Rotator cuff tear and glenohumeral instability : a systematic review

Evaluation of the scapulohumeral distraction technique for anterior shoulder dislocation: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Shoulder dislocation is a common injury presenting in the emergency department. Numerous methods have been described in the literature for glenohumeral reduction. These methods can be divided into 2 groups: traction maneuvers and the combination of traction with scapula manipulation techniques. In this article, we introduced a new maneuver for shoulder reduction, namely, the combination of traction with handling the scapula (scapulohumeral distraction [SHD]), and compare it to the Hippocratic technique (HT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 96 patients with acute anterior shoulder dislocation were enrolled from November 2021 to September 2023. Eighty-seven patients, who met all inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to one of the 2 groups (SHD or HT). We evaluated each method for success rate, time to relocation, complications over a follow-up of 1 month, and patients' satisfaction and pain level during the procedure.

RESULTS

Both methods had comparable success rates (SHD 95.3% vs. HT 93.2%, P = .833) while no complications where observed. However, SHD method required significantly less procedure time (P = .001). Moreover, patients in SHD group reported significantly less pain (P = .012) and greater satisfaction (P = .003) levels. Furthermore, when we assessed relocation time, pain, and patient satisfaction as a function of recurrence, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 techniques. Similarly, the evaluation of relocation time for both techniques as a function of body mass index and age did not indicate statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSION

The SHD technique represents a safe, anatomically based and simple method for shoulder reduction. It showed a statistically significant decrease in relocation time and pain, with patients reporting higher satisfaction rates compared with the classical Hippocratic technique. Nonetheless, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 techniques in regard to their success rates.

Bridging repair reinforced with artificial ligament as an internal brace for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears

BACKGROUND

The irreparable massive rotator cuff tear (IMRCT) is challenging to manage. Although various surgical options have been proposed to treat IMRCTs, the optimal surgical technique remains controversial. Arthroscopic bridging patch repair is clinically used for treating IMRCTs, but the healing rate of the patch graft is negatively affected by superior shift of the humeral head. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of artificial ligament as an internal brace (IB) reinforcing fascia lata autograft bridging repair (ABR) in the treatment of IMRCTs.

METHODS

The data of 50 patients with IMRCTs who underwent ABR reinforced with artificial ligament as an IB (ABR + IB) (internal brace group) or ABR alone (control group) were retrospectively evaluated preoperatively and at 2-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on the shoulder activity, of which the strength was measured using a 0-10 points manual muscle test scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and visual analog scale for pain. Imaging outcomes were evaluated based on acromiohumeral distance (AHD), Hamada grade, Goutallier grade, and the status of fascia lata grafts as per radiographs or magnetic resonance imaging findings.

RESULTS

Both groups showed significantly better results in shoulder activity, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale score, and AHD at 2-year follow-up compared with preoperative levels (P < .001). Compared with the control group (n = 24), the internal brace group (n = 26) had better mean AHD (7.0 ± 1.4 mm vs. 5.9 ± 1.0 mm, P = .002), mean improvement in AHD (3.3 ± 1.5 mm vs. 2.0 ± 0.6 mm, P < .001), healing rate of autografts (92.3% vs. 54.2%, P = .002), and improvement rate of Hamada grade (73.1% vs. 41.7%, P = .025) at 2-year follow-up. No significant differences were found in active elevation, active external rotation, active internal rotation, abduction strength, external rotation strength, internal rotation strength, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, or visual analog scale between the 2 groups at 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Both the ABR + IB and ABR improved the postoperative short-term clinical and imaging outcomes in managing IMRCTs, the ABR + IB is statistically superior to ABR alone in terms of healing rate of the bridging graft, AHD, and Hamada grade at 2-year follow-up, while further clinical investigations with larger sample size and longer follow-ups are required to validate the clinical significance of this novel technique for IMRCTs.

Capsule elongation occurs after first time shoulder dislocation A biomechanical in-vitro investigation on human cadaveric specimen

Purpose

As capsule elongation is assumed to weaken the static stability of the shoulder joint, the purpose of this biomechanical study was to demonstrate that capsule elongation occurs immediately after a first-time shoulder dislocation and not just after recurrent dislocation events. We hypothesize an increment in joint clearance due to joint capsule elongation after a first-time dislocation.

Methods

An experimental in-vitro study was conducted on 6 paired fresh frozen human shoulders (4 females; 2 males; 12 specimen) with a mean age of 80 (Range 67-89) years. The shoulder joint with the articular capsule was exposed and an inferior static tension force of 2.5 N was applied to the humerus prior to dislocation. Next, the humeral head was dislocated and was then immediately reduced back into the start position. The joint gap as well as joint capsule deformation was assessed using optical techniques.

Results

The radiographic joint gap increased from 13.7 ± 6.9 mm (prior to dislocation) to 18.1 ± 6.5 mm (post dislocation) (p < .001). The increase in joint clearance was 4.4 mm. The joint capsule elongated from 5.9 ± 0.005 % (prior to dislocation) to 9.4 ± 0.007 % (post dislocation) (p < .001). The mean increase in joint capsule elongation was 3.5 %.

Conclusions

Capsule elongation was observed immediately after a simulated first-time shoulder dislocation in an in-vitro model of elderly human cadavers. It might therefore not only be a phenomenon of recurrent dislocation events.

Controversies in surgical management of anterior shoulder instability. State of the Art

Arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) has been accepted as a standard procedure for anterior shoulder instability with a minimum or no glenoid bone loss and an on-track Hill-Sachs lesion if present. However, several controversies exist in the surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability. This article will discuss some of these controversies in, "simple," dislocations (without bone loss) as well as, "complex," (with critical bone loss). Determining which patients will benefit from an arthroscopic procedure depends on multiple factors including age, activity level, adequate determination of bone loss, performed with feasible and reliable imaging techniques. In the absence of concomitant significant bony and soft tissue pathology, ABR alone can provide satisfactory clinical results on a long-term basis. Controversies, including whether to remove cartilage from the edge of the glenoid, knotted versus knotless anchors, and routine rotator interval closure, still exist. In cases with significant bone loss, several bone restoring procedures have been described, such as, the Latarjet procedure, iliac crest bone graft, arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction with a frozen distal tibial allograft, and fresh distal tibial allograft reconstruction. This article will address these controversies and provide guidance based on available published data.

Top 50 most impactful publications on massive rotator cuff tears

Background

Bibliometric analysis is a useful tool for measuring the scholarly impact of a topic and its more and less heavily studied aspects. The purpose of this study is to use bibliometric analysis to comprehensively analyze the 50 articles with the highest citation indices in studies evaluating the treatment and outcomes of massive rotator cuff tears (mRCTs).

Methods

This cross-sectional study identified articles within the Scopus database published through December 2022. Keywords used were "massive rotator cuff tear." Articles were sorted in chronological order. The year published and number of citations were recorded. A citation index (CI) was calculated for each article by dividing the number of citations by number of years published [1 citation/1 year published (2021) = CI of 1]. Of these, the 50 articles with the highest CIs were carried forward for evaluation. Frequencies and distributions were assessed for data of each variable collected.

Results

These search methods produced 625 articles regarding mRCT research (ranging from January 1986 to December 2022). Four of the top 10 most impactful articles were published in the 2010s. The level of evidence (LOE) published with the greatest frequency was level of evidence 4 (41%). The journal Arthroscopy published the highest number within the top 50 (26%) followed by the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and the American Journal of Sports Medicine (20% each). Clinical studies composed 88% of the top 50. Case series (38%) predominated, while systematic reviews (20%) and randomized control trials (8%) were less prevalent. The majority of studies concentrated on the clinical outcomes of certain interventions (62%), mainly comparing multiple interventions.

Conclusion

Despite the relatively high prevalence of mRCTs (40% of all tears), this topic comprises only a small proportion of all rotator cuff research. This analysis has identified gaps within and limitations of the findings concerning mRCTs for researchers to propose research questions targeting understudied topics and influence the future treatment and outcomes of this clinically difficult diagnosis.

