Incidence of glenohumeral instability in collegiate athletics

Managing Shoulder Instability in the Overhead Athlete

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Shoulder instability in the overhead athlete is a difficult problem because of the balance between necessary laxity for athletic movements and stability of the joint. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the clinical evaluation of shoulder instability in the overhead athlete and present evidence-based management strategies for each subtype of shoulder instability, including novel techniques and outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent investigation has shown that throwers and other overhead athletes are more likely to present with subtle subluxation events rather than discrete dislocations as their primary symptom. While overhead athletes with discrete anterior dislocation events are likely to begin with non-operative management, many progress on to surgical intervention. Surgical management of glenohumeral joint instability continues to pose challenges due to the potential for over-tensioning for the sake of stability at the expense of the adaptive laxity that often confers performance benefits in the overhead athlete. Novel, individualized, and sport/position specific approaches are needed to address this complex issue. The optimal management of shoulder instability in the overhead athlete continues to be a controversial topic due to the complex work-up, an increasing number of surgical options with varying indications, and low volume of high-quality studies comparing any of the treatment options. The Anterior Shoulder Instability International Consensus Group guidelines from February 2022 offer the most updated guidelines on work-up and management. Overall, high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine the optimal treatment for specific pathologies and aid in creating patient-centered management plans.

Relationship of the SIRSI Score to Return to Sports After Surgical Stabilization of Glenohumeral Instability

BACKGROUND

Literature is scarce regarding the influence of psychological readiness on return to sports after shoulder instability surgery.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the predictive ability of the Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport after Injury (SIRSI) score in measuring the effect of psychological readiness on return to sports and to compare it between athletes who returned to sports and athletes who did not return to sports.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

A prospective analysis was performed of patients who underwent an arthroscopic Bankart repair or a Latarjet procedure between January 2019 and September 2020. Psychological readiness to return to play was evaluated using the SIRSI instrument. Preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes were measured by the Rowe, Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores. The predictive validity of the SIRSI was assessed by the use of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve statistics. The Youden index was calculated and used to determine a SIRSI score cutoff point that best discriminated psychological readiness to return to sports. A logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of psychological readiness on return to sports and return to preinjury sports level.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients were included in this study. Overall, 79% returned to sports. The SIRSI had excellent predictive ability for return-to-sport outcomes (return to sports: area under ROC curve, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.80-0.93]; return to preinjury sports level: area under ROC curve, 0.96; [95% CI, 0.8-0.9]). A cutoff level of ≥55 was used to determine whether an athlete was psychologically ready to return to sports and to return to preinjury sports level (Youden index, 0.7 and 0.9, respectively). Of those who returned to sports, 76.8% were psychologically ready to return to play, with a median SIRSI score of 65 (interquartile range, 57-80). In comparison, in the group that did not return to sports, only 4.5% achieved psychological readiness with a median SIRSI score of 38.5 (interquartile range, 35-41) (P < .001). Regression analysis for the effect of SIRSI score on return to sports was performed. For every 10-point increase in the SIRSI score, the odds of returning to sports increased by 2.9 times. Moreover, those who did not achieve their preinjury sports level showed poorer psychological readiness to return to play and SIRSI score results.

CONCLUSION

The SIRSI was a useful tool for predicting whether patients were psychologically ready to return to sports after glenohumeral stabilization surgery. Patients who returned to sports and those who returned to their preinjury sports level were significantly more psychologically ready than those who did not return. Therefore, we believe that the SIRSI score should be considered along with other criteria that are used to decide whether the patient is ready to return to sports.

Impact of Prior Anterior Instability on Shoulder Arthroplasty Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Background

Anterior shoulder instability (ASI) is a frequently encountered pathology. Patients with a history of ASI have an increased rate of developing glenohumeral osteoarthritis and becoming candidates for shoulder arthroplasty. This systematic review aims to synthesize outcomes for patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty with a history of ASI.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) using PubMed, Embase, OVID Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for studies evaluating the impact of prior ASI on total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse TSA, and/or hemiarthroplasty outcomes, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Studies were graded by level of evidence and data concerning patient demographics and outcomes were extracted.

Results

Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria, including 596 patients (413 male, 181 female). The average age of the control and prior ASI groups were 57.5 and 57.0 years, respectively. Overall, 251 patients were treated operatively, 132 nonoperatively, and 213 were controls without a history of prior ASI. Shoulder arthroplasty techniques included TSA (436 shoulders), reverse TSA (130 shoulders), and hemiarthroplasty (14 shoulders). Prior anterior stabilization management included soft tissue repair, bony augmentation, and nonoperative treatment. Almost all studies reported no significant difference in subjective and functional arthroplasty outcomes between control and prior ASI groups, or between patients with prior ASI treated nonoperatively vs. surgically.

Conclusion

Shoulder arthroplasty in the setting of prior ASI results in improved subjective and functional outcome scores that are comparable to patients without a history of instability.

Ultrasound Assessment of Anterior Humeral Head Translation in Patients With Anterior Shoulder Instability: Correlation With Demographic, Radiographic, and Clinical Data

Background:

Ultrasonography can be used to quantitatively assess anterior humeral head translation (AHHT) at different degrees of shoulder abduction. Risk factors for recurrent shoulder instability have been identified.

Hypothesis:

It was hypothesized that the number of dislocations or glenoid or humeral bone loss would be associated with more AHHT as measured using ultrasound.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 39 patients who underwent surgery for anterior shoulder instability were prospectively studied. Ultrasound assessment of AHHT was performed immediately after general anesthesia was induced. The upper arm was placed at 0°, 45°, and 90° of abduction, and a 40-N anterior force was applied to the proximal third of the arm. The distance from the posterior edge of the glenoid to that of the humeral head was measured at each abduction angle using ultrasound with and without a 40-N anterior force, and the AHHT was calculated. The differences in translation at each shoulder angle were compared. Additionally, the authors investigated the association between AHHT and demographic, radiographic, and clinical data.

Results:

Compared with the AHHT at 0° of abduction (5.29 mm), translation was significantly larger at 45° of abduction (8.90 mm; P < .01) and 90° of abduction (9.46 mm; P < .01). The mean translation was significantly larger in female patients than in male patients at all degrees of abduction (P ≤ .036 for all). There was no correlation between AHHT at any abduction angle and number of dislocations, clinical data, or radiographic data (including bone loss).

Conclusion:

Ultrasound assessment of AHHT showed larger amounts of laxity at 45° and 90° than at 0° of abduction. Anterior glenohumeral laxity was greater in female than male patients. Glenoid or humeral bone loss did not correlate with AHHT, thereby clarifying that bone loss has no direct effect on measurements of capsular laxity in neutral rotation.

The 100 Most-Cited and Influential Articles in Collegiate Athletics

Background

Bibliometric citation analyses have been widely used in medicine to help researchers gain foundational knowledge about a topic and identify subtopics of popular interest for further investigations. There is a lack of similar research in collegiate athletics.

Purpose

To identify the 100 most-cited research publications related to collegiate athletics.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

The Clarivate Analytics Web of Knowledge database was used to generate a list of articles relating to collegiate athletics on January 24, 2022. Articles were filtered by the total number of citations, and the 100 most-cited articles were selected. For each article, we identified and analyzed the following: author name, publication year, country of origin, journal name, article type, main research topic area, competitive level, sex of study population, and level of evidence.

Results

Of the top 100 most-cited articles, 63 were related to medicine. In total, 96% of articles were published in the United States, and 80% were published in the year 2000 or later. Of the top 100 articles, 85 were observational; only 5 were experimental. The sport most represented was soccer, followed by football, baseball, and basketball. Of the top 100 articles, 21 were published in a single journal, the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Ten authors published ≥5 of the top 100 most-cited studies.

Conclusion

The majority of top 100 articles were published in the United States after 1999 and primarily focused on medicine-related topics. Soccer was studied by more articles than football, baseball, and basketball. An author's prestige may have influenced the likelihood of citation. The top 100 most-cited studies provide researchers, medical students, residents, and fellows with a foundational list of the most important and influential academic contributions to the literature on collegiate athletics.

Return to play following open Bankart repair in collision athletes aged 18 years or less

HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes, return to play (RTP), and recurrence rates in patients aged 18 years or less who underwent open Bankart repair (OBR) for anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

A retrospective review of collision athletes under 18 years old who underwent OBR by 2 surgeons between the years 2010 and 2019 was carried out. An OBR using a subscapularis split was performed in all patients. Recurrent instability, rate of RTP, and time to RTP were recorded. The Shoulder Instability Return to Sport after Injury score, Subjective Shoulder Value score, and visual analog scale scores were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The study included 34 male collision athletes with a mean age of 16.5 ± 1.3 years (range, 15-18 years). The mean follow-up for patients was 49.5 ± 30.7 months. A total of 30 patients (88.2%) returned to full sport at a mean time of 5.8 ± 2.2 months, with 27 (90%) managing to return at their preinjury level of participation. The mean Subjective Shoulder Value score for patients at the final follow-up was 86.8 ± 17.5, the mean Shoulder Instability Return to Sport after Injury score was 86.3 ± 22.6, and the mean visual analog scale score was 1.6 ± 1.8. Eight patients (23.5%) re-dislocated their shoulder, with 4 of them requiring a further surgery. Two patients (5.8%) reported having incidents of subluxation that did not require reduction.

CONCLUSION

This study found high rates of patient-reported satisfaction, excellent functional outcomes, and high rates of RTP in the medium term among young collision athletes aged 18 years or less who underwent OBR for anterior shoulder instability. However, there were high rates of recurrence with moderate rates of revision surgical stabilization in the medium term.

High Incidence of Combined and Posterior Labral Tears in Military Patients With Operative Shoulder Instability

BACKGROUND

Anterior shoulder instability is the pattern most commonly reported in the civilian population, but military servicemembers may represent a unique population. At 1.7 per 1000 person-years, servicemembers not only have a higher incidence of instability events compared with civilians (reported rate of 0.2-0.8), but the distribution of labral tears in the military may differ significantly as well.

