Fewer rotator cuff tears fifteen years after arthroscopic subacromial decompression

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair with and without Acromioplasty in the Treatment of Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: Long-Term Outcomes of a Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to reevaluate patients from a previous randomized controlled trial at a long-term follow-up to determine the long-term efficacy of subacromial decompression in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

METHODS

This is a secondary study based on a previous, multicenter, randomized controlled trial with patients allocated to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with or without acromioplasty. The original study was conducted between 2003 and 2011, and the secondary study was conducted between 2015 and 2021. Patients were invited by a blinded assessor to return to complete the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index and a questionnaire about reoperation and to undergo a clinical assessment. If participants were unable to return, they were asked to complete the questionnaires by mail. A chart review on all participants in the original study was conducted.

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients were randomized in the original trial, with 31 of 45 from the group without acromioplasty and 25 of 41 from the acromioplasty group returning for long-term follow-up. The mean duration (and standard deviation) of follow-up was 11.2 ± 2.4 years for the group without acromioplasty and 11.5 ± 2.6 years for the acromioplasty group. There was no significant difference in WORC scores between the groups with and without acromioplasty at the time of the long-term follow-up (p = 0.30). Seven (16%) of the 45 patients in the group without acromioplasty underwent reoperation. One (2%) of the initial 41 patients allocated to acromioplasty underwent reoperation. All patients who underwent a reoperation had a Type-2 or 3 acromion.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent rotator cuff repair with or without acromioplasty experienced improvement of outcomes from their preoperative level at a long-term follow-up (mean, 11 years), and there were no differences in patient-reported outcomes, specifically WORC scores, between these groups. However, a significantly higher reoperation rate was observed in patients who had rotator cuff repair without acromioplasty, specifically in those with a Type-2 or 3 acromion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Does isolated arthroscopic anterior acromioplasty modify critical shoulder angle?

INTRODUCTION

Critical shoulder angle (CSA)>35° correlates significantly with primary rotator cuff tear and re-tear after repair. Acromial axial orientation varies between individuals. The present study aimed to assess the impact of strictly anterior acromioplasty on CSA.

HYPOTHESIS

CSA is reduced by arthroscopic anterior acromioplasty.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective study included patients receiving isolated arthroscopic acromioplasty between January 2016 and December 2017. Exclusion criteria comprised history of surgery and fracture or dislocation of the shoulder. Pre- and post-operative AP shoulder radiographs were taken. The angle subtended by a line between the inferior and superior edges of the glenoid and a line between the inferior edge of the glenoid and the most lateral point on the acromion was measured.

RESULTS

One hundred and two patients were included: mean age, 50.5±10.1 years (range, 23-82 years). Mean CSA was 34.7±4.4° (range, 26-48°) preoperatively and 31.7±3.7° (range, 23-40°) postoperatively (p<0.001). In the group with CSA >35°, the decrease was significant: 34.4±3.2° (range, 28-40°) versus 38.9±2.8° (range, 36-48°) (p<0.001), with 64% CSA <35° after isolated anterior acromioplasty.

DISCUSSION

CSA was decreased by arthroscopic acromioplasty. However, in 36% of cases with preoperative CSA >35°, CSA was not normalized.

CONCLUSION

Anterior arthroscopic acromioplasty significantly reduced CSA in the overall population, and especially in case of high CSA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; retrospective study.

Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression in the Treatment of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Prospective Study in Malaysia

Introduction

Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is one of the common problems which lead to shoulder disabilities. This condition has been described as impingement to the rotator cuff by the anterior third of the acromion process and has been classified into three stages. Treatment option varies depending on the grade of the disease. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASAD) has become more popular in recent years and has shown to have a good outcome. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes following ASAD in terms of the functional, clinical, and radiological parameters in treating SIS in the ageing population in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.

Materials and methods

This was an observational study looking at the outcomes of patients with stage 2 and stage 3 (partial cuff tear) impingement syndrome who underwent ASAD in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan and International Islamic University Malaysia Medical Centre from May 2018 to June 2019. The functional outcomes were evaluated using American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score taken at pre-operative, six weeks, three months, and six months post-operation. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Constant score (CS) taken at six months post-operation. Radiological outcomes were measured by comparing acromiohumeral distance pre- and post-operation on anteroposterior (AP) view radiograph of the affected shoulder.

Results

A total of 28 patients were selected for the study. On functional outcome, there was a significant effect of time on the ASES scoring system (p-value <0.05) from pre-operative to six months post-operation. On clinical outcome, the CS at six months showed 13 patients have excellent scores, 10 have good, and five have fair scores. There was a statistically significant difference in mean values of all categories (p-value <0.05). In terms of the radiological outcome, this study observed a significant increase in patients’ subacromial space on X-ray from the pre-operative and post-operative treatment stages. In this study, we also observed that there was no significant difference in outcomes between partial and intact rotator cuff (RC) tears at six-month post-operation.

Conclusion

In this study, ASAD was found to be a beneficial intervention in the treatment of patients with shoulder impingement evidenced by the significant outcomes in terms of functional, clinical, and radiological parameters.

