What is the Best Clinical Test for Assessment of the Teres Minor in Massive Rotator Cuff Tears?

Background

Few studies define the clinical signs to evaluate the integrity of teres minor in patients with massive rotator cuff tears. CT and MRI, with or without an arthrogram, can be limited by image quality, soft tissue density, motion artifact, and interobserver reliability. Additionally, the ill-defined junction between the infraspinatus and teres minor and the larger muscle-to-tendon ratio of the teres minor can contribute to error. Therefore, we wished to determine the validity of clinical testing for teres minor tears.

Question/Purposes

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of commonly used clinical signs (external rotation lag sign, drop sign, and the Patte test) for diagnosing the teres minor’s integrity.

Methods

We performed a prospective evaluation of patients referred to our shoulder clinic for massive rotator cuff tears determined by CT arthrograms. The posterosuperior rotator cuff was examined clinically and correlated with CT arthrograms. We assessed interobserver reliability for CT assessment and used three different clinical tests of teres minor function (the external rotation lag sign, drop sign, and the Patte test). One hundred patients with a mean age of 68 years were available for the analysis.

Results

The most accurate test for teres minor dysfunction was an external rotation lag sign greater than 40°, which had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 80%–100%) and a specificity of 92% (95% CI, 84%–96%). External rotation lag signs greater than 10° had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 80%–100%) and a specificity of 51% (95% CI, 40%–61%). The Patte sign had a sensitivity of 93% (95% CI, 70%–99%) and a specificity of 72% (95% CI, 61%–80%). The drop sign had a sensitivity of 87% (95% CI, 62%–96%) and a specificity of 88% (95% CI, 80%–93%). An external rotation lag sign greater than 40° was more specific than an external rotation lag sign greater than 10° (p < 0.001), and a Patte sign (p < 0.001), but was not more specific than the drop sign (p < 0.47). There was poor correlation between involvement of the teres minor and loss of active external rotation.

Conclusions

Clinical signs can predict anatomic patterns of teres minor dysfunction with good accuracy in patients with massive rotator cuff tears. This study showed that the most accurate test for teres minor dysfunction is an external rotation lag sign and that most patients’ posterior rotator cuff tears do not lose active external rotation. Because imaging is not always accurate, examination for integrity of the teres minor is important because it may be one of the most important variables affecting the outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for massive rotator cuff tears, and the functional effects of tears in this muscle on day to day activities can be significant. Additionally, teres minor integrity affects the outcomes of tendon transfers, therefore knowledge of its condition is important in planning repairs.

Level of Evidence

Level III, diagnostic study.     

Lateralized Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Maintains Rotational Function of the Remaining Rotator Cuff

Background

Humeral rotation often remains compromised after nonlateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Reduced rotational moment arms and muscle slackening have been identified as possible reasons for this impairment. Although several clinical studies suggest lateralized RSA may increase rotation, it is unclear whether this is attributable to preservation of rotational moment arms and muscle pretension of the remaining rotator cuff.

Questions/purposes

The lateralized RSA was analyzed to determine whether (1) the rotational moment arms and (2) the origin-to-insertion distances of the teres minor and subscapularis can be preserved, and (3) their flexion and abduction moment arms are decreased.

Methods

Lateralized RSA using an 8-mm resin block under the glenosphere was performed on seven cadaveric shoulder specimens. Preimplantation and postimplantation CT scans were obtained to create three-dimensional shoulder surface models. Using these models, function-specific moment arms and origin-to-insertion distances of three segments of the subscapularis and teres minor muscles were calculated.

Results

The rotational moment arms remained unchanged for the middle and caudal subscapularis and teres minor segments in all tested positions (subscapularis, −16.1 mm versus −15.8 mm; teres minor, 15.9 mm versus 15.3 mm). The origin-to-insertion distances increased or remained unchanged in any muscle segment apart from the distal subscapularis segment at 0° abduction (139 mm versus 145 mm). The subscapularis and teres minor had increased flexion moment arms in abduction angles smaller than 60° (subscapularis, 2.7 mm versus 8.3 mm; teres minor, −6.6 mm versus 0.8 mm). Abduction moment arms decreased for all segments (subscapularis, 4 mm versus −11 mm; teres minor, −3.6 mm versus −19 mm).

Conclusions

After lateralized RSA, the subscapularis and teres minor maintained their length and rotational moment arms, their flexion forces were increased, and abduction capability decreased.