Local Injection of Rapamycin-Loaded Pcl-Peg Nanoparticles for Enhanced Tendon Healing in Rotator Cuff Tears via Simultaneously Reducing Fatty Infiltration and Drug Toxicity

As a common cause of shoulder pain, rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are difficult to treat clinically because of their unsatisfactory prognosis due to the fatty infiltration caused by muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs). Previous studies have found that rapamycin (RAPA) can inhibit fatty infiltration. However, systemic administration of RAPA may cause complications such as infection and nausea, while local administration of RAPA may lead to the cytotoxicity of tendon cells, affecting the healing of rotator cuffs. In this study, biocompatible and clinically approved polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol (PCL-PEG) is formulated into an injectable nanoparticle for the sustained release of RAPA. The results indicate that the RAPA/PCL-PEG nanoparticles (NPs) can efficiently prolong the release of RAPA and significantly reduce the cytotoxicity of tendon cells caused by RAPA. The study of the fatty infiltration model in rats with delayed rotator cuff repair shows that weekly intraarticular injection of RAPA/PCL-PEG NPs can more effectively reduce the fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy of rat rotator cuffs and leads to better mechanical properties and gait improvements than a daily intraarticular injection of RAPA. These findings imply that local injection of RAPA/PCL-PEG NPs in the shoulder joints can be a potential clinical option for RCTs patients with fatty infiltration.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear After Radial to Axillary End-to-Side Transfer: A Case Report

CASE

A 60-year-old man sustained a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear and axillary nerve palsy with deltoid dysfunction after an anterior shoulder dislocation. He underwent staged reverse end-to-side radial-to-axillary nerve transfer with return of deltoid function allowing for subsequent reverse shoulder arthroplasty. At 1 year postoperatively, he returned to full activity.

CONCLUSION

Irreparable rotator cuff tears complicated by axillary nerve palsy can be effectively treated with a staged approach of nerve transfer followed by reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Analysis of abduction moment arms after rotator cuff tear and acellular dermal matrix allograft reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Biomechanical testing of abduction moment arms presents a useful method to assess the contributions of individual rotator cuff muscles to glenohumeral function. This study aimed to investigate the changes in abduction moment arms after the treatment of supraspinatus tears with superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), bursal acromial reconstruction (BAR), and a combined SCR-BAR procedure, all with human dermal allograft.

METHODS

We tested 7 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens under 6 conditions: (1) intact, (2) 50% supraspinatus tear (partial tear), (3) 100% supraspinatus tear, (4) SCR, (5) SCR combined with BAR, and (6) BAR. In each condition, the moment arms for the individual muscles of the teres minor, subscapularis, and infraspinatus were calculated throughout 90° of abduction using a motion capture system. Analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey testing were performed to determine significance.

RESULTS

In the teres minor, the moment arms in the SCR (11.9 mm), BAR (10.1 mm), and SCR-BAR (11.9 mm) conditions were greater than those in the intact (8.5 mm; P = .001, P = .001, and P = .001, respectively), partial tear (9.1 mm; P = .001, P = .128, and P = .001, respectively), and complete tear (8.8 mm; P = .001, P = .011, and P = .001, respectively) conditions. Similarly, in the subscapularis, the moment arms in the SCR (13.4 mm), BAR (13.8 mm), and SCR-BAR (13.5 mm) conditions were greater than those in the intact (10.6 mm; P = .006, P = .001, and P = .003, respectively) and partial tear (10.4 mm; P = .006, P = .001, and P = .003, respectively) conditions. In the teres minor, the SCR (11.9 mm) and SCR-BAR (11.9 mm) conditions were also found to have significantly increased moment arms compared with the BAR condition (10.1 mm; P = .001 and P = .001, respectively). In the infraspinatus, the BAR condition (13.8 mm) was found to have a significantly decreased moment arm compared with the partial tear condition (15.8 mm, P = .026), with no other significant findings between conditions.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the moment arm contributions of the individual muscles comprising the rotator cuff can change after reconstruction to compensate for tears. SCR and SCR-BAR increase the moment arms in the teres minor and subscapularis, potentially allowing for increased abduction ability.

Effects of increased body mass index on one year outcomes following soft tissue arthroscopic shoulder instability repair

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of high body mass index on the 1-year minimal outcome following arthroscopic shoulder stabilization.

Methods

Patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) between 2017 and 2021 were identified and assigned to 1 of 3 cohorts based on their preoperative body mass index: normal (18-25), overweight (25-30), and obese (>30). The primary outcomes assessed were postoperative shoulder instability and revision rates. The 3 groups were compared using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) upper extremity, pain interference, pain intensity, Clinical Global Impression scores, visual analog scale pain scores, and shoulder range of motion at 1 year postoperatively.

Results

During the study period, 142 patients underwent ABR and had an average age of 35 ± 10 years. Obese patients had a higher percentage of partial rotator cuff tears (60% vs. 27%, odds ratio: 3.2 [1.1, 9.2]; P = .009), longer mean operative time (99.8 ± 40.0 vs. 75.7 ± 28.5 minutes; P < .001), and shorter time to complication (0.5 ± 0 vs. 7.0 ± 0 months; P = .038). After controlling for confounding factors, obesity was associated with a lesser improvement in upper extremity function scores (obese vs. normal: -4.9 [-9.4, -0.5]; P = .029); although this difference exists, found future studies are needed to determine the clinical significance. There were no differences in patient reported outcome measures, recurrence rate, or revision surgery rates between cohorts at any time point (P > .05).

Conclusion

Obesity is an independent risk factor for longer operative times but does not confer a higher risk of recurrent instability, revision surgery, or lower outcome scores 1 year following ABR.

Bone loss in shoulder instability: putting it all together

Glenohumeral bone loss is frequently observed in cases of recurrent anterior and posterior shoulder instability and represents a risk factor for failure of nonoperative treatment. Patients with suspected glenoid or humeral bone loss in the setting of recurrent instability should be evaluated with a thorough history and physical examination, as well as advanced imaging including computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In cases of both anterior and posterior instability, the magnitude and location of bone loss should be determined, as well as the relationship between the glenoid track (GT) and any humeral defects. While the degree and pattern of osseous deficiency help guide treatment, patient-specific risk factors for recurrent instability must also be considered when determining patient management. Treatment options for subcritical anterior bone loss include labral repair and capsular plication, while more severe deficiency should prompt consideration of bony augmentation including coracoid transfer or free bone block procedures. Concomitant humeral lesions are treated according to the degree of engagement with the glenoid rim and may be addressed with soft tissue remplissage or bony augmentation procedures. While critical and subcritical thresholds of glenoid bone loss guide the management of anterior instability, such thresholds are less defined in the setting of posterior instability. Furthermore, current treatment algorithms are limited by a lack of long-term comparative studies. Future high-quality studies as well as possible modifications in indications and surgical technique are required to elucidate the optimal treatment of anterior, posterior, and bipolar glenohumeral bone loss in the setting of recurrent shoulder instability.

[Translated article] Correlation between the incidence of rotator cuff lesion in traumatic unilateral anterior glenohumeral dislocation and the contralateral shoulder

INTRODUCTION

Anterior glenohumeral dislocation in patients older than 60 years is related to rotator cuff lesion because of its pre-existing degenerative condition. However, in this age group, the scientific evidence fails to elucidate whether rotator cuff lesions are the cause or consequence of recurrent shoulder instability. The objective of this paper is to describe the prevalence of rotator cuff injuries in a series of consecutive shoulders in patients older than 60 years who suffered a first episode of traumatic glenohumeral dislocation, and its correlation with rotator cuff injuries in both shoulders.

METHODS

Retrospectively, 35 patients over 60 years of age who had a first episode of unilateral traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocation and who had MRI of both shoulders were studied, evaluating both shoulders with MRI to determine the structural damage correlation of the rotator cuff and long head of the biceps between them.

RESULTS

When assessing the existence of partial or complete injury to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons, the concordance on the affected and healthy sides, we have shown concordant results on both sides in 88.6 and 85.7%, respectively. The Kappa concordance coefficient was 0.72 for supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons tear. Of the total of 35 cases evaluated, 8 (22.8%) presented at least some alteration in the tendon of the long head of the biceps on the affected side and only one (2.9%) on the healthy side, where the Kappa coefficient of concordance was 0.18. Of the 35 cases evaluated, 9 (25.7%) presented at least some retraction in the tendon of the subscapularis muscle on the affected side, while no participant showed signs of retraction in the tendon of this muscle on the healthy side.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has found a high correlation of the presence of a postero-superior rotator cuff injury after presenting a glenohumeral dislocation between the shoulder that has suffered the event and the presumably healthy contralateral shoulder. Nevertheless, we have not found this same correlation with subscapularis tendon injury and medial biceps dislocation.