HYPOTHESIS

The incidence of combined and posterior labral tears in the military population will be greater than numbers previously reported.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

The Wounded, Ill, and Injured Registry, a Department of Defense patient reported outcomes data collection platform that includes all military branches, was queried retrospectively for all patients who had undergone a primary arthroscopic or open shoulder stabilization procedure (Current Procedural Terminology codes 29806, 23455, 23462) between October 2016 and January 2019. Demographic information was obtained through intake forms completed by patients at the time of enrollment into the Military Orthopaedics Tracking Injuries and Outcomes Network. Tear location was determined arthroscopically and labeled as anterior, inferior, posterior, superior, or any combination thereof. Chi-square analysis was used to compare the percentage of patients with isolated anterior, isolated posterior, isolated inferior, or combined labral tears in the current study cohort with those in a previously reported cohort of patients with operative shoulder instability at a single military treatment facility.

RESULTS

A total of 311 patients were included who had undergone primary shoulder stabilization during the study period. Of these patients, 94 (30.2%) had isolated anterior tears, 76 (24.4%) had isolated posterior tears, and 136 (43.7%) had combined tears. We observed a higher percentage of combined tears in our data set than in a data set from a single military treatment facility (χ²(2) = 48.2; P < .00001). Chi-square analysis demonstrated that significantly more female patients had an isolated anterior labral tear (51.2%) compared with male patients (27.1%; χ²(2) = 9.4; P = .009).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of combined and posterior labral tears in the military population is greater than numbers previously reported in both military and civilian populations.

Evaluation of Latarjet procedure in female athletes: a 3-year follow-up prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although there is a low incidence of shoulder instability in women, this population is still representative and is often associated with lower rates of return to sports. Few studies have evaluated the results of the Latarjet procedure in this population.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of female athletes who underwent the Latarjet procedure between 2013 and 2018. The participants were followed up for 3 years. The primary outcomes of the study included the visual analog scale for pain; range of motion: active elevation, passive elevation, active external rotation, and passive external rotation. The functional scores were as follows: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Rating Scale. Additional data were collected regarding return to sport, complication rates, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Thirteen female athletes who practice Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball, Judo, or Weight training were evaluated. There was a significant reduction in the mean range of motion for all movements at 4 weeks after surgery. Patients recovered a range of motion similar to the preoperative values after 6 months. The mean visual analog scale reached 6.39 at the first week after surgery and decreased to values below preop at 8 weeks. The mean preoperative Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index was 126.77 (min 118; max 135), and at the end of follow-up, the WOSI index was 45.08 (min 37; max 65; P < .05). The mean preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 41.61 (min 35; max 46), and at the end of follow-up, the mean ASES score was 84.46 (min 80; max 90; P < .05). The mean Athletic Shoulder Outcome Rating Scale in the preoperative period was 39.38 (min 37; max 42), and at the end of follow-up, the mean ASORS score was 83.15 (min 77; max 85; P < .05). The rate of return to sports was 92.3%, and 84.6% of patients were satisfied with the surgery. The aesthetic satisfaction rate was 76.9%. The complication rate was 15.4% (1 screw failure and 1 dislocation recurrence).

CONCLUSION

Latarjet surgery in female athletes showed high rates of return to sports and improved functional scores without impairing range of motion after the procedure. Recurrence and complication rates were low. In addition, treatment was associated with improved functionality and patient satisfaction.

Concomitant Glenohumeral Instability and Rotator Cuff Injury: An Epidemiologic and Case-Control Analysis in Military Cadets

INTRODUCTION

Concomitant rotator cuff tear and glenohumeral instability in a large cohort of young and active patients has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, associated variables, and outcomes in military cadets undergoing shoulder stabilization procedures with these concomitant pathologies.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of a consecutive series of collegiate patients who underwent shoulder stabilization from 2014 to 2018 at a single service academy was conducted. Exclusion criteria were noncadets, revision instability cases, multidirectional instability, and prior rotator cuff repair. A nested case-control analysis was done in a matched series of patients with and without MRI evidence of rotator cuff tear. Baseline demographics, VAS pain scale, physical therapy duration, and time to surgery were analyzed. Postoperative metrics included rate of recurrent instability, subjective outcomes, VAS pain scale, and military-specific criteria.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty-four cadets met the inclusion criteria, including 272 men and 52 women averaging 20.53 ± 1.80 years of age. MRI demonstrated concomitant rotator cuff tears in 5.56% of cases. A matched case-control comparison between patients with (rotator cuff tear group) and without (no rotator cuff tear group) rotator cuff tear showed no differences in preoperative data, recurrent instability rate, or postoperative VAS pain scores (0.24 versus 0.88, P = 0.207) at mean 44-month follow-up. Fifteen of 17 patients (88.2%) in each group returned to full activity (P > 0.999). No patients failed to graduate due to shoulder concerns. No patients in the rotator cuff tear group underwent a medical board for separation from the military compared with 2 (11.8%) in the no rotator cuff tear group (P = 0.163).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of concomitant rotator cuff tears in this study of military cadets undergoing shoulder stabilization was 5.56%. In a matched cohort comparison, the presence of a rotator cuff tear on preoperative MRI was not associated with inferior clinical outcomes.

Double-Pulley Remplissage in Active-Duty Military Population With Off-Track Anterior Shoulder Instability Results in Improved Outcomes and Low Recurrence at Minimum 4-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To report mid-term outcomes of active-duty patients with anterior shoulder instability following our technique for double-pulley remplissage (DPR) with concomitant anterior labral repair.

METHODS

All consecutive patients from 1/2010 through 12/2016 that underwent DPR by the senior surgeon with complete outcome scores were identified. All patients had experienced a shoulder dislocation following a traumatic event, and had subsequent instability recalcitrant to conservative management. Patients were excluded if they were lost to follow-up (3) of if they underwent stabilization procedures other than DPR (148). Outcome measures were completed by patients within 1 week prior to surgery and at latest follow-up. Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria for the study, and all were active-duty military at the time of surgery.

RESULTS

20/24 (83.3%) patients met the patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), while 21/24 (87.5%) achieved substantial clinical benefit (SCB) and 22/24 (91.7%) exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for their operative shoulder, as determined by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score. 21/24 (87.5%) patients met the PASS, while 19/24 (79.2%) achieved SCB and 20/24 (83.3%) exceeded the MCID for their operative shoulder, as determined by the single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE). In addition, 23/24 (95.8%) patients exceeded the MCID for their operative shoulder, as determined by the Rowe Instability score. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion did not vary significantly. All patients had decreased pain postoperatively (P < .0001); 22/24 (91.67%) of patients remained on active-duty status. Failure rate, defined as recurrent subluxation or dislocation, was 4.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Mid-term outcomes in this population of active-duty patients undergoing DPR for shoulder instability without glenoid bone loss demonstrate a statistically and clinically significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes, a significant decrease of pain and an overall return to active-duty rate of 91.67%.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, therapeutic case series.

Nonoperative management of anterior shoulder instability can result in high rates of recurrent instability and pain at long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Data on the long-term outcomes of nonoperative treatment of anterior shoulder instability are lacking, particularly for the US population. The purpose was to (1) describe the characteristics of patients with anterior shoulder instability treated nonoperatively, (2) assess the long-term outcomes of nonoperative management in a US population, and (3) identify risk factors for poor outcomes following nonoperative management.

METHODS

A geographic cohort of >500,000 subjects was used to identify patients treated nonoperatively for anterior shoulder instability. Only patients aged <40 years at the time of initial instability with minimum 10-year follow-up were included. Medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic characteristics, physical examination findings, clinical history data, imaging results, treatment details, and clinical and/or radiographic progression. Recurrent pain, recurrent instability, and the development of symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) were the primary outcomes evaluated.

RESULTS

The study included 254 patients (73% male) with a median age of 19 years (range, 16-26 years) at the time of initial instability. At median 17-year follow-up, 37.5% experienced recurrent instability, 58.4% had recurrent pain, and 12.2% had symptomatic OA development. Factors associated with recurrent pain at final follow-up were multiple instability events prior to presentation (hazard ratio [HR], 2.43; P < .01) and increased pain at the initial visit (HRs of 0.79 for mild, 1.74 for moderate, and 1.39 for severe; P < .01); patients with multiple instability events prior to presentation also had an increased risk of recurrence (P < .01). Factors increasing the risk of the development of symptomatic OA included increased pain at the initial visit (P = .05), seizure disorder (HR, 27.01; P < .01), and smoking (HR, 5.15; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

At long-term follow-up of 17 years, a high rate of poor outcomes was observed following nonoperative management of anterior shoulder instability. Overall, 37.5% of patients experienced recurrent shoulder instability, 58.4% had recurrent shoulder pain, and 12.2% had symptomatic OA development. Risk factors associated with adverse clinical outcomes included increased pain at the initial visit, recurrent instability prior to presentation, seizure disorder, and smoking.

Protective Sport Bracing for Athletes With Mid-Season Shoulder Instability

CONTEXT

In-season glenohumeral instability is a common clinical dilemma faced by physicians who care for athletes. Both nonoperative and operative management of athletes with in-season glenohumeral instability have been well described. Functional bracing remains less understood as a treatment modality. This review aims to provide an update on the most recent literature regarding the use of functional bracing for shoulder instability.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

MEDLINE (PubMed and Ovid platforms), Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews were searched for articles available in English through June 1, 2021. The search terms shoulder brace, shoulder instability, athlete, in-season, glenohumeral instability, anterior shoulder instability, posterior shoulder instability, and bracing were used.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

RESULTS

Research on the clinical outcomes of functional bracing remains mixed for patients with shoulder instability. Two studies have demonstrated improved return to play with functional bracing, while 1 study demonstrated no difference in return to play between braced athletes and nonbraced athletes with anterior instability. One previous study demonstrated that prophylactic use of bilateral shoulder stabilizing braces significantly decreased time lost due to injury in athletes with posterior instability. Previous biomechanical studies have demonstrated improved proprioception with brace wear as well as successful limitation of active shoulder range of motion.