Clinical Relevance

Our findings could explain clinically improved rotation in lateralized RSA in comparison to nonlateralized RSA.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11999-012-2692-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty combined with latissimus dorsi transfer using the bone-chip technique

Purpose

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) can restore active elevation in rotator-cuff-deficient shoulders. However, RSA cannot restore active external rotation. The combination of latissimus dorsi transfer with RSA has been reported to restore both active elevation and external rotation. We hypothesised that in the combined procedure, harvesting the latissimus dorsi with a small piece of bone, leads to good tendon integrity, low rupture rates and good clinical outcome.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2010, 13 patients (13 shoulders) were treated with RSA in combination with latissimus dorsi transfer in a modified manner. The mean follow-up was 65.4 months, and the mean age at index surgery was 71.1 years. All patients had external rotation lag sign and positive hornblower’s sign, as well as radiological signs of cuff-tear arthropathy (Hamada 3, 4 or 5) and fatty infiltration grade 3 according to Goutallier et al. on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The outcome measures included the Constant Murley Score, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Activities of Daily Living Requiring External Rotation (ADLER) score. Tendon integrity was evaluated with dynamic ultrasound. All patients were asked at final follow-up to rate their satisfaction as excellent, good, satisfied or dissatisfied.

Results

The overall mean Constant-Murley Shoulder Outcome Score (CMS) improved from 20.4 to 64.3 points (p < 0.001). Mean VAS pain score decreased from 6.8 to 1.1 (p < 0.001)., mean UCLA score improved from 7.9 to 26.4 (p < 0.001), mean SST score improved from 2.3 to 7.9 (p < 0.001) and mean postoperative ADLER score was 26 points. The average degree of abduction improved from 45° to 129° (p < 0.001), the average degree of anterior flexion improved from 55° to 138° (p < 0.001) and the average degree of external rotation improved from −16° to 21° (p < 0.001). Eight patients rated their results as very satisfied, three as satisfied and two as dissatisfied.

Conclusion

This modified technique, which avoids cutting the pectoralis major tendon and involves harvesting the tendon together with a small piece of bone, leads to good or even better functional results compared with the results reported in the literature, and also has high patient satisfaction and low failure rates.     

Rotator Cuff Fatty Infiltration and Atrophy Are Associated With Functional Outcomes in Anatomic Shoulder Arthroplasty

Background

Shoulder arthroplasty provides reliable pain relief and restoration of function. However, the effects of fatty infiltration and atrophy in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles on functional outcomes are not well understood.

Questions/purposes

The purposes of this study were to (1) compare preoperative with postoperative fatty infiltration and atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles after primary shoulder arthroplasty; and (2) identify any associations between these variables and outcome measures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 62 patients with a mean age of 67 years (range, 34–90 years) who underwent shoulder arthroplasty. CT scans were conducted preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively. Outcome variables included the degree of supraspinatus and infraspinatus fatty infiltration (percent fatty infiltration and Goutallier grade), muscle area (percent muscle area and Warner atrophy grade), shoulder strength, and the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Score (WOOS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Constant outcome score.

Results

Preoperatively, the mean percent fatty infiltration (FI) within the supraspinatus and infraspinatus was identical at 14%. One year after shoulder arthroplasty, both muscles had less fatty infiltration (6% and 7%, respectively; p < 0.001). Similarly, the Goutallier grade significantly improved postoperatively for the supraspinatus (p = 0.0037) and infraspinatus (p = 0.0007). Conversely, measures of muscle atrophy remained unchanged postoperatively (p > 0.251). Preoperatively, greater supraspinatus percent FI was negatively associated with preoperative shoulder strength (r = 0.37, p = 0.001) and Constant score (r = 0.38, p = 0.001). Postoperative infraspinatus percent FI was negatively associated with postoperative strength (r = 0.3, p = 0.021) and Constant score (r = 0.3, p = 0.04). Multivariable regression analysis of possible predictive factors demonstrated that preoperative supraspinatus percent muscle area (p = 0.016) and the diagnosis of osteoarthritis (p = 0.017) were associated with better followup WOOS scores, and preoperative supraspinatus strength was associated with postoperative strength (p = 0.0024). Higher degrees of preoperative percent FI were not associated with worse patient-reported outcomes postoperatively.

Conclusions

Supraspinatus and infraspinatus fatty infiltration improves after shoulder arthroplasty, whereas muscle area remains unchanged. Although further study of these variables is required, the negative associations identified between preoperative supraspinatus atrophy and the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and postoperative quality-of-life outcome scores may aid the clinician in selecting the best treatment option for glenohumeral arthrosis and in the management of patient expectations.

Level of Evidence

Level III, prognostic study.     

Muscle transfers in children and adults improve external rotation in cases of obstetrical brachial plexus paralysis: a comparative study

Purpose

Latissimus dorsi and teres major transfers to the lateral side of the humerus with lengthening of the pectoralis major and subscapularis muscles for residual shoulder deformity were compared in children and skeletally mature patients.

Methods

Fifteen patients (nine children, six skeletally mature patients aged three to 30 years, follow-up one to 22 years) were treated for internal shoulder contracture after birth plexus lesions: C5–C6 (seven patients); C5–7 (five patients); C5-C8-T1 (three patients, respectively). Range of movement, Mallet shoulder function score and radiographs were assessed.

