Search

Background: Rotator cuff tears are a common shoulder injury that significantly impacts patients' daily lives and work abilities. Although surgical treatment methods for rotator cuff tears have been continuously improved with advances in medical technology, postoperative rehabilitation remains challenging. Therefore, finding effective rehabilitation treatments is crucial for improving patient prognosis and enhancing quality of life. This study will aim to systematically evaluate the impact of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on postoperative rehabilitation of rotator cuff tears, comprehensively assessing the efficacy and safety of LIPUS in postoperative recovery. Methods: This protocol will search multiple databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials related to LIPUS for postoperative rehabilitation of rotator cuff tears. The search will encompass literature published from the inception of the databases up to April 2024. Methodological quality assessment and data extraction will be conducted using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis will be performed on appropriate studies using either random-effects or fixed-effects models, and subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore potential heterogeneity. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria will be included in the analysis. All analyses will be performed using Stata version 16.0. Results: The incidence of rotator cuff tear rates will be assessed by imaging techniques such as MRI or ultrasound. Pain intensity will be scored using standardized pain assessment scales, such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Improved range of motion (ROM) in shoulder flexion, abduction, and rotation. Functional outcomes will be evaluated using effective measures such as Constant-Murley scores (CMS) and shoulder joint scores by American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES). Adverse events associated with LIPUS therapy, including skin irritation, increased pain, or any other complications. Subgroup analysis will also be carried out if possible. Discussion and conclusion: Following the meta-analysis, we will assess the overall effect of LIPUS on postoperative rehabilitation of rotator cuff tears, and further explore its impact on aspects such as pain relief, functional improvement, and postoperative complications. It is anticipated that this study will provide comprehensive evidence regarding the role of LIPUS in postoperative rehabilitation of rotator cuff tears, guiding clinical practice and future research. The resultant manuscript will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Protocol registration number: CRD42024530798. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Bankart lesion is one of the most common lesions of the glenohumeral joint. Several double‐row suture methods were reported for Bankart repair, which could provide more stability, yet more motion limitation and complications. Therefore, we introduced a new double‐row Bankart repair technique, key point double‐row suture which used one anchor in the medial line. The purpose of this article is to investigate the clinical outcomes of this new method and to compare it with single‐row suture. Methods: Seventy‐eight patients receiving key point double‐row suture or single‐row suture from October 2010 to June 2014 were collected retrospectively. The basic information including gender, age, dominant arm, and number of episodes of instability was collected. Before surgery, the glenoid bone loss was measured from the CT scan. The visual analogue scale, American shoulder and elbow surgeons, the University of California at Los Angeles shoulder scale, and subjective shoulder value were valued before surgery and at the last follow‐up. Results: Forty‐four patients (24 patients receiving single‐row suture and 20 patients receiving key point double‐row suture) were followed up successfully. The follow‐up period was 9.2 ± 1.1 years (range, 7.8–11.4 years). At the last follow‐up, no significant differences were detected for any of the clinical scores. The recurrence rate was 12.5% for the single‐row group and 10% for the double‐row group, respectively (p = 0.795) 14 patients (31.8%) in the single‐row group and nine patients (26.5%) in the double‐row group were tested for active range of motion. A statistically significant difference was found only for the internal rotation at 90° abduction (48.9° for single‐row and 76.7° for key point double‐row, p = 0.033). Conclusion: The key point double‐row sutures for Bankart lesions could achieve similar long‐term outcomes compared with single‐row suture, and one medial anchor did not result in a limited range of motion. The low recurrence rate and previous biomechanical results also indicate the key point double‐row suture is a reliable method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowledge of acromioclavicular (AC) joint kinematics and distance may provide insight into the biomechanical function and development of new treatment methods. However, accurate data on in vivo AC kinematics and distance between the clavicle and acromion remain unknown. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to investigate 3-dimensional AC kinematics and distance during arm elevation in abduction, scaption, and forward flexion in a healthy population. It was hypothesized that AC kinematics and distance would vary with the elevation angle and plane of the arm. