Dimitri S. Tahal

The Effects of Arthroscopic Lateral Acromioplasty on the Critical Shoulder Angle and the Anterolateral Deltoid Origin: An Anatomic Cadaveric Study

PURPOSE To investigate if (1) an anterolateral acromioplasty and (2) a lateral acromion resection alter the critical shoulder angle (CSA) without affecting the deltoid origin. METHODS First, the native CSAs of 10 human cadaveric shoulders (6 male and 4 female specimens; mean age, 54.2 years) were determined with the use of fluoroscopy. Setup allowed for consistent repetitive measurements. Next, a standard arthroscopic anterolateral acromioplasty was performed to create a type 1 acromion, and the CSA was reassessed fluoroscopically. Afterward, a lateral acromioplasty was performed with a 5-mm lateral acromion resection using a 5-mm burr, and the CSA was measured again. The native CSA was compared with (1) the CSA after acromioplasty and (2) the CSA after acromioplasty and lateral acromion resection using a paired t test. Finally, the acromial deltoid attachment was evaluated anatomically for damage to the anterolateral origin. RESULTS The mean native CSA (34.3° ± 2.1°) was reduced significantly by acromioplasty (33.1° ± 2.0°, P < .001) and further reduced by lateral acromion resection (31.5° ± 1.7°, P < .001). Anterolateral acromioplasty reduced the CSA by a mean of 1.4° (95% confidence interval boundaries, 0.8° and 1.9°), and in combination with lateral acromion resection, the CSA was reduced by a mean of 2.8° (95% confidence interval boundaries, 2.1° and 3.5°). In all specimens (5 of 5) with a presurgery CSA of 35° or greater, the CSA was reduced to the range of 30° to 35° by the combination of both techniques. However, in 2 specimens with a CSA of approximately 32°, the CSA was reduced to less than 30°. The acromial deltoid attachment was found to be well preserved in all specimens. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic anterolateral acromioplasty and a 5-mm lateral acromion resection each reduced the CSA significantly and did not damage the deltoid origin. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The combination of both techniques could potentially be used in clinical practice to reduce a CSA greater than 35° to the desired range of 30° to 35°.

Anatomic and Biomechanical Comparison of the Classic and Congruent-Arc Techniques of the Latarjet Procedure

Background: The Latarjet procedure is commonly performed using either the classic or the congruent-arc technique. Each technique has potential clinical advantages and disadvantages. However, data on the anatomic and biomechanical effects, benefits, and limitations of each technique are limited. Hypothesis/Purpose: To compare the anatomy and biomechanical fixation strength (failure load) between the 2 techniques. It was hypothesized that the classic technique would have superior initial fixation when compared with the congruent-arc technique and that this would be affected by sex and coracoid size. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A biomechanical cadaver study was performed with 20 pairs of male and female shoulders. One of each pair of shoulders was randomly assigned to receive the classic or congruent-arc technique. Coracoid and glenoid anatomic measurements were collected before biomechanical testing. A tensile force was applied through the conjoined tendon to replicate forces experienced by the coracoid graft in the early postoperative period, and the failure load was determined for each specimen. Results: The mean ± SD surface area available for fixation was 263 ± 63 mm2 in the classic technique compared with 177 ± 63 mm2 in the congruent-arc group (P < .001). 36% of the glenoid width was recreated in the classic group and 50% in the congruent-arc group (P < .001). The congruent-arc technique resulted in a significantly lower (P = .005) mean failure load (239 ± 91 N) compared with the classic technique (303 ± 114 N). Failure load was significantly higher in males (P = .037); male specimens had a mean failure load of 344 ± 122 N for the classic technique and 289 ± 73 N for the congruent-arc technique, and females had a mean failure load of 266 ± 98 N and 194 ± 84 N, respectively. Conclusion: In this biomechanical model, the classic technique of the Latarjet procedure provided a greater surface area for healing to the glenoid and superior initial fixation when compared with the congruent-arc technique. The congruent-arc technique allowed restoration of a larger glenoid defect. Clinical Relevance: The classic and congruent-arc techniques of coracoid transfer have anatomic and biomechanical advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when choosing between the 2 techniques.

