The rising incidence of rotator cuff repairs

No Short-term Clinical Benefit to Bovine Collagen Implant Augmentation in Primary Rotator Cuff Repair: A Matched Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Bovine bioinductive collagen implants (herein, "bovine collagen implant") can be used to augment rotator cuff repair. Concern exists that these bovine collagen implants may not yield clinical benefits and may actually increase postoperative stiffness and the need for reoperation.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Among patients who underwent primary rotator cuff repair with or without a bovine collagen implant, we asked: (1) Did the proportion of patients undergoing reoperation for postoperative stiffness and inflammation differ between the bovine collagen implant and control groups? (2) Did short-term patient-reported outcomes differ between the two groups? (3) Did the proportion of patients receiving postoperative methylprednisolone prescriptions and corticosteroid injections differ between the two groups?

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, matched, comparative study of patients 18 years and older with minimum 2-year follow-up who underwent primary arthroscopic repair of partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tears diagnosed by MRI. All procedures were performed by one surgeonbetween February 2016 and December 2021. During the period in question, this surgeon broadly offered the bovine collagen implant to all patients who underwent rotator cuff repair and who (1) consented to xenograft use and (2) had surgery at a facility where the bovine collagen implant was available. The bovine collagen implant was used in rotator cuff tears of all sizes per the manufacturer's instructions. A total of 312 patients were considered for this study (243 control, 69 implant). Minimum 2-year clinical follow-up data were available for 83% (201 of 243) of patients in the control group and 90% (62 of 69) of patients in the bovine collagen implant group. After we applied the exclusion criteria, 163 control and 47 implant group patients remained and were eligible for matching. Propensity score matching was conducted to balance cohorts by age, gender, race (Black, White, other), ethnicity (Hispanic, non-Hispanic), health insurance status, Area Deprivation Index, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, diabetes, smoking, rotator cuff tear size, concomitant surgical procedures, preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), VAS score for pain, and shoulder ROM. We included 141 patients (47 in the implant group and 94 in the control group) after matching. Patients were categorized according to whether they received the bovine collagen implant. Before matching, the control cohort was older (mean ± SD 57 ± 10 years versus 52 ± 11 years; p = 0.004), more likely to be White (58% versus 23%; p < 0.001), with a smaller proportion of concomitant distal clavicle excisions (43% versus 21%; p = 0.003), and a smaller proportion of "other" concomitant procedures (17% versus 6%; p = 0.011) compared with the implant cohort. After matching, the cohorts were well matched in all demographic variables. The primary study outcome was reoperation for inflammation and stiffness, defined as a failure of nonoperative treatment for a minimum of 9 months, including physical therapy, NSAIDs, at least one course of oral methylprednisolone, and at least one cortisone injection (reoperations for traumatic retears were excluded). Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcomes (SSV, ASES score, and VAS score for pain), receipt of methylprednisolone prescriptions, and receipt of corticosteroid injections. Chi-square, Fisher exact tests, and independent-samples t-tests were used to assess relationships between treatment group and study outcomes.

RESULTS

A greater proportion of patients in the bovine collagen implant group (9% [4 of 47]) underwent reoperation for inflammation and stiffness than in the control group (0% [0 of 94; p = 0.01]). At minimum 2-year follow-up, the cohorts did not differ by ASES score (mean ± SD 81 ± 24 implant versus 85 ±19 control; p = 0.24), SSV (79 ± 24 implant versus 85 ± 18 control; p = 0.30), or VAS score for pain (2.0 ± 2.9 implant versus 1.5 ± 2.3 control; p = 0.11). The cohorts did not differ in the proportion who received postoperative corticosteroid injections (15% implant versus 11% control; p = 0.46) or methylprednisolone prescriptions (49% implant versus 37% control; p = 0.18).

CONCLUSION

At minimum 2-year follow-up, patients undergoing primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with bovine collagen implant augmentation had a greater proportion of reoperation due to inflammation and stiffness compared with patients who did not receive the implant. Furthermore, the implant offered no benefit in patient-reported outcomes or need for postoperative corticosteroid injections or methylprednisolone prescriptions. Because of the lack of clinical benefit and potential increase in postoperative complications, we recommend against the use of these bovine collagen implants unless high-quality randomized controlled trials are able to demonstrate their clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and overall safety.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Sleep Vary in Their Correlation to Postoperative Outcomes of Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Study