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 19 shoulders of healthy participants were enrolled. AC kinematics and distance were investigated with a combined dual fluoroscopic imaging system and computed tomography. Rotation and translation of the AC joint were calculated. The AC distance was measured as the minimum distance between the medial border of the acromion and the articular surface of the distal clavicle (ASDC). The minimum distance point (MDP) ratio was defined as the length between the MDP and the posterior edge of the ASDC divided by the anterior-posterior length of the ASDC. AC kinematics and distance between different elevation planes and angles were compared. Results: Progressive internal rotation, upward rotation, and posterior tilt of the AC joint were observed in all elevation planes. The scapula rotated more upward relative to the clavicle in abduction than in scaption (P =.002) and flexion (P =.005). The arm elevation angle significantly affected translation of the AC joint. The acromion translated more laterally and more posteriorly in scaption than in abduction (P <.001). The AC distance decreased from the initial position to 75° in all planes and was significantly greater in flexion (P <.001). The MDP ratio significantly increased with the elevation angle (P <.001). Conclusion: Progressive rotation and significant translation of the AC joint were observed in different elevation planes. The AC distance decreased with the elevation angle from the initial position to 75°. The minimum distance between the ASDC and the medial border of the acromion moved anteriorly as the shoulder elevation angle increased. Clinical Relevance: These results could serve as benchmark data for future studies aiming to improve the surgical treatment of AC joint abnormalities to restore optimal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biocomposite anchors have been a popular choice for use in coracoid transfer procedures for shoulder instability and are hypothesized to allow bone ingrowth. Purpose: To quantitatively evaluate the osteointegration of 85% PLLA/15% β-TCP biocomposite anchors used in the coracoid transfer procedure for shoulder instability. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We performed a retrospective case series of abstracted data from the records of 74 patients who underwent coracoid transfer procedures with biocomposite anchors. Computed tomography was performed at 24 months postoperatively. A total of 4 researchers independently reviewed the computed tomography images. The density (in Hounsfield unit [HU] values) of the anchor tunnels, glenoid, and subscapularis was assessed, and osteointegration of the anchor tunnels was evaluated with HU values, the quantitative ossification quality score (QOQS), and tunnel widening. Results: Included were 74 patients (58 male, 16 female), involving 76 shoulders and 124 biocomposite anchors. At ≥24-month follow-up, 72 of 124 (58.06%) anchor tunnels were classified as QOQS type 1, including 12 completely ossified tunnels and 60 almost completely ossified tunnels. Some degree of ossification (QOQS types 1-3) was observed in 118 (95.16%) anchor tunnels. Overall, 3 anchor tunnels were enlarged (QOQS type 5). The mean HU value of the anchor tunnels was 339.75, which was significantly higher than the preoperative HU value of the glenoid vault (262.19). Among the 124 anchor tunnels, 79 had HU values higher than their glenoid HU values, and 45 had lower HU values than their glenoid HU values. In the comparison of tunnel HU values at 12 versus ≥24 months, the HU value at ≥24 months was significantly higher. A total of 20 anchor tunnels widened. Conclusion: Among 124 anchor tunnels, 95.16% showed ossification, 58.06% were completely or nearly completely ossified, and 3 were enlarged. The HU value of the anchor tunnel increased over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some studies have advocated the use of suture button fixation during Bristow-Latarjet surgery to reduce complications associated with screw fixation. However, data comparing these fixation methods are relatively incomplete. Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of modified arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet surgery and compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes using screw versus suture button fixation. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We evaluated 136 patients with traumatic anterior shoulder instability who underwent the modified arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet surgery between June 2015 and February 2018. Of these patients, 117 who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled at a mean follow-up of 3.3 ± 0.7 years. Shoulders were separated into 2 groups based on fixation technique: screw fixation (group A; n = 63) or suture button fixation (group B; n = 54). Computed tomography imaging findings and clinical results were assessed preoperatively; immediately after operation; and postoperatively at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and final follow-up. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of postoperative clinical scores, the level of return to sports, range of motion, graft position, or reoperation rates. Bone healing was observed in 97.4% of the cases overall (114/117), with 98.4% bone union in group A and 96.3% in group B at final follow-up. Bone absorption was more common in group A (n = 30; 47.6%) compared with group B (n = 10; 18.5%) (P =.003). There were no hardware-related complications in group B, compared with 7.9% of patients in group A (P =.034). One patient in group B had a recurrent dislocation due to an unexpected event, and there were no recurrent dislocations in group A. Conclusion: After the modified arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet procedure, both suture button and screw fixation methods demonstrated high bony healing rates and low risk of recurrence. Less coracoid graft resorption and no hardware-related complications were seen with suture button fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of nonunion after the Latarjet procedure remains high. The purpose of the present study was to investigate healing and clinical outcomes after a novel arthroscopic coracoid process transfer procedure.Methods: Sixty-three patients who underwent the