CONCLUSION

Bracing in athletes with shoulder instability remains an important nonoperative treatment modality. While clinical benefits are yet to be validated through high-quality studies, preliminary results suggest a potential benefit to recovery, with minimal downsides. Nevertheless, the use of bracing remains an individual choice but is especially recommended in settings of high-risk sports for shoulder instability, such as football.

Anterior Shoulder Instability in Throwers and Overhead Athletes: Long-term Outcomes in a Geographic Cohort

BACKGROUND

Athletes of all sports often have shoulder instability, most commonly as anterior shoulder instability (ASI). For overhead athletes (OHAs) and those participating in throwing sports, clinical and surgical decision making can be difficult owing to a lack of long-term outcome studies in this population of athletes.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

To report presentation characteristics, pathology, treatment strategies, and outcomes of ASI in OHAs and throwers in a geographic cohort. We hypothesized that OHAs and throwers would have similar presenting characteristics, management strategies, and clinical outcomes but lower rates of return to play (RTP) when compared with non-OHAs (NOHAs) and nonthrowers, respectively.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

An established geographic medical record system was used to identify OHAs diagnosed with ASI in the dominant shoulder. An overall 57 OHAs with ASI were matched 1:2 with 114 NOHAs with ASI. Of the OHAs, 40 were throwers. Sports considered overhead were volleyball, swimming, racquet sports, baseball, and softball, while baseball and softball composed the thrower subgroup. Records were reviewed for patient characteristics, type of sport, imaging findings, treatment strategies, and surgical details. Patients were contacted to collect Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index (WOSI) scores and RTP data. Statistical analysis compared throwers with nonthrowers and OHAs with NOHAs.

RESULTS

Four patients, 3 NOHAs and 1 thrower, were lost to follow-up at 6 months. Clinical follow-up for the remaining 167 patients (98%) was 11.9 ± 7.2 years (mean ± SD). Of the 171 patients included, an overall 41 (36%) NOHAs, 29 (51%) OHAs, and 22 (55%) throwers were able to be contacted for WOSI scores and RTP data. OHAs were more likely to initially present with subluxations (56%; P = .030). NOHAs were more likely to have dislocations (80%; P = .018). The number of instability events at presentation was similar. OHAs were more likely to undergo initial operative management. Differences in rates of recurrent instability were not significant after initial nonoperative management (NOHAs, 37.1% vs OHAs, 28.6% [P = .331] and throwers, 21.2% [P = .094]) and surgery (NOHAs, 20.5% vs OHAs, 13.0% [P = .516] and throwers, 9.1% [P = .662]). Rates of revision surgery were similar (NOHAs, 18.0% vs OHAs, 8.7% [P = .464] and throwers, 18.2% [P > .999]). RTP rates were 80.5% in NOHAs, as compared with 71.4% in OHAs (P = .381) and 63.6% in throwers (P = .143). Median WOSI scores were 40 for NOHAs, as compared with 28 in OHAs (P = .425) and 28 in throwers (P = .615).

CONCLUSION

In a 1:2 matched comparison of general population athletes, throwers and OHAs were more likely to have more subtle instability, as evidenced by higher rates of subluxations rather than frank dislocations, when compared with NOHAs. Despite differences in presentation and the unique sport demands of OHAs, rates of recurrent instability and revision surgery were similar across groups. Similar outcomes in terms of RTP, level of RTP, and WOSI scores were achieved for OHAs and NOHAs, but these results must be interpreted with caution given the limited sample size.

Functional Rehabilitation and Return to Play After Arthroscopic Surgical Stabilization for Anterior Shoulder Instability

BACKGROUND

There exists limited objective functional return-to-play criteria after surgical stabilization for anterior shoulder instability in the competitive athlete.

HYPOTHESIS

The proposed functional rehabilitation program and psychological evaluation after arthroscopic Bankart repair will help athletes return to sport with a decreased redislocation rate on return.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

METHODS

Participants were contact or overhead athletes at the high school or collegiate level. Each underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair after a single dislocation event, with less than 10% glenoid bone loss. Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) scores, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Athletes were only allowed to return to competition after completing the proposed functional and psychological rehabilitation protocol.

RESULTS

A total of 62 participants were enrolled (52 male, 10 female; average age, 18.7 years (range 16-24 years); mean Instability Severity Index Score, 5.63 ± 0.55). All returned to sport for 1 full season and completed a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. The average time to pass functional testing was 6.2 ± 0.7 months, psychological testing was 5.2 ± 0.5 months, and return to sport was 6.5 ± 0.7 months. SANE scores improved from 44.3 to 90.0, ASES from 45.5 to 89.3, and WOSI from 1578.0 to 178.9 (all P < 0.001). Redislocation rate was 6.5% (4 of 62).

CONCLUSION

The proposed functional rehabilitation and psychological assessment protocol is safe and effective in returning athletes to sport after arthroscopic surgical intervention for anterior shoulder instability. This demonstrated a low redislocation rate after 2-year follow-up.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Most return-to-play protocols after arthroscopic Bankart repair are centered on recovery time alone, with limited focus on functional rehabilitation, psychological assessment, and return-to-play testing parameters. To our knowledge, this is the first study to propose a dedicated rehabilitation program incorporating functional testing, psychological readiness, and return-to-play criteria for competitive athletes recovering from arthroscopic shoulder stabilization.

Overview of Sport-Specific Injuries

Athletes are at risk for a variety of injuries not typically sustained in everyday life. The team physician must be capable of not only identifying and treating injuries as they occur, but he or she must be armed with the knowledge to minimize the risk of injuries before they occur. This review serves to provide an overview of the various sport-specific injuries typically encountered by team physicians. Injuries are grouped by body part and/or organ system, when possible. We do not aim to cover in detail the various treatments for these injuries; rather, we hope that this article provides a comprehensive overview of sport-specific injury, and demonstrate the well-roundedness in skills that must be possessed by team physicians.

The Team Physician: Return to Play Considerations and Outcomes

Successful rehabilitation of sports-related orthopedic injuries remains a challenge for both orthopedic surgeons and their patients. Team physicians are tasked with the complex problem of minimizing time away from competition, while simultaneously mitigating the risk of reinjury. Varying levels of expectation and demand between recreational and competitive athletes coupled with the already complex nature of sports-related injuries present a multifactorial challenge for the even the most experienced physicians. In the realm of sports medicine, timing of return to sport has become a controversial yet ubiquitous criterion by which treatment outcomes are measured. While accelerated rehabilitation may be desired in many cases, surgeons must also recognize the identifiable risk factors for potential reinjury. With these principles in mind, we present a summary of the available literature on data pertaining to return to sport, with coverage of injuries commonly seen within an orthopedic sports medicine practice.

Instability Severity Index Score Does Not Predict the Risk of Shoulder Dislocation after a First Episode Treated Conservatively

The first purpose of this study was to verify the association between Instability Severity Index Score (ISIS) and Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation (RSD) after a first episode treated conservatively. The second aim is to identify the risk factors associated with RSD after a primary acute shoulder anterior dislocation treated conservatively. A total of 111 patients with first traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation treated at a single trauma centre between January 2014 and March 2016 were enrolled. The main predictive variables of risk factors and the ISIS score were calculated. Among the 85 patients included, 26 cases of RSD were observed (30.6%). Considering the whole population, no significant association between ISIS and RSD were reported. Regarding other risk factors, high-risk working activities and rotator cuff injury had a significantly higher RSD risk. Sex, dominant limb, familiar history, hyperlaxity, contact or overhead sports, competitive sport, post-reduction physiokinesitherapy, return to sports activity time, Hill-Sachs lesion, bony Bankart lesion and great tuberosity fracture did not seem to influence the risk of RSD. No correlation between ISIS score and RSD in patients treated conservatively after a first episode of shoulder dislocation were reported. The only risk factors with a significant association to RSD were high-risk working activities and rotator cuff injury.

Shoulder dislocations among high school-aged and college-aged athletes in the United States: an epidemiologic analysis

Hypothesis/Background

Shoulder dislocations are common orthopedic injuries due to the mobile nature of the glenohumeral joint. High school and collegiate athletes are at particularly high risk for sustaining a dislocation event. Despite the prevalence of these injuries, there is a paucity in the literature regarding incidence of sports-related shoulder dislocations and mechanism of injury within these populations. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to (1) determine the incidence rate of shoulder dislocations in high school–aged and collegiate-aged athletes presenting to emergency departments (EDs) in the United States; (2) to determine the most common sports associated with shoulder dislocations; and (3) to compare the current rates and risk factors for shoulder dislocation with previous trends.

Methods

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System is a statistically validated injury surveillance system that collects data from ED visits as a representative probability sample of hospitals in the United States. We queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for the years 2015-2019 to examine the following variables for sports-related shoulder dislocations: patient age (high school = 13-17 years of age; collegiate = 18-23 years of age), sex, year of admission, and sport type. Using a weighted multiplier, annual incidence rates were estimated based on the US Census estimates and injury rates were compared by sex and age group across the study period.

Results

From 2015 to 2019, there were a total of 1329 athletic-related shoulder dislocations that presented to participating EDs. Of these, 698 (52.5%) shoulder dislocations occurred in collegiate athletes, while 631 (47.5%) occurred in high school athletes. Using weighted and adjusted estimates automatically generated by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, this translates to 89,511 total athletic-related shoulder dislocations across the United States (95% confidence interval lower bound 68,224; 95% confidence interval upper bound 110,798). Male athletes demonstrated a higher proportion of shoulder dislocations (87%) than female athletes (13%). The most common sport-specific mechanisms of traumatic shoulder dislocation were basketball (24.1%), football (21%), soccer (7.1%), baseball (7.1%), and weightlifting (3.3%).