Background/Objectives: Recent studies imply that psychological factors and sleep quality play a role in the outcomes of surgical procedures, including in orthopedic surgery. The aim of the present study is to evaluate possible correlations between preoperative depression, anxiety, and quality of sleep and functional 6-month postoperative scores in patients having undergone rotator cuff repair (RCR). Methods: All patients included in the study performed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires preoperatively and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and PSQI questionnaires at the six-month postoperative follow-up. A total of 47 patients were included in the analysis. Results: Statistically significant differences between preoperative anxious and not-anxious groups were found in the postoperative SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores and PSQI score. The correlation of the preoperative depression score to postoperative outcome measures revealed a strong positive correlation between the preoperative HADS-D score and the 6-month PCS, MCS, and OSS scores. The correlation of preoperative sleep quality to postoperative outcome measures revealed a strong positive correlation between the preoperative PSQI score and 6-month MCS score. Conclusions: Anxious patients had worse postoperative RCR outcomes. Depression may be influenced by factors related to RC pathology; however, there were no statistically significant correlations. Sleep quality generally improves postoperatively, and no significant association was found between bad preoperative sleepers and worse outcomes.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers Reduce Patient Out-of-Pocket Expenditures for Isolated Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair, but Patient Out-of-Pocket Expenditures Are Increasing at a Faster Rate Than Total Healthcare Utilization Reimbursement From Payers

PURPOSE

To categorize and trend annual out-of-pocket expenditures for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) patients relative to total healthcare utilization (THU) reimbursement and compare drivers of patient out-of-pocket expenditures (POPE) in a granular fashion via analyses by insurance type and surgical setting.

METHODS

Patients who underwent outpatient arthroscopic RCR in the United States from 2013 to 2018 were identified from the IBM MarketScan Database. Primary outcome variables were total POPE and THU reimbursement, which were calculated for all claims in the 9-month perioperative period. Trends in outcome variables over time and differences across insurance types were analyzed. Multivariable analysis was performed to investigate drivers of POPE.

RESULTS

A total of 52,330 arthroscopic RCR patients were identified. Between 2013 and 2018, median POPE increased by 47.5% ($917 to $1,353), and median THU increased by 9.3% ($11,964 to $13,076). Patients with high deductible insurance plans paid $1,910 toward their THU, 52.5% more than patients with preferred provider plans ($1,253, P = .001) and 280.5% more than patients with managed care plans ($502, P = .001). All components of POPE increased over the study period, with the largest observed increase being POPE for the immediate procedure (P = .001). On multivariable analysis, out-of-network facility, out-of-network surgeon, and high-deductible insurance most significantly increased POPE.

CONCLUSIONS

POPE for arthroscopic RCR increased at a higher rate than THU over the study period, demonstrating that patients are paying an increasing proportion of RCR costs. A large percentage of this increase comes from increasing POPE for the immediate procedure. Out-of-network facility status increased POPE 3 times more than out-of-network surgeon status, and future cost-optimization strategies should focus on facility-specific reimbursements in particular. Last, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) significantly reduced POPE, so performing arthroscopic RCRs at ASCs is beneficial to cost-minimization efforts.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study highlights that although payers have increased reimbursement for RCR, patient out-of-pocket expenditures have increased at a much higher rate. Furthermore, this study elucidates trends in and drivers of patient out-of-pocket payments for RCR, providing evidence for development of cost-optimization strategies and counseling of patients undergoing RCR.

Outcomes of Concomitant Glenohumeral Stabilization After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Military Patients Younger Than 40 Years

Background

While concomitant rotator cuff and inferior labral tears are relatively uncommon in young civilians, military populations represent a unique opportunity to study this injury pattern.

Purpose

To (1) evaluate the long-term outcomes after combined arthroscopic rotator cuff and inferior labral repair in military patients <40 years and (2) compare functional outcomes with those after isolated arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Military patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between January 2011 and December 2016 and had a minimum of 5-year follow-up data were included in this study. The patients were categorized into those who had undergone combined arthroscopic rotator cuff and inferior labral repair (RCIL cohort) and those who had isolated arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR cohort). Pre- and postoperative outcome measures-visual analog scale for pain, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score, Rowe Instability Score, and range of motion-were compared between the groups.

Results

A total of 50 shoulders (27 in the RCIL cohort and 23 in the ARCR cohort) were assessed. The RCIL and ARCR groups were similar in terms of age (mean, 33.19 years [range, 21-39 years] vs 35.39 years [range, 26-39 years], respectively) and sex (% male, 88.46% vs 82.61%, respectively). All patients were active-duty military at the time of surgery. The mean final follow-up was at 106.93 ± 16.66 months for the RCIL group and 105.70 ± 7.52 months for the ARCR group (P = .75). There were no differences in preoperative outcome scores between groups. Postoperatively, both groups experienced statistically significant improvements in all outcome scores (P < .0001 for all), and there were no significant group differences in any final postoperative outcome measures. At the final follow-up, 26 (96.30%) patients in the RCIL cohort and 20 (86.96%) in the ARCR cohort had returned to unrestricted active-duty military service (P = .3223).