Prevalence and Clinical Impact of Acromial Cupping after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Does Acromioplasty Matter?

Background

Although the effectiveness of acromioplasty is controversial, it is commonly performed during rotator cuff repair to reduce external impingement. During follow-up, osteolysis under the acromion (acromial cupping) could be observed. However, this phenomenon has been rarely addressed in the literature. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence and severity of acromial cupping after rotator cuff repair depending on the concomitant performance of acromioplasty and evaluate the influence of acromial cupping on clinical and radiological outcome.

Methods

This is a retrospective study involving patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for small-to-large full-thickness rotator cuff tears from October 2015 to March 2019 and clinical follow-up and magnetic resonance imaging at least 1 year postoperatively. A total of 110 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups depending on whether acromioplasty had been performed (group A) or not (group N). The prevalence of acromial cupping was evaluated in each group. In addition, we stratified patients according to the severity of acromial cupping to investigate its influence on healing and functional scores (visual analog scale [VAS], American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score, simple shoulder test [SST], and Constant-Murley score).

Results

There were 85 patients in group A and 25 patients in group N. The prevalence of acromial cupping and acromial cysts was as follows: 36.4% (40 patients) and 6.4% (7 patients), respectively, in the total subjects; 43.5% (37/85) and 5.9% (5/85), respectively, in group A; and 12.0% (3/25) and 8.0% (2/25), respectively, in group N. The prevalence of acromial cupping was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.012). However, functional outcomes were not significantly different between groups stratified by the severity of acromial cupping (VAS, p = 0.464; ASES score, p = 0.902; SST, p = 0.816; and Constant-Murley score, p = 0.117). The difference in healing rate was statistically insignificant between groups (p = 0.726).

Conclusions

The incidence and severity of acromial cupping were significantly greater in patients who underwent rotator cuff repair with acromioplasty. It was a relatively common phenomenon, especially after acromioplasty. However, neither the existence nor the severity of acromial cupping affected functional outcomes or healing.

Randomized Trial of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff With or Without Acromioplasty: No Difference in Patient-Reported Outcomes at Long-Term Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To evaluate long-term patient-reported outcomes and revision surgery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with or without acromioplasty.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2011, prospectively enrolled patients undergoing arthroscopic repair for full-thickness rotator cuff tears, with any acromial morphology, were randomized into either acromioplasty or nonacromioplasty groups. Patients with revision surgery, subscapularis involvement, advanced neurologic conditions, or death were excluded. Baseline and long-term follow-up questionnaires, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and Constant scores were obtained. Rates of symptomatic retear, revision rotator cuff surgery, or secondary reoperation were recorded. Averages with standard deviation were calculated, and t-tests were used to compare outcomes of interest between cohorts.

RESULTS

In total, 69 of 90 patients (76.7%) were available at 92.4 months (± 10.5). There were 23 of 32 patients in the acromioplasty cohort and 24 of 37 patients in the nonacromioplasty cohort. Mean age for the nonacromioplasty cohort was 56.9 (± 7.6) years, whereas acromioplasty was 59.6 (± 6.8) years. Comparison of baseline demographics and intraoperative information revealed no significant differences, including age, sex, Workers' Compensation, acute mechanism of injury, tear size, degree of retraction, and surgical technique (e.g., single- vs. double-row). At final follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences according to ASES (P = .33), VAS pain (P = 0.79), Constant (P = .17), SST (P = .05), UCLA (P = .19), and Short Form-12 (SF-12) (P = .79) in patients with and without acromioplasty. Two patients with acromioplasty (5.6%) and 3 patients without acromioplasty (9.1%) sustained atraumatic recurrent rotator cuff tear with secondary repair (P = .99), and there was no significant difference in retear rates or patient-reported outcome measures by acromial morphology.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized trial, with mean 7.5-year follow-up, found no difference in validated patient-reported outcomes, retear rate, or revision surgery rate between patients undergoing rotator cuff repair with or without acromioplasty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II, prospective randomized controlled trial.

WITHDRAWN: Does anterior arthroscopic acromioplasty modify critical shoulder angle?

This article has been withdrawn because we accidentally published the same article twice due to an error by the Managing editor/Elsevier. The correct version of the article has been published later in Orthop Traumatol Surg Res, 108 (2022) 103040, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otsr.2021.103040. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal

WITHDRAWN: Does anterior arthroscopic acromioplasty modify critical shoulder angle?

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.