Improved outcomes with arthroscopic repair of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears: a systematic review

PurposeThe optimum treatment strategy for the surgical management of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCT) is evolving. In this study, two research questions were sought to be answered: “Does the repair technique for PTRCTs involving >50% of the tendon thickness have an effect on structural and functional outcomes of arthroscopic repair?” and “Is there a difference in outcomes of arthroscopically treated articular- and bursal-sided PTRCTs?”.MethodsA systematic review according to the PRISMA statement was conducted to identify all literature published reporting on outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of PTRCTs classified with the Ellman classification with minimum 2-year follow-up. Prospective randomized trials were eligible for quantitative synthesis. A total of 19 studies, published between 1999 and 2015, met the inclusion criteria of this systematic review. Two studies reporting outcomes of articular-sided PTRCTs with prospective randomized study design were included in quantitative synthesis calculations.ResultsArthroscopic repair of PTRCTs >50% thickness results in significant pain relief and good to excellent functional outcomes. When in situ repair was compared with repair of the tendon after completion to full-thickness RCT, there were no significant differences in functional or structural outcomes or complication rates. The best treatment method for low-grade PTRCTs remains unclear.ConclusionsThe repair technique (in situ repair versus repair of the tendon after completion to full-thickness RCT) did not significantly affect the outcomes for arthroscopic repair of PTRCTs >50% thickness. The current literature contains evidence for inferior outcomes and higher failure rates after arthroscopic debridement of bursal-sided compared to articular-sided PTRCTs, and some evidence suggests that repair of lower-grade bursal-sided tears may be beneficial over debridement.Level of evidenceIV.

Cost-Effectiveness of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Versus Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears in Patients With Pseudoparalysis and Nonarthritic Shoulders

PURPOSE To determine the most cost-effective treatment strategy for patients with massive rotator cuff tears and pseudoparalysis of the shoulder without osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint (PP without OA). Specifically, we aimed to compare arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) versus reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and investigate the effect of patient age on this decision. METHODS A Markov decision model was used to compare 3 treatment strategies for addressing PP without OA: (1) ARCR with option to arthroscopically revise once, (2) ARCR with immediate conversion to RTSA on potential failure, and (3) primary RTSA. Hypothetical patients were cycled through the model according to transition probabilities, meanwhile accruing financial costs, utility for time in health states, and disutilities for surgical procedures. Utilities were derived from the Short Form-6D scale and expressed as quality-adjusted life-years. Model parameters were derived from the literature and from expert opinion, and thorough sensitivity analyses were conducted. TreeAge Pro 2015 software was used to construct and assess the Markov model. RESULTS For the base-case scenario (60-year-old patient), ARCR with conversion to RTSA on potential failure was the most cost-effective strategy when we assumed equal utility for the ARCR and RTSA health states. Primary RTSA became cost-effective when the utility of RTSA exceeded that of ARCR by 0.04 quality-adjusted life-years per year. Age at decision did not substantially change this result. CONCLUSIONS Primary ARCR with conversion to RTSA on potential failure was found to be the most cost-effective strategy for PP without OA. This result was independent of age. Primary ARCR with revision ARCR on potential failure was a less cost-effective strategy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, economic and decision analysis.

Survivorship and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis Minimum 5-Year Follow-up