Results

Pre-operatively, shoulder function restrictions were comparable in all patients. Postoperatively, external rotation, abduction and Mallet function score improved significantly (p < 0.05) in all patients except one. There were no differences in improvement between children and skeletally mature patients (p = 0.24–1.0).

Conclusions

This technique improves external rotation and abduction of the shoulder for daily living activities in children and young, skeletally mature, patients.     

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfers for rotator cuff deficiency

Purpose:

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfers are increasingly being used around the shoulder. We aim to assess any improvement in pain and function following a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for massive, irreparable postero-superior cuff deficiency.

Materials and Methods:

At our institution, between 1996 and 2009, 38 latissimus dorsi tendon transfer procedures were performed. Sixteen of these were for massive irreparable rotator cuff deficiency associated with pain and impaired function. All patients were evaluated by means of interview or postal questionnaire and case note review. Pain and function were assessed using the Stanmore percentage of normal shoulder assessment (SPONSA) score, visual analogue scale and Oxford Shoulder Score. Forward elevation was also assessed and a significant improvement was thought to correlate with the success of the procedure at stabilizing the humeral head upon elevation.

Results:

Mean follow-up time was 70 months. There was a significant reduction in pain on the visual analogue scale from 6.4 to 3.4 (P < 0.05), an improved SPONSA score from 32.5 to 57.5 (P < 0.05), and an improved Oxford Shoulder Score from 40.75 to 29.6 (P < 0.05). Forward elevation improved from 40° preoperatively to 75° postoperatively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our results add to the body of evidence that latissimus dorsi tendon transfers for irreparable postero-superior cuff deficiency in selected patients reduce pain and improve shoulder function in the medium term.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.     

Conversion of Stemmed Hemi- or Total to Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Advantages of a Modular Stem Design

Background

If revision of a failed anatomic hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder arthroplasty is uncertain to preserve or restore satisfactory rotator cuff function, conversion to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has become the preferred treatment, at least for elderly patients. However, revision of a well-fixed humeral stem has the potential risk of loss of humeral bone stock, nerve injury, periprosthetic fracture, and malunion or nonunion of a humeral osteotomy with later humeral component loosening.

Questions/purposes

The purposes of this study were to determine whether preservation of a modular stem is associated with (1) less blood loss and operative time; (2) fewer perioperative and postoperative complications, including reoperations and revisions; and/or (3) improved Constant and Murley scores and subjective shoulder values for conversion to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty compared with stem revision.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2011, 48 hemiarthroplasties and eight total shoulder arthroplasties (total = 56 shoulders; 54 patients) were converted to an Anatomical™ reverse total shoulder arthroplasty system without (n = 13) or with (n = 43) stem exchange. Complications and revisions for all patients were tallied through review of medical and surgical records. The outcomes scores included the Constant and Murley score and the subjective shoulder value. Complete clinical followup was available on 80% of shoulders (43 patients; 45 of 56 procedures, 32 with and 13 without stem exchange) at a minimum of 12 months (mean, 37 months; range, 12–83 months).

Results

Blood loss averaged 485 mL (range, 300–700 mL; SD, 151 mL) and surgical time averaged 118 minutes (range, 90–160 minutes; SD, 21 minutes) without stem exchange and 831 mL (range, 350–2000 mL; SD, 400 mL) and 176 minutes (range, 120–300 minutes; SD, 42 minutes) with stem exchange (p = 0.001). Intraoperative complications (8% versus 30%; odds ratio [OR], 5.2) and reinterventions (8% versus 14%; OR, 1.9) were substantially fewer in patients without stem exchange. The complication rate leading to dropout from the study was substantial in the stem revision group (six patients; 43 shoulders [14%]), but there were no complication-related dropouts in the stem-retaining group. If, however, such complications could be avoided, with the numbers available we detected no difference in the functional outcome between the two groups.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing revision of stemmed hemiarthroplasty or total to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty without stem exchange had less intraoperative blood loss and operative time, fewer intraoperative complications, and fewer revisions than did patients whose index revision procedures included a full stem exchange. Therefore modularity of a shoulder arthroplasty system has substantial advantages if conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty becomes necessary and should be considered as prerequisite for stemmed shoulder arthroplasty systems.

Level of Evidence

Level III, therapeutic study.     

Patients Undergoing Total Shoulder Arthroplasty on the Dominant Extremity Attain Greater Postoperative ROM

Background

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) provides excellent functional outcomes and pain relief in appropriately selected patients. Although it is known to affect other shoulder conditions, the role of hand dominance after TSA has not been reported, to our knowledge.