Conclusion

Sports-related shoulder dislocations are frequent in high school–aged and college-aged athletes presenting to the ED. Interventions to reduce incidence of injury should be sport-specific and focus on those participating in contact and noncontact sports. Male athletes have disproportionately higher rates of dislocation. These findings are consistent with the previous epidemiologic trends in the literature that have examined the incidence of shoulder dislocations in this population.

Team Approach: Treatment of Shoulder Instability in Athletes

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Shoulder instability is a complex problem with a high rate of recurrence in athletes. Treatment of a first-time subluxation or dislocation event is controversial and depends on patient-specific factors as well as the identified pathology.

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Athletic trainers and physical therapists are an integral part of the treatment team of an in-season athlete who has experienced a shoulder instability event. Through comprehensive physiological assessments, these providers can effectively suggest modifications to the patient's training regimen as well as an appropriate rehabilitation program.

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Surgical intervention for shoulder stabilization should use an individualized approach for technique and timing.

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A team-based approach is necessary to optimize the care of this high-demand, high-risk population.

Pharmacological Treatment for Acute Traumatic Musculoskeletal Pain in Athletes

Pain management is a crucial issue for athletes who train and compete at the highest performance levels. There are still evidence gaps for the use of analgesics for sports injuries despite the growing interest in training and competition settings. However, high-quality research is needed to determine the most appropriate and optimal timing and formulations in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and opioid management, particularly given the strictness of anti-doping regulations. Indeed, the role of pharmacological therapy in reducing acute traumatic pain in athletes should still be addressed to minimize the timing of return to sport. Therefore, the aim of this comprehensive review was to summarize the current evidence about pain management in the setting of acute injury in elite athletes, providing the most informed strategy for pain relief and performance recovery.

Muscle Contraction Has a Reduced Effect on Increasing Glenohumeral Stability in the Apprehension Position

PURPOSE

Glenohumeral instability accounts for 23% of all shoulder injuries among collegiate athletes. The apprehension position-combined shoulder abduction and external rotation-commonly reproduces symptoms in athletes with instability. Rehabilitation aims to increase glenohumeral stability by strengthening functional positions. However, it is unclear how much glenohumeral stability increases with muscle contraction in the apprehension position. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the ability to increase translational glenohumeral stiffness, a quantitative measure of glenohumeral stability, with muscle contraction is reduced in the apprehension position.

METHODS

Seventeen asymptomatic adults participated. A precision-instrumented robotic system applied pseudorandom, anterior-posterior displacements to translate the humeral head within the glenoid fossa and measured the resultant forces as participants produced isometric shoulder torques. Measurements were made in neutral abduction (90° abduction/0° external rotation) and apprehension (90° abduction/90° external rotation) positions. Glenohumeral stiffness was estimated from the relationship between applied displacements and resultant forces. The ability to increase glenohumeral stiffness with increasing torque magnitude was compared between positions.

RESULTS

On average, participants increased glenohumeral stiffness from passive levels by 91% in the neutral abduction position and only 64% in the apprehension position while producing 10% of maximum torque production. The biggest decrease in the ability to modulate glenohumeral stiffness in the apprehension position was observed for torques generated in abduction (49% lower, P < 0.001) and horizontal abduction (25% lower, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that individuals are less able to increase glenohumeral stiffness with muscle contraction in the apprehension position compared with a neutral shoulder position. These results may help explain why individuals with shoulder instability more frequently experience symptoms in the apprehension position compared with neutral shoulder positions.

Athletes With Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Prospective Study on Player Perceptions of Injury and Treatment

Background:

Many in-season athletes choose to delay or avoid surgery in order to continue playing and avoid downtime such as missed games or seasons.

Purpose:

To learn about the attitudes toward the injury and treatment of in-season shoulder instability in competitive athletes who have suffered a shoulder dislocation.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A study-specific questionnaire about athletes’ perceptions of injury and treatment was administered to injured players. Secondary outcomes included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI). Mean scores and standard deviations were calculated, and between-group analyses with t tests were performed to compare the ASES and WOSI scores. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for analyses performed on the following groups: early operative versus nonoperative management; age <18 versus ≥18 years; first-time dislocators versus recurrent dislocators; self-reducing subluxations versus dislocations requiring assistance; and dominant arm affected versus nondominant arm.

Results:

There were 45 patients included in this study (33 male, 12 female) with a mean age of 18 ± 2.8 years. Several sports were represented, with the most common being football, baseball, soccer, and rugby. In this study of in-season athletes with shoulder instability, 13 (28.9%) chose early surgery, 4 (8.9%) chose surgery at season’s end, while 28 (62.2%) chose physical therapy followed by a wait-and-see approach, with 13 (46.4%) of these patients ultimately requiring surgery. Athletes who chose nonoperative treatment were statistically more likely to believe that their shoulder would heal on its own (P < .001) or with physical therapy (P < .025); they were also more likely to agree that they would rather stop sports than undergo surgery (P < .04). Athletes with worse ASES and WOSI scores at injury were more likely to choose surgery (P < .03 and P < .05, respectively). Athletes with >1 dislocation were less likely to believe that the shoulder would heal without surgery (P < .025). Most athletes agreed that seasonal timing and recruitment prospects were an important factor in their decision in favor of surgery (P < .038), and most agreed that their doctor influenced their ultimate treatment decision (P < .006). Most athletes also agreed that a repeat dislocation would cause further injury to the shoulder.

Conclusion:

Treatment decisions were most strongly related to the athletes’ perceptions of injury severity and the influence of the treating surgeon.

Interprofessional Inconsistencies in the Diagnosis of Shoulder Instability: Survey Results of Physicians and Rehabilitation Providers

BACKGROUND

Clinicians of many specialties within sports medicine care for athletes with shoulder instability, but successful outcomes are inconsistent. Consistency across specialties in the diagnosis of shoulder instability is critical for care of the athlete, yet the extent of divergence in its diagnosis is unknown.

HYPOTHESIS

Physicians differ from rehabilitation providers in which findings they deem clinically important to differentiate shoulder instability from impingement, and in how they diagnose athlete scenarios with atraumatic shoulder instability.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Physicians (orthopaedic surgeons, primary care sports medicine physicians) and rehabilitation providers (physical therapists, athletic trainers) were asked via an online survey to rate clinical factors used to diagnose shoulder instability. Clinicians were also asked to diagnose two athlete scenarios with concurrent clinical findings of atraumatic shoulder instability and impingement, differentiated by the absence or presence of a positive sulcus sign.

RESULTS

Responses were recorded from 888 clinicians. Orthopaedic surgeons (N=170) and primary care sports medicine physicians (N=108) ranked physical examination factors as more important for the diagnosis of shoulder instability than patient history factors, whereas physical therapists (N=379) and athletic trainers (N=231) preferred patient history factors. Orthopaedic surgeons differed from physical therapists and athletic trainers in their clinical diagnoses for both scenarios (P≤0.001).

CONCLUSION

A lack of consistency exists among sports medicine clinicians in recognizing which clinical factors are important when used to diagnose shoulder instability and in diagnoses given with concurrent findings of impingement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

Off-track Hill-Sachs lesions predispose to recurrence after nonoperative management of first-time anterior shoulder dislocations

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the presence of an off-track Hill-Sachs lesion has an impact on the recurrence rate after nonoperative management of first-time anterior shoulder dislocations.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was planned with a follow-up via questionnaire after a minimum of 24 months. Fifty four patients were included in the study (mean age: 29.5 years; 16 female, 38 male). All of these patients opted for primary nonoperative management after first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation, in some cases even against the clinician's advice. The glenoid track and the Hill-Sachs interval were evaluated in the MRI scans. The clinical outcome was evaluated via a shoulder-specific questionnaire, ASES-Score and Constant Score. Further, patients were asked to report on recurrent dislocation (yes/no), time to recurrent dislocation, pain, feeling of instability and satisfaction with nonoperative management.

RESULTS

In 7 (13%) patients, an off-track Hill-Sachs lesion was present, while in 36 (67%) the lesion was on-track and 11 (20%) did not have a structural Hill-Sachs lesion at all. In total, 31 (57%) patients suffered recurrent dislocations. In the off-track group, all shoulders dislocated again (100%), while 21 (58%) in the on-track group and 3 (27%) in the no structural Hill--Sachs lesion group had a recurrent dislocation, p = 0.008. The mean age in the group with a recurrence was 23.7 ± 10.1 years, while those patients without recurrent dislocation were 37.4 ± 13.1 years old, p < 0.01. The risk for recurrence in patients under 30 years of age was higher than in those older than 30 years (OR = 12.66, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between patients with on- and off-track lesions regarding patients' sex, height, weight and time to reduction and glenoid diameter. Off-track patients were younger than on-track patients (24.9 ± 7.3 years vs. 29.6 ± 13.6 years). However, this difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The presence of an off-track Hill-Sachs lesion leads to significantly higher recurrence rates compared to on-track or no structural Hill--Sachs lesions in patients with nonoperative management and should be considered when choosing the right treatment option. Therefore, surgical intervention should be considered in patients with off-track Hill-Sachs lesions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Differences in Outcomes Between Anterior and Posterior Shoulder Instability After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background:

The glenohumeral joint is one of the most frequently dislocated joints in the body, particularly in young, active adults.

Purpose:

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate and compare outcomes between anterior versus posterior shoulder instability.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE databases (from inception to September 2019) according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies were included if they were published in the English language, contained outcomes after anterior or posterior shoulder instability, had at least 1 year of follow-up, and included arthroscopic soft tissue labral repair of either anterior or posterior instability. Outcomes including return-to-sport (RTS) rate, postoperative instability rate, and pre- and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were recorded and analyzed.