First-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation: Approach for the primary health care physician

Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation is a very common injury encountered in emergency rooms as well as in the primary health care physician's office. This injury occurs either in the setting of competitive or recreational sports injuries or as a high-energy injury during a fall or a road traffic accident. Common complications such as a recurrent dislocation can be predicted, monitored and prevented. Early appropriate treatment of associated cuff tears or fractures is associated with improved outcomes. There is a plethora of literature on the assessment and management of the primary anterior shoulder dislocation in specialised fields such as sports medicine, orthopaedic surgery and shoulder surgery. These studies are often highly technical, addressed to a particular subset of readers and often deal with one aspect of the management of the injury. This narrative aims to provide the reader with a simplified, evidence-based assessment and management approach for the first-time acute anterior shoulder dislocation. Emphasis is on closed reduction techniques, position and duration of immobilisation, and return to activities of life or sports. Risk factors for recurrence and other indications for primary referral to the orthopaedic surgeon are discussed. Other forms of shoulder instability such as posterior shoulder dislocation, inferior dislocation and multidirectional instability will not be the focus of this narrative.

The Arthroscopic Trillat Procedure Is a Valuable and Durable Treatment Option for Recurrent Anterior Instability Associated With Massive Irreparable Cuff Tears

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study is to report the mid- and long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of the arthroscopic Trillat for the treatment of recurrent anterior instability in patients with chronic massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCTs) and maintained active shoulder motion where reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is not indicated.

METHODS

Twenty-one consecutive patients (mean age 61 years) were identified and retrospectively reviewed. All patients had recurrent anterior dislocations and conserved active forward elevation and active external rotation. The MIRCTs included a retracted (stage 3) supraspinatus tear in 14%, a supra- and infraspinatus tear in 76.5%, and a 3-tendon tear in 14%. A closed-wedge osteotomy of the coracoid was performed, and the coracoid was fixed above the subscapularis with a cannulated screw (10 cases) or suture buttons (11 cases). We followed patients with x-rays and computed tomography scan at 6 months, along with Subjective Shoulder Value, visual analog scale, Walch, Constant, and Rowe scores. The mean clinical and radiographic follow-up was 58 months (24-145 months).

RESULTS

Overall, 96% (20/21) of the patients had a stable and functional shoulder and were satisfied with the procedure; no patient lost active shoulder motion. The Subjective Shoulder Value increased from 44% (10%-75%) to 94% (80%-100%), P < .001. The Constant and Rowe scores improved from 60 (25-81) to 81 (66-96) and from 54 (35 to 65) to 92 (70-100), respectively (P < .001). Among the 13 patients practicing sports before surgery, 10 (77%) went back to sports. At last follow-up, only 1 patient was revised to RSA.

CONCLUSIONS

The arthroscopic Trillat procedure is a valuable and durable option for the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocations in older patients with chronic MIRCTs and conserved active shoulder motion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Traumatic rotator cuff tears with concomitant shoulder dislocation: tear characteristics and postsurgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has been shown to have favorable outcomes following traumatic rotator cuff tear with concomitant shoulder dislocation. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and tear characteristics between patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair following traumatic tear with shoulder dislocation to those without dislocation.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 226 consecutive patients with traumatic rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic repair between 2013 and 2017 with a minimum of 1-year follow-up was performed. Patients with traumatic dislocations and concomitant rotator cuff tears were placed in the Dislocation & Tear cohort (DT cohort) and were matched 1:2 with a second cohort sustaining traumatic cuff tears without dislocation (T cohort). Primary outcomes were injury characteristics including tendon involvement and atrophy and tear size and thickness. Secondary outcomes were postoperative strength and range of motion (ROM) in forward flexion (FF), external rotation (ER), and internal rotation (IR); patient-reported outcomes including Subjective Shoulder Value, visual analog scale, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form; complications including repair failure (defined as symptomatic retear confirmed on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging), infection, adhesive capsulitis, and impingement; and rates of revision surgery.

RESULTS

There were 18 patients in the DT Cohort and 36 patients in the T Cohort with no significant differences in time to final follow-up (50.4 ± 24.5 months vs. 49.0 ± 30.4 months, P = .73). The DT cohort displayed a larger mean tear size (34 ± 12 mm vs. 19 ± 12 mm, P = .01) and had greater infraspinatus involvement (78% vs. 36%, P = .004) and subscapularis involvement (72% vs. 39%, P = .02) than the T cohort. With regard to strength, postoperative ER strength was less likely to be 5/5 in the DT Cohort (53% vs. 94% of patients with 5/5 strength, P = .002) compared with the T cohort. With regard to ROM, the DT cohort had significantly lower preoperative FF (90° ± 55° vs. 149° ± 33°, P < .001), ER (36 ± 21° vs. 52° ± 14°, P = .02), and IR (5.4 ± 2.1 vs. 7.5 ± 1.2, P = .002) compared with the T cohort but had similar FF, ER, and IR outcomes postoperatively. There were no differences between the groups for complications and postoperative patient-reported outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic rotator cuff tears with concomitant dislocations are associated with larger tear size and greater infraspinatus and subscapularis involvement than traumatic tears without dislocation. Arthroscopic repair of this injury is associated with lower preoperative ROM in FF, ER, and IR, as well as lower postoperative ER strength compared with traumatic tears without dislocation. Nonetheless, excellent patient-reported outcomes can be achieved following arthroscopic repair similar to patients without dislocation.

Correlation between the incidence of rotator cuff lesion in traumatic unilateral anterior glenohumeral dislocation and the contralateral shoulder

INTRODUCTION

Anterior glenohumeral dislocation in patients older than 60 years is related to rotator cuff lesion because of its pre-existing degenerative condition. However, in this age group, the scientific evidence fails to elucidate whether rotator cuff lesions are the cause or consequence of recurrent shoulder instability. The objective of this paper is to describe the prevalence of rotator cuff injuries in a series of consecutive shoulders in patients older than 60 years who suffered a first episode of traumatic glenohumeral dislocation, and its correlation with rotator cuff injuries in both shoulders.

METHODS

Retrospectively, 35 patients over 60 years of age who had a first episode of unilateral traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocation and who had MRI of both shoulders were studied, evaluating both shoulders with MRI to determine the structural damage correlation of the rotator cuff and long head of the biceps between them.

RESULTS

When assessing the existence of partial or complete injury to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons, the concordance on the affected and healthy sides, we have shown concordant results on both sides in 88.6 and 85.7%, respectively. The Kappa concordance coefficient was 0.72 for supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons tear. Of the total of 35 cases evaluated, 8 (22.8%) presented at least some alteration in the tendon of the long head of the biceps on the affected side and only one (2.9%) on the healthy side, where the Kappa coefficient of concordance was 0.18. Of the 35 cases evaluated, 9 (25.7%) presented at least some retraction in the tendon of the subscapularis muscle on the affected side, while no participant showed signs of retraction in the tendon of this muscle on the healthy side.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has found a high correlation of the presence of a postero-superior rotator cuff injury after presenting a glenohumeral dislocation between the shoulder that has suffered the event and the presumably healthy contralateral shoulder. Nevertheless, we have not found this same correlation with subscapularis tendon injury and medial biceps dislocation.

Proximal humerus fractures and shoulder dislocations: Prevalence of concomitant rotator cuff tear

Background: Proximal humerus fractures and shoulder dislocations are relatively common. However, an associated rotator cuff tear is often missed with these injuries. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of a concomitant rotator cuff tear associated with common shoulder injuries. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study of three patient populations: Group 1. Proximal Humerus Fractures; Group 2. Shoulder Dislocations; Group 3. Proximal Humerus Fracture-Dislocations. All patients within these three groups presented to and underwent subsequent management of their shoulder injury at a trauma unit. Management included both non-operative and operative intervention. Patients were evaluated for associated rotator cuff tears. Results: This study included a total of 196 patients: Group 1 = 146 Proximal Humerus Fractures; Group 2 = 37 Shoulder Dislocations; Group 3 = 13 Proximal Humerus Fracture-Dislocations. Of the 196 patients in total, 23 (11.7%) sustained a concomitant rotator cuff tear. The highest number of tears was found in Group 1 ( n = 14). However, the highest percentage prevalence of tears was in Group 2 (18.9%). There was noted to be a higher prevalence of rotator cuff tears with increasing age. Twenty-two (95.7%) rotator cuff tears were detected in patients over 50 years of age. The vast majority of rotator cuff tears were detected by ultrasound (78.3%) as opposed to magnetic resonance imaging (21.7%). The majority of tears were full-thickness (60.9%). Of the 23 patients with a concomitant rotator cuff tear, 17 involved a single tendon (73.9%) and supraspinatus was most common (69.6%). Conclusions: A concomitant rotator cuff tear in association with a proximal humerus fracture, shoulder dislocation or proximal humerus fracture-dislocation is relatively common. The overall rotator cuff tear prevalence in this study was 11.9%. Rotator cuff tears are more likely to occur in patients over 50 years old and those sustaining a shoulder dislocation.