Questions/Purposes

We asked: (1) Does TSA of the dominant arm result in greater postoperative ROM compared with TSA of the nondominant arm? (2) Does hand dominance affect validated outcome scores after TSA?

Methods

We performed a review of all patients who underwent primary TSAs between 2008 and 2011 with a minimum of 12 months followup. During that time, one surgeon performed 156 primary TSAs. One hundred twenty-seven patients met the minimum followup requirement for this analysis (81%), whereas 29 (19%) were lost to followup. Seven patients were excluded for surgical indications other than glenohumeral osteoarthritis. A total of 58 patients underwent TSA of the dominant upper extremity and 62 underwent TSA of the nondominant upper extremity. Patient demographics, preoperative and postoperative ROM, and preoperative and postoperative outcome scores, were collected from the medical records. Student’s t-tests and chi-square tests were used for analysis. Demographics and preoperative ROM did not differ between patients undergoing TSA on the dominant or the nondominant upper extremity.

Results

Dominant-arm TSAs showed greater postoperative forward elevation and external rotation. Postoperative active forward elevation in the dominant group was 151° versus 141° in the nondominant group (mean difference, 10°; 95% CI, 1°–18°; p = 0.033). Postoperative active external rotation was 61° in the dominant group, versus 51° in the nondominant group (mean difference, 10°; 95% CI, 5°–15°; p < 0.001). Active internal rotation did not differ (dominant, 52°, nondominant, 50°; mean difference, 2°; 95% CI, −3° to 7°; p = 0.419). There were no differences in postoperative VAS (dominant, 0.9, nondominant, 1.4; mean difference, 0.5; 95% CI, −0.1 to 1.1; p = 0.129), simple shoulder test (dominant, 9.8, nondominant, 9.2; mean difference, 0.5; 95% CI, −0.5 to 1.5; p = 0.278), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (dominant, 84, nondominant, 80; mean difference, 4; 95% CI, −2 to 10; p = 0.211).

Conclusions

Patients who underwent TSA of their dominant upper extremity had greater postoperative active forward elevation and active external rotation compared with patients who had TSA of their nondominant upper extremity. This average difference of 10° active forward elevation and active external rotation could be useful for preoperative and postoperative counseling of patients. Regardless of hand dominance, similar functional outcomes were achieved.

Level of Evidence

Level III, therapeutic study.     

Proximal subscapularis release for the treatment of adduction–internal rotation shoulder contracture in obstetric brachial plexus palsy

Introduction

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the results on shoulder function following isolated proximal subscapularis release in children with Erb’s palsy.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 64 consecutive children with Erb’s palsy who underwent a Carlioz proximal subscapularis release between 2001 and 2012. Fifty children with complete records and a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included for evaluation. Age at surgery ranged from 1.3 to 4.5 years (average 2.6 years). Preoperative active shoulder abduction/anterior elevation, active external and internal rotations as well as the Mallet score were compared with those found at 6 and 24 months postoperatively using the Student paired t test, with a confidence interval of 95 %. The results were compared between children <3 years of age at surgery and those older, and between children who had an isolated C5–C6 and those with greater involvement. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Active abduction improved 21° at 6 months and 31° (total) at 2 years (p < 0.01) with an overall Mallet abduction score improvement of 0.58 at 6 months and 0.6 (overall) at 2 years (p < 0.01). Active external rotation improved 52° at 6 months and 35° (total) at 2 years (p < 0.01) with an overall Mallet external rotation score improvement of 1.3 at 6 months (p < 0.01) and 0.52 (overall) at 2 years (p = 0.013). There was no statistically significant change in internal rotation (p = 0.37). We found no correlation between the child’s age or the severity of involvement at surgery and the end result.

Conclusion

Proximal subscapularis release according to Carlioz is simple and effective in improving overall shoulder function in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy, mainly abduction and external rotation. Improvement tends to reach a plateau around 6–12 months postoperatively.     

Prospective clinical and radiographic results of CHARITé III artificial total disc arthroplasty at 2- to 7-year follow-up: a Canadian experience

Background

Early and intermediate results have shown that the SB CHARITÉ III total disc arthroplasty (TDA) favourably compares to spinal fusion, but is associated with fewer complications and higher levels of satisfaction. We sought to prospectively report the clinical and radiographic results of the CHARITÉ III TDA after an average of 55 months follow-up.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of patients receiving the CHARITÉ TDA at either L4–5 or L5–S1 between April 2001 and November 2006. The primary indication for surgery was discogenic low-back pain confirmed by provocative discography. Assessment included pre- and postoperative (3, 6 and 12 mo and yearly thereafter) validated patient outcome measures and radiographic review.

