Faculty Bibliography

OBJECTIVE:A major factor that impacts the long-term outcome and complication rates of total shoulder arthroplasty is the preoperative posterior glenoid bone loss quantified by glenoid retroversion. The purpose of this study was to assess if glenoid retroversion varies significantly at different glenoid heights in Walch B2 and B3 glenoids. MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:Patients with B2 and B3 glenoid types were included following retrospective review of 386 consecutive CT shoulder studies performed for arthroplasty preoperative planning. True axial CT reconstructions were created using a validated technique. Two readers independently measured the glenoid retroversion angles according to the Friedman method using the "intermediate" glenoid at three glenoid heights: 75% (upper), 50% (equator), and 25% (lower). The variances between the three levels for a given patient were calculated. RESULTS:Twenty-nine B2 and 8 B3 glenoid types were included. There was no significant difference in variance of glenoid version among the three levels in B2 or B3 groups. The mean variance in retroversion degree between equator-lower, upper-equator, and upper-lower glenoid was - 0.4, 0.3, and - 0.2 for B2; and - 0.2, 1.9, and 1.9 for B3 glenoid, respectively. The level of inter-reader agreement was fair to good for variance at equator-lower, and good to excellent for upper-equator and upper-lower glenoid. CONCLUSIONS:Glenoid version can be accurately measured at any level between 25 and 75% of glenoid height for Walch B2 and B3. We recommend that the glenoid equator be used as the reference to assure consistent and reliable version measurements in this group of patients.

Purpose: The use of a posterior augmented glenoid to correct posterior wear, subluxation and retroversion remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with significant posterior glenoid wear treated with a posterior augmented glenoid and compare them to age/gender/follow-up matched patients without glenoid wear treated with a non-augmented pegged glenoid in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). Method(s): 182 patients undergoing primary aTSA with 2 year minimum follow-up (mean 42 months)were reviewed. 91 patients (mean age = 66 yrs; 37F/54M)received a posterior augmented pegged glenoid and 91 age/gender/follow-up matched patients received a non-augmented pegged glenoid. Patient data was retrospectively reviewed from a multi-institutional WIRB approved registry. Each patient was evaluated preoperatively and at latest follow-up using SST, UCLA, ASES, Constant, and SPADI scoring metrics; active abduction, forward flexion, and internal/external rotation were measured. Radiolucent glenoid line assessment was performed from radiographs at latest follow up. A Student's two tailed unpaired t-test (P <.05)quantified differences. Result(s): Each cohort demonstrated significant improvements in pain and function following primary aTSA. At latest follow-up, augmented glenoids were generally better than non-augmented glenoids; however, few differences were noted in pre-to-postoperative improvement between augmented and non-augmented glenoids. Augmented glenoids were associated with significantly more improvement in active abduction, forward flexion, and external rotation as compared to non-augmented glenoids. The overall complication rate was 6.6%, where augmented patients had 1 aseptic glenoid loosening compared to 3 cases in the non-augmented group. Radiographic data was available for 70% of the patients. There were no significant differences in the rate of glenoid radiolucent lines (35% augmented, 40% non-augmented)or the average line grade (0.68 augmented, 0.86 non-augmented)between the two cohorts. There were no differences in humeral radiolucent line rates between the two groups. Discussion(s): At a mean follow-up of 3.5 years, few clinically relevant differences were observed between the augmented and non-augmented cohorts, despite the augment cohort being disadvantaged by posterior glenoid wear. This is likely due to the correction of the retroversion and posterior subluxation, with improved tensioning of the rotator cuff. There were no patients in which the humeral head re-subluxated posteriorly. Complication rates and radiographic outcomes were similar between the two groups. Posterior augmented glenoids are a viable option for the posteriorly worn osteoarthritic glenoid; however, longer follow-up is necessary to determine how these early results hold up over time.

BACKGROUND:The results of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in younger patients have not been clearly elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare early outcomes after TSA in patients aged 55 years or younger versus patients older than 55 years. METHODS:A total of 1135 patients who were treated with TSA for glenohumeral arthritis and had a mean follow-up period of over 4 years were retrospectively reviewed. Etiologies included osteoarthritis (n = 1044), osteonecrosis (n = 35), inflammatory arthritis (n = 34), and post-traumatic arthritis (n = 22). Validated outcome measures, range of motion, and patient satisfaction were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative metrics were compared, and a multivariate analysis was performed to isolate age from sex, body mass index, previous surgery, and diagnosis as independent factors. RESULTS:Female patients, patients with a history of surgery, and patients with a diagnosis of osteonecrosis were more likely to undergo TSA when aged 55 years or younger. Both age groups showed similar preoperative range of motion and showed no differences in recorded outcome scores. Postoperatively, patients older than 55 years had slightly greater active abduction (P = .004) and internal rotation (P = .030). A higher percentage of patients older than 55 years rated their outcome as better or much better compared with those aged 55 years or younger (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS:Female sex, a history of surgery, and a diagnosis of osteonecrosis were associated with undergoing TSA when aged 55 years or younger. Despite similar preoperative function and minor differences in postoperative range of motion and outcome scores, patients aged 55 years or younger reported lower overall satisfaction with their TSA.

Hypothesis/UNASSIGNED:Among patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty (SA), female patients would have worse outcomes than their male counterparts. Methods/UNASSIGNED:A multicenter prospective cohort of 2364 patients (1365 female and 999 male patients) treated with total SA or reverse total SA from 2007 to 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. Results were assessed using several validated outcome measures and range-of-motion testing. A multivariable analysis identified differences in preoperative values, postoperative values, and preoperative-to-postoperative improvements while adjusting for possible confounders. Results/UNASSIGNED:< .01). Conclusion/UNASSIGNED:This study found that female patients undergo SA at an older age and begin with worse shoulder range of motion and outcome scores than male patients. Although women experienced a greater improvement postoperatively in outcome scores and range of motion, this improvement did not reach the minimal clinically important difference. These findings suggest that male and female patients can expect similar improvements in function after undergoing SA; however, the incidence of complications may vary depending on sex.