Conclusion

The study findings indicate that concomitant glenohumeral stabilization does not prevent worse outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in this military cohort. Combined repair produced statistically and clinically significant improvements in outcome scores at the long-term follow-up, indicating that simultaneous repair of combined lesions was an appropriate treatment option in this patient population.

Associations of normal fasting glucose levels and of insulin resistance with degenerative rotator cuff tear : Normoglycemia and rotator cuff tear

BACKGROUND

The upper normoglycemic range has been proposed as a risk factor for degenerative rotator cuff tendon tear (RCT), and insulin resistance has been suggested as a risk factor for tendinopathy. However, no research has established their association with degenerative RCT in the general population. This study aimed to determine whether fasting glucose levels and insulin resistance are risk factors for degenerative RCT in the normoglycemic population and identify the risk range for fasting glucose.

METHODS

This study included 418 normoglycemic participants from a rural cohort. Participants completed questionnaires, physical exams, blood tests, and MRI evaluations of both shoulders. Insulin resistance was assessed using a triglyceride/high-density-lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ≥ 3.5. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between fasting glucose level, TG/HDL ≥ 3.5, and other factors and degenerative RCT. The study calculated the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to determine the more appropriate predicting value between the scale and categorical values of fasting glucose levels, and compared the AUCs using the DeLong method.

RESULTS

In the multivariable analyses, both scale and categorical values of fasting glucose levels, and TG/HDL ≥ 3.5 were significantly associated with degenerative RCT. Fasting glucose levels ≥ 90.5 mg/dL (OR: 3.87, 95% CI: 2.10-7.06) in scale value and 90-99 mg/dL (OR: 4.13, 95% CI: 2.87-8.12) in categorical value were significantly associated with degenerative RCT (P < .001). The AUC of the scale value of fasting glucose levels ≥ 90.5 mg/dL was 0.68. The AUC of the categorical value of fasting glucose levels of 90-99 mg/dL was 0.70. Because of the significantly larger AUC of the categorical value of fasting glucose levels of 90-99 mg/dL, those fasting glucose levels were determined to be independently associated with degenerative RCT (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

High fasting glucose levels within the normal range may link to increase insulin resistance and risk of degenerative RCT. Normoglycemic levels of 90-99 mg/dL and insulin resistance may be risk factors for degenerative RCT.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prognostic study.

Application of Nondegradable Synthetic Materials for Tendon and Ligament Injury

Tendon and ligament injuries, prevalent requiring surgical intervention, significantly impact joint stability and function. Owing to excellent mechanical properties and biochemical stability, Nondegradable synthetic materials, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), have demonstrated significant potential in the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries. These above materials offer substantial mechanical support, joint mobility, and tissue healing promotion of the shoulder, knee, and ankle joint. This review conclude the latest development and application of nondegradable materials such as artificial patches and ligaments in tendon and ligament injuries including rotator cuff tears (RCTs), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and Achilles tendon ruptures.

Mechanical characteristic of supraspinatus muscle changes independent of its size and intramuscular fat in patient with rotator cuff repair

PURPOSE

This study aimed i) to investigate the mechanical, morphological, and compositional characteristics of the supraspinatus muscle after rotator cuff repair by using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) and B-mode imaging, and ii) to determine whether the morphological or compositional characteristics are associated with the mechanical characteristic of the supraspinatus during contraction.

METHODS

Using SWE and B-mode imaging, active and passive shear moduli, muscle thickness, and echo intensity of the supraspinatus were measured from the repaired and contralateral control shoulders of 22 patients with rotator cuff repair. The shear modulus, muscle thickness, and echo intensity were compared between the repaired and control shoulders. The association between the active shear modulus and the other variables was determined.

RESULTS

While the active and passive shear moduli were lower in the repaired shoulder compared to the control, the muscle thickness and echo intensity did not vary between them. Interestingly, the passive shear modulus was positively correlated with the active shear modulus only in the control shoulder.

CONCLUSION

The mechanical characteristic of supraspinatus remains impaired, even without degenerative changes in the morphological and compositional characteristics after rotator cuff repair. Furthermore, the association between contractile and elastic characteristics in the supraspinatus was deteriorated in control shoulder.

Preoperative vitamin D supplementation is a cost-effective intervention in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the potential role of preoperative 25(OH)D supplementation as a cost-effective strategy to decrease revision rotator cuff repair (RCR) rates and lower the total health care burden from patients undergoing primary arthroscopic RCR. Previous literature has emphasized the importance of vitamin D on bone health maintenance, soft tissue healing, and outcomes in RCR. Inadequate preoperative vitamin D levels may increase revision RCR rates following primary arthroscopic RCR. Although 25(OH)D deficiency is common in RCR patients, serum screening is not routinely performed.

