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Background: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has been well-described as a surgical solution to manage rotator cuff tear arthropathy in elderly, low demand paitents. As experience has increased along with improvements in technique and implant design, RTSA has become increasingly used to manage more varied pathologic conditions of the shoulder in younger, more active patients. This study evaluates outcomes in a consecutive series of patients aged 60 years old and younger after undergoing RTSA. Methods: There were 94 shoulders in 89 patients enrolled. Mean age of the cohort was 54.8 (range 18-60 years). Surgical indications included rotator cuff tear arthropathy, irreparable rotator cuff tear without arthritis, glenohumeral arthritis with erosive glenoid deformity, inflammatory arthropathy, proximal humerus fracture nonunion/malunion and failed prior shoulder arthroplasty. Sixty-one shoulders (70%) had undergone at least one prior surgery. Of these, 6 shoulders (6% of total cohort) had a prior failed arthroplasty. Clinical outcomes (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder index; visual analog scale pain), radiographic outcomes and complications were analyzed and assessed for correlation with patient demographic factors. Results: The mean follow-up for this cohort was 4.9 years (range 2-12 years). Subjects experienced improvements in ASES score and pain (P

Background: Evidence is building that a functional subscapularis improves function—specifically internal rotation tasks—following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). However, the optimal method for subscapularis repair during rTSA remains unknown with variable healing rates reported. This study aims to investigate the rate of and predictors for healing a lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO) following rTSA. Methods: Following local institutional review board approval, patients with at least one-year follow-up for rTSA managed with an LTO and subsequent repair between March, 2017 and March, 2020 were retrospectively identified. Shoulders were selected for LTO repair based upon preoperative imaging and intraoperative assessment of subscapularis quality. All patients were implanted with a system consisting of a 150° or 155° (constrained) humeral neck-shaft angle and 2.5 to 4.5 millimeters (mm) of glenoid lateralization (Trabecular Metal Reverse Shoulder System; Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA). At a minimum of six months, radiographs were reviewed for an assessment of LTO healing by three independent reviewers. Healing was classified as displaced, fibrous union, or ossified union. For assessing predictors, the repair was considered intact if the LTO fragment was not displaced (fibrous union or ossified union). Results: Sixty-five rTSA with LTO repair were performed in 64 patients. These patients had an average age of 67.2 years (range, 31-81) and 36 (55.4%; 36/65) were female. At an average follow-up of 15.2 months (range, 8-38), 50 cases (76.9%; 50/65) were classified as having an ossified union. The radiographic healing could not be assessed in a single case. Of the 14 cases without ossific union, 8 (12.3%; 8/65) were displaced and 6 (9.2%; 6/65) were classified as a fibrous union. In logistic regression, only combined humeral liner height predicted LTO displacement (odds ratio = 1.4 [95% confidence interval = 1.1-1.8]; P = .01). Humeral loosening was not found in any cases following LTO. Conclusion: This analysis demonstrates that radiographic healing of LTO repair is more favorable than published rates of healing after subscapularis tenotomy or peel in the setting of rTSA. Subscapularis management with LTO provides the ability to monitor repair integrity with plain radiographs and a predictable radiographic healing rate. The integrity of subscapularis repair may be influenced by the use of thicker humeral liners. Further investigation is needed to determine the functional impact of a healed subscapularis following rTSA.

Background: Prior US studies have shown increasing rotator cuff repair rates through 2009. We hypothesize that rotator cuff repair rates are continuing to increase and the comorbidity profiles of patients are becoming more complex over time. Methods: We identified rotator cuff repairs in a large US cohort of people 18-64 years of age with ≥1 year of commercial insurance coverage. Repair rate trends across time were standardized by age, sex, and geographic region. Procedures were categorized as inpatient vs. outpatient and as arthroscopic vs. open. Prevalent comorbidities were defined as 1 inpatient diagnosis claim or 2 outpatient diagnosis claims during the year before rotator cuff repair. General population comorbidity prevalence was determined based on a random 5% sample of the commercially insured population and compared with patients with rotator cuff repair using standardized morbidity ratios. Results: From 2007 to 2016, 314,239 rotator cuff repairs were identified (165 repairs per 100,000 person-years). Rotator cuff repairs were performed more frequently in men, older people, and in the Midwest. Across time, cuff repair rates increased by 1.6% per year (95% confidence interval [CI] = +1.4%-1.7%) adjusting for demographics. The highest increases in repair rates were observed among patients aged 50-64 years (+2.0%, 95% CI = +1.8%-2.2%). Rotator cuff repairs were more frequently performed using an arthroscopic approach and in an outpatient setting in later calendar years. In 2016, 83% of rotator cuff repairs were arthroscopic procedures and 99% were performed as outpatient procedures. Comorbidity prevalence in rotator cuff repair patients increased across calendar time by 4.5% per year for hypertension (95% CI = +4.2%-4.7%), 2.3% per year for diabetes (+1.9%-2.7%), 0.9% per year for hypercholesterolemia (+0.3%-1.5%), 2.9% for congestive heart failure (+0.8%-4.9%), 4.2% for peripheral vascular disease (+2.4%-6.0%), and 4.2% for chronic pulmonary disease (+3.6%-4.8%). Comorbidity prevalence in repair patients was higher than prevalence in the general population, and prevalence relative to the general population was most heightened during later calendar years. For example, hypertension prevalence was 1.58 times higher in repair patients than the general population in 2007 (95% CI = 1.53-1.62), and 2.06 times higher in 2016 (95% CI = 2.02-2.11). Conclusion: Rotator cuff repair is becoming more frequent in the US commercially insured population, particularly in those 50-64 years of age. More rotator cuff repairs are being performed using an arthroscopic approach and in an outpatient setting. Over time, the comorbidity profile of patients undergoing rotator cuff repair is becoming more complex with greater prevalence of numerous conditions, including hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and chronic pulmonary disease.