Background: There are little data on midterm outcomes after the arthroscopic management of glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) in young active patients. Purpose: To report outcomes and survivorship for the comprehensive arthroscopic management (CAM) procedure for the treatment of GHOA at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The CAM procedure was performed on a consecutive series of 46 patients (49 shoulders) with advanced GHOA who met criteria for shoulder arthroplasty but instead opted for a joint-preserving, arthroscopic surgical option. The procedure included glenohumeral chondroplasty, capsular release, synovectomy, humeral osteoplasty, axillary nerve neurolysis, subacromial decompression, loose body removal, microfracture, and biceps tenodesis. Outcome measures included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Short Form–12 (SF-12) Physical Component Summary (PCS), visual analog scale for pain, and satisfaction scores. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with failure defined as progression to total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Results: Forty-six consecutive patients (49 shoulders) who underwent a CAM procedure at a minimum of 5 years from surgery were included. Two patients were excluded for refusing to participate before study initiation. The mean age at surgery was 52 years (range, 27-68 years) in 15 women and 29 men. All patients were recreational athletes with 7 former collegiate or professional athletes. Twelve shoulders (26%) progressed to TSA at a mean of 2.6 years (range, 0.5-8.2 years). For survivorship analysis, the status of the shoulder (preservation of the native joint or progression to TSA) at a minimum of 5 years was known for 45 of 47 (96%) shoulders. Survivorship was 95.6% at 1 year, 86.7% at 3 years, and 76.9% at 5 years. For surviving shoulders, minimum 5-year subjective outcome data were available for 28 of 32 (87.5%) shoulders at a mean of 5.7 years (range, 5-8 years). The mean (±SD) ASES score was 84.5 ± 17, the mean SANE score was 82 ± 18, the mean QuickDASH score was 15 ± 13, the mean SF-12 PCS score was 51.0 ± 9.1, and median patient satisfaction was 9 of a possible 10 points. Conclusion: This study demonstrates significant improvements in midterm clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction after the arthroscopic CAM procedure for GHOA, with a 76.9% survivorship rate at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively. For patients looking for an alternative to TSA, the CAM procedure can provide reasonable outcomes and should be considered an effective procedure in appropriately selected, young active patients. Further studies are warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes and durability after this procedure.

Arthroscopic Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction Using Knotless Coracoclavicular Fixation and Soft-Tissue Anatomic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction

Acromioclavicular joint injuries are one of the most common shoulder injuries, and there are a variety of treatment options. Recently, there have been newer arthroscopic techniques that have addressed coracoid and clavicle fracture risk by using a knotted suture-button fixation through a single, small bone tunnel with additional looped soft-tissue graft stabilization. Although clinical outcomes have been good to excellent, there have still been instances of knot and hardware irritation. The described technique builds on the latest advances and achieves an anatomic coracoclavicular (CC) reconstruction through a single knotless CC fixation device with additional soft-tissue allograft reconstruction of the CC ligaments. This technique minimizes the risks of coracoid and clavicle fractures and knot and hardware irritation while maintaining excellent stability.

Minimum 2-year outcomes and return to sport following resection arthroplasty for the treatment of sternoclavicular osteoarthritis

HYPOTHESIS The aim of this study was to assess the effect of open resection arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the sternoclavicular (SC) joint on pain levels, functional outcomes, and return to sport. METHODS Patients from a single surgeons practice who underwent open resection arthroplasty (maximum 10-mm resection) for SC osteoarthritis or prearthritic changes between November 2006 and November 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. This was an outcomes study with prospectively collected data. Preoperative and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, several pain scores, and level of sport intensity were assessed. RESULTS Seventeen SC joints in 16 patients (9 female, 7 male) met inclusion criteria. Mean age at time of surgery way 41.1 years (range, 12-66 years). One patient refused participation in the study. Three SC joint resections (17.7%) required SC joint revision surgery. Minimum 2-year outcomes data were available for 11 of the remaining 13 SC joints (84.6%). The mean time to follow-up was 3.3 years (range, 2.0-8.8 years). Pain at its worst (P = .026), pain at competition (P = .041), the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (P = .034), and the ability to sleep on the affected shoulder (P = .038) showed significant improvement postoperatively. The average postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 83.3. The level of sports participation (P = .042) as well as strength and endurance when participating in sport (P = .039) significantly increased postoperatively. CONCLUSION Resection arthroplasty of the medial end of the clavicle in patients with osteoarthritis of the SC joint without instability results in pain reduction, functional improvement, and a high rate of return to sport at midterm follow-up.

Rotator cuff repair in the elderly: is it worthwhile?

Rotator cuff pathology is a major contributor to shoulder dysfunction, particularly in the elderly population. Elderly individuals have shown an increasing desire to remain physically active and have high expectations of treatment. The ideal method to provide pain relief and restore function is controversial, with some surgeons advocating conservative measures and others preferring surgical management. The purpose of this article was to highlight the factors that influence decision-making when treating elderly individuals with rotator cuff pathology. Current treatment recommendations with their reported clinical outcomes and possible future developments are discussed.