Results:

Overall, 39 studies were included (2077 patients; 1716 male patients and 361 female patients). Patients with anterior instability had a mean age of 23.45 ± 5.40 years (range, 11-72 years), while patients with posterior instability had a mean age of 23.08 ± 8.41 years (range, 13-61 years). The percentage of male patients with anterior instability was significantly higher than that of female patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% CI, 1.04-1.77; P = .021). Compared with patients with posterior instability, those with anterior instability were significantly more likely to RTS (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.76-3.04; P < .001), and they were significantly more likely to have postoperative instability (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.07-2.23; P = .018). Patients with anterior instability also had significantly higher ASES scores than those with posterior instability (difference in means, 6.74; 95% CI, 4.71-8.77; P < .001). There were no significant differences found in postoperative complications between the anterior group (11 complications; 1.8%) and the posterior group (3 complications; 1.6%) (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.29-6.30; P = .999).

Conclusion:

Patients with anterior shoulder instability had higher RTS rates but were more likely to have postoperative instability compared with posterior instability patients. Overall, male patients were significantly more likely to have anterior shoulder instability, while female patients were significantly more likely to have posterior shoulder instability.

Recurrence and return to sport after surgery for shoulder instability: arthroscopic Bankart versus Latarjet procedure

Background

Surgeons differ in their preferences concerning the best surgical technique for treating shoulder instability in sportspeople. The purpose was to evaluate the risk of recurrence and the likelihood of return to sport for the 2 principal shoulder stabilization techniques used to treat shoulder instability in sportspeople.

Methods

We screened sportspeople who had undergone shoulder stabilization for inclusion in this cohort study. For eligibility, patients had to have undergone surgery by one of the 2 techniques: Latarjet or arthroscopic Bankart between 2005 and 2011, and aged from 18 to 35 years. We excluded acromioclavicular dislocation, tendinous lesion, global or posterior instability, bone fracture or severe glenoid bone loss, neurological lesion, other surgical technique, and orthopedic treatment. Patients were contacted by telephone between 2009 and 2012 and asked to participate in follow-up after surgery. The primary endpoint was recurrence, evaluated by determining frequency and time to recurrence (or censoring) with Cox models. The secondary endpoint was the return to sport (training and competition).

Results

Follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with 120 sportspeople (response rate of 61.5%), one of whom was excluded due to the occurrence of a new contralateral dislocation before returning to sport after surgery (Latarjet n = 80, Bankart n = 39). The risk of recurrence was significantly higher (P < .001) for Bankart (n = 7, 17.9%) than for Latarjet (n = 2, 2.5%) interventions. Being under the age of 20 years was a significant risk factor for recurrence (P = .007). Return to sport was significantly more frequent among sportspeople undergoing Latarjet procedures, for both training (P = .031) and competition (P = .038), and was also significantly more rapid for training (P = .034) with a mean time to return to training of 5.1 months for Latarjet procedures, versus 6.4 months for Bankart procedures.

Conclusion

The Latarjet surgical technique results in fewer recurrences than the Bankart technique, with a higher rate of return to sport (training, competition) and a faster return to training for sportspeople practicing potentially risky sports in competition. Age was also identified as an additional risk factor for recurrence. It is important to take these factors into account when considering the indications for surgery.

Epidemiology of Shoulder Instability in the National Football League

Background

Shoulder instability is a common and potentially debilitating injury among collision sport athletes that can lead to long-term damage of the glenohumeral joint. Limited data exist regarding instability among elite athletes in the National Football League (NFL).

Purpose

To describe the epidemiology of shoulder instability in the NFL from 2012 through 2017.

Study Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods

The NFL's injury database was reviewed for shoulder instability injuries resulting in missed time during the study inclusion dates. Injuries were classified by type and direction, as well as timing, setting, and mechanism. Median missed time was determined for the different types and directions of instability. Incidence rates for game-related injuries were calculated based on timing during the season and player position. Finally, the relationship between player position and instability direction was assessed.

Results

During the 6-year study period, 355 players sustained 403 missed-time shoulder instability injuries. Most injuries occurred during games (65%) via a contact mechanism (85%). The overall incidence rate of game-related instability was 3.6 injuries per 100,000 player-plays and was highest during the preseason (4.9 per 100,000 player-plays). The defensive secondary position accounted for the most injuries, but quarterbacks had the highest incidence rate in games (5.5 per 100,000 player-plays). Excluding unspecified events (n = 128; 32%), 70% (n = 192) of injuries were subluxations and 30% (n = 83) were dislocations; 75% of dislocations were anterior, while subluxations were more evenly distributed between the anterior and posterior directions (45% vs 52%, respectively). Players missed substantially more time after dislocation compared with subluxation (median, 47 days vs 13 days, respectively). When instability direction was known, the majority of instability events among quarterbacks and offensive linemen were posterior (73% and 53%, respectively), while anterior instability was most common for all other positions.

Conclusion

Shoulder instability is a common injury in the NFL and can result in considerable missed time. Dislocations occur less frequently than subluxations but lead to greater time lost. While most dislocations are anterior, more than half of subluxations are posterior, which is likely the result of repetitive microtrauma to the posterior capsulolabral complex sustained during sport-specific motions such as blocking. The risk of instability varies by player position, and position may also influence instability direction.

Joint hypermobility in athletes is associated with shoulder injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Joint hypermobility in athletes is associated with increased risk of knee injuries, but its role in relation to shoulder injuries has not been scrutinized. Therefore, our aim was to synthesize the evidence on the association between joint hypermobility and shoulder injuries in athletes.

METHODS

Data sources were MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and SPORTDiscus from inception to 27th February 2021. Eligibility criteria were observational studies of athletes (including military personnel), mean age ≥ 16 years, and with a transparent grouping of those with and without joint hypermobility. A broad definition of joint hypermobility as the exposure was accepted (i.e., generalised joint hypermobility (GJH), shoulder joint hypermobility including joint instability). Shoulder injuries included acute and overuse injuries, and self-reported pain was accepted as a proxy for shoulder injuries. The Odds Ratios (OR) for having shoulder injuries in exposed compared with non-exposed athletes were estimated using a random effects meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the effect of sex, activity type, sports level, study type, risk of bias, and exposure definition. Risk of bias and the overall quality of evidence were assessed using, respectively, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

RESULTS

Among 6207 records, six studies were included with 2335 (range 118-718) participants (34.1% females; athlete mean age 19.9 years). Athletes with joint hypermobility were more likely to have shoulder injuries compared with athletes without joint hypermobility (OR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.64, 6.43, I2 = 75.3%; p = 0.001). Exposure definition (GJH, OR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.32, 2.94; shoulder joint hypermobility, OR = 8.23, 95% CI 3.63, 18.66; p = 0.002) and risk of bias (low, OR = 5.25, 95% CI 2.56, 10.8; high, OR = 1.6, 95% CI 0.78, 3.29; p = 0.024) had large impacts on estimates, while the remaining subgroup analyses showed no differences. The overall quality of evidence was low.

CONCLUSION

Joint hypermobility in athletes is associated with a threefold higher odds of having shoulder injuries, highlighting the need for prevention strategies in this population. However, due to low quality of evidence, future research will likely change the estimated strength of the association.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

Open Science Framework registration osf.io/3wrn9.

The S-STARTS Test: Validation of a Composite Test for the Assessment of Readiness to Return to Sport After Shoulder Stabilization Surgery

BACKGROUND

The time elapsed since surgery is the primary criterion for allowing athletes to return to sport after shoulder stabilization surgery using the Latarjet procedure. The objective assessment of shoulder functional status through the return-to-sport continuum demands a scoring instrument that includes psychological and physical dimensions. This study aimed to statistically validate the Shoulder-SanTy Athletic Return To Sport (S-STARTS) score in patients who have undergone primary shoulder stabilization surgery.

HYPOTHESIS

The S-STARTS score fulfils the criteria for statistical validation for assessing return-to-sport readiness after shoulder stabilization surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Diagnostic study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

METHODS

Fifty patients and 50 controls completed the Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport after Injury questionnaire and performed 4 physical performance tests, from which 8 outcome measures were extracted to provide a composite score, named S-STARTS, according to a scoring procedure. The statistical validation of the S-STARTS score was based on construct validity, discriminant validity, sensitivity to change, internal consistency, reliability, agreement, and feasibility.

RESULTS

The 8 components of the S-STARTS score provided additional information (0.01 ≤ |r| ≤ 0.59). The S-STARTS score exhibited good reliability (intraclass coefficient of correlation [3,k] = 0.74), no ceiling or floor effects, and high discrimination and sensitivity to change. The S-STARTS score was significantly lower in patients than in controls (13.5 ± 3.8 points vs 16.1 ± 2.7 points, respectively; P < 0.001). A significant increase was reported between 4.5 and 6.5 months postoperatively (12.8 ± 2.3 points vs 17.2 ± 2.4 points, respectively; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The S-STARTS score meets statistical validation criteria for the assessment of shoulder functional status after shoulder stabilization surgery using the Latarjet procedure.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Using an S-STARTS score-based assessment to monitor an athlete's progression through the return-to-sport continuum may help clinicians and strength and conditioning coaches in return-to-sport decision-making.

Evolving Concepts in the Management of Shoulder Instability

BACKGROUND

Shoulder instability exists on a spectrum ranging from subtle subluxation and pain to dislocation and can be the result of a traumatic event or repetitive microtrauma. Shoulder instability can result in significant disability and often requires surgical intervention, especially amongst younger, active patient populations. The optimal treatment of shoulder instability depends on the degree of instability and concomitant pathology involving the labrum, capsule, and bony anatomy of the glenoid and humeral head. Even with surgical intervention, recurrent instability remains a relatively common and difficult problem to address.