Background: To address severe posterior subluxation associated with the Walch B2 glenoid deformity, the eccentricity of the prosthetic humeral head can be reversed, allowing the humerus to remain in a relatively posterior position while the prosthetic humeral head remains well-centered on the glenoid. This study describes the short-term outcomes after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) using this technique. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients with a B2 glenoid who underwent TSA with the prosthetic eccentric humeral head rotated anteriorly for excessive posterior subluxation noted intraoperatively. Medical records were reviewed for visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores. Final radiographs were analyzed for instability, lesser tuberosity osteotomy healing, and glenoid loosening. Results: Twenty patients were included with outcome scores at a mean of 48 months. Mean VAS (P

Background: Cutibacterium acnes is the most commonly isolated organism involved in periprosthetic shoulder infections. C acnes has traditionally been difficult to isolate, and much debate exists over appropriate culture methods. Recently, our institution initiated a 10-day culture method using a Brucella blood agar medium to enhance anaerobic growth specifically for C acnes in shoulder specimens. Methods: A retrospective review of shoulder cultures from 2014-2017 of patients undergoing workup for possible infected shoulder arthroplasty was performed. Cultures were obtained in patients either preoperatively or intraoperatively at the time of revision. Presence of infection was determined based on at least 1 positive culture and treatment with either prolonged antibiotics, placement of an antibiotic spacer at the time of revision, or repeat surgical débridement. Results: The records of 85 patients with 136 cultures were reviewed. Eighty-two patients had full records with at least 1-year clinical follow-up. Fifty-eight cultures were positive, with C acnes as the most commonly recovered organism (57% of positive cultures). Clinical follow-up of patients with negative cultures found no incidence of missed periprosthetic infection. Conclusions: Use of a 10-day culture incubation method to enhance anaerobic bacterial growth is able to accurately detect periprosthetic infection in the shoulder including those related to C acnes. Our results suggest that by adopting more uniform culture methods, a shorter culture incubation time may be adequate. Ultimately, prospective studies with rigorous microbiologic methods are needed to best understand the clinical significance of unexpected positive bacterial cultures in shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: Shoulder arthroplasty, especially reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), continues to increase in volume. Limitations in internal rotation can be challenging following RSA. Current patient-reported outcome measures are limited in assessing a patient's functional internal rotation following shoulder arthroplasty. To address this limitation, a questionnaire was developed. Methods: A single-center prospective comparative cohort study was performed to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. A pilot group of patients who had at least 1 year of follow-up following shoulder arthroplasty was asked to complete the questionnaire. Reliability testing was performed using Cronbach's alpha test. Additionally, individual questions and total questionnaire scores were compared between patients who underwent anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and RSA. Results: The questionnaire showed high reliability with all questions. A group of 23 anatomic TSA and 20 RSA patients were compared. RSA patients scored significantly lower on the questionnaire (35.2 out of 50 vs. 43.9, P = .001). Conclusion: The questionnaire can be used in conjunction with other patient-reported outcome measures to help surgeons better assess patients' results following shoulder arthroplasty. The initial findings from our internal reliability study found that RSA patients had significantly lower scores and higher variability in internal rotation function vs. patients with TSA. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical importance of this questionnaire.

Introduction: In the setting of the opioid epidemic, physicians continue to scrutinize ways to minimize exposure to narcotic medications. Several studies emphasize improvements in perioperative pain management following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). However, there is a paucity of literature describing outpatient narcotic consumption requirements following TSA. Methods: A single-institution, prospective study of patients undergoing primary TSA was performed. Preoperative demographics including exposure to narcotics, smoking history, and alcohol exposure were collected. The primary outcome was measurement of total outpatient narcotic consumption 6 weeks from surgery. Narcotic consumption was verified by counting leftover pills at the final follow-up visit. Results: Overall, 50 patients were enrolled. The median narcotic consumption in the cohort was 193 morphine equivalent units (MEUs), approximately 25 (5-mg) tablets of oxycodone, and the mean consumption was 246 MEUs, approximately 32 (5-mg) tablets. Almost 25% of patients consumed fewer than 10 total tablets, with 10% of patients taking no narcotics at home. Multivariate regression found preoperative narcotic exposure associated with increased consumption of 31 MEUs (P = .004). Older age was found to be protective of narcotic consumption, with increasing age by 1 year associated with 0.75 MEU decrease in consumption (P = .04). Conclusions: Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty in general provides quick, reliable pain relief and does not require a significant amount of narcotic medication postoperatively. For most patients, it is reasonable to prescribe the equivalent of 25-30 (5-mg) oxycodone tablets following TSA.