Results

Fifty-seven of the potential 64 (89%) patients were available for complete follow-up. Their mean age was 39 (range 21–59) years. A statistically significant improvement was demonstrated between all the mean pre- and postoperative intervals for the Oswestry Disability Index, visual analogue scale for back and leg pain, and Short Form-36 health survey (p < 0.001). The mean sagittal rotation was 6.5° (range 0.5°–22.4°), and the mean intervertebral translation was 1.1 mm (range 0–2.4 mm). Subsidence of the implant was present in 44 of 53 (83%) patients with an L5–S1 disc arthroplasty. The mean subsidence was 1.7 mm (range 0–4.8 mm).

Conclusion

The 2- to 7-year follow-up of this cohort of patients demonstrated satisfactory clinical and radiographic results in a carefully selected patient population. The radiographic assessment confirmed preservation and maintenance of motion at the replaced disc during the period of follow-up.     

Can the Ream and Run Procedure Improve Glenohumeral Relationships and Function for Shoulders With the Arthritic Triad?

Background

The arthritic triad of glenoid biconcavity, glenoid retroversion, and posterior displacement of the humeral head on the glenoid is associated with an increased risk of failure of total shoulder joint replacement. Although a number of glenohumeral arthroplasty techniques are being used to manage this complex pathology, problems with glenoid component failure remain. In that the ream and run procedure manages arthritic pathoanatomy without a glenoid component, we sought evidence that this procedure can be effective in improving the centering of the humeral head contact on the glenoid and in improving the comfort and function of shoulders with the arthritic triad without the risk of glenoid component failure.

Questions/purposes

We asked, for shoulders with the arthritic triad, whether the ream and run procedure could improve glenohumeral relationships as measured on standardized axillary radiographs and patient-reported shoulder comfort and function as recorded by the Simple Shoulder Test.

Methods

Between January 1, 2006 and December 14, 2011, we performed 531 primary anatomic glenohumeral arthroplasties for arthritis, of which 221 (42%) were ream and run procedures. Of these, 30 shoulders in 30 patients had the ream and run procedure for the arthritic triad and had two years of clinical and radiographic follow-up. These 30 shoulders formed the basis for this case series. The average age of the patients was 56 ± 8 years; all but one were male. Two of the 30 patients requested revision to total shoulder arthroplasty within the first year after their ream and run procedure because of their dissatisfaction with their rehabilitation progress. For the 28 shoulders not having had a revision, we determined on the standardized axillary views before and after surgery the glenoid type, glenoid version (90° minus the angle between the plane of the glenoid face and the plane of the body of the scapula), and location of the humeral contact point with respect to the anteroposterio dimension of the glenoid (the ratio of the distance from the anterior glenoid lip to the contact point divided by the distance between the anterior and posterior glenoid lips). We also recorded the patient’s self-assessed shoulder comfort and function before and after surgery using the 12 questions of the Simple Shoulder Test.

Results

For the 28 unrevised shoulders the mean followup was 3.0 years (range, 2–9.2 years). In these patients, the ream and run procedure resulted in improved centering of the humeral head on the face of the glenoid (preoperative: 75% ± 7% posterior; postoperative: 59% ± 10% posterior; mean difference 16% [95% CI, 13%–19%]; p < 0.001), notably this improved centering was achieved without a significant change in the glenoid version. Patient-reported function was improved (preoperative Simple Shoulder Test: 5 ± 3, postoperative Simple Shoulder Test: 10 ± 4, mean difference 5 [95% CI, 4–6], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

For shoulders with the arthritic triad, the ream and run procedure can provide improvement in humeral centering on the glenoid and in patient-reported shoulder comfort and function without the risk of glenoid component failure. In that ream and run is a new procedure, substantial additional clinical research with long-term follow-up is needed to define specifically the shoulder characteristics, the patient characteristics and the technical details that are most likely to lead to durable improvements in the comfort and function of shoulders with the challenging pathology known as the arthritic triad.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic study.     

Reverse arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and rotator cuff deficiency after previous surgery for recurrent anterior shoulder instability

Purpose

Osteoarthritis in combination with rotator cuff deficiency following previous shoulder stabilisation surgery and after failed surgical treatment for chronic anterior shoulder dislocation is a challenging condition. The aim of this study was to analyse the results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in such patients.

Methods

Thirteen patients with a median follow-up of 3.5 (range two to eight) years and a median age of 70 (range 48–82) years were included. In all shoulders a tear of at least one rotator cuff tendon in combination with osteoarthritis was present at the time of arthroplasty. The Constant score, shoulder flexion and external and internal rotation with the elbow at the side were documented pre-operatively and at the final follow-up. Pre-operative, immediate post-operative and final follow-up radiographs were analysed. All complications and revisions were documented.

Results

Twelve patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure. The median Constant score increased from 26 points pre-operatively to 67 points at the final follow-up (p = 0.001). The median shoulder flexion increased significantly from 70° to 130° and internal rotation from two to four points (p = 0.002). External rotation did not change significantly (p = 0.55). Glenoid notching was present in five cases and was graded as mild in three cases and moderate in two. One complication occurred leading to revision surgery.

