间与手法松解损伤的相关性。收集病人的数字分级法（numerical rating scale, NRS）疼痛评分、美国肩肘外科医师学会（American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, ASES）评分、Constant-Murley评分及丹麦健康与医疗管理局（Danish Health and Medicine Authority）满意度评分。结果 共16例（23.53%）发生手法松解损伤,其中单一损伤者12例,两种及以上损伤者4例,损伤类型为前关节囊撕裂（3例,18.75%）、下关节囊撕裂（6例,37.50%）、盂肱中韧带撕裂（7例,43.75%）、盂肱下韧带肱骨端撕裂（humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament, HAGL）（3例,18.75%）、前盂唇撕裂（2例,12.50%）。松解损伤病人和未损伤病人之间的年龄（P=0.431）、性别（P=0.893）、患侧（P=0.673）、肩袖撕裂程度（P=0.723）、患肩关节疼痛时间（P=0.813）、肩关节活动受限病程（P=0.250）、实施手法松解时间（P=0.125）均未见显著差异。松解损伤组和松解无损伤组术后NRS评分均较术前明显降低,肩关节功能评分较术前明显改善（P均＜0.05）;手术前后的NRS评分、肩关节功能ASES评分、Constant-Murley评分、病人满意度评分比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。结论 肩袖撕裂合并冻结肩行麻醉后肩关节手法松解联合关节镜下肩袖修复术可能导致单一或合并的镜下损伤表现,年龄、性别、患侧、肩袖撕裂程度、患肩关节疼痛时间、肩关节活动受限病程、实施手法松解时间等因素与发生手法松解损伤无明确相关性。     

Functional evaluation of patient after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear

BackgroundRotator cuff tear is a common problem either after trauma or after degenerative tear in old age group. Arthroscopic repair is the current concept of rotator cuff repair. Here, we are trying to evaluate the functional outcome after arthroscopic repair of full thickness rotator cuff tear (single row) in Indian population.Materials and methodsTwenty five patients (14 males and 11 females) who underwent arthroscopic repair of full thickness rotator cuff tear at a single institution were included in the study. Postoperatively patient's shoulder was rated according to UCLA score, pain was graded according to the visual analog score. The range of motion was analysed and documented.ResultsThe mean age of the patients were 50.48 years. The preoperative VAS score mode was 7 and post operative VAS was 1 (p value <0.001). The UCLA grading was good in 80% (n = 20), fair in 12% (n = 3), excellent in 8% (n = 2) and poor results were seen in none of the patients.The mean UCLA improved from a score of 15.84 to 30.28 with a p value <0.001. Mean postoperative forward flexion was 161.6°, mean abduction was 147.6° and mean external rotation was 45.4°.ConclusionArthroscopic repair is a good procedure for full thickness rotator cuff tear with minimal complications. The newer double row repair claims to be biomechanically superior with faster healing rates without functional advantages, hence we used a single row repair considering the Indian population and the cost effectiveness of the surgery with good to excellent results.     

关节镜手术联合富血小板血浆修复肩袖撕裂的Meta分析

目的通过Meta分析比较关节镜手术联合富血小板血浆与单纯关节镜手术修复肩袖撕裂的疗效。方法检索自2010-01—2018-12收录在PubMed、Medline、Cochrane等数据库关于比较关节镜手术联合富血小板血浆(观察组)与单纯关节镜手术(对照组)修复肩袖撕裂疗效的相关文献,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析,比较2组术后DASH评分、UCLA评分、SST评分、ASES评分、Constant评分及肩袖再次撕裂发生率。结果纳入10篇文献,共598例,观察组320例,对照组278例。观察组与对照组术后6、12个月DASH评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组术后6、12个月UCLA评分较对照组高,术后12个月SST评分较对照组高,术后6个月ASES评分较对照组高,术后肩袖再次撕裂发生率较对照组低,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05);观察组术后6、12个月Constant评分较对照组高(P <0.05),但术后24个月2组Constant评分比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论关节镜手术联合富血小板血浆修复肩袖撕裂可以改善患者术后早期肩关节功能,降低术后肩袖再次撕裂的发生率,但是对于术后远期肩关节功能没有更明显的改善作用。     

关节镜下改良Mason-Allen与缝线桥缝合治疗中型肩袖撕裂的疗效对比

目的:观察并比较关节镜下改良Mason-Allen与缝线桥缝合治疗中型肩袖撕裂的术后疗效。方法 :自2017年1月至2018年1月,采用关节镜下改良Mason-Allen缝合治疗中型肩袖撕裂患者22例,年龄40~81(57.14±10.26)岁;男9例,女13例。2018年2月至2019年1月,采用缝线桥缝合治疗中型肩袖撕裂患者20例,年龄42~71(57.75±7.57)岁;男6例,女14例。两组患者的术前及术后临床功能评分采用美国肘关节外科协会(American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons,ASES)评分及Constant评分系统。术后患者肩袖愈合评估采用MRI检查。结果:所有患者获得随访,时间24~33 (26.38±2.29)个月。改良Mason-Allen组患者ASES评分和Constant评分由术前的(45.22±7.58)、(58.72±9.26)分提高至术后的(96.89±3.49)、(93.18±3.20)分。缝线桥组患者ASES评分和Constant评分由术前的(47.33±7.50)、(60.05±11.76)分提高至术后的(97.58±3.43)、(93.85±3.15)分。组间术前及术后ASES评分和Constant评分差异均无统计学意义。两组患者术后肩袖愈合情况差异也无统计学意义。结论:关节镜下改良Mason-Allen与缝线桥缝合治疗中型肩袖损伤均可获得较好的临床疗效,且两组缝合技术术后疗效无显著区别。     