Open Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis for Isolated Biceps Reflection Pulley Lesions: Minimum 2-year Outcomes in a Young Patient Population

Objectives: Biceps Reflection Pulley (BRP) lesion is a common generator of anterior shoulder pain and cause of biceps tendon instability. The purposes of this study were (1) to investigate if patients younger than 50 years had improved functional outcomes following open subpectoral biceps tenodesis (BT) for treatment of an isolated BRP lesion with a minimum follow-up of 2-years, and (2) to determine whether a correlation exists between patient age and outcomes scores. It was hypothesized that subpectoral BT would result in reduced pain, improved functional outcomes, and a high return-to-activity rate and that there would be no association between patient age and outcomes scores. Methods: This was an IRB-approved study with retrospective review of prospectively-collected data. All patients who had arthroscopically confirmed isolated BRP lesion treated with open subpectoral biceps tenodesis were at least 2 years out from surgery were included in the study. Patients with additional surgery on the index shoulder were excluded from the study. ASES (pain and function), QuickDASH, and SF-12 scores were collected pre- and postoperatively. Postoperative satisfaction (10-point scale) was also collected. The pre- and postoperative scores of each patient were compared with a Wilcoxon-test, and association between patient age and outcomes scores were investigated with a Spearman correlation test. Further, patient return-to-activity was evaluated by questionnaire. Failure was defined as revision surgery of the biceps tenodesis. Results: 14 shoulders in 14 patients (6 male, 8 female) with a mean age of 37 ± 8.9 years met the inclusion criteria. Minimum 2-year outcomes data were available for 13 (93%) shoulders. The mean follow-up time was 3.6 ± 1.3 years. There were significant improvements postoperatively for all outcome scores (p<0.05, see table 1) and no patients underwent revision surgery of the biceps tenodesis. There was no correlation between age and outcomes scores (p>0.05). Overall, median patient satisfaction was 9 out of 10 (range 3-10). Of 14 patients who answered the “return-to-activity” questions, 5 patients () reported return to activity with no modification; 9 patients reported return to activity with modifications. The 5 patients who returned to activity with no modification had significantly less time from initial injury/onset of symptoms until surgery in comparison to the 9 patients who modified their activity (p <0.05, see table 1). Conclusion: At minimum 2-year follow-up, patients with symptomatic isolated BRP lesions can expect excellent clinical outcomes, high satisfaction, and a high return-to-activity rate with little postoperative pain if treated with an open subpectoral BT close to the time of their initial injury/onset of symptoms. No differences in outcomes were observed upon patient age. Table 1: Pre- and postoperative outcomes scores and p-values. Values are expressed as median (range) unless otherwise indicated. Test Preoperative Postoperative p-value ASES Total 62 (33-80) 97 (28-100) 0.017 ASES Func 29 (13-38) 45 (18-50) 0.005 ASES pain 35 (15-50) 50 (10-50) 0.034 QuickDash 39(11-70) 7(0-54) 0.002 SF-12 PCS 43 (22-58) 56 (39-59) 0.003 Satisfaction - 9 (3-10) - Return to activity – Patients (Percent) Time until surgery (days) - 5 (36%) no modifications 215 (49-414)9 (64%) w/ modications 1375 (79-7472) P = 0.028

Chronic Rupture of the Proximal Biceps Tendon in a 63-Year-Old Male with Popeye Deformity and Persistent Cramping

Chronic rupture of the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon usually occurs due to ongoing degeneration of the tendon with tendinopathy leading first to partial and finally to complete ruptures, usually in the context of degenerative rotator cuff tears. Less commonly, traumatic proximal biceps rupture without underlying degeneration may occur in young athletes. Iatrogenic LHB tenotomy may become symptomatic, and postsurgical rupture of a prior LHB tenodesis can lead to recurrent symptoms that may require revision tenodesis. The vast majority of LHB ruptures are asymptomatic and can be treated nonoperatively. However, up to 25% of the patients develop long-term cramping, cosmetically-disturbing Popeye deformity, and discomfort with repetitive biceps activities. In these cases, a LHB tenodesis can be beneficial, usually resulting in good to excellent clinical outcomes with low complication rates. The case of a patient with persistent symptoms deriving from a chronic LHB rupture and the surgical technique for an open subpectoral biceps tenodesis are described.