Indications for Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression. A Level V Evidence Clinical Guideline

Since the introduction of acromioplasty by Neer in 1971 and arthroscopic subacromial decompression (SAD) by Ellman in 1987, the outcomes have been reported to be consistently good. Recently it was suggested that supervised physical therapy is comparable with SAD, which was contested by other studies claiming that SAD is clearly superior to nonoperative treatment. Before consideration for treatment, the diagnosis of impingement with an intact rotator cuff must be determined by clinical history, a detailed and structured clinical examination, and appropriate imaging. In favor of SAD are published long-term studies with a minimum of 10 years outlining significant functional and clinical improvement. The main factor for failure reported was workers compensation, calcific tendinopathy, and high-grade partial-thickness tears. Studies nonsupportive of SAD suffer from bias, crossover from the nonoperative group to the operative group following failure of conservative treatment, and loss of follow-up. Recently, lateral acromion resection has been suggested as a viable alternative, effectively reducing the critical shoulder angle. Following nonoperative treatment for at least 6 weeks, SAD is a viable and good surgical option for the treatment of shoulder impingement with an intact rotator cuff. Care should be taken to avoid resection of the acromioclavicular ligament. Five millimeters of lateral acromion resection is the recommended amount of resection. Patients with chronic calcific tendinitis, workers compensation, and partial-thickness tears should not be treated by SAD alone.

[Indications and techniques of arthroscopic anterior and lateral acromioplasty]

OBJECTIVE

Arthroscopic anterior acromioplasty (AAAP) for treatment of symptomatic subacromial spur. Arthroscopic lateral acromioplasty (ALAP) to reduce a pathological critical shoulder angle (CSA) and prevent rotator cuff re-tear after reconstruction.

INDICATIONS

AAAP is indicated for acromial impingement due to an anterolateral acromial spur with or without bursa-sided rotator cuff lesion. ALAP is indicated concomitant to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair if the CSA is pathologically increased.

RELATIVE CONTRAINDICATIONS

Irreparable rotator cuff tear with acetabularization of the acromion due to anterosuperior escape of the humeral head or symptomatic os acromiale can contraindicate for AAAP. Dehiscence of the origin of the deltoid muscle or symptomatic os acromiale can contraindicate for ALAP.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

To preform AAAP, arthroscopic subacromial decompression is followed by anterolateral resection of an acromion spur or ossification of the coracoacromial ligament. To perform ALAP, arthroscopic subacromial decompression and reconstruction of a rotator cuff-tear is followed by reduction of a pathologically increased CSA by resection of the lateral edge of the acromion.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

After isolated AAAP, physiotherapy can be performed without restriction. After AAAP or ALAP combined with rotator cuff repair, immobilization in a brace is recommended. The use of pain medication should be standardized and adapted to individual pain levels.

Does Dynamic Tape change the walking biomechanics of women with greater trochanteric pain syndrome? A blinded randomised controlled crossover trial

OBJECTIVES

There is considerable debate among clinicians as to whether sports tape can provide mechanical support and pain relief. People with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) have increased adduction moment, adduction angle and pelvic obliquity, likely contributing to the continuation of the pathology. We aimed to see if Dynamic Tape^® could control these movements and reduce pain.

METHODS

Fifty women with GTPS participated in a three-dimensional gait analysis. Each participant performed three walking trials: baseline, and two subsequent trials, with active and sham applications of Dynamic Tape. The order of active and sham taping was randomised. Differences in kinetic and kinematic data were analysed using mixed model linear regressions for each condition. Pain scores were obtained before and immediately after walking trials.

RESULTS

Hip adduction moment was reduced at first peak by both active (p < 0.001) and sham tape (p = 0.028), with no between group difference; at second peak by the active taping (p < 0.001), with a between-group difference (p < 0.001). Adduction angle was reduced at first peak by both active (p < 0.001) and sham taping (p = 0.026), with the active taping producing a larger effect (p = 0.004); at mid-stance by active taping (p = 0.003), with a between-group difference (p = 0.002); there was no reduction at second peak. Internal rotation was reduced at the first (p < 0.001) and second peaks (p < 0.001), and mid-stance by the active taping alone (p < 0.001). Pelvic obliquity was reduced at the first peak (p = 0.019), mid-stance (p < 0.001) and second peak (p < 0.001) by the active tape, with a between-group difference at mid-stance (p = 0.03). Both the active and sham taping resulted in a clinically meaningful pain reduction.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic Tape produced a mechanical effect and a meaningful reduction in pain in women with GTPS. The extent that placebo or somatosensory input may have had on these results is not clear.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12617001611314.

Subacromial impingement syndrome: management challenges

The painful shoulder is the most common condition seen in specialist shoulder clinics. It is often associated with lack of range of motion and reduced shoulder function. Lack of sleep and difficulties in performing basic daily life activities are common findings. Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS) has been considered as the most common cause of shoulder pain since it was described in 1852. Charles Neer, in 1972, described the presence of a "proliferative spur and ridge" on the undersurface of the acromion, which needs to be removed to improve the symptoms (acromioplasty). Neer's "impingement" hegemony was undisputed for at least 30 years. A more extensive knowledge of the pathogenesis of SAIS, however, has led authors to challenge the role of "impingement" in the shoulder pain and the role of surgical intervention. The aim of this review was to understand if there is still a role for surgical decompression in patients with SAIS. A literature review was performed in PubMed, PEDro, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using impingement, subacromial space, rotator cuff tears, tendinopathy, and tendinitis as key words. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with long-term follow-up comparing surgical intervention and conservative treatments in SAIS were preferred; however, prospective articles studying the outcome of surgical decompression and physiotherapy were also included. The majority of the studies showed no difference in the outcome between patients randomized to surgical decompression or conservative management. However, some studies reported better results after surgery, especially in the long term. Interpretation of the results is very difficult as most of the studies are of poor quality and have short follow-up. In our opinion, the type of subacromial lesion needs to be considered; this may offer an explanation to the difference in severity of symptoms and to the varying degrees of response to certain treatments, including surgery. Further studies are mandatory to better understand the role of surgery in SAIS.

