Patient Factors Associated With Clinical Failure Following Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction

Improved Acromiohumeral Distance Independently Predicts Better Outcomes After Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction Graft Tears

PURPOSE

To identify independent factors responsible for poor outcomes after a graft tear after arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR).

METHODS

Patients who underwent ASCR for massive rotator cuff tears between January 2013 and July 2021were reviewed. On the basis of the achievement of the minimal clinically important differences for clinical outcome measures at the final follow-up, patients were divided into the good outcome (GO) and poor outcome (PO) groups. The minimal clinically important differences were calculated as the value equal to one-half of the standard deviation of the changes in outcome scores between the preoperative baseline and the latest follow-up. Pre- and final follow-up variables included demographics, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, visual analog scale score, and range of motion. Preoperative and postoperative 1-year radiologic variables were analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging, including anteroposterior and mediolateral tear sizes, subscapularis tear, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and degree of fatty degeneration. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the significant predictors of poor outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 33 patients who underwent ASCR presented with graft tears, which were confirmed by postoperative 1-year magnetic resonance imaging, and had a minimum follow-up duration of 2 years after surgery were enrolled. The GO group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in functional outcomes compared with the PO group (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score: 83.5 ± 11.8 vs 64.0 ± 20.4, P = 0.004; Constant: 67.6 ± 5.7 vs 57.1 ± 9.8, P < .001; and visual analog scale score: 0.9 ± 1.2 vs 2.4 ± 2.0, P = .026). The postoperative 1-year AHD showed significant improvement in the GO group (3.1 ± 1.2 vs 6.1 ± 1.4, P < .001) but no change in the PO group (3.4 ± 1.3 vs 4.2 ± 0.9, P = .074) postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a decreased postoperative 1-year AHD (odds ratio, 0.145; P = .019) was associated with a poor outcome after a graft tear.

CONCLUSIONS

A narrow postoperative 1-year AHD was identified as the most important independent risk factor indicating poor clinical outcomes after a graft tear post-ASCR, which was related to a larger tear and loss of integrity between the grafts and infraspinatus at 1-year postoperatively.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Association of Preoperative Shoulder Osteoarthritis Severity Score With Change in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score at 2 Years After Rotator Cuff Repair

Background

The impact of early glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) on clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair (RCR) remains unclear. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based Shoulder Osteoarthritis Severity (SOAS) score is a comprehensive approach to quantifying glenohumeral degeneration.

Purpose

To investigate the association between SOAS scores and changes in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores in patients who underwent RCR.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Two reviewers independently analyzed the preoperative MRI scans of 116 shoulders and assigned SOAS scores. Spearman correlation was used to calculate the association of mean SOAS scores with patient demographic characteristics and change in ASES scores over the 2-year follow-up period (ΔASES). Multivariate regression analysis was performed between the independent variables of patient age, sex, body mass index, and significant SOAS score components as determined by univariate analysis, with the dependent variable being ΔASES. Significance was defined as P < .05 for univariate analysis and P < .0125 after application of the Bonferroni correction for multivariate analysis.

Results

The mean ASES scores were 55.8 ± 18.6 preoperatively and 92.1 ± 12.1 at 2 years postoperatively. The mean preoperative SOAS score was 15.2 ± 7.1. On univariate analysis, the total SOAS score was positively correlated with patient age (r S = 0.41; P < .001), whereas ΔASES was negatively correlated with patient age (r S = -0.27; P = .0032). Increasing SOAS subscores for supraspinatus/infraspinatus tear size (r S = -0.28; P = .024), tendon retraction (r S = -0.23; P = .015), muscle atrophy (r S = -0.20; P = .034), paralabral ganglia (r S = -0.23; P = .015), and cartilage degeneration (r S = -0.21; P = .024) were negatively correlated with ΔASES. A negative correlation was found between increasing total SOAS score and ΔASES (r S = -0.22; P = .016). On multivariate analysis, increasing supraspinatus/infraspinatus tear size was significantly and negatively correlated with ΔASES (β = -3.3; P = .010).