Natural History of First-Time Anterior Shoulder Dislocation in Patients Older Than 50 Years: A Study of 179 Patients With a Mean Follow-up of 11 Years

Background

There is a dearth of knowledge on anterior shoulder instability in older patients.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purposes of this study were to describe the incidence and epidemiology, injury characteristics, and treatment and outcomes in patients ≥50 years old with first-time anterior shoulder instability. We also describe the historical trends in diagnosis and treatment. It was hypothesized that the rates of obtaining a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and surgical intervention have increased over the past 20 years.

Study Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods

An established geographic database was used to identify 179 patients older than 50 years who experienced new onset anterior shoulder instability between 1994 and 2016. Medical records were reviewed to obtain patient characteristics, imaging characteristics, and surgical treatment and outcomes, including recurrent instability. Comparative analysis was performed to identify differences between age groups. Mean follow-up time was 11 years.

Results

The incidence of first-time anterior shoulder dislocation in our study population was 28.8 per 100,000 person-years, which is higher than previously reported. Full-thickness rotator cuff tears were found in 62% of the 66 patients who underwent MRI scans. Of all patients, 26% progressed to surgery at a mean time of 1.6 years after injury; 57% of all surgical procedures involved a rotator cuff repair, and 17% included anterior labral repair. All patients who underwent a labral repair also underwent concomitant rotator cuff repair. The rate of recurrent instability for the cohort was 15% at a median of 176 days after the initial instability event. There were no instances of recurrent instability after operative intervention. At an average of 7.5 years after the initial instability event, 14% of patients developed radiographic progression of glenohumeral arthritis. The rate of surgical intervention within 1 year of initial dislocation increased from 5.1% in 1994 to 1999 to 52% in 2015 to 2016.

Conclusion

The incidence of first-time anterior shoulder instability in patients aged ≥50 years was 28.8 per 100,000 person-years. Full-thickness rotator cuff tears (62%) were the most common condition associated with anterior shoulder instability, followed by Hill-Sachs lesions (56%). The rate of recurrent instability for the entire cohort was 15%, with no instances of recurrent instability after operative intervention.

Treatment of the 'The Naked Humeral Head': Repair of Supraspinatus Avulsion, Subscapularis Tear, and Humeral Avulsion of the Glenohumeral Ligament

A humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament, or HAGL, lesion is a rare yet debilitating shoulder injury, which can lead to recurrent instability, pain, and overall shoulder dysfunction. The diagnosis is often difficult, requiring both high clinical suspicion, as well as identification on magnetic resonance imaging. In patients with an anterior HAGL, repair often requires an open approach. In extremely rare circumstances, the initial traumatic event that causes a HAGL can also cause disruption of the supraspinatus and subscapularis insertions on the humeral head. We have termed this the "naked humeral head". The purpose of this technical note is to describe our preferred technique to surgically treat the naked humeral head by repairing a supraspinatus avulsion fracture, HAGL lesion, and complete subscapularis tear.

Anterior Shoulder Instability

The anatomy of the glenohumeral joint prioritizes mobility at the expense of stability and thus predisposes it to injury through dislocation. This article discusses the anatomical basis for instability and how it translates into patterns of injury, focusing on anterior instability. We suggest an approach to imaging the unstable shoulder and examine the imaging features seen in the context of anterior instability, along with consideration of postoperative appearances.

Recurrence of glenohumeral instability in patients with isolated rotator cuff repair after a traumatic shoulder dislocation

INTRODUCTION

The primary objective of this study was to assess the incidence of recurrent glenohumeral instability in patients over 40 years with isolated rotator cuff (RC) repair for traumatic shoulder dislocation. The secondary objectives were to identify risk factors for glenohumeral recurrence after RC repair and to describe the causes and incidences of re-intervention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, data of consecutive patients at a single trauma center between January 2014 and July 2019 were reviewed, and 84 patients with a mean age of 57 (range: 40-75) years and follow-up duration of 3.9 (2-6) years were included. The inclusion criteria were as follows: first traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation, reparable RC tear, primary arthroscopic RC repair, no labral or bony Bankart lesion repair, and at least 2 years of follow-up. Patients less than 40 years of age were excluded. Shoulder instability recurrences and surgical reinterventions were reviewed with medical records. Statistical analysis was performed for qualitative variables using the Chi-squared test. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

There was one patient with a redislocation episode (1.2%) at 2.5 years after surgery, who was surgically treated. Age, subscapular tears, bony Bankart injuries, humeral defects, and associated neurological injuries were not risk factors for recurrence in this study. Ten patients (11.9%) required reintervention. Nine patients (10.7%) re-tore their RCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent glenohumeral instability in active patients over 40 years with isolated RC repair after traumatic shoulder dislocation was infrequent, despite the incidence of significant Hill-Sachs defects, anterior glenoid defects, bipolar bone defects, size of the RC injury, and tendon re-tears. The incidence of re-interventions was 11.9%, with symptomatic RC retear as the main cause.

Retear After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Results in Functional Outcome Deterioration Over Time

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of retear on long-term functional outcomes and glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis (OA) progression after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ASRCR).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 201 patients who underwent ASRCR and were followed up for at least 5 years. Rotator cuff tendon structural integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging and/or ultrasonography. Pain, active range of motion, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) were evaluated for functional outcomes. To evaluate deterioration over time, the minimal clinically important difference value of pain and ASES were used.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 8.6 ± 2.2 years and overall retear rate was 21.4%. OA progression was strongly associated with retear (odds ratio 5.1, P < .001). Functional outcomes at the 2-year postoperative follow-up significantly improved compared to the preoperative status (all P < .017), regardless of retear. However, the retear group presented worse functional outcomes at the final follow-up (pain: 3.1 ± 2.6; ASES: 72.0 ± 17.4) than at the 2-year postoperative follow-up (pain: 1.2 ± 2.3, P = .014; ASES: 91.1 ± 9.9, P= .015) than the healed tendon group at final follow-up (pain: .6 ± 1.7; P < .001; ASES 95.5 ± 11.8; P < .001). The time for deterioration of pain (healed group vs. retear group: 5.5 ± 0.5 vs. 10.6 ± 0.4 years; P < .001) and ASES (healed group vs. retear group: 7.5 ± 0.5 vs. 12.8 ± 0.2 years; P < .001) decreased in the retear group.

CONCLUSIONS

The functional status improved after ASRCR in short- and long-term follow-up, regardless of retear. However, retear was strongly associated with OA progression, and long-term functional outcomes deteriorated over time in retear cases, which was not observed during short-term follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

III, retrospective cohort study.

Infraspinatus Muscle Fiber Moment Arms During Abduction: A Biomechanical Comparison of Values for Intact Rotator Cuff, Supraspinatus Tear, Superior Capsular Reconstruction, and Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Background:

Lines of action of the superior, middle, and inferior infraspinatus muscle fibers work together to produce moment arms that change throughout abduction in an intact shoulder, after a supraspinatus tear, and after superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA).

Purpose:

To use moment arm values to indicate the efficacy of SCR and rTSA to restore infraspinatus function during shoulder abduction.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 5 human cadaveric shoulders placed in a testing apparatus were each actively abducted (0°-90°) under the following 4 conditions: intact, complete supraspinatus tear, SCR, and rTSA. The 3-dimensional coordinates of points were tracked along the origin and insertion of the superior, middle, and inferior infraspinatus fibers during abduction. Moment arm values were calculated using the origin-insertion method to determine abduction contribution of infraspinatus fiber sections. Analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey testing were used to compare differences in moment arms between the 4 conditions and between fiber sections.

Results:

In the intact condition, the superior infraspinatus fibers had an abduction moment that decreased with elevation until shifting to adduction. Conversely, the middle and inferior fibers had an adduction moment that turned to abduction (mean moment arm values from 0° to 90°: inferior, from –5.9 to 19.4 mm; middle, from –4.7 to 15.9 mm; superior, from 5.6 to –5.1 mm; P < .05). After a supraspinatus tear, superior fibers lacked any torque, and inferior and middle fibers lost adduction potential (inferior, from 4.8 to 14.0 mm; middle, from –0.2 to 9.6 mm; superior, from 1.0 to 0.7 mm; P < .05). SCR restored the initial superior fiber abduction moment (5.6 mm at 0°; P < .05); middle and inferior fibers had some restoration but were weaker than intact fibers. Loss of abduction moment in all fibers was seen with rTSA (inferior, from –9.6 to –1.6 mm; middle, from –10.5 to –3.6 mm; superior, from –1.7 to –4.6 mm; P < .05).