Background Patient pain and clinical function are important factors in decision-making for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA). The correlation between radiographic severity of arthritis and demographic factors with modern patient-reported outcome measures has not yet been well defined. Methods This cross-sectional study included 256 shoulders in 246 patients presenting with isolated GHOA. All patients obtained standard radiographs and completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Shoulder Activity Scale, Visual Analog Scale, and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer adaptive tests at the time of presentation. Radiographs were graded according to the Samilson–Prieto classification. Mean pain and functional scores were compared between the radiographic grades of osteoarthritis (OA) and demographic factors. Results There were 6 shoulders rated as grade 1 OA, 41 shoulders as grade 2, 149 shoulders as grade 3a, and 65 shoulders as grade 3b. There was excellent interobserver reliability in grade of OA (κ = 0.77). There were no significant differences in patient-reported pain or any validated measure of clinical function between radiographic grades of OA ( P > .05). Males reported higher function and lower pain scores than females ( P = .001–.066), although only the values for the SST and PROMIS physical function test were clinically relevant. Discussion While gender correlated with pain and function, the clinical relevance is limited. Radiographic severity of GHOA does not correlate with patient-reported pain and function, and symptoms should remain the primary determinants of surgical decision-making. Further investigation is necessary to examine whether radiographic severity of OA influences improvement following operative intervention in this population.

The Walch B2 glenoid is characterized by a biconcave glenoid deformity, acquired glenoid retroversion, and posterior subluxation of the humeral head. Surgical reconstruction of the B2 glenoid is often challenging due to the complexity of the deformity. Bone graft augmentation using humeral head autograft is a valuable adjunct to anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty in the B2 glenoid, particularly in the young, highly active patient with severe glenoid retroversion (>25°–30°). Although this technique affords the ability to correct glenoid version and simultaneously enhances glenoid bone stock, it is technically challenging. The potential for graft-related complications also exists, which may further impact glenoid implant longevity and functional outcome. This review article aims to describe the B2 glenoid morphology, discuss the challenges in managing the B2 deformity, and provide further insight specifically regarding autografting at the time of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty for reconstruction of the B2 glenoid.

Background Radiotherapy is widely used as an effective adjunctive treatment modality in conjunction with conservative surgery for breast cancer. Radiation-induced skeletal changes in the shoulder region have been reported in 1% to 3% of patients who have undergone this treatment modality. With treatment techniques improving life expectancy, there is an increasing number of patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty surgery with a history of cancer radiation therapy. To our knowledge, there are no reports focusing on potential radiation-related pathologic fractures of the shoulder after shoulder arthroplasty. Case report We present a case of catastrophic failure of glenoid component fixation after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in a patient with previous high-dose radiation to the breast and supraclavicular areas. In this patient, failure of ingrowth of the baseplate and incorporation of the glenoid bone graft lead to eventual component loosening and subsidence. In addition, insufficiency fractures of the scapular body and base of the scapular spine occurred, complicating the clinical situation. The likely cause of these complications stems from radiation-induced impaired bone metabolism directly limiting bone remodeling potential. Conclusion This is a rare complication following RSA but highlights a concern that must be considered prior to implantation of the prosthesis that requires bone ingrowth for fixation.

The deltopectoral exposure has earned the reputation as the “workhorse” approach to the shoulder. Due to the reproducible anatomy and its extensile nature, there is little debate when considering exposure in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Despite this consensus, there is still significant variability in management of the subscapularis. Several repair techniques including a subscapularis tenotomy, peel, and lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO) have been developed to ensure healing and optimize function. This article focuses on performing a LTO in anatomic TSA. We will review the surgical technique and advantages in exposure in addition to biomechanical and clinical outcomes.

Background The Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) is a symptom state that a patient considers acceptable. No prior study has determined the PASS for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score after shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine the PASS for the ASES score, the SST score, and VAS pain for patients treated with a total shoulder arthroplasty. Methods A total of 326 patients had a primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) or primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) by 1 of 5 shoulder and elbow surgeons at 1 of 2 institutions. Each patient completed the SST, ASES score, and a VAS pain preoperatively and at a minimum of 2 years postoperative (average 3.5 years). The PASS value for the ASES score, SST, and VAS pain was calculated. Results The PASS for the ASES score, SST, and VAS pain was 76, 8.4, and 1.5, respectively. Neither hand dominance nor age had a significant effect on PASS for SST, VAS, and ASES ( P > .05). Gender had significant effect on SST and ASES scores with P -values of