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Advancements in rotator cuff tear repair have led to innovative techniques for complex cases. In this article, we introduce the “shoe shop” lacing technique, a knotless, side-to-side, and tendon-to-bone suture method augmented with the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) for anterior margin–deficient massive rotator cuff tears. This approach offers simplicity, durability, and potential advantages in biomechanics. The LHBT integration and knotless sutures make it a promising solution for challenging tear patterns. This technique provides an attractive option for arthroscopic repair, improving outcomes in cases where anterior cable reinforcement is essential.

The Trillat procedure has been described for the management of shoulder instability in younger patients but also for shoulder instability in older patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears. We describe an all-arthroscopic technique using screw fixation. This technique allows for safe dissection, clearance and osteotomy of the coracoid, and direct visualization during screw tensioning and fixation to minimize the risk of subscapularis impingement. We outline our stepwise approach to medialize and distalize the coracoid process using arthroscopic screw fixation and present pearls to avoid fracture through the superior bone bridge.

Background: The posterior subluxation and glenoid version in Walch B2 glenoids are routinely assessed by 2-dimensional (2D) computed tomography (CT). Different methods of calculation are used to analyze these parameters. Alternatively, the rising use of 3-dimensional (3D) planification tools in arthroplasty requires the clarification if the 3D measurements are equivalent to 2D. The aim of this study was to compare B2 glenoids characteristics between 2D CT assessment method and 3D automated software method. Methods: CT scans from patients who underwent a shoulder arthroplasty were identified. In the 2D method, measurement of glenoid version was determined. Measurement of the humeral head subluxation (HHS) (scapula axis method) was determined by the percentage of the humeral head posterior to the Friedman line (scapula axis). Three-dimensional analysis allowed an automated segmentation of the humerus and scapula, definition of scapular planes, and determination of glenoid version and HHS. Results: Fifty-one CT scans met inclusion criteria. The intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the 2D retroversion (RV) and 2D HHS intraclass correlation coefficient was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient>0.9).The median RV was 16° [12-20] in 2D and 19° [16-23] in 3D (P

Background: Despite the success of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), complication rates remain high (13% to 25%), due to instability, infection, and glenoid component loosening, which can lead to revision. The aim of the present study was to report the early clinical outcomes of RSA using a new hybrid baseplate design, in comparison with the literature on other common RSA baseplates. Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed the records of 142 patients (142 shoulders) who underwent primary RSA using a hybrid baseplate design by the senior surgeons between May 2014 and December 2018. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included the Constant score (CS) and range of motion, including active forward elevation, external rotation, and internal rotation. Results: Of the initial cohort of 142 patients, 13 were lost to follow-up (8.6%), 2 died (1.3%), and 8 required reoperations with implant removal (5.3%). The remaining 119 patients comprised 71 women (60%) and 48 men (40%), aged 73.6 ± 7.3 years at index surgery, 43 of whom required bony increased offset (36%). At a minimum follow-up of 2 years, the CS improved by 37.3 ± 16.1, active forward elevation increased by 51.2° ± 38.1°, external rotation increased by 16.4° ± 25.0°, and internal rotation increased by 1.5 ± 3.2. Conclusion: At a minimum follow-up of 2 years after RSA using a new hybrid baseplate system, the CS and range of motion were satisfactory and comparable to those in recent systematic reviews. The findings of this study suggest that this hybrid baseplate system provides satisfactory outcomes in the short term, although longer follow-up studies are needed to validate its long-term efficacy.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to investigate a radiographic sign found on coronal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences in subscapularis (SSC) pathology, reporting interobserver reliability data and sensitivity and specificity; and to correlate the preoperative assessment of SSC pathology with intraoperative assessment of the SSc during shoulder arthroscopy. Methods: A consecutive series of patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from January 2020 to December 2020 were examined. The positive diagnosis of a subscapularis tendon tear was prospectively determined and confirmed by arthroscopy. The “digitation sign” was assessed by 3 independent shoulder-trained fellows when evaluating the SSC in the coronal plane on T2-weighted images. Results: Of the 132 patients included, 74 (56%) had SSC tendon tears confirmed during arthroscopy. Interobserver agreement for digitation sign was substantial (k= 0.640). Sensitivity for digitation sign only was 74.3%; for criteria of Adams et al. (Accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in predicting a subscapularis tendon tear based on arthroscopy; Arthroscopy 2010;26:1427-1433) only, 83.8%; and for the combination of the 2 methods, 89.2%. Specificity was 84.5% for digitation sign only, 77.6% for Adams et al. criteria only, and 67.2% for the combination of the 2 methods. Sensitivity is statistically better when the digitation sign is added to the Adams et al. criteria for detection of SSC lesions. As expected, specificity is statistically lower. SSC tears are significantly associated with biceps lesions. Conclusion: Preoperative systematic MRI evaluation by shoulder surgeons can diagnose subscapularis lesions by using the digitation sign in the coronal plane along with Adams et al. criteria, leading to good sensitivity. This easy-to-apply sign can be helpful in the initial MRI evaluation in the coronal plane, with improved sensitivity when combined with a systematic approach. Level of Evidence: II, study of diagnostic test.