METHODS

A cost-estimation model was developed to determine the cost-effectiveness of both preoperative selective and nonselective 25(OH)D supplementation in RCR patients in order to reduce revision RCR rates. Prevalence and surgical cost data were obtained from published literature through systematic reviews. Cost of serum 25(OH)D assay and supplementation were obtained from public-use data. Mean and lower and upper bounds of 1-year cost savings were calculated for both the selective and nonselective supplementation scenarios.

RESULTS

Preoperative 25(OH)D screening and subsequent selective 25(OH)D supplementation was calculated to result in a mean cost savings of $6,099,341 (range: -$2,993,000 to $15,191,683) per 250,000 primary arthroscopic RCR cases. Nonselective 25(OH)D supplementation of all arthroscopic RCR patients was calculated to result in a mean cost savings of $11,584,742 (range: $2,492,401-$20,677,085) per 250,000 primary arthroscopic RCR cases. Univariate adjustment projects that selective supplementation is a cost-effective strategy in clinical contexts where the cost of revision RCR exceeds $14,824.69 and prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency exceeds 6.67%. Additionally, nonselective supplementation is a cost-effective strategy in clinical scenarios where revision RCR cost is ≥$4216.06 and prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency is ≥1.93%.

CONCLUSIONS

This cost-predictive model promotes the role of preoperative 25(OH)D supplementation as a cost-effective mechanism to reduce revision RCR rates and lower the overall health care burden from arthroscopic RCR. Nonselective supplementation appears to be more cost-effective than selective supplementation, likely due to the lower cost of 25(OH)D supplementation compared to serum assays.

Physiotherapist-led exercise versus usual care (waiting-list) control for patients awaiting rotator cuff repair surgery: A pilot randomised controlled trial (POWER)

BACKGROUND

Once a decision to undergo rotator cuff repair surgery is made, patients are placed on the waiting list. It can take weeks or months to receive surgery. There has been a call to move from waiting lists to 'preparation' lists to better prepare patients for surgery and to ensure it remains an appropriate treatment option for them.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility, as measured by recruitment rates, treatment fidelity and follow-up rates, of a future multi-centre randomised controlled trial to compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of undertaking a physiotherapist-led exercise programme while waiting for surgery versus usual care (waiting-list control).

DESIGN

Two-arm, multi-centre pilot randomised controlled trial with feasibility objectives in six NHS hospitals in England.

METHOD

Adults (n = 76) awaiting rotator cuff repair surgery were recruited and randomly allocated to a programme of physiotherapist-led exercise (n = 38) or usual care control (n = 38).

RESULTS

Of 302 eligible patients, 76 (25%) were randomised. Of 38 participants randomised to physiotherapist-led exercise, 28 (74%) received the exercise programme as intended. 51/76 (67%) Shoulder Pain and Disability Index questionnaires were returned at 6-months. Of 76 participants, 32 had not received surgery after 6-months (42%). Of those 32, 20 were allocated to physiotherapist-led exercise; 12 to usual care control.

CONCLUSIONS

A future multi-centre randomised controlled trial is feasible but would require planning for variable recruitment rates between sites, measures to improve treatment fidelity and opportunity for surgical exit, and optimisation of follow-up. A fully powered, randomised controlled trial is now needed to robustly inform clinical decision-making.

Comparison of Early versus Traditional Rehabilitation Protocol after Rotator Cuff Repair: An Umbrella-Review

Rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair is crucial for functional recovery and for minimizing the risk of retear. There are two rehabilitation protocols (early and traditional) and the debate about which is the best is open. This umbrella review aimed to compare the effect of these rehabilitation protocols in terms of reduction in pain, functional recovery, and retear risk. We selected systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2012 and 2022 dealing with the aim. Nineteen systematic reviews were included. No significant differences were found between early and traditional protocols in terms of pain reduction. Early rehabilitation provided better short-term results regarding Range of Motion improvement, but long-term functional outcomes were similar. Retear risk remains a significant concern for the early protocol. We found major differences between the analyzed protocols. This review suggests that both protocols are useful to recover global shoulder function, but the standard protocol has a greater safety profile for larger tears. On the other hand, the early protocol may be preferable for smaller lesions, allowing a faster recovery and having less impact on medical costs. Further research is needed to identify optimal rehabilitation strategies tailored to the individual patient's needs and characteristics.