Conclusion:

Infraspinatus fiber groups had different and inverse moment arms during scapular plane elevation. SCR most closely resembled the intact shoulder, whereas rTSA transformed the infraspinatus into an adductor.

Clinical Relevance:

These results support the efficacy of SCR at restoring biomechanical muscle function and suggest that the changes in moment arms for each fiber group be considered when choosing treatment modalities and rehabilitation protocols after rotator cuff tear.

Primary traumatic shoulder dislocation associated with rotator cuff tear in the elderly

Introduction and importance

The shoulder is one of the most unstable joints of the body. Shoulder dislocation accounts for up to 60% of all major joint dislocations. This study reports two cases of primary traumatic shoulder dislocation and shows that in the elderly, primary traumatic shoulder dislocation is associated with a rotator cuff tear (RCT).

Case presentation

A case report and narrative review included two female patients, aged 63 and 100 years. Presenting symptoms were instability, pain, and restricted shoulder movement. Both were successfully treated by surgery. Arthroscopy was performed in the first patient and open reduction in the second patient.

Clinical discussion

In the first case, we found synovitis around the rotator interval, long head of the biceps tendinitis, and tears of the subscapularis tendon, supraspinatus tendon, and subacromial bursitis. The anterior labrum was normal. In the second case, complete detachment of the infraspinatus tendon was found. In both cases, rotator cuff repair was performed. Primary traumatic shoulder dislocation in the elderly is often associated with rotator cuff injury. Therefore, a detailed evaluation and management of the rotator cuff injury is essential. Rotator cuff injuries cause loss of dynamic stabilization of the shoulder, leading to recurrent shoulder dislocation and chronic shoulder instability.

Conclusion

The associated pathology of the primary traumatic shoulder dislocation in elderly are rotator cuff tear. The management of the rotator cuff tear in primary traumatic shoulder dislocation can prevent further shoulder instability events.

•

Primary traumatic shoulder dislocation in the elderly is highly associated with rotator cuff tear.

•

The rotator cuff acted as a dynamic shoulder stabilizer.

•

Early identification and treatment of the associated rotator cuff tear can prevent further shoulder instability.

Relationship between the Hamada Grade and underlying pathological conditions in the rotator cuff and long head of biceps in symptomatic patients with rotator cuff tears

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Hamada Grade and rotator cuff and long head of the biceps (LHB) pathologies in symptomatic patients with rotator cuff tears (RCTs).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 376 patients (156 men and 220 women; mean age, 68.4 years) who had undergone surgery for complete RCTs. Preoperative plain radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and intraoperative findings were assessed. All cases were allocated to the Hamada Grade 1, 2, 3, and 4-5 groups to investigate the correlation between Hamada Grade severity and underlying rotator cuff and LHB pathologies.

Results

The rate of RCTs involving the infraspinatus was significantly higher in Grade 2 than in Grade 1 (P < .0001). The tear size and fatty muscle degeneration of the subscapularis in Hamada Grade 3 were significantly more severe than those in Grade 2 (P = .01 and P < .0001, respectively). The tear size and fatty muscle degeneration of the rotator cuff in Grade 4-5 were significantly more severe than those in Grade 3 (all P < .05). The complete LHB rupture rate was significantly higher in Hamada Grade 4-5 than in Grades 1, 2, and 3 (all P < .001).

Conclusion

Rotator cuff tears involving the infraspinatus were associated with Hamada Grade 2. The rate of concomitant subscapularis tears with posterosuperior RCTs was significantly higher in Hamada Grade 3 than in Hamada Grade 2. RCT enlargement, progression of fatty muscle degeneration of the subscapularis and posterosuperior rotator cuff muscles, and the increase in complete LHB rupture were associated with Hamada Grade 4-5.

Radiographic pseudosubluxation of the shoulder in pediatric proximal humeral fractures

This study was undertaken to determine the incidence, need for intervention, and time to resolution of pseudosubluxation of the shoulder in pediatric proximal humerus fractures. One hundred and ninety-nine radiographs (199 x-rays) were analyzed for pseudosubluxation of the shoulder following pediatric proximal humeral fractures. Pseudosubluxation occurs when the center of the humeral head aligns with the inferior one-fourth of the glenoid. Fourteen patients met the inclusion criteria for pseudosubluxation. The nonoperative cohort consisted of 100 females and 93 males and the operative cohort consisted of 3 males and 3 females. Total 14 children out of 199 had pseudosubluxation. Ten pseudosubluxations were seen 7 days postinjury and four were noted immediately after injury. Pseudosubluxation was seen in nine boys (64%) and five girls (36%) in the nonoperative group. Increased relative risk (RR) was associated with: fall >3 m (RR = 25.7; 95% CI, 2.7-244.0), motorized transport (RR = 11.7; 95% CI, 1.41-96.03) and sports injuries (RR = 11.0, 95% CI, 1.2-100). No statistical analysis was conducted on the operative group given the small sample. This study establishes incidence, risk factors and expected clinical course for pseudosubluxation following proximal humerus fractures. The overall incidence in the nonoperative cohort was 7.3%, radiographic evidence of pseudosubluxation resolution was available for (n = 10) patients with 100% resolution by 6 weeks. There were no readmissions or complications in the 14 patients. Pseudosubluxation occurrence was significantly increased in four mechanisms: falls >3 m, sports trauma and motor transportation. This study provides the natural history and risk factors for pseudosubluxation following proximal humerus fractures. Pseudosubluxation is more likely to occur in higher energy fracture mechanisms and will resolve without treatment. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort.

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.

Thoracic manual therapy improves pain and disability in individuals with shoulder impingement syndrome compared to placebo: a randomised controlled trial with one year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if muscle energy technique (MET) to the thoracic spine decreases the pain and disability associated with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS).

DESIGN

Single centre, three-arm, randomised controlled trial, single-blind, placebo control with concealed allocation and a 12-month follow-up.

SETTING

Private osteopathic practice.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly allocated to: MET to the thoracic spine (MET-only), MET plus soft tissue massage (MET&STM) or placebo.

PARTICIPANTS

3 groups of 25 (n=75) participants ≥ 40 years with SIS received allocated intervention once a week for 15 minutes, 4 consecutive weeks.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome measure: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire, visual analogue scale (VAS-mm/100) -current, 7-day average, 4-week average, patient specific functional scale (PSFS) and global rating of change (GROC). Measures recorded at baseline, discharge, 4-weeks follow-up, 6-months and 12-months. Also baseline and discharge thoracic posture and range of motion (ROM) measured using an inclinometer.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Mixed effects linear regression model for DASH, SPADI, VAS, PSFS, GROC and thoracic posture and ROM.

RESULTS

MET-only group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in pain and disability (DASH, SPADI, VAS 7-day average) compared to placebo at discharge (mean difference DASH=-8.4; 95% CI -14.0,-2.8; SPADI=-14.7;-23.0,-6.3; VAS=-15.5;-24.5,-6.5), 6 -months (-11.1;-18.6,-3.7; -14.9;-26.3,-3.5; -14.1;-26.0,-2.2) and 12 -months (-13.4;-23.9,-2.9; -19.0;-32.4,-5.7; -17.3;-30.9,-3.8). MET&STM group also demonstrated greater improvement in disability, but not pain compared to placebo at discharge (DASH=-8.2;-14.0,-2.3; SPADI= -13.5;-22.3,-4.8) and 6 months (-9.0;-16.9,-1.2; -12.4;-24.3,-0.5). For the PSFS, MET-only improved compared to placebo at discharge (1.3;0.1,2.5) and 12 months (1.8;0.5,3.2); MET&STM at 12 months (1.7;0.3,3.0). GROC: MET-only improved compared to placebo at discharge (1.5;0.9,2.2) and 4 weeks (1.0;0.1,1.9); MET&STM at discharge (1.2;0.5,1.9) and 6 months (1.2;0.1,1.3). There were no differences between MET-only and MET&STM, and no between-group differences in thoracic posture or ROM.

CONCLUSION

MET of the thoracic spine with or without STM improved the pain and disability in individuals over 40 with SIS and may be recommended as a treatment approach for SIS.

Are Knotted or Knotless Techniques Better for Reconstruction of Full-Thickness Tears of the Superior Portion of the Subscapularis Tendon? A Study in Cadavers

BACKGROUND

Knotted and knotless single-anchor reconstruction techniques are frequently performed to reconstruct full-thickness tears of the upper portion of subscapularis tendon. However, it is unclear whether one technique is superior to the other.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) When comparing knotless and knotted single-anchor reconstruction techniques in full-thickness tears of the upper subscapularis tendon, is there a difference in stiffness under cyclic load? (2) Are there differences in cyclic gapping between knotless and knotted reconstructions? (3) Are there differences in the maximal stiffness, yield load, and ultimate load to failure? (4) What are the modes of failure of knotless and knotted reconstruction techniques?