PURPOSE

With a focus on anterior instability, the purpose of this review article is to discuss the current assessment and treatment of shoulder instability, and highlight current and future treatment modalities, as well as to identify current trends and deficiencies in our current management. We also provide an algorithm for the surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

Literature databases were extensively searched for recent articles related to the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of shoulder instability to comprise a comprehensive review.

CONCLUSION

Although there are multiple treatment modalities available for shoulder instability, such as nonoperative management, open and arthroscopic Bankart repair, Latarjet procedures, and remplissage, orthopaedic surgeons continue to learn about the most appropriate method of management as increasing long-term outcomes become available.

The Incidence of Posterior and Combined AP Shoulder Instability Treatment with Surgical Stabilization Is Higher in an Active Military Population than in the General Population: Findings from the US Naval Academy

BACKGROUND

Anterior instability has consistently been shown to be the most common type of glenohumeral instability. Recent studies have demonstrated a higher percentage of posterior and combined (anterior and posterior) instability than had previously been reported; however, this work has not been replicated recently in a particularly young military population, which may be representative of an especially athletic or high-demand group.

QUESTION/PURPOSE

What proportion of arthroscopic shoulder stabilization procedures are performed to address isolated anterior instability, isolated posterior instability, and combined instability in a young, military population?

METHODS

Between August 2009 and January 2020, two sports medicine fellowship-trained surgeons performed arthroscopic shoulder surgery on 543 patients at a single institution. During that time, the indication to be treated with arthroscopic stabilization surgery was symptomatic glenohumeral instability, as diagnosed by the operative surgeon, that restricted patients from carrying out their military duties. Of those, 82% (443 of 543) could be evaluated in this retrospective study, while 18% (100 of 543) were excluded due to either incomplete data or because the procedure performed was not to address instability. No patient underwent an open stabilization procedure during this period. Of the 443 patients investigated, the mean age was 22 ± 4 years, and 88% (392 of 443 patients) were men. Instability type was characterized as isolated anterior, isolated posterior, or combined (anterior and posterior) according to the physician's diagnosis as listed in the patient's clinical records and operative reports after the particular capsulolabral pathology was identified and addressed.

RESULTS

Isolated anterior instability occurred in 47% of patients (210 of 443). Isolated posterior instability happened in 18% of patients (80 of 443), while combined anteroposterior instability occurred in 35% of patients (153 of 443).

CONCLUSION

Shoulder instability is common in the military population. Although anterior instability occurred most frequently, these findings demonstrate higher proportions of posterior and combined instability than have been previously reported. Surgeons should have a heightened suspicion for posterior and combined anteroposterior labral pathology when performing arthroscopic stabilization procedures to ensure that these instability patterns are recognized and treated appropriately. The current investigation examines a unique cohort of young and active individuals who are at particularly high risk for instability and whose findings may represent a good surrogate for other active populations that a surgeon may encounter.Level of Evidence Level III; therapeutic study.

Donor-Specific Human Leukocyte Antigen Antibody Formation After Allograft Glenoid Reconstruction Occurs But Does Not Impact Clinicoradiographic Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Recurrent shoulder instability is a prevalent condition, with glenoid bone loss as a common cause. Arthroscopic repair using distal tibial allografts provides long-lasting treatment by restoring glenoid surface area and presumably avoids risks of sensitization against donor human leukocyte antigen (HLA). Two case studies have challenged this assumption, suggesting that small bone allografts are able to induce host adaptive immune responses to donor HLA. The incidence of small bone allograft HLA sensitization and its effects on resorption and patient outcomes are unclear.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose was to assess the rate of sensitization against donor HLA after distal tibial allograft procedures for shoulder instability due to glenoid bone loss and to find whether HLA sensitization negatively affects patient-reported and radiographic outcomes. We hypothesized that sensitized patients would have worse radiographic and self-reported outcomes compared with nonsensitized patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A total of 71 patients with a mean age of 28.85 years (range, 13.58-61.31 years) were enrolled, with 58 patients submitting sufficient pre- and postoperative blood samples for HLA antibody testing. In patients who developed HLA antibodies postoperatively, donor HLA typing was used to confirm donor-specific sensitization. Pre- and postoperative computerized tomography scans (0.9 ± 0.8 years follow-up) were used to grade resorption based on the modified Zhu resorption grade classification (ie, grade 0 = no resorption; grade 1 = less than 25% resorption; grade 2 = between 25% and 50% resorption; and grade 3 = larger than 50% resorption). The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index outcome scores were obtained preoperatively and at regular postoperative appointments. Resorption and outcome data were compared between sensitized and nonsensitized patients using the Fisher exact test, independent 2-tailed Student t tests, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test to determine the effect of HLA sensitization on radiographic and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 7 (12.1%) patients with sufficient HLA samples were sensitized against donor HLA postoperatively. Sensitized patients did not have significantly higher rates of resorption (21.9% vs 14.3%, 21.9% vs 28.6%, 43.8% vs 28.6%, and 12.5% vs 28.6% for respective resorption grades 0-3; P = .67; α = .05). Self-reported outcomes were not statistically significant between sensitized and nonsensitized patients (24.9 ± 27.61 vs 40.16 ± 18.99; P = .37; α = .05) and did not differ significantly based on resorption grade (47.4 ± 0.0 vs 55.2 ± 18.8, 30.4 ± 15.8 vs 39.9 ± 20.9, 41.2 ± 0.0 vs 39.1 ± 13.1, and -24.9 ± 0 vs 24.4 ± 19.6 for resorption grades 0-3; P > .05; α = .05).

CONCLUSION

Sensitization against donor HLA after small bone graft allografting was not previously considered but has been brought to light as a possibility. Aside from potential complications for future organ transplants, HLA sensitization does not introduce a risk for adverse outcomes or higher grades of resorption compared with nonsensitized patients after small bone allografting for shoulder instability.

In-Season Management of Anterior Shoulder Instability

Anterior shoulder instability commonly occurs in young and active individuals, particularly those participating in contact or collision sports. At the intercollegiate level, rates of anterior instability have been reported to be 0.12 events per 1000 athlete exposures. The treatment of in-season athletes with anterior instability presents a challenge for the team physician. The desire to return to play within the same season with nonoperative management must be weighed against the increased risk of recurrence as well as athlete and team specific demands. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the key considerations for the management of the athlete with anterior shoulder instability that occurs within the competitive season.

Increased Glenoid Index as a Risk Factor for Pediatric and Adolescent Anterior Glenohumeral Dislocation: An MRI-Based, Case-Control Study

Background:

In adults, anterior glenohumeral instability has been associated with a tall and narrow glenoid morphology, assessed using the glenoid index (GI; glenoid height-to-width ratio) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This morphological association has not been assessed in children and adolescents.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To examine the association of GI and other MRI measurements of interest supported in studies on adults with anterior glenohumeral dislocation in patients aged ≤19 years. We hypothesized that these patients would have a significantly greater GI (relatively taller and narrower glenoid morphology) compared with healthy controls.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

An institutional radiology database was queried over a 10-year period to identify patients aged ≤19 years who had been diagnosed with radiographically confirmed anterior shoulder dislocation and who underwent glenohumeral magnetic resonance arthrography as well as those without dislocation with normal shoulder arthrogram studies (controls). Patients with bony Bankart lesions were excluded. The following glenohumeral dimensions were measured on shoulder arthrogram: GI, glenoid version, coracohumeral interval, and rotator interval width/depth. Comparative analysis between the 2 groups was performed using the Student t test for each variable, followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to determine discriminative ability when statistically significant.

Results:

Overall, 55 participants (33 male and 22 female patients; mean age, 15.4 ± 2.1 years) were enrolled; 22 patients were in included in the dislocator group and 33 patients comprised the control group. The mean GI in the dislocator group was significantly greater than the control group (1.55 ± 0.14 vs. 1.38 ± 0.08; P < .001). ROC analysis revealed adequate discrimination of GI in predicting glenohumeral dislocation (area under the curve = 0.88). A GI ≥1.45 was 83% sensitive and 79% specific for predicting dislocation in the study cohort.

Conclusion:

Patients with anterior glenohumeral dislocation had increased GI (taller and narrower glenoid morphology) than controls. This useful MRI measurement may help identify patients at risk for primary or recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability events and may therefore help with guiding treatment and prevention.

Anterior Glenohumeral Instability in the Adolescent Athlete

Glenohumeral instability is multifactorial and has both static and dynamic elements. The initial management of first-time dislocations has become increasingly controversial, although recent evidence supports operative treatment for adolescents who participate in contact sports. Risk factors for recurrent glenohumeral instability include adolescent age, hyperlaxity, glenoid bone loss, off-track Hill-Sachs lesions, and fixation with <=3 anchors. High rates of return to sport can be expected when the surgical plan is tailored to individual pathology.

Return to Play After Revision Anterior Shoulder Stabilization: A Systematic Review

Background

Revision shoulder stabilizations are becoming increasingly common. Returning to play after revision shoulder stabilizations is important to patients.

Purpose

To evaluate the return-to-play rate after revision anterior shoulder stabilization using arthroscopic, open, coracoid transfer, or free bone block procedures.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

All English-language studies published between 2000 and 2020 that reported on return to play after revision anterior shoulder stabilization were reviewed. Clinical outcomes that were evaluated included rate of overall return to play, level of return to play, and time to return to play. Study quality was evaluated using the Downs and Black quality assessment score.