Longitudinal Analysis of the ASES and Constant-Murley Scores, and the Internal Rotation/Shift and Jobe Tests Following Arthroscopic Repair of Supraspinatus Lesions

It is essential to investigate patients post-surgery using functional surveys like the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder (ASES) and the Constant-Murley shoulder (CMS) scores, as well as clinical tests, such as the Internal Rotation and Shift (IRO/Shift) and Jobe tests. In this study, 51 out of an initial 87 patients underwent an arthroscopic supraspinatus repair (22 single-row, 16 double-row, 13 debridement). Testing occurred pre-surgery, and 3 and 6 months post-surgery. Both surveys showed significant improvements over time among all 87 patients, but there were no differences between groups (lesion/no lesion) (p > 0.815) or time × group (p > 0.895). The IRO/Shift test showed a stronger ability to distinguish between both groups (positive vs. negative) with respect to the ASES and CMS scores over time, but the Jobe test did not (p > 0.100). Improvements in the CMS scores and the Jobe test were lower following repair compared to the ASES and IRO/Shift test. Most patients returned to adequate levels of functional abilities at 6 months post-surgery. The time required to return to activities of daily living and negative clinical tests was longer for the double-row repair patients compared to the single-row and debridement groups. In conclusion, both the functional surveys and the clinical tests demonstrated improvements following surgery.

Biomodulating healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: the protocol of a randomised proof of concept trial (BIOHACK)

PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION

Over the last decades, there has been increasing interest in biological stimulation or bioaugmentation after rotator cuff repair. So far, there is no consensus on the appropriate composition of biologicals or which patients would benefit most, and moreover, these biologicals are often expensive. However, there are other, non-pharmacological strategies that are also believed to achieve biological stimulation. This randomised controlled trial evaluates the possible cumulative effect of pragmatic application of cryobiomodulation, photobiomodulation and electrobiomodulation-collectively called biomodulation-on the bone-to-tendon healing process after rotator cuff repair.

METHODS

In this randomised, controlled proof of concept study, 146 patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of a full thickness posterosuperior or anterosuperior rotator cuff tear will be 1:1 randomly assigned to either a control group or to the additional biomodulation protocol group. The adjuvant biomodulation protocol consists of seven self-applicable therapies and will be administered during the first 6 weeks after surgery. Primary outcome will be healing of the rotator cuff as evaluated by the Sugaya classification on MRI at 1-year postoperatively.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been accepted by the National Ethical Review Board CPP Sud-Est IV in France and has been registered at Clinicaltrials.gov. The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04618484.

One-year patient-reported outcomes following primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair vary little by surgeon

Background

This study's purpose was to investigate the extent to which differences among operating surgeons may influence 1-year patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair (RCR) surgery, after controlling for general and disease-specific patient factors. We hypothesized that surgeon would be additionally associated with 1-year PROMs, specifically the baseline to 1-year improvement in Penn Shoulder Score (PSS).

Methods

We used mixed multivariable statistical modeling to assess the influence of surgeon (and alternatively surgical case volume) on 1-year PSS improvement in patients undergoing RCR at a single health system in 2018, controlling for eight patient- and six disease-specific preoperative factors as possible confounders. Contributions of predictors to explaining variation in 1-year PSS improvement were measured and compared using Akaike's Information Criterion.

Results

518 cases performed by 28 surgeons met inclusion criteria, with median (quartiles) baseline PSS of 41.9 (31.9, 53.9) and 1-year PSS improvement of 42 (29.1, 55.3) points. Contrary to expectation, surgeon and surgical case volume were neither statistically significantly nor clinically meaningfully associated with 1-year PSS improvement. Baseline PSS and mental health status (VR-12 MCS) were the dominant and only statistically significant predictors of 1-year PSS improvement, with lower baseline PSS and higher VR-12 MCS predicting larger 1-year PSS improvement.

Conclusion

Patients generally reported excellent 1-year outcomes following primary RCR. This study did not find evidence that the individual surgeon or surgeon case volume influences 1-year PROMs, independently of case-mix factors, following primary RCR in a large employed hospital system.

Tranexamic acid has no effect on postoperative pain control after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacies of tranexamic acid (TXA) versus placebo after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).

Methods

This prospective, double-blind, and randomized study was conducted in 70 patients who underwent ARCR from 2021 to 2022 at our hospital. Thirty-four shoulders were randomly assigned to the TXA group, and 36 to the control group; TXA (10 mL) and normal saline (10 mL) were administered locally after surgery and in the control group, respectively. We evaluated visual analog scale pain scores at rest, during activity, and at night and the circumference and diameter of the shoulder joint in both groups preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 3 days, and 1 week after the surgery. We compared and analyzed the results between the groups. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of <0.05.

Results

There was no significant difference in the visual analog scale scores at rest, during activity, and at night between the groups (p > 0.05). The circumference and diameter of the shoulder joint were not also significantly different between both groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Local TXA administration in patients who undergo ARCR does not significantly impact postoperative pain levels and the circumference and diameter of the shoulder joint.

Radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy reduces pain and promotes proximal tendon healing after rotator cuff repair: Randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is widely used to treat soft tissue disorders, but evidence for its application after rotator cuff (RC) repair is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of ESWT on short-term functional and structural outcomes after RC repair.