METHODS

Eight matched pairs of human cadaveric shoulders were dissected, and a full-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon (Grade 3 according to the Fox and Romeo classification) was created. The cadavers all were male specimens, with a median (range) age of 69 years (61 to 75). Before biomechanical evaluation, the specimens were randomized into two equal reconstruction groups: knotless single anchor and knotted single anchor. All surgical procedures were performed by a single orthopaedic surgeon who subspecializes in sports orthopedics and shoulder surgery. With a customized set up that was integrated in a dynamic material testing machine, the humeri were consecutively loaded from 10 N to 60 N, from 10 N to 100 N, and from 10 N to 180 N for 50 cycles. Furthermore, the gapping behavior of the tear was analyzed using a video tracking system. Finally, the stiffness, gapping, maximal stiffness, yield loads, and maximum failure loads of both reconstruction groups were statistically analyzed. Failure was defined as retearing of the reconstructed gap threshold due to rupture of the tendon and/or failure of the knots or anchors. After biomechanical testing, bone quality was measured at the footprint of the subscapularis using microCT in all specimens. Bone quality was equal between both groups. To detect a minimum 0.15-mm difference in gap formation between the two repair techniques (with a 5% level of significance; α = 0.05), eight matched pairs (n = 16 in total) were calculated as necessary to achieve a power of at least 90%.

RESULTS

The first study question can be answered as follows: for stiffness under cyclic load, there were no differences with the numbers available between the knotted and knotless groups at load stages of 10 N to 60 N (32.7 ± 3.5 N/mm versus 34.2 ± 5.6 N/mm, mean difference 1.5 N/mm [95% CI -6.43 to 3.33]; p = 0.55), 10 N to 100 N (45.0 ± 4.8 N/mm versus 45.2 ± 6.0 N/mm, mean difference 0.2 N/mm [95% CI -5.74 to 6.04]; p = 0.95), and 10 N to 180 N (58.2 ± 10.6 N/mm versus 55.2 ± 4.7 N/mm, mean difference 3 N/mm [95% CI -5.84 to 11.79]; p = 0.48). In relation to the second research question, the following results emerged: For cyclic gapping, there were no differences between the knotted and knotless groups at any load levels. The present study was able to show the following with regard to the third research question: Between knotted and knotless repairs, there were no differences in maximal load stiffness (45.3 ± 8.6 N/mm versus 43.5 ± 10.2 N/mm, mean difference 1.8 [95% CI -11.78 to 8.23]; p = 0.71), yield load (425.1 ± 251.4 N versus 379.0 ± 169.4 N, mean difference 46.1 [95% CI -276.02 to 183.72]; p = 0.67), and failure load (521.1 ± 266.2 N versus 475.8 ± 183.3 N, mean difference 45.3 [95% CI -290.42 to 199.79]; p = 0.69). Regarding the fourth question concerning the failure modes, in the knotted repairs, the anchor tore from the bone in 2 of 8, the suture tore from the tendon in 6 of 8, and no suture slipped from the eyelet; in the knotless repairs, the anchor tore from the bone in 2 of 8, the suture tore from the tendon in 3 of 8, and the threads slipped from the eyelet in 3 of 8.

CONCLUSION

With the numbers available, we found no differences between single-anchor knotless and knotted reconstruction techniques used to repair full-thickness tears of the upper portion of subscapularis tendon.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The reconstruction techniques we analyzed showed no differences in terms of their primary stability and biomechanical properties at the time of initial repair and with the numbers available. In view of these experimental results, it would be useful to conduct a clinical study in the future to verify the translationality of the experimental data of the present study.

Recurrence in traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations increases the prevalence of Hill-Sachs and Bankart lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The extent of shoulder instability and the indication for surgery may be determined by the prevalence or size of associated lesions. However, a varying prevalence is reported and the actual values are therefore unclear. In addition, it is unclear whether these lesions are present after the first dislocation and whether or not these lesions increase in size after recurrence. The aim of this systematic review was (1) to determine the prevalence of lesions associated with traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations, (2) to determine if the prevalence is higher following recurrent dislocations compared to first-time dislocations and (3) to determine if the prevalence is higher following complete dislocations compared to subluxations.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and Web of Science were searched. Studies examining shoulders after traumatic anterior dislocations during arthroscopy or with MRI/MRA or CT published after 1999 were included. A total of 22 studies (1920 shoulders) were included.

RESULTS

The proportion of Hill-Sachs and Bankart lesions was higher in recurrent dislocations (85%; 66%) compared to first-time dislocations (71%; 59%) and this was statistically significant (P < 0.01; P = 0.05). No significant difference between recurrent and first-time dislocations was observed for SLAP lesions, rotator-cuff tears, bony Bankart lesions, HAGL lesions and ALPSA lesions. The proportion of Hill-Sachs lesions was significantly higher in complete dislocations (82%) compared to subluxations (54%; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Higher proportions of Hill-Sachs and Bankart were observed in recurrent dislocations compared to first-time dislocations. No difference was observed for bony Bankart, HAGL, SLAP, rotator-cuff tear and ALPSA. Especially when a Hill-Sachs or Bankart is present after first-time dislocation, early surgical stabilization may need to be considered as other lesions may not be expected after recurrence and to limit lesion growth. However, results should be interpreted with caution due to substantial heterogeneity and large variance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Acromiohumeral distance and supraspinatus tendon thickness in people with shoulder impingement syndrome compared to asymptomatic age and gender-matched participants: a case control study

Background

Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is the most common form of shoulder pain. Conservative and surgical treatments for SIS are often not effective. One such surgical intervention is subacromial decompression, aimed at widening the subacromial space (SAS). A better understanding of the changes in the SAS may help explain the relative ineffectiveness of current interventions.

Objective: To measure the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and supraspinatus tendon thickness (STT) in people with SIS using a case control study.

Methods

The AHD and STT of 39 participants with SIS ≥3 months and 39 age, gender and dominant arm matched controls were measured using ultrasound imaging. Between-group differences for AHD and STT were compared using t-tests. A linear regression was used to determine if there was a relationship between AHD and STT measures, with group as a covariate.

Results

Compared to controls (mean age 55.7 years, SD 10.6), individuals with SIS (mean age 57.1 years, SD 11.1) had a significantly larger AHD (mean difference 2.14 mm, 95% CI 1.21, 3.07, p < 0.001) and STT (mean difference 1.25 mm, 95% CI 0.60, 1.90, p < 0.001). The linear regression model indicated an association between AHD and STT (β = 0.59, 95% CI 0.29, 0.89, p < 0.01, R² = 0.35, n = 78), suggesting that as STT increases in size, so does the AHD.

Conclusion

Individuals with SIS had a larger AHD and greater STT than controls. These results suggest the SAS is already wider in people with SIS and that the symptoms associated with SIS may be more related to an increased STT than a smaller SAS.

Factors associated with the development of early- to mid-term cuff-tear arthropathy following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND

Few studies have specifically evaluated the development of cuff-tear arthropathy (CTA) after a rotator cuff repair in the postoperative early to mid-term. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the development of CTA, to evaluate the effect of arthropathy on functional outcomes, and to evaluate the incidence of CTA 3-10 years after an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

METHODS

A total of 312 patients who underwent an arthroscopic repair of a large or massive full-thickness rotator cuff tear with a minimum follow-up of 3 years were retrospectively divided into 2 groups for analysis: those with postrepair CTA (arthritic glenohumeral changes due to rotator cuff insufficiency) and those without. CTA was assessed using the Seebauer and modified Hamada-Fukuda classification systems. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative patient characteristics; characteristics of the rotator cuff tear; clinical and radiological parameters; and pre- and postoperative functional scores were compared.

RESULTS

The rate of development of CTA was 11.5% (36 of 312 patients, 13 centric and 23 eccentric arthropathy). CTA was more frequently associated with the poor integrity of the supraspinatus tendon after repair (P < .001) and massive tears (P = .006). Postoperative pseudoparalysis (P < .001), symptomatic retear (P < .001), tear size (P = .026), critical shoulder angle (P = .001), preoperative acromiohumeral interval (P = .046), and the humeral head superior migration (P = .001) were found to be associated with the development of CTA. However, only postoperative pseudoparalysis was found to be an independent risk factor (P < .001, odds ratio: 2.965). Patients with postrepair CTA had significantly worse functional outcome scores.