Conclusion

Increasing the total SOAS score was predictive of less improvement in ASES scores at 2 years postoperatively. On univariate analysis, SOAS subscores with the strongest negative correlations with ΔASES scores included tear size, muscle atrophy, tendon retraction, paralabral ganglia, and cartilage wear. On multivariate analysis, only tear size was significantly associated with a lower change in the ASES score.

Effect of age and gender in rates of achieving minimal clinically important difference and patient-acceptable symptom state 2 years after arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and the effects of gender and age on achieving clinically significant outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) with a minimum 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

Patients undergoing ASCR for irreparable rotator cuff tear between 2013 and 2020 were reviewed. Preoperative and minimum 2-year postoperative PROMs were collected, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant, single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient-acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) were calculated for each functional score and analyzed according to age and gender. The percentages of patients achieving MCID and PASS were recorded.

RESULTS

The study included 83 patients, with a mean follow-up of 3.5 ± 1.4 years. Significant improvements were found in ASES, Constant, SANE, and VAS for all groups based on gender and age. Based on receiver-operating characteristic curves, all scores had acceptable areas under the curve for PASS. Values for PASS and MCID were 81.5 and 10.3 for ASES; 61.5 and 6.2 for Constant; 82.5 and 11.5 for SANE and 1.5 and 1.1 for VAS, respectively. Analysis of achieving MCID and PASS showed no difference between the groups in the majority of outcome measures. However, female patients achieved the SANE thresholds for PASS at significantly higher rates than male patients. Patients ≥65 years old achieved ASES and Constant thresholds for MCID at significantly higher rates than patients ˂65 years old.

CONCLUSION

Most patients achieved MCID and PASS at a 2-year follow-up. Patients showed comparable rates of MCID and PASS achievement on most outcome tools based on age and gender. Female patients achieved PASS on SANE at significantly higher rates than male patients and older patients achieved MCID on ASES and Constant at higher rates than young patients. Thus, age is a stronger factor for achieving MCID than gender.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Factors influencing clinical outcomes in superior capsular reconstruction: A scoping review

Background

It is undetermined how effective superior capsule/capsular reconstruction (SCR) is, and which factors influence clinical outcomes.

Questions/purposes

(1) To identify which factors influence outcomes in SCR, (2) to evaluate the effect of graft integrity on clinical outcomes, and (3) to compare SCR to other procedures for irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for clinical SCR studies. Data on specific factors that influenced outcomes, that compared outcomes between intact/torn graft groups, or compared SCR to alternative treatments for irreparable tears were extracted by two investigators. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to compare outcomes between intact vs torn SCR grafts.

Results

394 articles were identified. 100 full-text articles were screened. 13 studies were included for scoping review. Eight studies were meta-analyzed. Better clinical scores were found in younger patients, with intact/repairable subscapularis, without acetabulization/arthritis, who played sports. In patients with irreparable tears without arthritis, SCR produced similar clinical scores at 2 years as shoulder arthroplasty and partial infraspinatus repair, and greater improvements in ASES and Constant scores than latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Intact grafts produced better VAS (mean difference [MD] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [-1.45-0.50], P < 0.0001, I 2 = 67%, n [patients] = 261), ASES (MD = 8.29, [2.89-13.70], P = 0.003, I 2 = 74%, n = 281), external rotation (MD = 4.49, [0.36-8.61], P = 0.03, I 2 = 0%, n = 240), and acromiohumeral distance (MD = 2.45, [0.96-3.94], P = 0.001, I 2 = 92%, n = 260) than torn grafts.

Conclusions

Patients who underwent SCR for irreparable rotator cuff tears were more likely to have better clinical outcomes if they were younger, had intact/repairable subscapularis, without acetabulization/arthritis, played sports and had intact grafts.