METHODS

Thirty-eight individuals were randomly assigned to the ESWT group (n = 19) or control group (n = 19) 3 months after RC repair. Both groups underwent 5 weeks of advanced rehabilitation and participants in the ESWT group additionally received 2000 pulses of shockwave therapy every week for 5 weeks. The primary outcome was pain measured on a visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were range of motion (ROM), Constant score, University of California Los Angeles score (UCLA), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons form (ASES), and Fudan University shoulder score (FUSS). Changes in signal/noise quotient (SNQ), muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration were analyzed from MRI. All participants underwent clinical and MRI examinations 3 months (baseline) and 6 months (follow-up) post repair.

RESULTS

A total of 32 participants completed all assessments. Pain and function improved in both groups. At 6 months post repair, pain intensity was lower and ASES scores higher in the ESWT than in the control group (all p-values < 0.01). SNQ near the suture anchor site decreased significantly from baseline to follow-up in the ESWT group (p = 0.008) and was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = 0.036). Muscle atrophy and the fatty infiltration index did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

ESWT and exercise more effectively reduced early shoulder pain than rehabilitation alone and accelerated proximal supraspinatus tendon healing at the suture anchor site after RC repair. However, ESWT may not be more effective than advanced rehabilitation in terms of functional outcomes at the short-term follow-up.

Disruptions in Standard Care in Patients After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to disruptions in care for orthopaedic patients who underwent surgery just before the outbreak, rendering some unable to participate in standard postoperative care. Many of these patients underwent clinical follow-up and physical therapy via telehealth.

Purpose

To evaluate the methods of postoperative care in patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) and had follow-ups during the height of the pandemic versus those who received prior standard of care. We aimed to compare the 1-year outcomes between these cohorts.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was used to identify patients who underwent primary RCR in February and March 2020 (COVID cohort) and the same period in 2019 (control cohort) at a single institution. Excluded were patients who underwent revision RCR, used workers' compensation, or were incarcerated or deceased. The included patients reported the postoperative care received, their satisfaction with care, physical therapy appointment type (in person, home based, telehealth, or self-guided), satisfaction with physical therapy, and minimum 1-year postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and Penn Shoulder Score (PSS) outcomes.

Results

Overall, 428 patients were included for final analysis--199 in the COVID cohort and 229 controls. Follow-up data were collected for 160 patients in the COVID group (80.4%) and 169 control patients (73.8%). In the COVID group, 110 patients (68.8%) had ≥1 clinical visit conducted via telehealth, compared with zero in the control group. There were no differences between the COVID and control groups in the ASES (84.2 ± 16.5 vs 86.5 ± 17; P = .27 ), SANE (83.9 ± 15.4 vs 84.8 ± 17.5; P = .66), PSS (84.8 ± 15.3 vs 87.1 ± 15.1; P = .22), or patient satisfaction with the care received (81.7 ± 22.6 vs 86.3 ± 23.5; P = .09). Satisfaction with physical therapy was significantly higher in the control group (88.3 ± 18.9 vs 81.9 ± 22.5; P = .01).

Conclusion

Despite disruptions in care, RCR patients had comparable 1-year outcomes during the pandemic versus before the pandemic. Telehealth clinical follow-up appointments did not adversely affect patient-reported outcome measures and may be appropriate for RCR patients beyond the pandemic.

Fibrillar matrix, Echogenicity, Contour, Thickness, and Suture (FECTS) vs. Global: A comparison of 2 scales developed to assess ultrasound images post rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound is commonly used to assess rotator cuff repair (RCR), but no standardized criterion exists to characterize the tendon.

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to (1) develop content validity for ultrasound specific criteria to grade the postoperative appearance of a tendon after RCR, (2) assess the reliability of the criteria, and (3) assess the feasibility to use these assessments.

METHODOLOGY

Following expert consultation and literature review for content validity, 2 scales were created: 1) the Fibrillar matrix, Echogenicity, Contour, Thickness, and Suture (FECTS) scale and 2) the Rotator Cuff Repair-Investigator Global Assessment (RCR-IGA). A prospective cohort study was undertaken on patients who had received a RCR and serial B-mode ultrasound images. Four raters assessed the 64-ultrasound images using the scales created in a blinded fashion using intraclass correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

The FECTS scale was a composite score with 5 key parameters and the RCR-IGA scale was a 5-point global score. The intrarater reliability for the FECTS scale was excellent for the most experienced rater (0.92) and fair for the rater with no experience (0.72). The intrarater reliability for the RCR-IGA scale was excellent for 3 of the 4 raters (0.80-0.87) and fair when used by the least experienced rater (0.56). Inter-rater testing for all the FECTS scale parameters had excellent reliability (0.82-0.92) except for Fibrillar matrix (0.73). The average time to complete the FECTS scale per image was 23 seconds and 11 seconds for the RCR-IGA scale.