arthroscopic inlay Bristow procedure combined with Bankart repair were identified, and 51 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. The key feature of this technique was that the coracoid process was trimmed and fixed into a trough (5 to 10 mm deep) in the glenoid neck with a metal screw. Bone graft union and positioning accuracy were assessed with use of postoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging. Clinical examinations, return to sport, and functional scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] and Rowe scores) were recorded.Results: The mean duration of follow-up (and standard deviation) was 41.5 ± 7.7 months (range, 36 to 48 months). Postoperative CT scans showed that the position of coracoid graft was at 4:10 (from 3:50 to 5:00) (referencing the right shoulder) in the sagittal view. The α angle was 16.4° ± 9.5°, with 4 (7.8%) of 51 screws being over-angulated (α > 25°). On the axial view, the graft position was considered to be flush in 33 patients (64.7%), medial in 11 (21.6%), congruent in 7 (13.7%), and lateral or too medial in none. At 1 year, the coracoid graft had healed in 49 patients (96.1%) and had failed to unite in 2 patients. CT scanning, performed for 47 patients, showed grade-0 osteolysis in 9 patients, grade-1 osteolysis in 21 patients, and grade-2 osteolysis in 17 patients. At the time of the latest follow-up, there was a significant increase in the Rowe score (from 35.5 ± 8.3 to 95.7 ± 7.2) and the ASES score (from 71.2 ± 9.7 to 91.5 ± 4.4), and 87.0% of patients were able to return to sport. No arthropathy was observed in any patient.Conclusions: After a minimum 3-year follow-up, the arthroscopic inlay Bristow procedure resulted in a high rate of graft healing, excellent clinical outcomes, and a high rate of return to sports.Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coracoid graft positioning, fixation, and bone union are key factors affecting the clinical outcomes of Bristow and Latarjet procedures. We developed an arthroscopic "inlay" Bristow procedure based on the "mortise-tenon" joint structure concept using suture button fixation to achieve more stable fixation and better bone union of the graft. Purpose: To evaluate the positioning of the coracoid graft, bone union rate, and clinical outcomes of this arthroscopic inlay Bristow procedure with suture button fixation. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 62 patients who received the arthroscopic inlay Bristow procedure with suture button fixation between June 2015 to June 2016 were eligible for inclusion, and 56 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Radiological assessment on 3-dimensional computed tomography scan was performed preoperatively, immediately after the operation, and postoperatively at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and the final follow-up. Pre- and postoperative clinical results were also assessed. Results: A total of 56 patients were included in this study. The mean ± SD follow-up time was 36.1 ± 3.7 months. Coracoid grafts (middle point) were positioned at 4 o'clock (range, 123.8°± 12.3°) in the sagittal view. In the axial view, 94.6% (53/56) of the graft positioning was measured as flush and 5.4% (3/56) as medial. Neither lateral nor too medial positioning was noted. The bone union rate was 96.4% at final follow-up. The mean visual analog scale score for pain during motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Rowe score all improved significantly after surgery—from 4.8 ± 2.6 to 1.1 ± 1.0, 69.2 ± 12.5 to 92.5 ± 7.0, and 33.5 ± 12.1 to 96.0 ± 4.9 at last follow-up, respectively. Almost all patients (98%; 55/56) returned to sports within 1 year after surgery at the same or higher level as compared with their preinjury performance. The mean subjective value for sports participation was 90.3% ± 7.1% (range, 70%-100%) as compared with the normal shoulder. The overall complication rate was 3.6%. No degenerative changes were noted in any patients. Conclusion: This study reported the first series of an inlay Bristow procedure with suture button fixation for recurrent shoulder dislocation, providing a satisfactory union rate and excellent graft positioning with a low complication rate. The mortise-tenon joint structure can provide excellent graft fixation and healing, while using suture button fixation instead of screw fixation could reduce osteolysis and complications related to hardware implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rate of nonunion observed among the variety of Bristow-Latarjet procedures reportedly ranges from 9.4% to 28%1. In Chinese timber buildings, the mortise-tenon joint is commonly utilized to connect beams to columns. Drawing inspirations from this concept, we created a bone trough in the glenoid neck to serve as a mortise and trimmed the coracoid graft to serve as a tenon, then fixed this mortise-tenon joint with a metal screw. Compared with a standard Bristow-Latarjet procedure, the key feature of this technique was that the coracoid process was placed into a trough (5 to 10 mm deep) in the glenoid neck, which substantially increased the bone contact area between the graft and glenoid neck. We called this surgical technique the Chinese unique inlay Bristow (Cuistow). Description: Specific instruments have been designed to improve the safety and accuracy of the arthroscopic inlay Bristow procedure (Weigao, Shangdong, China). The posterior portal (A), superolateral portal (B), and 3 anterior portals (i.e., proximal [C], inferolateral [D], and inferomedial [E]) were utilized. General anesthesia and an interscalene block were administered with the patient in the beach-chair position. The surgical technique can be divided into 6 steps: (1) evaluation of the shoulder joint; (2) coracoid preparation, drilling, and osteotomy; (3) subscapularis splitting and labrum detachment; (4) glenoid preparation and drilling; (5) coracoid