Results

Eighteen studies (1 level 2; 17 level 4; mean Downs and Black score, 10.1/31) on revision anterior shoulder stabilization reported on return to play and met inclusion criteria (7 arthroscopic, 5 open, 3 Latarjet, and 3 bony augmentation), with a total of 564 revision cases (mean age, 27.9 years; 84.1% male). The weighted mean length of follow-up was 52.5 months. The overall weighted rate of return to play was 80.1%. The weighted mean rate of return to play was 84.0% (n = 153) after arthroscopic revision, 91.5% (n = 153) after open revision, 88.1% (n = 149) after Latarjet, and 73.8% (n = 65) after bone augmentation. The weighted mean rate of return to same level of play was 69.7% for arthroscopic revision, 70.0% for open revision, 67.1% for Latarjet revision, and 61.8% after bone block revision. There were 5 studies that reported on time to return to play, with a weighted mean of 7.75 months (4 arthroscopic) and 5.2 months (1 Latarjet). The weighted mean rates of complication (for studies that provided it) were 3.3% after arthroscopic revision (n = 174), 3.5% after open revision (n = 110), 9.3% after Latarjet revision (n = 108), and 45.8% after bone block revision (n = 72).

Conclusion

Revision using open stabilization demonstrated the highest return-to-play rate. Revision using Latarjet had the quickest time to return to play but had higher complication rates. When evaluated for return to same level of play, arthroscopic, open, and Latarjet had similar rates, and bone block had lower rates. The choice of an optimal revision shoulder stabilization technique, however, depends on patient goals. Higher-quality studies are needed to compare treatments regarding return to play after revision shoulder stabilization.

Immobilization in External Rotation and Abduction Versus Arthroscopic Stabilization After First-Time Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Treatment of first-time shoulder dislocation (FSD) is a topic of debate. After high rates of recurrent instability after nonoperative management were reported in the literature, primary repair of FSD significantly increased. At the same time, new concepts were proposed that had promising results for immobilization in external rotation (ER) and abduction (ABD).

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the recurrence rates (primary outcome) and clinical outcomes (secondary outcome parameters) of immobilization in ER+ABD versus arthroscopic primary stabilization after FSD.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

In a multicenter randomized controlled trial, patients with FSD were randomized to either treatment with immobilization in 60° of ER plus 30° of ABD (group 1) or surgical treatment with arthroscopic Bankart repair (group 2). Clinical evaluation was performed 1, 3, and 6 weeks as well as 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively or after reduction, including range of motion, instability testing, subjective shoulder value, Constant-Murley score, Rowe score, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index. Recurrent instability events were prospectively recorded.

RESULTS

Between 2011 and 2017, a total of 112 patients were included in this study. Of these, 60 patients were allocated to group 1 and 52 to group 2. At the 24-month follow-up, 91 patients (81.3%) were available for clinical examination. The recurrence rate was 19.1% in group 1 and 2.3% in group 2 (P = .016). No significant differences were found between groups regarding clinical shoulder scores (P > .05). Due to noncompliance with the immobilization treatment protocol, 4 patients (6.7%) were excluded.

CONCLUSION

Immobilization in ER+ABD versus primary arthroscopic shoulder stabilization for the treatment of FSD showed no differences in clinical shoulder scores. However, recurrent instability was significantly higher after nonoperative treatment.

Surgical treatment for recurrent shoulder instability: factors influencing surgeon decision making

BACKGROUND

The optimal surgical approach for recurrent anterior shoulder instability remains controversial, particularly in the face of glenoid and/or humeral bone loss. The purpose of this study was to use a contingent-behavior questionnaire (CBQ) to determine which factors drive surgeons to perform bony procedures over soft tissue procedures to address recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

A CBQ survey presented each respondent with 32 clinical vignettes of recurrent shoulder instability that contained 8 patient factors. The factors included (1) age, (2) sex, (3) hand dominance, (4) number of previous dislocations, (5) activity level, (6) generalized laxity, (7) glenoid bone loss, and (8) glenoid track. The survey was distributed to fellowship-trained surgeons in shoulder/elbow or sports medicine. Respondents were asked to recommend either a soft tissue or bone-based procedure, then specifically recommend a type of procedure. Responses were analyzed using a multinomial-logit regression model that quantified the relative importance of the patient characteristics in choosing bony procedures.

RESULTS

Seventy orthopedic surgeons completed the survey, 33 were shoulder/elbow fellowship trained and 37 were sports medicine fellowship trained; 52% were in clinical practice ≥10 years and 48% <10 years; and 95% reported that the shoulder surgery made up at least 25% of their practice. There were 53% from private practice, 33% from academic medicine, and 14% in government settings. Amount of glenoid bone loss was the single most important factor driving surgeons to perform bony procedures over soft tissue procedures, followed by the patient age (19-25 years) and the patient activity level. The number of prior dislocations and glenoid track status did not have a strong influence on respondents' decision making. Twenty-one percent glenoid bone loss was the threshold of bone loss that influenced decision toward a bony procedure. If surgeons performed 10 or more open procedures per year, they were more likely to perform a bony procedure.

CONCLUSION

The factors that drove surgeons to choose bony procedures were the amount of glenoid bone loss with the threshold at 21%, patient age, and their activity demands. Surprisingly, glenoid track status and the number of previous dislocations did not strongly influence surgical treatment decisions. Ten open shoulder procedures a year seems to provide a level of comfort to recommend bony treatment for shoulder instability.

Magnetic Resonance Arthrography in Rugby Players Undergoing Shoulder Stabilization for Glenohumeral Instability: Professionals Have Higher Frequencies of More Pathologies

Purpose

To quantify the magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) findings in rugby players during preoperative workup for anterior surgical stabilization for glenohumeral instability.

Methods

All patients who underwent glenohumeral instability surgery in our institution between 2008 and 2018 were considered for inclusion. Rugby players were identified using the patient's medical notes, with subsequent identification of all professional players. All rugby player's preoperative MRA findings were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Overall, 267 rugby players were included, 261 of whom were male (97.8%), with a mean age of 22.7 years (range 13-55 years). There were 58 professional rugby players (21.7%). The mean number of pathologies in nonprofessional rugby players was 5.0 pathologies versus 6.2 pathologies in the professional rugby players, with a significant difference in nonprofessional rugby players with up to 3 pathologies versus professional rugby players (26.3% vs 10.3%, P = .01). Professional rugby players had a statistically significant increased incidence of bicipital tendon lesions (25.9% vs 13.9%, P = .009), acromioclavicular joint degeneration (60.3% vs 42.1%, P = .016), glenohumeral bone loss (87.9% vs 69.9%, P = .006), and degenerative changes (67.2% vs 44.0%, P = .002) on their MRAs.

Conclusions

Rugby players undergoing surgical stabilization for glenohumeral instability often have a significant number of pathologies identified on MRA at the time of surgery. Professional rugby players showed concerningly greater frequencies of early degenerative changes when compared with nonprofessional rugby players.

Level of Evidence

III; Retrospective Cohort Study.

Anterior glenohumeral instability: Current review with technical pearls and pitfalls of arthroscopic soft-tissue stabilization

The glenohumeral joint (GHJ) allows for a wide range of motion, but is also particularly vulnerable to episodes of instability. Anterior GHJ instability is especially frequent among young, athletic populations during contact sporting events. Many first time dislocators can be managed non-operatively with a period of immobilization and rehabilitation, however certain patient populations are at higher risk for recurrent instability and may require surgical intervention for adequate stabilization. Determination of the optimal treatment strategy should be made on a case-by-case basis while weighing both patient specific factors and injury patterns (i.e., bone loss). The purpose of this review is to describe the relevant anatomical stabilizers of the GHJ, risk factors for recurrent instability including bony lesions, indications for arthroscopic vs open surgical management, clinical history and physical examination techniques, imaging modalities, and pearls/pitfalls of arthroscopic soft-tissue stabilization for anterior glenohumeral instability.

Immobilisation in external rotation after first-time traumatic anterior shoulder instability reduces recurrent instability: a meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Cadaveric and MRI findings have demonstrated significantly less labral separation and displacement when the shoulder is placed in external rotation as compared with internal rotation.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the current study is to meta-analyse the randomised controlled trials in the literature to compare immobilisation in external versus internal rotation after first-time anterior shoulder dislocation.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomised controlled trials comparing immobilisation in external rotation versus internal rotation for first-time anterior shoulder dislocation were included.

FINDINGS

Nine randomised controlled trials with 795 patients were included. The mean age of included patients was 29 years, 82.4% were male and the mean follow-up was 25.5 months. As compared with immobilisation in internal rotation, compliance was significantly higher (74.5% vs 67.4%, p=0.01), and the rate of recurrent dislocations was significantly lower (22.2% vs 33.4%, p=0.02) with immobilisation in external rotation. Additionally, in patients 20-40 years old the rate of recurrent dislocations was significantly lower in those treated with immobilisation in external rotation than internal rotation (12.1% vs 31.4%, p=0.006). Immobilisation in external rotation also resulted in a higher rate of return to preinjury level of play (60.1% vs 42.6%, p=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Immobilisation of the shoulder in external rotation after a traumatic first-time anterior shoulder dislocation results in a higher compliance rate, a lower recurrent dislocation rate and a higher rate of return to play as compared with immobilisation in internal rotation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Return to Sport After Arthroscopic Treatment of Posterior Shoulder Instability

Background:

Arthroscopic treatment of posterior shoulder instability has become more popular and effective in recent years, but few data are available concerning the rate of return to sport.

Purpose:

To present our experiences with arthroscopic posterior labral reconstruction in athletes and review our results, with a particular focus on the rate of return to sport.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Included in the study were 40 arthroscopic stabilizations performed because of posterior shoulder instability in 37 athletes at a single institution. During follow-up, the athletes’ rate of return to sport was calculated. Shoulder function was evaluated based on a pre- versus postoperative comparison of the Rowe instability score and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score. Additionally, the return-to-sport rate was compared among different subgroups: traumatic versus atraumatic origin of injury, competitive versus recreational athletes, high-risk versus low-risk sport, and posterior-only versus anterior and posterior stabilization. Data were statistically analyzed using paired-samples t test and nonparametric Fisher exact test.