The robustness of glenohumeral centering measurements in dependence of shoulder rotation and their predictive value in shoulders with rotator cuff tears

OBJECTIVE

De-centering of the shoulder joint on radiographs is used as indicator for severity of rotator cuff tears and as predictor for clinical outcome after surgery. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of malrotation on glenohumeral centering on radiographs and to identify the most reliable parameter for its quantification.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study (2014-2018), 249 shoulders were included: 92 with imaging-confirmed supra- and infraspinatus tears (rupture; 65.2 ± 9.9 years) and 157 without tears (control; 41.1 ± 13.0 years). On radiographs in neutral position and external rotation, we assessed three radiographic parameters to quantify glenohumeral centering: acromiohumeral distance (ACHD), craniocaudal distance of the humeral head and glenoid center (Deutsch), and scapulohumeral arch congruity (Moloney). Non-parametric statistics was performed.

RESULTS

In both positions, only the distance parameters ACHD (< 0.5 mm) and Deutsch (< 1 mm) were comparable in the two study groups rupture and control. Comparing the parameters between the study groups revealed only ACHD to be significantly different with a reduction of more than 2 mm in the rupture group. Among the parameters, ACHD ≤ 6 mm was the only cut-off discriminating rupture (12-21% of the shoulders with ACHD ≤ 6 mm) and control (none of the shoulders with ACHD ≤ 6 mm). Ninety percent of shoulders with ACHD ≤ 6 mm presented with a massive rotator cuff tear (defined as ≥ 67% of the greater tuberosity exposed).

CONCLUSION

Glenohumeral centering assessed by ACHD and Deutsch is not affected by rotation in shoulders with and without rotator cuff tear. An ACHD ≤ 6 mm has a positive predictive value of 90% for a massive rotator cuff tear.

Graft Healing Is More Important Than Graft Technique: Superior Capsular Reconstruction Versus Bridging Grafts-A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

To compare superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) versus bridging graft (BG) for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs).

METHODS

A prospective double-blind randomized study was conducted to compare SCR versus BG for massive irreparable RCTs. Fifty patients (mean age: 60.2 ± 6.0 years) with chronic tears (mean duration of symptoms: 5 ± 5.2 years) were intraoperatively randomized following partial repair to SCR or BG using human dermal allograft. All patients underwent standardized rehabilitation and were followed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months clinically and radiographically. Magnetic resonance imaging were obtained at 12 months to determine graft integrity.

RESULTS

At 2 years, 46 patients were available for follow-up. Mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC), and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were 74.8 ± 23.9, 66.0 ± 28.3, and 24.7 ± 26.1 for the SCR group, and 77.9 ± 19.9, 69.5 ± 24.5, and 25.0 ± 19.1 for the BG group, respectively, with no significant difference between groups. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated 18 of 24 (75%) in the SCR group and 14 of 22 (64%) in the BG group were intact at 12 months (P = .53). Patients with intact grafts compared with those with retorn grafts, whether SCR or BG, had greater ASES and WORC scores at 24 months (ASES 81.0 ± 18.7 vs 65.7 ± 24.4, P = .021 and WORC 72.3 ± 24.6 vs 53.7 ± 26.7, P = .04) and greater acromiohumeral intervals on radiographs at all follow-up time points.

CONCLUSIONS

When performing arthroscopic reconstruction using human dermal allograft for an irreparable RCT, whether the proximal edge of the graft is attached on the glenoid bone or to the torn tendon does not significantly change short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I, therapeutic.

Early Treatment of Shoulder Pathology Is Necessary but Not Enough Is Being Performed

Delayed treatment of shoulder instability results in bone loss requiring more-complicated surgery, in turn resulting in less-optimal outcomes. Similarly, delayed treatment of repairable rotator cuff tears results in irreparable tears requiring more-complicated surgery and resulting in less-optimal outcomes. Delayed treatment of shoulder pathology is a problem. Solutions include education and research investigation.

Patient Acceptable Symptom State, Minimal Clinically Important Difference, and Substantial Clinical Benefit After Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) have rarely been assessed after arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) with fascia lata autograft.