CONCLUSION

The FECTS scale and the RCR-IGA scale are reliable tools to assess the ultrasonic appearance of the repaired rotator cuff tendon. The FECTS scale was more reliable for less experienced assessors. The RCR-IGA scale was easier, more time efficient and reliable for those with experience.

Relationship Between Preoperative Shoulder Osteoarthritis Severity Score and Postoperative PROMIS-UE Score After Rotator Cuff Repair

Background

Mild to moderate glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis is a common finding among patients who are evaluated for rotator cuff tears. However, the impact of preoperative shoulder joint degeneration on patient-reported outcomes after rotator cuff repair (RCR) is not well-established.

Purpose

To apply the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based Shoulder Osteoarthritis Severity (SOAS) score to the evaluation of patients undergoing RCR and determine the relationship between preoperative shoulder pathology present on MRI and postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Upper Extremity (PROMIS-UE) scores.

Study Design

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Seventy-one MRI scans corresponding to 71 patients were analyzed by 2 independent reviewers and scored using the SOAS criteria. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for total SOAS score as well as for each subscore. Spearman correlations were calculated between averaged SOAS scores, patient characteristics, and PROMIS-UE scores. Linear regression analysis was performed between the independent variables of patient age, sex, body mass index, and significant SOAS score components determined by univariate analysis with the dependent variable of PROMIS-UE score. Significance was defined as P < .05 for univariate analyses and < .0125 for multivariate analyses using the Bonferroni correction.

Results

The mean PROMIS-UE score of this cohort was 51.5 ± 7.4, while the mean total SOAS score was 21.5 ± 8.4. There was a negative correlation between total SOAS score and postoperative PROMIS-UE score (r = -0.24; P = .040). Both cartilage wear (r = -0.33; P = .0045) and acromioclavicular joint degeneration (r = -0.24; P = .048) individually demonstrated negative correlations with PROMIS-UE score. When a multivariate linear regression with Bonferroni correction was applied to the significant variables identified in univariate analysis along with patient characteristics, none were independently correlated with PROMIS-UE score.

Conclusion

In this cohort of patients undergoing RCR, increasing preoperative total SOAS score was predictive of lower postoperative PROMIS-UE scores. SOAS subscores with the strongest negative correlations with PROMIS-UE scores included cartilage wear and acromioclavicular joint degeneration. The cartilage subscore was negatively correlated with PROMIS-UE scores independent of patient factors in multivariate analysis.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: patients with physically demanding work have significantly worse time to return to work, level of employment, and job loss

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) in terms of return to work (RTW).

METHODS

Inclusion criteria were working patients who underwent ARCR for rotator cuff rupture at the study site between 2008 and 2020 and minimum 12 months of follow-up. Patients were stratified based on the physical demand of their work according to the Canadian Classification and Dictionary of Occupations. The primary outcomes were time to RTW, level of employment (LoE), change of tasks, and work loss. Secondary outcomes included the return to sports activities, EQ-VAS, EQ-5D-5L, DASH, and Oxford Shoulder Score.

RESULTS

Three-hundred and eighty-three patients were enrolled; at the follow-up evaluation, fifty-three patients (13.8%) lost their job, with a percentage of 34.4% (eleven patients) in the heavy-work category, and five patients (1.3%) chose early retirement. Other twenty-six patients (6.8%) had to lower their level of employment, and twenty patients (5.2%) changing their tasks, with 279 patients (72.9%) returning to their previous work activity. RTW was obtained at a mean time of 4.7 ± 4.6 months, ranging from 3.8 ± 3.1 months in the sedentary work vs 5.8 ± 2.8 months in the very heavy-work category (p = 0.015). The mean EQ-VAS score was 77.3 ± 18 points, the mean Oxford Shoulder Score was 43.4 ± 7.2 points, and the mean DASH score was 9.9 ± 14.5 points; 75.3% returned to their previous level of sport activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The success of ARCR in terms of RTW is not always complete and varies significantly based on the physical demand of the patient's job. Patients with physically demanding work have a significantly higher time to RTW, reduction of the LoE, and job loss rate, thus affecting the possibility to have a satisfactory return to their previous life. The findings are of clinical relevance since they can help the surgeons to give their patients reliable expectations and to correctly plan the post-operative management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

RNA-Seq analysis reveals sex-dependent transcriptomic profiles of human subacromial bursa stratified by tear etiology