Conclusions

Reverse arthroplasty leads to high satisfaction rates for patients with osteoarthritis and rotator cuff deficiency who had undergone previous shoulder stabilisation procedures. The improvements in clinical outcome as well as the radiographic results seem to be comparable with those of other studies reporting on the outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for other conditions.     

Manipulation Under Anaesthesia for Stiffness Following Knee Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Stiffness following knee arthroplasty is a frustrating complication and a significantly disabling problem. We present our experience of knee stiffness requiring manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) as the first line of treatment following partial or total knee arthroplasty.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All stiff knees requiring MUA over a 6-month period from March to August 2007 were retrospectively analysed from theatre records and case notes. Data were collected regarding demographics, range of knee motion before and after manipulation and at subsequent follow-up. Complications of the procedure and outcomes were also analysed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients (11 female, 10 male) underwent MUA. The average age was 62 years (range, 56–80 years). Sixteen primary and 3 revision total knee replacements underwent manipulation, as did one medial unicompartmental replacement and one patellofemoral arthroplasty. General anaesthesia with good muscle relaxation was used in all but one patient. The mean duration between arthroplasty and MUA was 13.2 weeks (range, 6-32 weeks). The range of knee movement improved from a mean range of 10.4–71.2° in the pre-MUA period to 2.1–94.0° post-MUA and at follow-up was 2.3–91.9°. The mean arc of motion improved from 60.2° (range, 40–80°) pre-MUA to 91.9° (range, 45–120°) post-MUA. The mean improvement in the arc of motion was 31.6° (P < 0.001). At an average follow-up of 3 months (range, 6 weeks to 8 months), the mean arc of motion was 90.4° (range, 40–120°). The mean improvement in knee movement from the pre-MUA at the follow-up was 30.2° (P < 0.001). One patient failed to gain any improvement from MUA. There were no complications noted from the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

MUA has a role in the treatment of early stiffness with excellent immediate outcomes. We advocate that MUA should be the first line of management for stiff knee arthroplasties after failed physiotherapy.     

Applying transfer of trapezius and/or latissimus dorsi with teres major for reconstruction of abduction and external rotation of the shoulder in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy

To evaluate the effects of transfer of the trapezius and/or latissimus dorsi with the teres major for treatment of dysfunction of the shoulder in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP), 34 patients with paresis of the abductors and external rotators, as well as co-contraction of the adductors in abduction, who had undergone reconstructive operations, were followed-up for at least 1 year. Of these, transfer of the latissimus dorsi with attached teres major to the insertion of the infraspinatus (single procedure), was performed in 25 cases, and transfer of both latissimus dorsi with teres major and trapezius (to the humerus) in nine (combined procedure). Gilbert's grading system was used for evaluation. The results showed that in spite of improvement of external rotation in most of the cases, abduction was improved in only 13 of the 25 cases with a single procedure, and that eight of nine cases with a combined procedure gained improvement of both external rotation and abduction. These results indicated that, for improvement of both abduction and external rotation of the shoulder in OBPP, transfer of the latissimus dorsi with the teres major can be performed only when abduction is > or =90 degrees; otherwise, transfer of the trapezius should be added.     

Does Rotator Cuff Repair Improve Psychologic Status and Quality of Life in Patients With Rotator Cuff Tear?

Background

Recently, psychological status, patient-centered outcomes, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with scheduled or who underwent orthopaedic surgeries have been emphasized. The relationship between preoperative psychological status and postoperative clinical outcome in patients with rotator cuff repair has not yet been investigated.

Questions/purposes

The primary objective of this study was to investigate changes in psychological status (depression, anxiety, insomnia) and HRQoL after rotator cuff repair. The secondary objective was to assess whether preoperative depression, anxiety, and insomnia predict clinical outcome after rotator cuff repair.

Methods

Forty-seven patients who underwent rotator cuff repair prospectively completed the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, the UCLA Scale, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons’ Scale (ASES), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the World Health Organization Quality-of-life Scale Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-BREF) before surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the serial changes in psychological parameters and outcome measurements. The chi-square test was also used to compare preoperative and postoperative prevalence of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Finally, multiple regression analysis was applied to determine the relationship between preoperative psychological status and postoperative clinical outcome.