PURPOSE

(1) To investigate PASS, MCID, and SCB values for pain visual analog scale (pVAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) after ASCR with fascia lata autograft, (2) to investigate factors for achieving PASS, MCID, and SCB.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent ASCR between June 2013 and October 2020. A total of 88 patients were included, and anchor questions for deriving PASS, MCID, and SCB values were applied at a minimum 1-year follow-up postoperatively. PASS, MCID, and SCB were derived using sensitivity- and specificity-based approaches. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors for achieving PASS, MCID, and SCB.

RESULTS

Based on receiver operating characteristic curves, all 4 scores had acceptable area under the curve values (>0.7) for PASS, MCID, and SCB values. The PASS, MCID, and SCB values were 1.5, 2.5, and 4.5 for pVAS; 81.0, 19.0, and 27.5 for the ASES score; 60.5, -0.5, and 5.5 for the Constant score; and 75.0, 27.5, and 32.5 for SANE, respectively. Poor preoperative scores were related to significantly higher odds ratios (ORs) for achieving MCID and SCB. Wide acromiohumeral distance and dominant side were related to higher ORs for achieving PASS for the ASES score, and subscapularis tear was related to lower ORs for achieving PASS for pVAS and SCB for the Constant score.

CONCLUSION

Reliable PASS, MCID, and SCB values were achieved for at least 1 year after ASCR surgery. Poor preoperative score, wide acromiohumeral distance, and dominant side all demonstrated higher ORs for at least one value, but a subscapularis tear demonstrated lower ORs for achieving PASS for pVAS and SCB for the Constant score.

Editorial Commentary: Increased Graft Thickness With Superior Capsular Reconstruction Results in Improved Acromiohumeral Distance, but Increased Graft Tear Rate and Lateral Acromial Erosion

For the treatment of irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) has continued to supplant other less successful and/or reproducible techniques, including partial rotator cuff repair and latissimus tendon transfer. After its initial description utilizing a folded fascia lata autograft with a thickness of up to 8 mm, many in North America adapted their surgical technique to use commercially available human dermal allograft to mitigate donor site morbidity. Early series have revealed the importance of graft thickness in predicting risk of radiographic or clinical failure. As a result, there has been a renewed interest in increasing the thickness of an SCR graft to further prevent superior humeral head translation and diminish subacromial contact pressures and secondary radiographic, or more importantly, clinical failure. Some authors have sought to augment dermal allografts for increased stiffness, whereas other authors have explored the option of adding a separate graft on the undersurface of the acromion for a bursal acromial reconstruction. Although this increased graft thickness may result in improved acromiohumeral distance and clinically significant patient improvement, secondary graft retear and acromial osteolysis may develop due to increased friction or "overstuffing" of the subacromial space.

Defining Clinically Significant Outcomes Following Superior Capsular Reconstruction With Acellular Dermal Allograft

PURPOSE

To define clinically significant outcomes (CSO) thresholds for minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient-acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) in patients undergoing superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) with an acellular dermal allograft. We also evaluated patient-specific variables predictive of achieving CSO thresholds.

METHODS

The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and subjective Constant-Murley (Constant) scores were collected preoperatively and at the most recent follow up for patients undergoing SCR from 2010 to 2019. A distribution-based approach was used to calculate MCID, and an anchor-based approach was used to calculate SCB and PASS. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with CSO achievement.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were identified (n = 39 males; n = 19 females) with a mean age of 53.4 ± 14.1 years at surgery and an average follow-up of 23 months. The MCID, SCB, and PASS were 11.2, 18.02, and 68.82 for ASES, 14.5, 23.13, and 69.9 for SANE, and 3.6, 10, and 18 for Constant, respectively. Subscapularis tear, female sex, and workers compensation (WC) status reduced odds of achieving MCID. Reduced odds of achieving Constant SCB were associated with older age, female sex, and WC status, while concomitant distal clavicle excision during SCR and lower preoperative ASES increased odds of achieving ASES SCB. Reduced odds for achieving ASES PASS were associated with female sex and WC status, while reduced odds for achieving SANE PASS were associated with subscapularis tearing preoperatively.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of calculated values for MCID, SCB, and PASS, subscapularis tearing, WC status, age, and sex are associated with failure to achieve clinically significant outcomes following SCR. Concomitant distal clavicle excision during SCR and lower preoperative ASES was predictive for achievement of MCID and SCB. By defining the thresholds and variables predictive of achieving CSOs following SCR, surgeons may better counsel patients prior to SCR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Superior Capsule Reconstruction and Lower Trapezius Transfer for Irreparable Posterior-Superior Rotator Cuff Tear: A Case Report

