Effects of surgical management on multidirectional instability of the shoulder: a meta-analysis

Current Evidence Based Recommendations on Rehabilitation following Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: Rotator Cuff, Instability, Superior Labral Pathology, and Adhesive Capsulitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Arthroscopy has become increasingly popular for a addressing a wide variety of shoulder pathology. However, despite increasing interest, there is still much uncertainty and variability amongst providers regarding optimal post-operative rehabilitation. This review provides an overview of the evidence underlying common rehab protocols used following arthroscopic interventions for rotator cuff disease, shoulder instability, superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears and adhesive capsulitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

For small and medium sized rotator cuff tears, early motion protocols do not seem to affect healing or retear rates, however there is no difference with regards to long term functional outcomes when compared to standard motion protocols. For larger tears (> 3 cm), early active motion may be associated with impaired tendon integrity. Early range of motion following arthroscopic Bankart repair has not been shown to increase rate of recurrence, however the data on return to sport requires more granularity to effectively guide care. Further research needs to be done to compare rehab protocols following SLAP repair and arthroscopic capsular release. Rehabilitation protocols following rotator cuff surgery and anterior shoulder stabilization have garnered the most research interest. However, there is still a need for larger higher-level studies examining the long-term effects of different rehab protocols. Regarding the arthroscopic management of other types of shoulder instability, SLAP tears and adhesive capsulitis, there is paucity of high-quality evidence. This knowledge gap likely underpins the variability in different rehab protocols seen in clinical practice, highlighting the need for more research.

Comprehensive Review of Multidirectional Instability of the Shoulder

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder can result from underlying atraumatic laxity, from repetitive microtrauma, or from a traumatic injury and often occurs in association with generalized ligamentous laxity or underlying connective tissue disorders. It is critical to differentiate multidirectional instability from unidirectional instability with or without generalized laxity to maximize treatment success. Although rehabilitation is still considered the primary treatment method for this condition, surgical treatment in the form of open inferior capsular shift or arthroscopic pancapsulolabral plication is indicated if conservative treatment fails. Recent biomechanical and clinical research has shown that there is still room for improvement in the treatment methods offered to this specific patient cohort. Potential treatment options, such as various methods to improve cross-linking of native collagen tissue, electric muscle stimulation to retrain the abnormally functioning dynamic stabilizers of the shoulder, and alternative surgical techniques such as coracohumeral ligament reconstruction and bone-based augmentation procedures, are brought forth in this article as potential avenues to explore in the future.

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder: surgical techniques and clinical outcome

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder has a complex pathoanatomy. It is characterized by a redundant glenohumeral capsule and increased joint volume. Subtle clinical presentation, unclear trauma history and multifactorial etiology poseses a great challenge for orthopedic surgeons in terms of diagnosis. Generally accepted therapeutic approach is conservative and the majority of patients achieve good results with rehabilitation. In patients who are symptomatic despite appropriate rehabilitation, surgical intervention may be considered. Good results have been obtained with open inferior capsular surgery, which has historically been performed in these patients. In recent years, advanced arthroscopic techniques have taken place in this field, and similar results compared to open surgery have been obtained with the less-invasive arthroscopic capsular plication procedure.

Advances in the Non-Operative Management of Multidirectional Instability of the Glenohumeral Joint

Multidirectional instability (MDI) of the glenohumeral joint refers to symptomatic subluxations or dislocations in more than one direction. The aetiology of MDI is multifactorial, which makes the classification of this condition challenging. A shoulder rehabilitation program is the initial recommended treatment for MDI, however available rehabilitation programs have varying levels of evidence to support their effectiveness. In 2016, we published the details of an evidence-based program for MDI that has been evaluated for efficacy in two single-group studies and a randomised controlled trial. In 2017, we published a clinical commentary on the aetiology, classification, and treatment of this condition. The aim of this paper is to provide an update on the components of these publications with a particular focus on new advances in the non-operative management of this condition.

[Rebalancing theory of shoulder stability mechanism for the diseases related to the shoulder instability and dysfunction of motion]

Objective

To introduce a new theory of shoulder stability mechanism, rebalancing theory, and clinical application of this new theory for the shoulder instability and dysfunction of motion.

Methods

Through extensive review of the literature related to shoulder instability and dysfunction of the motion in recent years, combined with our clinical practice experience, the internal relation between passive stability mechanism and dynamic stability mechanism were summarized.