The Effect of Rotator Cuff Repair on Natural History: A Systematic Review of Intermediate to Long-Term Outcomes

Background:

Rotator cuff disease can have a progressive natural history of increasing tear size and worsening function. It remains unknown whether rotator cuff repair alters this natural history.

Methods:

A systematic review of the intermediate to long-term (minimum 5-year) results of operative rotator cuff repair and no repair of rotator cuff injuries was performed to compare (1) patient-based outcomes, (2) future surgical intervention, (3) future tear progression or recurrence, and (4) tear size. The no-repair group included both conservative treatment and surgical treatment without repair. After the application of selection criteria, 29 studies with 1,583 patients remained. Meta-regression was conducted to adjust for baseline age, sex, tear size, and duration of follow-up.

Results:

Comparison of the repair and no-repair groups revealed no significant differences in terms of age (p = 0.36), sex (p = 0.88), study level of evidence (p = 0.86), or Coleman methodology score (p = 0.8). The duration of follow-up was significantly longer for the no-repair group (p = 0.004), whereas baseline tear size was significantly larger in the repair group (p = 0.014). The percentage of patients requiring additional surgery was significantly higher in the no-repair group after adjustment for age, sex, duration of follow-up, and tear size (9.5% higher in estimated means between groups [95% confidence interval, 2.1% to 17%]; p = 0.012). The likelihood of a recurrent defect (repair group) or extension of the prior tear (no-repair group) was not different between groups after adjustment for age, sex, duration of follow-up, and tear size (p = 0.4). There were no differences between the repair and no-repair groups in terms of the Constant score after adjustment for age, sex, duration of follow-up, and tear size (p = 0.31). The final tear size was significantly larger in the no-repair group than the repair group (967 mm² higher in estimated means between groups [95% confidence interval, 771 to 1,164 mm²]; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

At intermediate to long-term follow-up, rotator cuff repair was associated with decreased final tear size and decreased need for future surgery after adjusting for age, sex, duration of follow-up, and tear size. The likelihood of a recurrent defect after rotator cuff repair did not differ from that of tear extension after nonoperative treatment. Thus, rotator cuff repair may not alter natural history.

Level of Evidence:

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

Acromioplasty in patients selected for operation by national guidelines

BACKGROUND

Shoulder impingement syndrome is the most common shoulder disorder. Even though conservative treatment is the primary treatment of choice, surgery has increased substantially in several countries during the last 20 years. This has resulted in recommended clinical guidelines for treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome in countries such as The Netherlands and Denmark during recent years. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an arthroscopic subacromial decompression in 244 patients selected for surgery according to national clinical guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were included from an Internet-based shoulder and elbow database. They were asked to complete 2 questionnaires consisting of the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and the EuroQol 5-Dimension 3-Level and visual analog scale preoperatively and at 6-month follow-up. All patients were carefully selected for surgery according to the national guidelines, with symptoms persisting for at least 6 months. Furthermore, subgroups related to the OSS were formed to assess the clinical outcome according to preoperative status and age.

RESULTS

For the complete study group, an OSS change of 10 (8.8-11.2; P = .0001) was found at 6-month follow-up. No significant difference was found between the genders (P = .17). The largest clinical effect from the intervention was found in the low preoperative OSS (pre-OSS) group, in which a mean change of 17 was found. The moderate and high pre-OSS groups had mean changes of 13 and 5, respectively. Similarly, according to the EuroQol 5-Dimension 3-Level and visual analog scale, the largest improvements were seen in the low and moderate pre-OSS groups.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression is a valid treatment, reducing pain and improving quality of life for patients selected for surgery according to the Danish national guidelines.

Does acromioplasty result in favorable clinical and radiologic outcomes in the management of chronic subacromial pain syndrome? A double-blinded randomized clinical trial with 9 to 14 years' follow-up

BACKGROUND

The treatment effect of acromioplasty for chronic subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) on long-term shoulder function and rotator cuff deterioration has still to be determined. This study aimed to determine the long-term clinical and radiologic treatment effect of arthroscopic acromioplasty in patients with chronic SAPS.

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 56 patients with chronic SAPS (median age, 47 years; age range, 31-60 years) were randomly allocated to arthroscopic bursectomy alone or to bursectomy combined with acromioplasty and were followed up for a median of 12 years. The primary outcome was the Constant score. Secondary outcomes included the Simple Shoulder Test, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, VAS for shoulder functionality, and rotator cuff integrity assessed with magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound.