CASE

A 49-year-old right-hand-dominant male weightlifter was referred with persistent left shoulder pain, weakness, and range of motion limitations after failed arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and subsequent arthroscopic debridement for a massive posterior-superior supraspinatus and infraspinatus tear. The patient underwent a superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) with lower trapezius (LT) transfer to re-establish rotator cuff function.

CONCLUSION

LT transfer in addition to SCR may be a promising modality to treat massive, irreparable posterior-superior rotator cuff tears in young adults. LT transfer can optimize external rotation, whereas SCR may more adequately address pain and forward elevation.

Donor-Site Morbidity After Autologous Fascia Lata Harvest for Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction: A Midterm Follow-up Evaluation

Background:

Autologous fascia lata (AFL) graft use in arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) is effective for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Although donor-site morbidity (DSM) is a recurrent argument against AFL graft use, scientific evidence for this argument is lacking.

Purpose:

To report the midterm clinical follow-up evaluation of DSM in ASCR using minimally invasively harvested AFL grafts and compare thigh function and patient satisfaction with those of an unharvested control group.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Of 66 consecutive patients who underwent ASCR using a minimally invasively harvested AFL graft, 39 patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were retrospectively evaluated (ASCR group) and compared with 39 randomly selected patients who underwent arthroscopic RCT repair by the same surgeons (control group). The functional outcomes of both thighs were evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) and a subjective questionnaire. Pain was quantified using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results:

The ASCR group had a mean age of 65 years (range, 51-77 years) and a mean follow-up of 47 months (range, 24-66 months). The WOMAC score in the harvested thigh differed by 0.8% from that in the contralateral thigh ( P = .002). The mean PSAQ score differed by 6 points from the minimum PSAQ score ( P < .001). Overall, 95% of the patients indicated that they would undergo the same surgery again and that the shoulder outcome compensated for the thigh symptoms. There was no significant association between the presence of residual thigh symptoms and the willingness to undergo the same surgery again ( P = .354). The mean VAS score in the harvested thigh was 0.6 (range, 0-5). There was no significant difference in the average WOMAC score or VAS score between groups ( P = .684 and P = .148, respectively).

Conclusion:

Despite the proportion of residual symptoms, the associated functional effects were small and not clinically significant, and the vast majority of patients were accepting of the harvest symptoms given the improvement in shoulder function.

Outcomes of Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Following Failed Superior Capsular Reconstruction

Background

History of prior rotator cuff repair (RCR) may adversely affect the outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), but there is no information regarding the influence of prior superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) surgery on the outcomes of RTSA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of RTSA following failed arthroscopic SCR.

Methods

All patients who underwent RTSA for failed SCR (SCR cohort) at our institution were identified from our institutional database. A comparative cohort of patients who had RTSA with a history of failed RCR (Control cohort) was also reviewed. Demographic information, 90-day complication rate, 90-day emergency department visits, length of stay, and outcome scores (patient-reported outcomes measurement information system [PROMIS] physical function upper extremity, Visual Analog Scale score, and range of motion) were compared.