Results:

The average follow-up period was 54.4 months (range, 24-112 months). Three shoulders (7.5%) continued to have posterior subluxations postoperatively. There were 34 excellent, 3 good, and 3 fair results based on the Rowe score (average postoperative score, 92.9), and patients achieved an average postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score of 92.7. The pre- to postoperative improvement was statistically significant in both scoring systems (P < .001). Of the 37 patients, 36 (98.2%) were able to return to sport activity: 27 of them (72.9%) to their original sport and 19 (51.4%) at their preinjury level. A significantly higher rate of return to the same sport occurred in athletes who had traumatic injury compared with a subgroup of athletes without a traumatic event (P < .02).

Conclusion:

More than half of the athletes were able to return to their preinjury level of sport after arthroscopic posterior labral reconstruction. In addition, low recurrence rates and good functional outcomes were seen in >90% of the patients, and 98% returned to sport activity. The athletes had a significantly higher rate of return to sport if their posterior shoulder instability had a clear traumatic origin.

Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament (IGHL) Injuries: A Case Series of Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging Findings and Arthroscopic Correlation

Introduction

The inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) complex commonly is assessed by both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance (MR) arthrogram. Our study compared the accuracy of MR arthrogram compared to MRI using arthroscopic correlation as the gold standard.

Methods

A retrospective review of cases reporting an IGHL injury was performed. Seventy-seven cases met inclusion criteria, while five had arthroscopic reports that directly confirmed or refuted the presence of IGHL injury. Two arthroscopic reports confirmed concordant IGHL injuries, while three arthroscopic reports mentioned discordant findings compared to MR. All three discordant cases involved MR arthrogram. Findings included soft tissue edema, fraying of the axillary pouch fibers, and cortical irregularity of the humeral neck. Of the two concordant cases, one was diagnosed by MRI, revealing an avulsion of the anterior band, while the second was diagnosed by MR arthrogram showing ill-defined anterior band fibers. Many cases involved rotator cuff or labral tears, which may have been the focus of care for providers, given their importance for shoulder stability. Additionally, a lack of diagnostic confidence in MR reports may have influenced surgeons in the degree to which they assessed the IGHL complex during arthroscopy.

Conclusion

Radiologists seemed more likely to make note of IGHL injuries when MR arthrograms were performed; meanwhile, all three discordant cases involved MR arthrogram reads. Therefore, additional larger studies are needed with arthroscopic correlation to elucidate MR findings that confidently suggest injury to the IGHL complex, to avoid false positive radiology reports.

The effectiveness of battlefield acupuncture in addition to standard physical therapy treatment after shoulder surgery: a protocol for a randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

There is a large incidence of shoulder instability among active young athletes and military personnel. Shoulder stabilization surgery is the commonly employed intervention for treating individuals with instability. Following surgery, a substantial proportion of individuals experience acute post-operative pain, which is usually managed with opioid pain medications. Unfortunately, the extended use of opioid medications can have adverse effects that impair function and reduce military operational readiness, but there are currently few alternatives. However, battlefield acupuncture (BFA) is a minimally invasive therapy demonstrating promise as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for managing acute post-operative pain.

METHODS

This is a parallel, two-arm, single-blind randomized clinical trial. The two independent variables are intervention (2 levels, standard physical therapy and standard physical therapy plus battlefield acupuncture) and time (5 levels, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 1 week, and 4 weeks post shoulder stabilization surgery). The primary dependent variables are worst and average pain as measured on the visual analog scale. Secondary outcomes include medication usage, Profile of Mood States, and Global Rating of Change.

DISCUSSION

The magnitude of the effect of BFA is uncertain; current studies report confidence intervals of between-group differences that include minimal clinically important differences between intervention and control groups. The results of this study may help determine if BFA is an effective adjunct to physical therapy in reducing pain and opioid usage in acute pain conditions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04094246 . Registered on 16 September 2019.

The Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: State of the Art in 2020: Decision-making and Operative Technique

Traumatic anterior shoulder instability is prevalent among young athletes, and recurrent dislocations can result in compromised upper extremity function, increasing glenohumeral bone loss, and ultimately, posttraumatic arthritis. Although management algorithms have evolved in response to contemporary data and technical innovation, the arthroscopic Bankart repair continues to be a mainstay for the primary surgical management of first-time or recurrent anterior shoulder instability with marginal attritional glenoid bone loss (ie, <10% to 15%) and/or "on track" Hill-Sachs defects. The advantages of arthroscopic stabilization include its minimally invasive technique, high cost effectiveness, and relatively low recurrence rates and propensity for perioperative complications. The current article reviews contemporary indications/contraindications, management of the first-time dislocator, critical glenoid bone loss, surgical technique, and reported clinical outcomes of the arthroscopic Bankart repair.

Anterior Shoulder Instability in the Professional Athlete: Return to Competition, Time to Return, and Career Length

Background:

Anterior shoulder instability is a common condition in professional athletes, yet little is known about the success of surgery. Return to competition (RTC) is a metric indicative of a successful outcome for professional athletes who undergo anterior shoulder stabilization surgery.

Purpose:

To determine the rate of RTC, time to RTC, recurrence rate, and length of career after surgery in professional athletes who had undergone surgical treatment for anterior shoulder instability.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We evaluated professional athletes who underwent surgical treatment for anterior shoulder instability by a single surgeon between 2007 and 2018. Data from patients’ medical records, a patient data registry, basic search engines, sports websites, and individual team websites were used to determine length of professional play before injury, duration of career after surgery, and RTC level.

Results:

Overall, 23 professional athletes (25 shoulders from 12 contact and 13 noncontact athletes) were identified. The mean age at the time of surgery was 24.3 ± 4.9 years (range, 16-35 years). Primary procedures included arthroscopic Bankart repair (76%; 19/25), open Latarjet (20%; 5/25), and bony Bankart repair (4%; 1/25). Of the 23 athletes, 22 returned to their previous level of competition (96%; 95% CI, 78%-100%). The mean time between surgery and RTC was 4.5 months (range, 3-8 months). There was no difference in time to RTC between contact and noncontact athletes (4.1 vs 4.4 months). There was no difference in RTC rates and time to return for players who received a Bankart repair versus a Latarjet procedure (4.6 vs 4.2 months). A total of 12 participants were still actively engaged in their respective sport at an average of 4.3 years since surgery, while 11 athletes went on to retire at an average of 4.8 years. Duration of play after surgery was 3.8 years for contact athletes and 5.8 years for noncontact athletes (P > .05).

Conclusion:

In this series, professional athletes who underwent surgical shoulder stabilization for the treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability returned to their presurgical levels of competition at a high rate. No differences in RTC rate or time to RTC were observed for contact versus noncontact athletes or for those who received arthroscopic Bankart repair versus open Latarjet. However, contact athletes had shorter careers after surgery than did noncontact athletes.

Latarjet Procedure With Coracoclavicular Ligament Augmentation for Traumatic Coracoid Fracture and Recurrent Anterior Glenohumeral Instability in an Elite Contact Athlete

Coracoid fractures are relatively uncommon injuries and are typically treated conservatively or with open reduction and internal fixation of displaced fractures. In rare cases, coracoid fractures coincide with glenohumeral instability. Although glenohumeral instability is frequently treated with Bankart procedures, the Latarjet procedure (or transfer of the coracoid process) is used in patients with significant glenoid bone loss, recurrent instability, or prior failed Bankart procedures. However, in some cases, surgeons opt for the Latarjet procedure in patients who are at risk for recurrent instability, such as the elite contact athlete presented in this case. This Technical Note describes the transfer of a previously fractured coracoid fragment to the anterior glenoid rather than reduction of the fracture with concurrent coracoclavicular ligament augmentation to restore anterior shoulder stability.

Risk Factors for Recurrent Anterior Glenohumeral Instability and Clinical Failure Following Primary Latarjet Procedures: An Analysis of 344 Patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with a greater risk of recurrent instability and inferior clinical outcomes following a primary Latarjet procedure can be preoperatively identified on the basis of clinical, radiographic, and demographic criteria. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors influencing the rates of recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability and clinical failure following a primary Latarjet procedure.

METHODS

All patients who underwent a primary Latarjet procedure were prospectively enrolled and evaluated. The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) outcome scores were collected at a minimum 5-year follow-up along with evidence of recurrent instability. Recurrent instability (recurrent subluxation or dislocation) was considered as a failure. Clinical failure was defined as a postoperative WOSI score of ≥630 points (≤70% normal) or a SANE score of ≤70 points.

RESULTS

From 2004 to 2014, 344 patients (358 shoulders) with a mean age of 30.6 years (range, 16 to 68 years) were enrolled and had a mean follow-up time of 75 months (range, 61 to 89 months). The median postoperative WOSI score was 265 points (range, 0 to 1,100 points), and the median SANE score was 88 points (range, 50 to 100 points). Recurrence occurred in 17 shoulders (4.7%), 5 with dislocation and 12 with subluxation; and 28 (8.2%) of 341 shoulders without recurrent instability were clinical failures following a Latarjet procedure. The risk factors for recurrence included atraumatic dislocation (odds ratio [OR], 4.6; p < 0.01) and bilateral instability (OR, 4.0; p = 0.01), whereas the risk factors for clinical failure (WOSI score of ≥630 points or SANE score of ≤70 points) were female sex (OR, 2.8; p < 0.01) and bilateral instability (OR, 4.6; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes at a mean of >6 years following a primary Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability were very good, with an overall recurrence rate of 4.7%. An additional 8.2% of cases were defined as clinical failures. Patients with an atraumatic mechanism of primary dislocation, bilateral instability, and female sex were identified to be at a greater risk of recurrence or clinical failure. Although additional work is necessary, patients with capsuloligamentous laxity, relatively atraumatic instability history, bilateral instability, and female sex may be preoperatively identified as having a higher risk of treatment failure after a primary Latarjet procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.