RESULTS

A total of 43 patients (77%) were examined at a median of 12 years' follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis at 12 years' follow-up did not show a significant additional treatment effect of acromioplasty on bursectomy alone in improvement in Constant score (5 points; 95% confidence interval, -5.1 to 15.6), Simple Shoulder Test score, VAS score for pain, or VAS score for shoulder function. The prevalence of rotator cuff tears was not significantly different between the bursectomy group (17%) and acromioplasty group (10%).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no relevant additional effects of arthroscopic acromioplasty on bursectomy alone with respect to clinical outcomes and rotator cuff integrity at 12 years' follow-up. These findings bring the effectiveness of acromioplasty into question and may support the idea of a more conservative approach in the initial treatment of SAPS.

Arthroscopic decompression not recommended in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy

Aims

Rotator cuff tendinopathy has a multifactorial origin. Rejecting the mechanistic theory has also led to abandoning operative treatment at initial presentation in the first line. Physiotherapy exercise programmes are the accepted first line treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term additional benefits of subacromial decompression in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Patients and Methods

This randomised controlled trial of 140 patients (52 men, 88 women, mean age 47.1 years; 18 to 60) with rotator cuff tendinopathy extended previous work up to a maximum of 13 years. The patients were randomised into two treatment groups: arthroscopic acromioplasty and a supervised exercise treatment and a similar supervised exercise treatment alone. Self-reported pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary measures were disability, working ability, pain at night, Shoulder Disability Questionnaire score and the number of painful days during the three months preceding the final assessment.

Results

A total of 90 patients (64%) returned questionnaires at a mean 12 years after randomisation. On an intention-to-treat basis, both treatment groups reached statistically significant improvement compared with the initial VAS for pain, but there was no significant difference between groups. The same was true in the secondary outcome measures. Due to group changes, the results were also analysed per protocol: operated or not. No significant differences between the groups were found.

Conclusion

The natural history of rotator cuff tendinopathy probably plays a significant role in the results in the long-term. Even though the patients who underwent operative treatment had a stronger belief in recovery, which is likely to be surgical and the effect of placebo, the exercise group obtained similar results. In the future, an optimum exercise regime should be searched for, as the most clinically and cost-effective conservative treatment for rotator cuff tendinopathy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:799–805.

No difference in long-term development of rotator cuff rupture and muscle volumes in impingement patients with or without decompression

Background and purpose - Arthroscopic acromioplasty is still commonly used in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome, even though its benefits are questioned; randomized controlled studies have not shown any benefits when compared to non-operative treatment. In this randomized study, we investigated whether operative treatment protects from later rotator cuff rupture and whether it has any effect on the development of rotator cuff muscle volume. Patients and methods - 140 stage-II impingement patients were randomized to a structured exercise group (n = 70) or to an operative group (n = 70). In the operative group, arthroscopic acromioplasty was performed, after which a similar structured exercise program was begun. MRI of the shoulder was done at baseline and at 5 years. Results - There were no statistically significant differences in either the amount of perforating ruptures of the supraspinatus tendon or in the changes in muscle volume at 5 years. The grading of muscle fatty degeneration showed worse results in the operative group, but this difference was not statistically significant. Interpretation - In this study, we found that arthroscopic acromioplasty does not have any long-term benefit based on radiological findings of muscle volumes. Also, the frequency of later rotator cuff rupture was similar irrespective of whether or not surgery was performed. Acromioplasty is not justified as a treatment for dynamic shoulder impingement syndrome.

[Arthroscopic subacromial decompression]

OBJECTIVE

Coracoacromial ligament release to widen the subacromial space, resection of the anterior undersurface of the acromion and, if needed, caudal exophytes at the acromioclavicular joint.

INDICATIONS

All types of outlet impingement after 3 months of conservative treatment.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Impingement syndrome with instability/muscular imbalance, massive rotator cuff tear, unstable os acromionale, posterior-superior impingement, joint infection, freezing phase of a secondary frozen shoulder.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Lateral decubitus position with traction device for the arm. Diagnostic arthroscopy of the glenohumeral joint via standard portals. With arthroscope moved to the subacromial space, bursectomy, electrosurgical release of coracoacromial ligament, resection of acromial hook through standard posterior portal.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Physiotherapy or self-exercises on postoperative day 1, pain-adapted analgesia to avoid shoulder stiffness.

RESULTS

Several studies present positive long-term results compared to conservative treatment (and open acromioplasty) for partial rotator cuff tears and for elderly patients. With a 20-year follow-up, successful results have been achieved for all patients with isolated impingement syndrome.

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

PURPOSE

To investigate if (1) an anterolateral acromioplasty and (2) a lateral acromion resection alter the critical shoulder angle (CSA) without affecting the deltoid origin.

METHODS

First, the native CSAs of 10 human cadaveric shoulders (6 male and 4 female specimens; mean age, 54.2 years) were determined with the use of fluoroscopy. Setup allowed for consistent repetitive measurements. Next, a standard arthroscopic anterolateral acromioplasty was performed to create a type 1 acromion, and the CSA was reassessed fluoroscopically. Afterward, a lateral acromioplasty was performed with a 5-mm lateral acromion resection using a 5-mm burr, and the CSA was measured again. The native CSA was compared with (1) the CSA after acromioplasty and (2) the CSA after acromioplasty and lateral acromion resection using a paired t test. Finally, the acromial deltoid attachment was evaluated anatomically for damage to the anterolateral origin.