Results

With surgery, depression, anxiety, and insomnia decreased, whereas quality of life increased. The mean HADS-D and HADS-A scores and the mean PSQI score decreased from 3.7 ± 3.3, 4.3 ± 4.3, and 6.6 ± 3.6, respectively, before surgery to 2.1 ± 2.3, 1.4 ± 2.4, and 4.2 ± 3.3, respectively, at 12 months after surgery (HADS-D mean difference 1.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.6–2.6], p = 0.003; HADS-A mean difference 2.9 [1.5–4.4], p < 0.001; PSQI mean difference 2.4 [1.3–3.4], p < 0.001). The mean WHOQOL-BREF score increased from 60.4 ± 11.0 before surgery to 67.4 ± 11.8 at 12 months after surgery (mean difference −7.0 [95% CI, −10.7 to −3.4], p < 0.001). At 12 months after surgery, there were decreases in the prevalence of depression (six of 47 [22.8%] versus three of 47 [6.4%], p = 0.002), anxiety (11 of 47 [23.4%] versus two of 47 [4.3%], p = 0.016), and insomnia (33 of 47 [70.2%] versus 20 of 47 [42.6%], p = 0.022). Preoperative HADS-depression, HADS-anxiety, and PSQI scores did not correlate with the VAS pain score, UCLA, or ASES scores at 12 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Psychological status and HRQoL improved with decreasing pain and increasing functional ability from 3 months after surgery. Preoperative depression, anxiety, and insomnia did not predict poor outcome after rotator cuff repair. Our findings suggest that successful rotator cuff repair may improve psychological status and HRQoL.

Level of Evidence

Level II, prospective study.     

Does the position of shoulder immobilization after reduced anterior glenohumeral dislocation affect coaptation of a Bankart lesion? An arthrographic comparison

Background

The position of immobilization after anterior shoulder dislocation has been a controversial topic over the past decade. We compared the effect of post-reduction immobilization, whether external rotation or internal rotation, on coaptation of the torn labrum.

Materials and methods

Twenty patients aged <40 years with primary anterior shoulder dislocation without associated fractures were randomized to post-reduction external rotation immobilization (nine patients) or internal rotation (11 patients). After 3 weeks, magnetic resonance arthrography was performed. Displacement, separation, and opening angle parameters were assessed and analyzed.

Results

Separation (1.16 ± 1.11 vs 2.43 ± 1.17 mm), displacement (1.73 ± 1.64 vs 2.28 ± 1.36 mm), and opening angle (15.00 ± 15.84 vs 27.86 ± 14.74 °) in the externally rotated group were decreased in comparison to the internally rotated group. A statistically significant difference between groups was seen only for separation (p = 0.028); p values of displacement and opening angle were 0.354 and 0.099, respectively.

Conclusion

External rotation immobilization after reduction of primary anterior shoulder dislocation could result in a decrease in anterior capsule detachment and labral reduction.

Level of evidence

Level 2.     

Non-insertional tendinopathy of the subscapularis

Purpose:

(1) Describe a previously unreported finding involving the intra-articular portion of the subscapularis, the Conrad lesion. (2) Describe a novel classification system for the spectrum of non-insertional tendinopathy of the subscapularis. (3) Report the outcomes of surgical treatment of this spectrum of pathology.

Materials and Methods:

Outcomes of 34 patients (23 males and 11 females, mean age 60.5 ± 7.5) with non-insertional tendinopathy of the subscapularis treated arthroscopically were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had anterior shoulder pain with no weakness during belly-press testing and no subscapularis footprint involvement on magnetic resonance imaging. All patients were managed with subscapularis tendon debridement and side-to-side repair along with treatment of concomitant pathology.

Results:

Seven patients had a Type I lesion (so-called Conrad lesion) – a nodule on the leading edge of the subscapularis. Eighteen patients had a Type II lesion – a visible split tear with degeneration in the upper ½ of the intra-articular tendon. Nine patients had a Type III lesion – more extensive splitting in the tendon with advanced tendon degeneration. At a mean follow-up of 24 months, 97% of patients were completely satisfied. Significant improvements were seen in forward elevation (152 ± 12° to 172 ± 5°, P < 0.001) and visual analog scale pain scores (5.9 ± 1.7-0.6 ± 1.0, P < 0.001). Internal rotation strength and external rotation motion at the side were maintained. ASES scores averaged 95.4 ± 7.4, disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand scores averaged 6.19 ± 9.8, Western Ontario Rotator Cuff scores averaged 91.7 ± 9.3 and the average University of California at Los Angeles score was 33.1 ± 2.4.

Conclusions:

We present a previously unreported finding of the subscapularis, the Conrad lesion, along with a novel classification system for non-insertional tendinopathy of the subscapularis. Arthroscopic treatment of this spectrum of tendinopathy along with concomitant shoulder pathology eliminated pain and improved patient outcomes without detrimental effects.

Level of Evidence:

IV, Retrospective Case Series.     

Reliable and reproducible technique to mark center of ankle in total knee arthroplasty

Aim

Bony and soft tissue landmarks have been used in the past to determine the center of the ankle to facilitate the tibial cut using an extramedullary guide in total knee arthroplasty. However literature reports are scanty in regards to the most ideal method available and its reproducibility in marking the center of the ankle intra-operatively.