AIMS/OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preoperative bisphosphonate treatment on the intra- and postoperative outcomes of arthroplasty of the shoulder. The hypothesis was that previous bisphosphonate treatment would adversely affect both intra- and postoperative outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS/METHODS:group, there were 52 female and six male patients, with a mean age of 72.1 years (53 to 88). RESULTS:Previous treatment with bisphosphonates was positively associated with intraoperative complications (fracture; odds ratio (OR) 39.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.42 to 6305.70) and one-year postoperative complications (OR 7.83, 95% CI 1.11 to 128.82), but did not achieve statistical significance for complications two years postoperatively (OR 3.45, 95% CI 0.65 to 25.28). The power was 63% for complications at one year. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Patients who are treated with bisphosphonates during the three-year period before shoulder arthroplasty have a greater risk of intraoperative and one-year postoperative complications compared with those without this previous treatment.

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:To evaluate tuberosity union rate and clinical outcome after 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures in the elderly. DESIGN/METHODS:Retrospective, multicenter database cohort study. SETTING/METHODS:Level I and Level II trauma centers. PATIENTS/METHODS:Fifty-five patients older than 65 years had insertion of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) for OTA/AO 11-B and 11-C proximal humerus fractures. INTERVENTION/METHODS:Treatment with RTSA using a dedicated low profile onlay fracture stem using variable tuberosity fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES/METHODS:Constant score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index score, University of California at Los Angeles score, Simple Shoulder Test score, visual analog pain score, shoulder function score, active range of motion, external rotation (ER)-specific tasks and position, rate of greater tuberosity healing, effect of tuberosity healing on overall clinical metrics, incidence of humeral lucency, and scapular notching. RESULTS:Eighty-three percent of the greater tuberosities that were repaired united. Greater tuberosity union resulted in greater active ER (P = 0.0415). There was a statistically significant difference in the ability to do ER-type activities between the 2 cohorts reflected in the ability to position one's hand behind their head with the elbow forward (P = 0.002) and comb their hair (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The use of a low profile onlay fracture stem in RTSA for acute 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures in the elderly can result in a high tuberosity union rate. Greater tuberosity healing significantly influences ER and ER-type activities that are not apparent by analysis of the overall metrics studied. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Although total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is generally associated with good to excellent outcomes in most patients, the integrity and function of the subscapularis tendon (SSC) is of paramount importance because SSC rupture after TSA can lead to inferior outcomes. Therefore, the efficacy of a SSC-sparing TSA procedure was evaluated through a prospective, double-blinded, randomized study. Patients with end-stage osteoarthritis of the shoulder were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 patients were treated with TSA in which the prosthesis was inserted entirely through the rotator interval without violating the SSC tendon (SPARING). Group 2 patients were treated with TSA using the SSC tenotomy approach (STANDARD). Both the patients and the evaluators remained blinded to the surgical approach throughout the study. Outcome data collected included the visual analog scale score for pain and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons outcome score. Complete 2-year outcome data were collected from 32 SPARING and 38 STANDARD patients at a mean follow-up of 31.1 and 33.4 months, respectively. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and visual analog scale scores improved significantly for both groups. Differences between groups did not reach statistical significance. Complication profiles were similar for the 2 groups, with 3 patients in the SPARING group and 2 patients in the STANDARD group requiring revision surgery during the study. At short-term follow-up, the outcome of TSA using the SSC-sparing surgical approach was similar to the outcome of TSA using the standard approach. Studies with longer follow-up are required to document the potential benefits of this surgical technique. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(1):e61-e67.].

Glenohumeral arthritis has become increasingly prevalent. For patients with glenohumeral arthritis and an intact rotator cuff, an anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has been shown to provide substantial pain relief with consistent, reproducible results. The primary indication is intractable pain that has not responded to nonoperative treatment, resulting in a substantial negative impact on the quality of life of the patient. Other indications for anatomic TSA include posttraumatic glenohumeral arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and humeral head osteonecrosis. Contraindications include active infection, deltoid insufficiency, severe glenoid bone deficiency, and excessive glenohumeral posterior subluxation or laxity that cannot be surgically corrected. In order to provide the stability necessary to withstand the forces that impact the glenoid, the implant used in TSA should replicate the native anatomy of the individual patient by using a combination of implant modularity with different humeral neck angles and glenoid version augments, as well as dual eccentricity of the neck and head implant. The major steps in TSA include (1) preoperative planning, (2) patient positioning and setup, (3) surgical exposure, (4) accessing the glenohumeral joint, (5) preparation of the humerus, (6) exposure and preparation of the glenoid with component insertion, (7) humeral component insertion and trial reduction, (8) subscapularis reattachment and closure, and (9) postoperative immobilization and rehabilitation. The expected outcomes of TSA include improved quality of life (as indicated by improved outcome and patient satisfaction scores), shoulder active range of motion, and strength. In a large study examining outcomes of TSA in patients >55 years old, Patel et al.¹ reported improved American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (48.3 ± 23.0), Constant (33.1 ± 16.7), and University of California Los Angeles (16.7 ± 6.3) shoulder scores, as well as improved active range of motion in active abduction (42° ± 41°), forward flexion (46° ± 40°), external rotation (33° ± 23°), and internal rotation (2.2° ± 1.8°) and decreased visual analog scale scores (-5.1 ± 2.9). Another study² showed increased maximal weight improvement of 7.7 ± 4.0 lbs (3.5 ± 1.8 kg).