RESULTS

The mean native CSA (34.3° ± 2.1°) was reduced significantly by acromioplasty (33.1° ± 2.0°, P < .001) and further reduced by lateral acromion resection (31.5° ± 1.7°, P < .001). Anterolateral acromioplasty reduced the CSA by a mean of 1.4° (95% confidence interval boundaries, 0.8° and 1.9°), and in combination with lateral acromion resection, the CSA was reduced by a mean of 2.8° (95% confidence interval boundaries, 2.1° and 3.5°). In all specimens (5 of 5) with a presurgery CSA of 35° or greater, the CSA was reduced to the range of 30° to 35° by the combination of both techniques. However, in 2 specimens with a CSA of approximately 32°, the CSA was reduced to less than 30°. The acromial deltoid attachment was found to be well preserved in all specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic anterolateral acromioplasty and a 5-mm lateral acromion resection each reduced the CSA significantly and did not damage the deltoid origin.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The combination of both techniques could potentially be used in clinical practice to reduce a CSA greater than 35° to the desired range of 30° to 35°.

Medium- to long-term results of a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of arthoscopic-subacromial decompression versus mini-open repair for the treatment of medium-sized rotator cuff tears

BACKGROUND

We report on the medium- to long-term results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) aiming to determine whether rotator cuff repair confers any advantage over arthroscopic sub-acromial decompression (ASAD) alone in the management of medium-sized rotator cuff tears.

METHODS

Ethical approval was sought to follow-up patients previously enrolled in a completed and previously published RCT comparing the outcome of ASAD with mini-open cuff repair for the treatment of rotator cuff tear. Forty-two patients were enrolled in the original study, with a mean of 64 years (range 54 years to 77 years).

RESULTS

Fifteen of the original 17 patients randomized to ASAD alone and 18 of the original 25 patients randomized to cuff repair were available for follow-up. Each patient underwent American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Constant scoring, and clinical and ultrasound examination. Mean duration of follow-up was 7 years (range 5 years to 11 years). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of ASES, DASH and Constant scores at follow-up between the two groups. Some 33% of patients in the cuff-repair group had a proven re-rupture on ultrasound. This patient subgroup had significantly worse Constant scores compared to patients where the repair remained intact. None of the patients from either group developed cuff-tear arthropathy requiring arthroplasty surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In this medium- to longer-term study, there is no demonstrable significant benefit of cuff repair over decompression alone for the treatment of medium-sized rotator cuff tears, in terms of ASES, DASH and Constant scores for pain, function and strength modules. The presence of cuff tear does not necessitate surgical repair. This conclusion should drive surgical strategies and shared decision-making between patients and surgeons.

Patients With Impingement Syndrome With and Without Rotator Cuff Tears Do Well 20 Years After Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression

PURPOSE

To present the long-term outcome of arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) for patients with impingement syndrome with or without rotator cuff tears as well as with or without calcific tendinitis in a follow-up of 20 years.

METHODS

We included 95 patients after a mean follow-up of 19.9 (19.5 to 20.5) years. All patients underwent ASD, including acromioplasty, resection of the coracoacromial ligament, and coplaning without cuff repair. The Constant score was used to assess the functioning of the shoulder. In addition, we defined a combined failure end point of a poor Constant score and revision surgery.

RESULTS

Revision surgery was performed in14.7% of the patients. The combined end point showed successful results in 78.8% of all cases. All patients with isolated impingement syndrome achieved successful results. Those with partial-thickness tears had successful outcomes in 90.9% of all cases, and patients with full-thickness tears had successful outcomes in 70.6% of all cases. The tendinitis calcarea group showed the poorest results, with a 65.2% success rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our long-term results show that patients with impingement syndrome who received ASD, including acromioplasty, resection of the coracoacromial ligament, and coplaning do well 20 years after the index surgery. ASD without cuff repair even appears to be a safe, efficacious, and sustainable procedure for patients with partial rotator cuff tears.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Significant benefit for older patients after arthroscopic subacromial decompression: a long-term follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Patients suffering from isolated subacromial impingement (SI) of their shoulder but who are resistant to other therapies benefit substantially from arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) if they are young (<60 years). Although physical demands rise notably in the older population, it still remains unclear if surgery leads to better results in these patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to focus on the impact of age on the functional outcome in elderly patients suffering from SI.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, 307 patients (age range: 42-63 years) with isolated SI were enrolled. The 165 patients were allocated to physical therapy whereas 142 underwent ASD. The patient cohort was divided into two groups according to the median age (<57 years). Functional outcome was recorded using the Munich Shoulder Questionnaire (MSQ) allowing for qualitative self -assessment of the Constant, SPADI and Dark Scores.