Results

From 2015 to 2020, 87 arthroscopic SCRs were performed at our institution and of these, 13 patients underwent RTSA at a mean time of 14.6 months (5.8-32.4) after SCR and were followed up for an average of 17.9 months (1.6-44.6). The average number of shoulder surgeries prior to RTSA was 2.8 (1-7), with the last surgery being SCR. During the same period, we identified 15 patients who underwent an RTSA after a failed RCR (control cohort). The RTSA in the control cohort was performed on average at 12.8 months (1.5-39.5) following the last RCR, and patients were followed up for an average of 27.7 months (2.8-53.9). The average number of shoulder surgeries before the RTSA in the control cohort was 1.4 (1-3). Although the SCR cohort had significant improvements in pain scores and forward flexion (FF), there was only a modest functional improvement with PROMIS scores and no meaningful improvement with external rotation. Complications (23%) in the SCR cohort included 1 periprosthetic joint infection requiring 2-stage revision, 1 acromion stress fracture, and 1 ulnar neuritis. Overall, compared to the SCR cohort, patients in the control cohort had better function (PROMIS physical function upper extremity), lower Visual Analog Scale score, and greater range of motion (FF and external rotation) preoperatively and at last follow-up, but there were no differences in the length of stay and 90-day emergency department visits, infection, and complication rate between the 2 cohorts.

Conclusion

RTSA after failed SCR improves pain and FF but is associated with modest functional improvements and high complication rates. However, these findings will require confirmation in a larger cohort with longer follow-up.

Superior capsular reconstruction - A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Since Mihata's 2012 proposal to arthroscopically reconstruct the superior capsule of patients with massive irreparable cuff tears, many studies have reported the clinical results of this technique using different types of grafts (fascia lata autograft, dermal allograft, porcine dermal xenograft or long head of biceps autograft).

PURPOSE

The objective of this meta-analysis was to report the clinical and radiological results of these superior capsule reconstructions.

METHODS

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) recommendations were used to conduct this systematic review. A bibliographic search was performed of the electronic databases MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase and the Cochrane Library. The quality of the studies was assessed according to the MINORS criterion (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies). The inclusion criteria were studies in English evaluating superior capsular reconstruction.

RESULTS

No level I or II studies met the inclusion criteria. Eighteen studies were selected from the 97 identified, including 637 shoulders (64% male) with a mean age of 62 years [95% CI: 60.3-63.5]. At the mean follow-up of 24.3 months (12-60), the range of motion was significantly increased from 82.6° [60.0-105.2] to 141.9° [109.9-173.8] in abduction, from 113.1° [98.3-127.9] to 153.3° [147.4-159.2] in elevation, from 35.5° [30.9-40.2] 43.4° [35.4-51.3] in external rotation and from 7.2 [5.4-9] to 9.9 [8.9-10.9] in internal rotation. Functional scores were significantly improved from 5.4 [4.8-5.9] to 1.3 [0.9-1.7] points for VAS, from 42.5 [15.7-69.3] to 59.3 [30.1-88.6] points for Constant, from 39.0% [38.1-39.8] to 79.8% [76.4-83.3] for the SSV, and from 48.2 [45.2-51.1] to 81.2 [77.2-85.1] points for the ASES. The healing rate was 76.1% [64.4-84.9]. The complication rate was 5.6% [1.8-16.3] and the reverse shoulder arthroplasty revision rate was 7.1% [3.8-12.8].

CONCLUSION

Superior capsule reconstructions allow satisfactory clinical and radiological results to be obtained at 2 years of follow-up. Due to the small number of high quality comparative studies available, its true place in the therapeutic arsenal cannot be fully confirmed. However, it seems that the best indication for this technique is isolated irreparable rupture of the supraspinatus, in cases of medical treatment failure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; meta-analysis of heterogeneous studies.

[The short-term effectiveness of superior capsular reconstruction using autologous fascia lata graft for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears]

OBJECTIVE

To observe and evaluate the short-term effectiveness of superior capsular reconstruction using autologous fascia lata graft for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears.

METHODS

The clinical data of 9 patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears treated with arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction by using autologous fascia lata graft between September 2019 and April 2020 were retrospectively analysed. There were 4 males and 5 females with a median age of 66 years (range, 55-70 years). The disease duration was 6-60 months with an average of 19.1 months. According to Hamada classification, the patients were classified as grade 1 in 2 cases, grade 2 in 2 cases, grade 3 in 2 cases, and grade 4 in 3 cases. Before and after operation, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the improvement of shoulder joint pain, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score, and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder function score were used to evaluate the improvement of shoulder joint function. The active range of motion of shoulder joint was recorded, including forward flexion, abduction, lateral external rotation, and internal rotation. The changes of subacromial space were recorded by anteroposterior X-ray film of shoulder joint. Sugaya classification was used to judge the integrity of rotator cuff immediately after operation and at last follow-up.