Results

Rebalancing theory of shoulder stability mechanism is addressed, namely, when the shoulder stability mechanism is destructive, the stability of the shoulder can be restored by the rebalance between dynamic stability mechanism and passive stability mechanism. When dynamic stability is out of balance, dynamic stability can be restored by rebalancing the different parts of dynamic stability mechanism or to strengthen the passive stability mechanism. When passive stability mechanism is out of balance, passive stability can be restored by rebalancing the soft tissue and bone of the shoulder.

Conclusion

Rebalancing theory of shoulder stability mechanism could make a understanding the occurrence, development, and prognosis of shoulder instability and dysfunction from a comprehensive and dynamic view and guide the treatment effectively.

Atraumatic shoulder instability: patient characteristics, comorbidities, and disability

Background

Atraumatic shoulder instability of the shoulder is well described, and numerous extrinsic factors have been identified as having a negative influence on long-term shoulder function, including age, sex, smoking, and workers' compensation status. Furthermore, physical factors such as acute or chronic pain, as well as psychological comorbidities such as depression and suicidal thoughts, are common in shoulder-related conditions.

Methods

Patients with atraumatic shoulder instability were recruited from a review of outpatient logbook and inpatient rehabilitation center admission records. Average and worst pain visual analogue scale rates were recorded for acute and chronic shoulder pain. Disability was measured using the “Disability of the Arm and Hand” score, as well as the Stanmore Percentage of Normal Shoulder Assessment (SPONSA). Depression was assessed using Becks Depression Inventory II, and further single psychological items were selected from other psychological assessment questionnaires.

Results

We included 64 patients, of which 51 (79.7%) were female. Mean visual analogue scale pain scores were in average 5.11 (standard deviation 2.24) and 5.58 (standard deviation 2.34) for acute and chronic shoulder pain, respectively. A stepwise, multiple linear regression revealed that only chronic shoulder pain remained significantly related to disability (F(1,61) = 46.13, P < .001). A second linear regression analysis was performed and showed a significant association between the overall Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and overall Becks Depression Inventory score (F(1,62) = 12.78, P < .001). A further stepwise, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that chronic pain and depression remain independent variables in the prediction of disability.

Conclusion

In addition to sociodemographic factors, pain and psychological comorbidities were found to have a negative impact on patient's functional outcome. This study further supports the need for an multidisciplinary team, holistic approach in the management of atraumatic shoulder instability patients with particular emphasis on chronic pain management and psychological support.

Multidirectional Instability of the Shoulder: Treatment Options and Considerations

Multidirectional instability (MDI) is a debilitating condition that involves chronic subluxation or dislocation of the shoulder in >1 direction. Numerous proposed mechanisms of MDI exist, which occurs in the setting of redundant capsular tissue. Symptoms can range from recurrent dislocations or subluxations to vague aching pain that disrupts activities of daily living. Magnetic resonance imaging is often performed during evaluation of this condition, although magnetic resonance arthrography may provide more detailed images of the patulous capsule. In the absence of a well-defined traumatic cause, such as a labral tear, initial treatment for MDI is a structured rehabilitation program with exercises aimed at strengthening the rotator cuff and periscapular muscles to improve scapular kinematics. Patients with recalcitrant symptoms may benefit from surgical stabilization, including open capsular shift or arthroscopic capsular plication, aimed at decreasing capsular volume and improving stability.

Multidirectional instability of the glenohumeral joint: Etiology, classification, assessment, and management

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder is a type of glenohumeral joint shoulder instability. There are discrepancies in the definition and classification of this condition, which can make diagnosis and treatment selection challenging. Knowledge of contributing factors, the typical clinical presentation, and current best evidence for treatment options can assist in the diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection for this pathology. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of the current literature regarding the etiology, classification, assessment, and management of multidirectional instability of the glenohumeral joint.

Trends in Shoulder Stabilization Techniques Used in the United States Based on a Large Private-Payer Database

Background

Arthroscopic stabilization is the most broadly used surgical procedure in the United States for management of recurrent shoulder instability. Latarjet coracoid transfer has been considered a salvage surgical procedure for failed arthroscopic repairs or cases of significant glenoid bone loss; however, with recent literature suggesting reduced risk of recurrent instability with Latarjet, several surgeons have advocated its broader utilization as a primary operation for treatment of shoulder instability.