RESULTS

Median age was 57 (25%-75%: 48-63) years, follow-up was 55 (25%-75%: 25-87) months. In group I (age < 57 years, n = 165) no significant differences in outcome between physical therapy and ASD were detected. In contrast, in group II (age > 57 years; n = 142) the patients reported significantly better results after ASD in the overall MSQs.

CONCLUSION

Despite their higher age, elderly patients with isolated SI actually benefit significantly from ASD in comparison to physical therapy.

The efficacy of acromioplasty in the arthroscopic repair of small- to medium-sized rotator cuff tears without acromial spur: prospective comparative study

PURPOSE

To assess the role of acromioplasty in the arthroscopic repair of small- to medium-sized rotator cuff tears.

METHODS

A prospective randomized trial of 120 patients who had small- to medium-sized rotator cuff tears and various types of acromions without spurs were included. Sixty patients received arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with acromioplasty (group I), and another sixty received the same procedure without acromioplasty (group II). The mean age at surgery was 57.8 ± 9.3 years in group I and 55.8 ± 8.0 years in group II. The shape of the acromion was flat in 18 patients, curved in 32, and hooked in 10 in group I, and it was flat in 15 patients, curved in 36, and hooked in 9 in group II. The mean tear size was similar in the two groups (14.6 ± 5.2 mm in group I and 15.3 ± 7.0 mm in group II). Pain and satisfaction were estimated and range of motion was measured at a mean of 35 months after surgery. Functional outcomes were assessed with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons: Constant; and University of California, Los Angeles scores. Tendon healing was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging postoperatively.

RESULTS

Clinical outcome was significantly improved in both groups after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (P < .05). There were no significant differences with respect to pain and range of motion between the groups at the final follow-up (1.1 ± 0.9 v 1.3 ± 1.4 on visual analog scale). Functional outcomes also showed no significant differences between the 2 groups (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, 90.7 ± 13.1 v 87.5 ± 12.0; Constant score, 85.0 ± 11.3 v 83.3 ± 13.0; and University of California, Los Angeles score, 33.4 ± 3.3 v 32.3 ± 3.5). Postoperative imaging showed that the retear rate was 17% in group I and 20% in group II (P = .475).

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic repair of small- to medium-sized rotator cuff tears provided pain relief and improved functional outcome with or without acromioplasty. Clinical outcomes were not significantly different, and acromioplasty may not be necessary in the operative treatment of patients with small- to medium-sized rotator cuff tears in the absence of acromial spurs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prospective comparative study.

The relationship of femoral neck shaft angle and adiposity to greater trochanteric pain syndrome in women. A case control morphology and anthropometric study

Objective

To evaluate if pelvic or hip width predisposed women to developing greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).

Design

Prospective case control study.

Participants

Four groups were included in the study: those gluteal tendon reconstructions (n=31, GTR), those with conservatively managed GTPS (n=29), those with hip osteoarthritis (n=20, OA) and 22 asymptomatic participants (ASC).

Methods

Anterior-posterior pelvic x-rays were evaluated for femoral neck shaft angle; acetabular index, and width at the lateral acetabulum, and the superior and lateral aspects of the greater trochanter. Body mass index, and waist, hip and greater trochanter girth were measured. Data were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA; posthoc Scheffe analysis), then multivariate analysis.

Results

The GTR group had a lower femoral neck shaft angle than the other groups (p=0.007). The OR (95% CI) of having a neck shaft angle of less than 134°, relative to the ASC group: GTR=3.33 (1.26 to 8.85); GTPS=1.4 (0.52 to 3.75); OA=0.85 (0.28 to 2.61). The OR of GTR relative to GTPS was 2.4 (1.01 to 5.6). No group difference was found for acetabular or greater trochanter width. Greater trochanter girth produced the only anthropometric group difference (mean (95% CI) in cm) GTR=103.8 (100.3 to 107.3), GTPS=105.9 (100.2 to 111.6), OA=100.3 (97.7 to 103.9), ASC=99.1 (94.7 to 103.5), (ANOVA: p=0.036). Multivariate analysis confirmed adiposity is associated with GTPS.

Conclusion

A lower neck shaft angle is a risk factor for, and adiposity is associated with, GTPS in women.

Magnetic resonance imaging of rotator cuff disease and external impingement

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plays a major role in helping to identify rotator cuff disease and in demonstrating the pathology associated with external impingement. Many surgeons rely on MR imaging to assist in decision making and presurgical planning for patients with rotator cuff pain. This article reviews the etiology of external impingement and rotator cuff tears, and describes the MR imaging appearance of the normal and the pathologic rotator cuffs. It focuses on the supraspinatus tendon because this is the tendon involved in 95% of rotator cuff tears.

A magnetic resonance imaging study of 100 cases of arthroscopic acromioplasty

BACKGROUND

A hooked-type acromion has been suspected to correlate with higher rotator cuff tear or impingement syndrome. However, correlation of acromial shape after acromioplasty with the rotator cuff retears and clinical results has not been studied before.