CONCLUSION

The postoperative development of pseudoparalysis may be a marker of CTA in the future and that closer follow-up may be necessary.

Joining soft tissues to bone: Insights from modeling and simulations

Entheses are complex multi-tissue regions of the musculoskeletal system serving the challenging task of connecting highly dissimilar materials such as the compliant tendon to the much stiffer bone, over a very small region. The first aim of this review is to highlight mathematical and computational models that have been developed to investigate the many attachment strategies present at entheses at different length scales. Entheses are also relevant in the medical context due to the high prevalence of orthopedic injuries requiring the reattachment of tendons or ligaments to bone, which are associated with a rather poor long-term clinical outcome. The second aim of the review is to report on the computational works analyzing the whole tendon to bone complex as well as targeting orthopedic relevant issues. Modeling approaches have provided important insights on anchoring mechanisms and surgical repair strategies, that would not have been revealed with experiments alone. We intend to demonstrate the necessity of including, in future models, an enriched description of enthesis biomechanical behavior in order to unravel additional mechanical cues underlying the development, the functioning and the maintaining of such a complex biological interface as well as to enhance the development of novel biomimetic adhesive, attachment procedures or tissue engineered implants.

[Shoulder instability: review of current concepts of diagnosis and treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of modern literature data on the modern approaches in diagnosis and treatment of shoulder instability.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Searching for literature data was performed using the Pubmed and Google Scholar databases.

RESULTS

The authors analyzed the results of conservative treatment of patients with shoulder instability and emphasized higher risk of instability recurrence, degeneration of anatomical structures and functional impairment in these patients. Surgery is advisable to restore shoulder stability and normalize its function. Several methods for stabilizing the shoulder have been proposed.

The approaches to diagnosis and treatment of shoulder instability have been updated.

CONCLUSION

Successful treatment of shoulder instability is based on qualitative and complete assessment of soft tissues and bone structures. An individual approach considering bone tissue deficiency and individual needs of the patient is required.

Effects of Thrower's Ten exercises on upper extremity performance: A randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVES

The Thrower's Ten Exercise program is an exercise program especially designed to improve the strength, power and endurance of the shoulder complex. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Thrower's Ten exercises on the upper extremity performance in healthy sedentary individuals.

METHODS

36 healthy sedentary individuals completed this study conducted with a randomized controlled design. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: exercise and control. The exercise group received a training of the Thrower's Ten exercises of 50-minute sessions 3 times a week for a duration of 8 weeks. Before and after the study, the subjects were tested for dynamic balance on the upper extremity with the Upper Limp Y balance test and for explosive power with the medicine ball throw test. Moreover, the strength of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscles was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer at a speed of 60°/second. The study was registered on the Clinical Trials website by the number NCT04162886.

RESULTS

A comparison between the groups showed significant differences in terms of dynamic balance and explosive power (P < .05), but not in terms of isokinetic muscle strength and body composition (P > .05). On the other hand, comparisons of the dynamic equilibrium, explosive power and isokinetic muscle strength parameters within the exercise group returned statistically different results (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The Thrower's Ten exercises represent an effective method to improve the balance on the upper extremity, explosive power and isokinetic strength in healthy sedentary individuals.

Concomitant rotator cuff repair and instability surgery provide good patient-reported functional outcomes in patients aged 40 years or older with shoulder dislocation

Background

Recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation in patients aged ≥ 40 years is not as rare as once thought. The mechanism of instability in this patient population is different—more likely to be attributed to rotator cuff pathology—compared with that in younger individuals. With an increasingly aging active population, surgical management has a rising role in preventing morbidity associated with recurrent instability. Our purpose was to evaluate outcomes of anterior shoulder instability repair (ie, Bankart or bony Bankart repair) with and without rotator cuff repair (RCR) in patients aged ≥ 40 years.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients aged ≥ 40 years who underwent surgical repair for anterior shoulder instability from 2008-2016. Patients were categorized into 4 cohorts: Bankart repair only, bony Bankart repair only, Bankart repair with concomitant RCR, and bony Bankart repair with concomitant RCR. Demographic and history-of-instability data were collected. Clinical and functional outcomes assessed included the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Penn Shoulder Score, visual analog scale score for pain, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index score, and patient satisfaction score.

Results

A total of 146 patients were included in this study, with 103 patients (71%) having ≥2-year outcome scores. Outcome scores were not significantly different among groups. For patients who underwent Bankart repair only, bony Bankart repair only, Bankart repair with RCR, and bony Bankart repair with RCR, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores were 80.8 ± 19.7, 90.0 ± 10.7, 79.3 ± 29.4, and 87.2 ± 10.6, respectively (P = .284); American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, 83.8 ± 19.7, 92.4 ± 17.4, 82.5 ± 25.6, and 85.6 ± 12.7, respectively (P = .114); Penn Shoulder Scores for function, 84.5 ± 17.9, 90.9 ± 15.3, 83.6 ± 25.1, and 95.7 ± 13.0, respectively (P = .286); and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores, 481.0 ± 519.5, 292.1 ± 414.3, 548.9 ± 690.5, and 320.6 ± 258.7, respectively (P = .713). Age at the time of surgery significantly differed between cohorts (P < .001). No patients had recurrence of instability during the study period.

Conclusion

Similar functional outcomes can be achieved in the surgical management of anterior instability in patients aged ≥ 40 years. Rotator cuff tears should be suspected and repaired in patients with anterior instability, especially those aged ≥ 50 years.

Isolated Large Glenoid Fracture in Acute Glenohumeral Dislocation in the Elderly: A Novel Indication for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

Case

Two elderly males presented with traumatic shoulder dislocation and bony Bankart fracture consisting of greater than 25% of the glenoid width. Due to several concomitant factors such as polytrauma, activity level, rotator cuff pathology, optimization of comorbidities, risk of complications, and potential for revision surgery, the patients were treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA).

Conclusion

RSA may be a satisfactory treatment option for isolated, large glenoid fractures associated with anterior glenohumeral instability in the elderly. These patients are susceptible to rapid deconditioning with prolonged immobilization and may not be medically suited to undergo the prolonged recovery period associated with open reduction internal fixation or potentially undergo revision operations.

Functional outcome and tendon integrity of rotator cuff reconstruction after primary traumatic glenohumeral dislocation

INTRODUCTION

Rotator cuff tears (rct) subsequent to glenohumeral dislocation are relevant concomitant injuries, can lead to impaired shoulder function and increase risk of recurrent dislocation.

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the functional outcome, recurrent dislocation rate and tendon integrity after rotator cuff repair after primary traumatic shoulder dislocation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective case series, 23 patients (age 56.4 years ± 6.3) who underwent a rotator cuff reconstruction after primary traumatic shoulder dislocation with confirmed combination of full-thickness RCT and Bankart lesion were enrolled after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical outcome (age and gender adjusted Constant Murley Score (CMS), DASH, Rowe Score) (n = 23) and sonographic tendon integrity (n = 19) were studied.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 58 ± 32 months, a CMS of 85.1% ± 14.7, DASH of 14.2 ± 20.5, and Rowe Score of 82.4 ± 15.2 indicated good functional outcome. In 4 of 19 patients (21.1%) a re-tear was found during sonographic evaluation. In 3 cases (13%), a revision was performed (2 × stiff shoulder, 1 × postoperative infection). One patient had a single traumatic re-dislocation (4.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergone reconstruction of the rotator cuff following a primary traumatic shoulder dislocation can achieve good functional results and a low rate of recurrent dislocation. Postoperative tendon integrity is comparable with known data about non traumatic tears.

Anterior Instability: What to Look for

Most first-time anterior glenohumeral dislocations occur as the result of trauma. Many patients suffer recurrent episodes of anterior shoulder instability (ASI). The anatomy and biomechanics of ASI is addressed, as is the pathophysiology of capsulolabral injury. The roles of imaging modalities are described, including computed tomography (CT) and MR imaging with the additional value of arthrography and specialized imaging positions. Advances in 3D CT and MR imaging particularly with respect to the quantification of humeral and glenoid bone loss is discussed. The concepts of engaging and nonengaging lesions as well as on-track and off-track lesions are examined.

Surgery for rotator cuff tears

BACKGROUND

This review is one in a series of Cochrane Reviews of interventions for shoulder disorders.