retrieval, trimming, transfer, and fixation; and (6) Bankart repair. Alternatives: Soft-tissue capsulolabral repairs or bone reconstruction procedures are commonly performed for the treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability2. The arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet procedure is increasingly popular for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with a substantial osseous defect of the glenoid3. Defects that are too large to be restored with the coracoid process can be treated with use of the Eden-Hybbinette procedure or a distal tibial allograft4,5. Rationale: This procedure was inspired by the structure of mortise-tenon joints, resulting in a modified version of the Bristow-Latarjet technique in which the coracoid process is trimmed and placed into a trough (5 to 10 mm deep) in the glenoid neck. This procedure substantially increases the contact area between the fresh bone surface and the coracoid and glenoid neck. Another important advantage of this technique is that it can facilitate accurate positioning of the coracoid on the glenoid. This procedure resulted in a high rate of graft healing, excellent functional outcomes (Rowe and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder scores), and a high rate of return to sport6. Currently, indications of this procedure are (1) participation in high-demand sports (i.e., collision and overhead) combined with the presence of a glenoid defect involving <25% of the glenoid, or (2) any glenoid defect involving 10% to 25% of the glenoid. Expected Outcomes: Increased bone-contact area and accurate positioning of the graft helped to facilitate osseous union, with a union rate of 96.1% at 12 months postoperatively. The clinical outcomes were excellent, with a high rate of return to sport (87%) at a minimum of 3 years of follow-up6. Important Tips: When the coracoid is retrieved through portal D (the inferolateral portal), there is a risk of stretching the musculocutaneous nerve. Trimming the coracoid graft could lead to stretching of the graft and the surrounding soft tissue, resulting in overstretching of the musculocutaneous nerve. To minimize the risk of musculocutaneous nerve injury, (1) the graft should be gently retrieved through portal D, (2) the graft should be trimmed with caution without overstretching it and surrounding soft tissue, and (3) a cannula should be utilized when driving the screw to fix the graft in order to avoid the surrounding soft tissue. Acronyms & Abbreviations: RHD = right-hand dominant MRA = magnetic resonance angiography 3D-CT = 3-dimensional computed tomography PDS = polydioxanone suture MCN = musculocutaneous nerve [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the accuracy of preoperative 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interpreted with standardized procedure for diagnosing subscapularis (SSC) tears identified by arthroscopy. The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for different types of SSC lesions was also evaluated.Methods: Two-hundred and seventy-two consecutive patients with rotator cuff tears identified by arthroscopy were included into this study. All patients had preoperative MRI scans with 1.5 T strength. Totally, seven different signs of SSC tears were evaluated on MRI scans. The diagnostic value of MRI was evaluated, respectively, according to two classifications of SSC lesions. The definitive diagnosis for SSC lesions was based on the arthroscopic findings.Results: Among the 272 patients in this study, 107 (39 %) had SSC tears confirmed by arthroscopy. The surgeons correctly diagnosed 88 of 107 patients with SSC tears. The overall sensitivity was 82.2 %. The sensitivity of MRI for types I, II, III, IV and V was 70, 82.4, 96, 100 and 100 %, respectively, based on the classification by Lafosse. The sensitivity of MRI for partial-thickness and partial-width, full-thickness and partial-width, full-thickness and full-width tear was 75.3, 96.2, 100 %, respectively, according to the classification by Kim.Conclusions: The sensitivity of MRI in predicting SSC tears preoperatively was improved with the current procedure. Understanding of certain MRI characteristics of SSC tears could increase the accuracy for diagnosing SSC lesions. 1.5 T MRI of the SSC was not reliable for predicting partial thickness and especially less than 1/3 width tears.Level Of Evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There have been few studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the clinical outcomes and structural results after arthroscopic repair of bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs). Methods From 2009 to 2012, 73 consecutive patients with bursal-side PTRCTs underwent arthroscopic repair. Fifty-nine of them were retrospectively evaluated as Ellman classification grade 2 (group A, n = 11) or grade 3 (group B, n = 48). All repairs were performed with a technique that preserved the intact articular fibers and repaired the avulsed bursal flap. The University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA) score and Constant score were assessed before the operation and at the final follow-up. Postoperative cuff integrity was determined with MRI following Sugaya's classification. Results At the 2-year follow-up, the average UCLA score increased from 17.3 ± 3.7 to 33.3 ± 2.2, and the Constant score increased from 65.3 ± 12.9 to 93.9 ± 5.1 ( P < .001). Forty-nine patients received follow-up MRI examinations at an average of 10.3 months after surgery. Of these 49 patients, 41 patients (83.7%) had a healed tendon and 8 patients had partial tears. Neither the clinical scores nor the retear rates on follow-up MRI were significantly different between the 2 groups. Conclusions Arthroscopic repair of bursal-side PTRCTs achieved good functional and structural outcomes at a minimum of 2 years after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]