RESULTS

The operation time was 210-380 minutes, with an average of 302.3 minutes. All incisions healed by first intention after operation, and there was no complication such as infection and nonunion of incisions. Two patients had numbness of the upper limbs on the surgical side after operation, and the numbness completely relieved at 6 weeks after operation; 5 cases with preoperative pseudoparalysis symptoms recovered after operation. Nine patients were followed up 12-17 months, with an average of 14.1 months. At last follow-up, the patient's active range of motion of shoulder joint (forward flexion, abduction, lateral external rotation, and internal rotation), subacromial space distance, VAS score, ASES score, Constant score, and UCLA score significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the Sugaya classification between at last follow-up and immediately after operation ( Z=-1.633, P=0.102).

CONCLUSION

Superior capsular reconstruction using autologous fascia lata graft can restore the superior stability and achieve a good short-term effectiveness for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears.

Treatment Options for Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears present a significant challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. No single treatment, particularly among joint-preserving options, has been shown to be superior. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent advances in the treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears, including partial repair with and without graft augmentation, interposition grafts, superior capsule reconstruction, subacromial balloon spacers, tendon transfer, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. We will also offer guidance on surgical indications based on our clinical experience.

RECENT FINDINGS

Partial repair may offer reasonable clinical improvement for patients with lower preoperative function despite high re-tear rates. Additionally, several types of interposition grafts have shown promising short-term results and may outperform repair alone. Subacromial balloon spacers may lead to clinical improvement, especially in patients without glenohumeral osteoarthritis or pseudoparalysis, and recently received FDA approval for use in the USA. Superior capsule reconstruction is a technically demanding procedure that appears to produce excellent short-term results particularly when performed at high volume, but long-term studies in heterogeneous study groups are needed. Tendon transfers improve function by restoring force coupling in the shoulder, offering a promising option for younger patients. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a reliable option for treatment of irreparable cuff tears in elderly patients with lower functional demands. Irreparable cuff tears remain a difficult condition to treat. Recommended treatment for younger patients without glenohumeral osteoarthritis is particularly controversial. For older patients with low-demand lifestyles and glenohumeral osteoarthritis, RTSA is an effective treatment option. For all discussed procedures, patient selection appears to play a critical role in clinical outcomes.

Superior Capsular Reconstruction With Autologous Fascia Lata Using a Single Lateral-Row Technique Is an Effective Option in Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiologic outcomes of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) with fascia lata autograft in patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs) performed using a single lateral-row fixation technique.

METHODS

We studied a retrospective case series of patients with large or massive IRCTs for ASCR with fascia lata autograft. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Constant score. Healing of the graft was assessed by magntic resonance imaging or ultrasound. Acromiohumeral distance was evaluated by radiographs.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients with an average age of 61 years and an average follow-up of 35 months (24-51 months) underwent ASCR with fascia lata autograft. There was a significant improvement in VAS (7.7-0.7), Constant score (36.0-78.7), forward elevation (115°-171°), external rotation (33°-50°), strength (0.3 kg-2.3 kg), and acromiohumeral distance (6.1 mm-8.6 mm) (P < 0.001). Graft failure was present in 13.8% of patients, as shown by magnetic resonance imaging (26 patients) or ultrasound (3 patients). Patients with failed ASCR showed worse Constant scores (68.5.8 vs 80.2, P = 0.007), worse VAS (2.5 vs 0.4, P = 0.00002), worse external rotation (20° vs 54°, P = 0.004), lower acromiohumeral distance (5mm vs 9mm, P = 0.007), and a high association with the presence of os acromiale (χ²P = 0.003). No revision or subsequent surgical procedures were required.