PURPOSE

To assess the shape of the acromion after arthroscopic acromioplasty and to see if there is any relation with the rotator cuff retears and clinical results.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive patients who underwent acromioplasty using a posterior cutting block technique accompanied by rotator cuff repair were included in this study. The decision was made to perform acromioplasty intraoperatively after confirmation of external impingement. Postoperative acromial shape was evaluated according to whether the acromion was flat, curved, or hooked on coronal and sagittal planes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a mean 13.4 months after surgery. Retear rates and clinical scores were compared between the hooked acromion and the others on postoperative MRI.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, only 29 patients had a hooked acromion on either coronal or sagittal plane MRI. After acromioplasty of those 100 patients, 23 still showed a hooked acromion. Twenty-six of 29 preoperatively hooked acromions were changed to nonhooked acromions, and 20 of 23 postoperatively hooked acromions had been nonhooked acromions preoperatively. No difference was found in the retear rate with respect to the postoperative acromial shape. Clinically, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was not different between the hooked acromion and the other group (82 vs 85, P = .099). However, the Constant score of the hooked acromion group was lower than that of the other group (74 vs 85, P = .036). Ninety-four of 100 patients were contacted again for the evaluation of the ASES score at a mean 36.5 months (range, 29-45 months) and showed no difference between the hooked acromion and the other group (87 vs 87, P = .903).

CONCLUSION

Even with a standard posterior cutting block technique during acromioplasty, 23% of patients still showed a hooked acromion after arthroscopic acromioplasty. Using the signs of coracoacromial ligament impingement as an indication for acromioplasty might lead to hooked acromions postoperatively, which were nonhooked acromions preoperatively. However, the retear rate showed no difference according to the postoperative acromial shape.

Patients with shoulder impingement remain satisfied 6 years after arthroscopic subacromial decompression: a prospective study of 46 patients

BACKGROUND

Although arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) is a common procedure for treatment of shoulder impingement, few long term results have been published. In this prospective study, we determined whether the high degree of patient satisfaction at 6 months postoperatively reported by us earlier remained at the 6-year follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We originally reported high patient satisfaction 6 months after ASD for shoulder impingement in 50 prospectively studied patients using the Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients with associated shoulder disorders were excluded. The surgeons were experienced shoulder arthroscopists. 6 years after surgery, the DASH questionnaire and the VAS were sent to these 50 patients. 2 patients had other medical problems of the upper extremity that affected the DASH and VAS scores, 1 patient was lost to follow-up, and another refused to participate. Thus, 46 patients with a mean age of 55 (33-78) years were included in this 6-year evaluation.

RESULTS

The considerable improvement in both the DASH score and the VAS that was observed 6 months after surgery persisted or had even improved 6 years after surgery.

INTERPRETATION

Properly selected patients with shoulder impingement treated with ASD remain satisfied 6 years after surgery.

The influence of age, delay of repair, and tendon involvement in acute rotator cuff tears: structural and clinical outcomes after repair of 42 shoulders

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Few authors have considered the outcome after acute traumatic rotator cuff tears in previously asymptomatic patients. We investigated whether delay of surgery, age at repair, and the number of cuff tendons involved affect the structural and clinical outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

42 patients with pseudoparalysis after trauma and no previous history of shoulder symptoms were included. A full-thickness tear in at least 1 of the rotator cuff tendons was diagnosed in all patients. Mean time to surgery was 38 (6-91) days. Follow-up at a mean of 39 (12-108) months after surgery included ultrasound, plain radiographs, Constant-Murley score, DASH score, and western Ontario rotator cuff (WORC) score.

RESULTS

At follow-up, 4 patients had a full-thickness tear and 9 had a partial-thickness tear in the repaired shoulder. No correlation between the structural or clinical outcome and the time to repair within 3 months was found. The patients with a tendon defect at follow-up had a statistically significantly lower Constant-Murley score and WORC index in the injured shoulder and were significantly older than those with intact tendons. The outcomes were similar irrespective of the number of tendons repaired.

INTERPRETATION

A delay of 3 months to repair had no effect on outcome. The patients with cuff defects at follow-up were older and they had a worse clinical outcome. Multi-tendon injury did not generate worse outcomes than single-tendon tears at follow-up.

Medial-row failure after arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair

We report 4 cases of medial-row failure after double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) without arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASAD), in which there was pullout of mattress sutures of the medial row and knots were caught between the cuff and the greater tuberosity. Between October 2006 and January 2008, 49 patients underwent double-row ARCR. During this period, ASAD was not performed with ARCR. Revision arthroscopy was performed in 8 patients because of ongoing symptoms after the index operation. In 4 of 8 patients the medial rotator cuff failed; the tendon appeared to be avulsed at the medial row, and there were exposed knots on the bony surface of the rotator cuff footprint. It appeared that the knots were caught between the cuff and the greater tuberosity. Three retear cuffs were revised with the arthroscopic transtendon technique, and one was revised with a single-row technique after completing the tear. ASAD was performed in all patients. Three of the four patients showed improvement of symptoms and returned to their preinjury occupation. Impingement of pullout knots may be a source of pain after double-row rotator cuff repair.