巨大肩袖损伤关节镜手术治疗进展

巨大肩袖损伤的手术治疗是骨科医师面临的一个挑战,且肩袖撕裂后肌腱回缩、粘连及脂肪浸润会进一步加大手术修复难度,所以如何更好地修复巨大肩袖损伤成为了目前研究的热点与难点。近年来,随着关节镜技术不断发展,肩关节镜手术已成为治疗巨大肩袖损伤的金标准,但其不同术式的适应证、效果及联合应用仍存在争议。笔者认为对于功能要求较低的老年患者,可行肩关节清理联合肩峰成形术或肱骨大结节成形术,可短期缓解患者肩关节疼痛;对于伴有肱二头肌长头腱损伤的患者,肱二头肌长头腱切断或固定术效果显著;完全修补术依旧是巨大肩袖撕裂的一线治疗方法,而对于无法完全修补的巨大肩袖撕裂可行部分修补术;对于功能需求较高的年轻患者,补片增强技术可带来良好的效果;对于肩关节内外旋能力受限且功能要求较高的患者,建议选用肌腱转位术;对于无明显盂肱关节炎、三角肌力量较好、功能要求较高的患者,上关节囊重建术更具优势。此外,肩峰下假体植入术因其创伤小、费用低、相对安全等优点成为目前研究热点,其长期效果仍需进一步证实。     

Effectiveness of Subacromial Anti-Adhesive Agent Injection after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Prospective Randomized Comparison Study

Background

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair generally has a good clinical outcome but shoulder stiffness after surgery due to subacromial adhesion is one of the most common and clinically important complications. Sodium hyaluronate (HA) has been reported to be an anti-adhesive agent in a range of surgical procedures. However, there are few reports of the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of the shoulder. This study examined whether a subacromial injection of HA/carboxymethylated cellulose (CMC) affected the postoperative shoulder stiffness and healing of rotator cuff repair, as well as the safety of an injection.

Methods

Between January 2008 and May 2008, 80 consecutive patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were enrolled. The patients were assigned randomly to the HA/CMC injection group (n = 40) or control group (n = 40). All patients were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, passive range of motion at 2, 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery, and the functional scores at 6, 12 months postoperatively. Cuff healing was also evaluated using CT arthrography or ultrasonography at 6 or 12 months after surgery.

Results

The HA/CMC injection group showed faster recovery of forward flexion at 2 weeks postoperatively than the control group but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). There were no significant difference in pain VAS, internal rotation, external rotation and functional scores between two groups at each follow-up period. The functional scores improved 6 months after surgery in both groups but there were no differences between the two groups. The incidence of unhealed rotator cuff was similar in the two groups. There were no complications related to an injection of anti-adhesive agents including wound problems or infections.

Conclusions

A subacromial injection of an anti-adhesive agent after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair tended to produce faster recovery in forward flexion with no adverse effects on cuff healing. However, its anti-adhesive effects after rotator cuff repair should be considered carefully with further studies.     

An online survey of clinical practice of Brazilian physical therapists on rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair

BackgroundPhysical therapy is essential to help patients to recover their movements and function following a rotator cuff repair. However, there are uncertainties regarding how long a sling should be used for and when exercises should be started.ObjectiveTo investigate the current clinical practice of Brazilian physical therapists treating patients who had a rotator cuff repair. We also explored differences between shoulder specialists and non-specialists.MethodsAn online survey with 38 questions, including a clinical case, regarding the physical therapy clinical practice for patients having a rotator cuff repair.ResultsWe analyzed 194 responses. Majority of participants were from the Southeast of Brazil (57.5%), had up to 10 years of clinical experience (61.4%) and were not shoulder-specialists (69.8%). Majority of the respondents stated that patients have their first post-operative physical therapy session within the first three weeks (51%). Patients usually use a sling for four to six weeks (60.6%). Passive mobilization is often started in the first-week post-surgery. Fifteen percent of shoulder specialists compared to only six percent of non-shoulder specialists would allow strengthening exercises to start between the first and third weeks post-surgery.ConclusionPhysical therapists in Brazil seems to follow similar postoperative programs to other countries. Shoulder specialists allow a faster return to activities and start of strengthening exercises.     