Methods

We describe a method of using an electrocardiogram (ECG) lead in determining the center of the ankle, thus facilitating the alignment of the extramedullary guide for the tibia. Results: Using this technique, in our study the mean lateral tibial component angle was 90.09(84.2°–94.3°). The number of knees in the range of 88°–92.4° were 120 out of 122 knees (98.40%).

Conclusion

The described method is reliable and cheap, with reproducibility in determining the tibial cut in total knee arthroplasty.     

Morphometric analysis of the effect of scapula stabilization on obstetric brachial plexus paralysis patients

Background

Scapular position and size deficiency is evident in obstetric brachial plexus paralysis (OBPP) patients due to the absence of balanced muscular forces acting on the scapula. Scapula stabilization (SS) procedures aim to restore a balanced musculature and anatomic position and to augment shoulder function and enhance developmental potential.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of 106 patients with OBPP between March 1979 and March 2007 was performed. Forty-one female and 27 male were included in the study. In 38 patients, the paralysis was global, 13 had Erb’s paralysis with C7 root involvement; in 18 patients, the lesion was limited to C5 and C6. X-rays were evaluated, and scapula dimensions were manually measured at several stages. Shoulder abduction (SA) and external rotation (SER) outcomes were also recorded.

Results

Mean improvement was 85.68° in shoulder abduction and 36.74° in shoulder external rotation. SA and SER improvement was significantly better in those who underwent SS procedures compared to those who did not (mean improvement was increased by 9.15° and 8.54°, respectively). Improvement was noted in all scapular dimensions, in all groups, postoperatively. However, the mean improvement in scapular height, big width, small width, and oblique axis discrepancies was 4.92, 14.04, 12.66, and 13.89 %, respectively, higher in patients who underwent SS procedures compared to those who did not.

Conclusion

Dimensional discrepancies and functional outcomes are improved by SS procedures. Maximal results are attained in patients who have undergone both primary and secondary shoulder reconstruction before age 2.     

Implant Design Variations in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Influence the Required Deltoid Force and Resultant Joint Load

Background

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is widely used; however, the effects of RTSA geometric parameters on joint and muscle loading, which strongly influence implant survivorship and long-term function, are not well understood. By investigating these parameters, it should be possible to objectively optimize RTSA design and implantation technique.

Questions/purposes

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effect of RTSA implant design parameters on (1) the deltoid muscle forces required to produce abduction, and (2) the magnitude of joint load and (3) the loading angle throughout this motion. We also sought to determine how these parameters interacted.

Methods

Seven cadaveric shoulders were tested using a muscle load-driven in vitro simulator to achieve repeatable motions. The effects of three implant parameters—humeral lateralization (0, 5, 10 mm), polyethylene thickness (3, 6, 9 mm), and glenosphere lateralization (0, 5, 10 mm)—were assessed for the three outcomes: deltoid muscle force required to produce abduction, magnitude of joint load, and joint loading angle throughout abduction.

Results

Increasing humeral lateralization decreased deltoid forces required for active abduction (0 mm: 68% ± 8% [95% CI, 60%–76% body weight (BW)]; 10 mm: 65% ± 8% [95% CI, 58%–72 % BW]; p = 0.022). Increasing glenosphere lateralization increased deltoid force (0 mm: 61% ± 8% [95% CI, 55%–68% BW]; 10 mm: 70% ± 11% [95% CI, 60%–81% BW]; p = 0.007) and joint loads (0 mm: 53% ± 8% [95% CI, 46%–61% BW]; 10 mm: 70% ± 10% [95% CI, 61%–79% BW]; p < 0.001). Increasing polyethylene cup thickness increased deltoid force (3 mm: 65% ± 8% [95% CI, 56%–73% BW]; 9 mm: 68% ± 8% [95% CI, 61%–75% BW]; p = 0.03) and joint load (3 mm: 60% ± 8% [95% CI, 53%–67% BW]; 9 mm: 64% ± 10% [95% CI, 56%–72% BW]; p = 0.034).

Conclusions

Humeral lateralization was the only parameter that improved joint and muscle loading, whereas glenosphere lateralization resulted in increased loads. Humeral lateralization may be a useful implant parameter in countering some of the negative effects of glenosphere lateralization, but this should not be considered the sole solution for the negative effects of glenosphere lateralization. Overstuffing the articulation with progressively thicker humeral polyethylene inserts produced some adverse effects on deltoid muscle and joint loading.

Clinical Relevance

This systematic evaluation has determined that glenosphere lateralization produces marked negative effects on loading outcomes; however, the importance of avoiding scapular notching may outweigh these effects. Humeral lateralization’s ability to decrease the effects of glenosphere lateralization was promising but further investigations are required to determine the effects of combined lateralization on functional outcomes including range of motion.