Contemporary arthroscopic double-row suture anchor rotator cuff repairs have superior biomechanics compared with prior iterations. Numerous techniques have been described, but consensus regarding value has yet to be established. We describe an effective and easily reproducible technique: the arthroscopic “Montgolfier double-row” repair technique. This knotless construct has an evenly distributed, load-sharing, radially oriented suture limb configuration much like the envelope cables of a Montgolfier hot-air balloon, its namesake. Other advantages include the ability to apply manual, progressive and calculated tension on each suture limb and easy intraoperative modification depending on tear size, shape, and delamination, as well as tissue tension and quality. Future studies are needed to validate the biomechanics and clinical outcomes of this technique.

Disorders of the long head biceps tendon are among the most challenging of shoulder problems to diagnose and manage. In this Technical Note, we introduce an arthroscopic technique for proximal biceps tenodesis high in the groove at the articular margin of the humeral head using a single anchor and 2 self-cinching loops followed by 5 alternating half-hitches to secure the construct. This method is simple and enables stable fixation of the biceps tendon.

The “hidden lesion” refers to a tear of the subscapularis in the presence of an intact biceps pulley or rotator interval. Visualization of these tears during open surgery is difficult, yet even with the advancement of arthroscopy, visualization can still be challenging. Incomplete visualization of the subscapularis could lead to failure to diagnose a tear of the tendon and subsequently hinder results after shoulder surgery. With the advancement of arthroscopy, a technique to identify these hidden lesions is needed to avoid inferior results. We describe an arthroscopic technique to visualize, diagnosis, and repair these tears when clinically indicated. Implementing this technique in the setting of suspected subscapularis tendon injury can provide complete visualization of the tendon insertion.

Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection has become an increasingly popular procedure in orthopaedics, and various techniques have been published. Many of the arthroscopic distal clavicle resection techniques that have been reported require visualization from the lateral portal with an anterior working portal to perform the resection. While these techniques have reported high success rates, there is often difficulty in viewing the entire acromioclavicular joint from the 2 standard arthroscopic portals (lateral and anterior). This is due to the medial edge of the acromion blocking the ability to visualize the most superior and posterior portions of the distal clavicle. We propose a technique for arthroscopic distal clavicle resection using an accessory anterior portal.

The comma sign was described as an arthroscopic landmark to identify the torn subscapularis stump to mobilize and repair the tendon in anterosuperior rotator cuff tears. It was hypothesized that it is composed of the humeral attachments of the superior glenohumeral and coracohumeral ligaments. This arthroscopic finding has since become accepted orthopaedic nomenclature pathognomonic for subscapularis tears and a key component of subscapularis tear classification. We propose an alternative theory of the pathoanatomy of the comma sign in anterosuperior rotator cuff tears and present the technique of comma sign–directed repairs of combined subscapularis and supraspinatus lesions. After appropriate releases, tendon-to-tendon repair of the distal-superior aspect of the comma sign to the upper border of the remnant subscapularis results in anatomic re-creation of the intra-articular portion of the torn subscapularis with concomitant reduction of the anterior leading edge of the supraspinatus and reconstitution of the rotator cable complex. A tension-free, single-anchor subscapularis repair is then performed to secure the tendon to the lesser tuberosity. After subscapularis repair, the supraspinatus that was previously retracted to the glenoid rim takes the appearance of a crescent-type tear that is easily approximated to its anatomic insertion.