Management of rotator cuff tears - Key historical landmarks

The management of rotator cuff pathology has developed over hundreds of years. In this article, we take a journey from the early days, in order to understand how we have reached our modern-day practice. Initially our understanding of rotator cuff pathology was based on cadaveric anatomical findings and this has enhanced over the years by the development of radiological and surgical techniques. We discuss the historical debates over the pathogenesis of cuff dysfunction. This work describes the landmark publications by several clinicians who have made important contributions to our understanding of rotator cuff pathology and its management. We follow the trends of surgical management of rotator cuff tears, traditionally performed via an open technique, to an exponential rise in arthroscopic surgery in recent years. As new techniques emerge, a review of the historical rise and fall of techniques is a reminder for us to remain vigilant of surgical indications and rigorous outcome analysis.     

Revisiting the rotator cuff footprint

Newer studies challenged the traditionally held belief that the supraspinatus inserts on the entire superior facet and the infraspinatus is attached on the entire middle facet of the greater tuberosity. They showed that the infraspinatus tendon is thicker anteriorly and can be differentiated from the posterior part of the supraspinatus. Hence, the newer studies showed that the supraspinatus attached in a much smaller area than previously thought, and infraspinatus occupied the lateral part of the superior facet of the greater tuberosity. This review aimed to present all the older and current knowledge of the rotator cuff insertion and discuss how this knowledge may affect the surgical repair of the rotator cuff tendons. Our review has synthesized and compared the differences and similarities between the older and the newer knowledge about the footprint anatomy of the cuff tendons and the capsule attachment. We have also highlighted how the newer knowledge impacts the way we treat the tears of the rotator cuff tendons.Level of evidenceReview of basic science studies.     

The 100 most cited papers in foot and ankle surgery

BackgroundThe number of citations of a paper gives an indication of an article's merit and importance within a medical specialty. We identify and analyse the 100 most cited papers in foot and ankle surgery.MethodThe Science Citation Index Expanded was searched for citations in 15 respected journals containing foot and ankle articles. Papers were analysed for subject, authorship, institution, country and year of publication. The average yearly citation was compared to total number of citations.Results3501 foot and ankle papers were returned. The maximum number of citations was 1084 and the mean was 104. The top 100 papers were published between 1979 and 2007, with the majority published in the last decade. The ankle was the most important anatomical region discussed, and basic science and degenerative disease were popular topics. We found a large discrepancy between the total number of citations with average yearly citation.ConclusionFoot and ankle surgery is a young and rapidly developing sub-specialty within orthopaedics. Recently there has been a significant increase in influential papers published. Certain topics are popular indicating their importance within the field. This study highlights important papers in foot and ankle surgery giving an insight into readership.     

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for irreparable rotator cuff tears without arthritis: A systematic review

IntroductionIndications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) have expanded over recent years. Whilst cuff tear arthropathy is an accepted indication, the results of its use in those without arthritis is not clear. The aim of this article is to review the literature on RTSA for massive rotator cuff tears without associated arthritis.MethodsA systematic review search was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to find all studies with clinical outcomes on RTSA performed for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCT) without arthritis.ResultsOf the 160 studies produced by the search, a detailed analysis found 11 articles to be included in this review. There was variability in the implant style used and the outcome measures utilised, but all studies found improvement in the outcome following RTSA. Many studies advised judicious use following high complication rates, and caution was advised in those patients with pre-operatively preserved active forward elevation.ConclusionThe available evidence suggests that RTSA is a reliable option in older patients with persistent pain and lack of function following MIRCT even without arthritis. However, as outcomes are not significantly worse following failed rotator cuff repair, joint preserving options in the younger age group should be carefully considered in light of the relatively high complication rate associated with RTSA.Level of evidenceIV.     

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Hypovitaminosis D in Patients with Rotator Cuff Tears

BackgroudIt has been reported that vitamin D may play an important role in rotator cuff tears. However, there has been limited information about the prevalence of and risk factors for hypovitaminosis D in patients with rotator cuff tears. Therefore, the purpose of current study was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for hypovitaminosis D in patients with rotator cuff tears.MethodsOne hundred seventy-six patients (age, 61.9 ± 8.90 years) who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for a full-thickness tear were enrolled in this retrospective study. Preoperative serum vitamin D levels (25-hydroxyvitamin D) were measured. Hypovitaminosis D was defined as a serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/mL. We investigated whether age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, bone mineral density, alcohol consumption, smoking status, and outdoor occupation were associated with hypovitaminosis D.ResultsThe prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with rotator cuff tears was 44.3% (78/176). The mean serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D of total patients was 24.7 ± 13.7 ng/mL. A higher serum level of vitamin D was significantly associated with older age (p < 0.001). Young age was an independent risk factor for hypovitaminosis D. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was also lower in patients with an outdoor occupation than in those with an indoor occupation (19.0% vs. 31.4%, p = 0.001).ConclusionsThe prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with rotator cuff tears was 44.3%. Age had a significant positive correlation with the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Young age and indoor working were independent risk factors for hypovitaminosis D in patients with rotator cuff tears. Therefore, the possibility of hypovitaminosis D should be considered for young and indoor working patients who have rotator cuff tears.