CONCLUSIONS

ASCR, with autologous fascia lata and single lateral row configuration, is an effective option in irreparable rotator cuff tears and results in clinical and radiologic improvement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Consensus statement on the treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: a Delphi approach by the Neer Circle of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons

BACKGROUND

Management of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCTs) remains controversial owing to variability in patient features and outcomes contributing to a lack of unanimity in treatment recommendations. The purpose of this study was to implement the Delphi process using experts from the Neer Circle of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons to determine areas of consensus regarding treatment options for a variety of MIRCTs.

METHODS

A panel of 120 shoulder surgeons were sent a survey regarding MIRCT treatments including arthroscopic débridement and partial cuff repair, graft augmentation, reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), and tendon transfer. An iterative Delphi process was then conducted with a first-round questionnaire consisting of 13 patient factors with the option for open-ended responses to identify important features influencing the treatment of MIRCTs. The second-round survey sought to determine the importance of patient factors related to the 6 included treatment options. A third-round survey asked participants to classify treatment options for 60 MIRCT patient scenarios as either preferred treatment, acceptable treatment, not acceptable/contraindicated, or unsure/no opinion. Patient scenarios were declared to achieve consensus for the preferred and not acceptable/contraindicated categories when at least 80% of the survey respondents agreed on a response, and a 90% threshold was required for the acceptable treatment category, defined by an acceptable treatment or preferred treatment response.

RESULTS

Seventy-two members agreed to participate and were deemed to have the requisite expertise to contribute based on their survey responses regarding clinical practice and patient volume. There were 20 clinical scenarios that reached 90% consensus as an acceptable treatment, with RSA selected for 18 scenarios and arthroscopic débridement and/or partial repair selected for 2. RSA was selected as the singular preferred treatment option in 8 scenarios. Not acceptable/contraindicated treatment options reached consensus in 8 scenarios, of which, 4 related to SCR, 3 related to RSA, and 1 related to partial repair with graft augmentation.

CONCLUSION

This Delphi process exhibited significant consensus regarding RSA as a preferred treatment strategy in older patients with pseudoparesis, an irreparable subscapularis, and dynamic instability. In addition, the process identified certain unacceptable treatments for MIRCTs such as SCR in older patients with pseudoparesis and an irreparable subscapularis or RSA in young patients with an intact or reparable subscapularis without pseudoparesis or dynamic instability. The publication of these scenarios and areas of consensus may serve as a useful guide for practitioners in the management of MIRCTs.

Re-tears after rotator cuff repair: Current concepts review

Re-tear following rotator cuff repair is common and has been reported to range from between 13 and 94% despite satisfactory clinical outcomes following rotator cuff surgery. Various risk factors have been associated with an increased tear rate, including patient factors, tear and shoulder morphology, repair technique, and rehabilitation regimes. Different modes of rotator cuff failure have been described. The management of re-tear in patients following rotator cuff repair is challenging and depends on the age, functional status and requirements of the patient, and re-tear size and residual tendon length. This article aims to review the factors associated with rotator cuff re-tear. It describes which of these are associated with poor clinical outcomes, and discusses the long-term outcomes of re-tear and treatment options.

Editorial Commentary: Optimizing Indications for Shoulder Superior Capsular Reconstruction: Choose the Right Patient at the Right Time!

Superior capsular reconstruction has gained popularity for the management of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears in young patients with minimal glenohumeral arthritis. Short-term outcomes show significant improvements in pain and function. However, the failure rate has been reported to range from 3% to 36%, with higher failure rates in women and patients with subscapularis tears, a greater body mass index, lower preoperative forward flexion, a lower preoperative acromiohumeral distance, subscapularis atrophy, and advanced rotator cuff arthropathy. Inadequate restoration of the acromiohumeral distance and poor integrity of posterior remnant tissue postoperatively have also been associated with an increased risk of retear. Currently accepted indications include younger patients (aged < 65-70 years) with irreparable, massive rotator cuff tears involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus with minimal arthritis, an intact or repairable subscapularis, and a functional deltoid without bony deficiency, stiffness, or advanced arthropathy.