Purpose

To determine trends in shoulder stabilization techniques used in the United States.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a publicly available national insurance database was performed to identify shoulder stabilization procedures performed over 9 years (2007-2015). The following Current Procedural Terminology codes were searched: 29806 (arthroscopic stabilization), 23455 (open capsulolabral repair), 23466 (open capsular shift), 23462 (Latarjet coracoid transfer), and 23460 (open anterior capsulorrhaphy with other bone block augmentation). Outcomes of interest included (1) trends in the use of each technique throughout the study interval, (2) age and sex distributions of patients undergoing each technique, and (3) regional predilections for the use of each technique.

Results

Arthroscopic stabilization was the most broadly used shoulder stabilization procedure in the database (87%), followed by open Bankart (7%), Latarjet (3.2%), open capsular shift (2.6%), and alternative bone block procedure (0.8%). Throughout the study period, the incidence of arthroscopic stabilization and Latarjet increased (8% and 15% per year, respectively); the incidence of open capsular shift remained relatively constant; and the incidence of open Bankart decreased (9% per year). Arthroscopic stabilization, open Bankart, and Latarjet each had similar sex-based distributions (roughly 70% male), while open capsular shift and alternative bone block were relatively more common in females (54% and 50% male, respectively). The incidence of arthroscopic stabilization and Latarjet were greatest in the South and lowest in the Northeast.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic stabilization remains the most commonly utilized stabilization technique in the United States. The use of the Latarjet procedure is steadily increasing and now rivals open Bankart stabilization among the most commonly used open stabilization techniques.

Multidirectional Shoulder Instability: Treatment

Background:

The treatment of multidirectional instability of the shoulder is complex. The surgeon should have a clear understanding of the role of hiperlaxity, anatomical variations, muscle misbalance and possible traumatic incidents in each patient.

Methods:

A review of the relevant literature was performed including indexed journals in English and Spanish. The review was focused in both surgical and conservative management of multidirectional shoulder instability.

Results:

Most patients with multidirectional instability will be best served with a period of conservative management with physical therapy; this should focus in restoring strength and balance of the dynamic stabilizers of the shoulder. The presence of a significant traumatic incident, anatomic alterations and psychological problems are widely considered to be poor prognostic factors for conservative treatment. Patients who do not show a favorable response after 3 months of conservative treatment seem to get no benefit from further physical therapy.

When conservative treatment fails, a surgical intervention is warranted. Both open capsular shift and arthroscopic capsular plication are considered to be the treatment of choice in these patients and have similar outcomes. Thermal or laser capsuloraphy is no longer recommended.

Conclusion:

Multidirectional instability is a complex problem. Conservative management with focus on strengthening and balancing of the dynamic shoulder stabilizers is the first alternative. Some patients will fare poorly and require either open or arthroscopic capsular plication.

Arthroscopic treatment of the atraumatic shoulder instability: a case series with two-year follow-up evaluation

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the results of arthroscopic capsulolabroplasty in patients affected by atraumatic shoulder instability (ASI).

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of 10 patients (7 women and 3 men) who underwent arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic ASI. Mean age at evaluation was 27.9 (19-35) years and the mean follow-up was 23.3 (12-37) months. We evaluated recurrence rate, range of movement, apprehension and relocation tests, hyperlaxity, and sport activity. The ASES score, the Rowe score, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were also used as outcomes measure.

RESULTS

None of the patients experienced episodes of dislocation or subluxation after surgery. The apprehension and relocation tests produced positive results in 2 patients. Six out of 10 patients reported apprehension with the arm in specific positions. The ASES mean score was 93.4 (55-100); the Rowe mean score was 85.5 (70-100); the SST mean score was 9.1 (5.8-10). On average, external rotation is reduced by 10° in adduction, and by 8° in abduction in 6 out of 10 patients; internal rotation is reduced on average by 6.6° in abduction with the arm abducted, and was overall limited in 6 out of 10 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic capsulolabroplasty ensures excellent results in patients showing atraumatic shoulder instability in terms of recurrence. Still, an underlying insecurity persists and the risk of residual stiffness is tangible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V.

Multidirectional Shoulder Instability: Arthroscopic Labral Augmentation

Capsulolabral augmentation is one of the most used arthroscopic techniques to address multidirectional instability of the shoulder. Given the thin and weak capsule seen in the affected patients, reconstruction in this subset of patients can be particularly challenging. This arthroscopic technique aims to reduce the capsular volume and deepen the glenoid socket through the creation of a particularly voluminous "bumper" along the glenoid bone. Increasing the depth of the glenoid facilitates a concavity-compression stabilizing effect and, therefore, shoulder stability, especially midrange stability. This technique aims to augment the bump of the standard capsulolabral reconstruction by using a resorbable surgical mesh derived from porcine skin.