OBJECTIVES

To synthesise the available evidence regarding the benefits and harms of rotator cuff repair with or without subacromial decompression in the treatment of rotator cuff tears of the shoulder.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov and WHO ICRTP registry unrestricted by date or language until 8 January 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including adults with full-thickness rotator cuff tears and assessing the effect of rotator cuff repair compared to placebo, no treatment, or any other treatment were included. As there were no trials comparing surgery with placebo, the primary comparison was rotator cuff repair with or without subacromial decompression versus non-operative treatment (exercises with or without glucocorticoid injection). Other comparisons were rotator cuff repair and acromioplasty versus rotator cuff repair alone, and rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression versus subacromial decompression alone. Major outcomes were mean pain, shoulder function, quality of life, participant-rated global assessment of treatment success, adverse events and serious adverse events. The primary endpoint for this review was one year.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodologic procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We included nine trials with 1007 participants. Three trials compared rotator cuff repair with subacromial decompression followed by exercises with exercise alone. These trials included 339 participants with full-thickness rotator cuff tears diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound examination. One of the three trials also provided up to three glucocorticoid injections in the exercise group. All surgery groups received tendon repair with subacromial decompression and the postoperative exercises were similar to the exercises provided for the non-operative groups. Five trials (526 participants) compared repair with acromioplasty versus repair alone; and one trial (142 participants) compared repair with subacromial decompression versus subacromial decompression alone. The mean age of trial participants ranged between 56 and 68 years, and females comprised 29% to 56% of the participants. Symptom duration varied from a mean of 10 months up to 28 months. Two trials excluded tears with traumatic onset of symptoms. One trial defined a minimum duration of symptoms of six months and required a trial of conservative therapy before inclusion. The trials included mainly repairable full-thickness supraspinatus tears, six trials specifically excluded tears involving the subscapularis tendon. All trials were at risk of bias for several criteria, most notably due to lack of participant and personnel blinding, but also for other reasons such as unclearly reported methods of random sequence generation or allocation concealment (six trials), incomplete outcome data (three trials), selective reporting (six trials), and other biases (six trials). Our main comparison was subacromial decompression versus non-operative treatment and results are reported for the 12 month follow up. At one year, moderate-certainty evidence (downgraded for bias) from 3 trials with 258 participants indicates that surgery probably provides little or no improvement in pain; mean pain (range 0 to 10, higher scores indicate more pain) was 1.6 points with non-operative treatment and 0.87 points better (0.43 better to 1.30 better) with surgery.. Mean function (zero to 100, higher score indicating better outcome) was 72 points with non-operative treatment and 6 points better (2.43 better to 9.54 better) with surgery (3 trials; 269 participants), low-certainty evidence (downgraded for bias and imprecision). Participant-rated global success rate was 873/1000 after non-operative treatment and 943/1000 after surgery corresponding to (risk ratio (RR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96 to 1.22; low-certainty evidence (downgraded for bias and imprecision). Health-related quality of life was 57.5 points (SF-36 mental component score, 0 to 100, higher score indicating better quality of life) with non-operative treatment and 1.3 points worse (4.5 worse to 1.9 better) with surgery (1 trial; 103 participants), low-certainty evidence (downgraded for bias and imprecision). We were unable to estimate the risk of adverse events and serious adverse events as only one event was reported across the trials (very low-certainty evidence; downgraded once due to bias and twice due to very serious imprecision).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

At the moment, we are uncertain whether rotator cuff repair surgery provides clinically meaningful benefits to people with symptomatic tears; it may provide little or no clinically important benefits with respect to pain, function, overall quality of life or participant-rated global assessment of treatment success when compared with non-operative treatment. Surgery may not improve shoulder pain or function compared with exercises, with or without glucocorticoid injections. The trials included have methodology concerns and none included a placebo control. They included participants with mostly small degenerative tears involving the supraspinatus tendon and the conclusions of this review may not be applicable to traumatic tears, large tears involving the subscapularis tendon or young people. Furthermore, the trials did not assess if surgery could prevent arthritic changes in long-term follow-up. Further well-designed trials in this area that include a placebo-surgery control group and long follow-up are needed to further increase certainty about the effects of surgery for rotator cuff tears.

Cryopreserved amniotic membrane and umbilical cord particulate matrix for partial rotator cuff tears: A case series

Amniotic membrane (AM) and umbilical cord (UC) are well known to have anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to promote healing in various orthopedic indications. This study investigated whether intra-articular injection of AM/UC particulate matrix promotes healing of partial rotator cuff tears (RCTs).A case series was performed on 10 patients that received injection of 50 mg AM/UC for partial RCTs that were refractory to conservative treatment. Outcomes included Penn Shoulder Score (PSS) questionnaire, range of motion examination, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis before and at 6 months. Final MRI analysis was performed by a musculoskeletal radiologist in a blinded fashion.Average PSS score (out of 100) increased from 46.8 ± 23.7 at baseline to 82.0 ± 19.1 at 6 months. The average PSS sub-scores of pain, satisfaction, and function increased 78.4%, 37.1%, and 82.3% from baseline, respectively. The subject's range of motion was 77.9% at baseline and increased to 99.9% at 6-months. Follow-up MRI scans did not demonstrate any significant change in RCT size. No adverse events were noted.This small case series provides preliminary data for use of cryopreserved AM/UC particulate matrix in patients with refractory partial RCTs.

Glenoid and rotator interval dimension in patients older than 40 years after traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation

INTRODUCTION

The number of patients above 40 years suffering an anterior shoulder dislocation for the first time has recently increased. This study investigated the role of glenoid version, inclination and rotator interval dimension in patients older than 40 years with an anterior shoulder dislocation. We hypothesize that the rotator interval plays a more important role than the osseus alignment in older patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients aged older than 40 years with a traumatic shoulder dislocation were compared with patients who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a different reason. The MRIs of 61 dislocation group patients were compared with MRIs of 73 comparison group patients. Two shoulder surgeons measured glenoid version, inclination, height and width, rotator interval (RI) height, base (width) and area. The study and comparison group consisted of 61 patients with a mean age of 59 ± 9 years and 73 patients with a mean age of 57 ± 12, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean glenoid version of the dislocation group was - 4.9° ± 4.4° (retroversion) and mean inclination was 9.8° ± 8° (reclination). Mean rotator interval base, height and the rotator interval area was 46 ± 6 mm, 14 ± 5 mm and 33 ± 14 mm², respectively. The comparison group had a mean glenoid version of - 5.4° ± 5.4° and a mean inclination of 10.8° ± 6.2°. The rotator interval base was 41 ± 6 mm, the height was 16 ± 4 mm and the area was 34 ± 11 mm². The between-group differences were statistically significant for rotator interval height and base (p < 0.0001). A significant difference was revealed for the height-width ratio of the glenoid (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients older than 40 years who have suffered anterior shoulder dislocation, the shape of the glenoid rather than its spatial position is of significance. A wide and high rotator interval promotes anterior shoulder dislocation in these patients.

Pectoralis major tendon transfer for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation after primary surgery in an elderly patient: A case report

RATIONALE

Adequate stability of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation without any obvious damage to the anterior capsulolabral structure in elderly patients can be achieved by treating the associated rotator cuff injuries. However, in case of recurrent shoulder dislocation despite rotator cuff repair, the repaired rotator cuff may be weakened or reruptured and is often impossible to repair again. Therefore, the role of the rotator cuff as a shoulder stabilizer cannot be expected. Even if the anterior joint capsule is left, it is too weak to imbrication either. An additional anterior structural reconstruction that can replace the rotator cuff and capsule is needed to prevent recurrence.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 59-year-old man visited our clinic because of traumatic anterior dislocation of the right shoulder combined with anterior-superior rotator cuff tear. Because there was no obvious anterior capsulolabral injury, he underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair only. Postoperative rehabilitation was maintained; however, anterior shoulder dislocation recurred 10 months postoperatively.

DIAGNOSIS

Physical examination revealed anterior instability in abduction and external rotation of the shoulder joint. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested retear of the repaired anterior-superior rotator cuff and Hill-Sachs lesion of the humeral head.

INTERVENTIONS

Diagnostic arthroscopy was performed. The reruptured rotator cuff seemed impossible to repair; thus, arthroscopic remplissage procedure was performed for engaging the Hill-Sachs lesion. In addition, open pectoralis major tendon transfer for anterior stabilization was performed via the deltopectoral approach.

OUTCOMES

At the 12-month follow-up, the patient showed good clinical outcomes, including internal rotation of the shoulder joint without recurrent instability.

LESSON

Recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation after primary surgery in the elderly may be a challenging situation for surgeons. In patients with irreparable anterior rotator cuff tear and for whom reconstruction of the anterior glenoid is not indicated, pectoralis major tendon transfer is a good treatment option for satisfactory clinical outcomes without recurrence.