Rotator cuff tendinopathy, a major cause of shoulder disability, occurs due to trauma or degeneration. Our molecular understanding of traumatic and degenerative tears remains elusive. Here, we probed transcript level differences between traumatic and degenerative tears. Subacromial bursa tissues were collected from patients with traumatic or degenerative tears during arthroscopy (N = 32). Transcripts differentially expressed by tear etiology were detected by RNA-seq. RNA-seq results were validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We identified 334 protein-coding transcripts differentially expressed between traumatic and degenerative tears in females and 167 in males at a fold-change greater than 2. In females, XIRP2, MYL1, MYBPC1, TNNT1, and LMOD2, were highly expressed in traumatic tears whereas TPSD1, CDSN, RCVRN, LTBP4, and PTGS1 were elevated in degen tears. Transcripts elevated in traumatic tears represented muscle cell differentiation and development, and muscle contraction whereas those elevated in degenerative tears represented cell activation and immune response. In males, AZGP1, CNTFR, COL9A1, ZNF98, and EREG were highly elevated in traumatic tears whereas MYL2, HOXD11, SLC6A7, CADM1, and MMP17 were highly expressed in degenerative tears. Transcripts elevated in traumatic tears represented metabolic/catabolic processes, and transmembrane protein transport while processes related to cell cycle were mainly enriched in degenerative tears. Numerous long noncoding RNAs were differentially expressed between traumatic and degenerative tears in both sexes. In summary, this study provides insights into molecular biology of bursa in patients with rotator cuff tendon disease based on tear acuity and novel sex-based transcript differences that could inform clinical decision making in treating patients with traumatic or degenerative shoulder injuries.

Exercise as effective as surgery in improving quality of life, disability, and pain for large to massive rotator cuff tears: A systematic review & meta-analysis

QUESTIONS

To report the characteristics of exercise interventions and ascertain their effectiveness compared to surgery on quality of life, disability, and pain for people with large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears (L-MRCTTs).

DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with L-MRCTTs defined as; >5 cm, 2 or more tendons.

INTERVENTION

Exercise as an intervention for L-MRCTTs.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary: quality of life, disability, and pain. Secondary: range of motion (ROM). The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) was used to extract data on the individual characteristics of each exercise intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool V2 was used to assess study quality with the certainty of evidence assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.

RESULTS

Five trials (n = 297 participants, average age 66.7 years, 55% male) were included in analysis. Three trials compared exercise to another non-surgical intervention and 2 trials compared exercise to surgery. At 12 months a significant improvement in pain of 0.47 (95% CI 0.07-0.88, I² = 53%, REM) favoured the surgical group and a significant improvement in shoulder external rotation ROM of 9° (95% CI 2.16-16.22, I² = 0%, FEM) favoured the exercise group. The median CERT score was 7/19 (range 4-12). The certainty of evidence was low or very low across all outcomes.

CONCLUSION

A paucity of high-quality research on the role of exercise in the management of L-MRCTTs exists with substantial discrepancies in the reporting of the exercise interventions in the published research.

Majority of patients find sleep patterns return to normal 6 months following rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

Rotator cuff tears have a wide variability in presentation, with some causing pain and reduced function but others remaining completely asymptomatic. Sleep disturbances are a primary driver for patients with rotator cuff tears to see a physician, and one of the main goals of rotator cuff repair (RCR) surgery is to restore normal sleep patterns in these patients. The primary purpose of this study aimed to determine the percentage of patients undergoing RCR who report preoperative sleep disturbances. Second, this study sought to identify at what postoperative follow-up intervals patients stopped reporting sleep disturbances and how the percentages change over time. It was hypothesized that the majority of patients undergoing arthroscopic RCR would report preoperative and initial postoperative sleep disturbances and that 75% of patients would report resolution of sleep disturbances by 1 year postoperatively.

METHODS

A total of 326 patients undergoing primary arthroscopic RCR were prospectively enrolled in this study. Validated patient-reported outcome measures were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively, including the visual analog pain scale score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey physical and mental component scores.

RESULTS

According to question 2 of the SST, 291 patients (89%) reported preoperative sleep disturbances. Within the cohort of patients who reported resolution of sleep disturbances, 46% reported resolution by 3 months postoperatively; an additional 31%, by 6 months; a further 14%, by 12 months; and the final 8%, by 24 months. Age ≥ 65 years was significantly associated with increased reporting of resolution compared with age < 65 years. All patient-reported outcome measures, including the visual analog pain scale score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, SST score, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (physical component) score, showed statistically significant improvements after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Eighty-nine percent of patients reported preoperative sleep disturbances. Seventy-seven percent of patients reported resolution of sleep disturbances by 6 months postoperatively, and 81% of patients reported resolution of sleep disturbances by 2 years postoperatively.

Sex Differences in Utilization and Perioperative Outcomes of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Background

As the volume and proportion of patients treated arthroscopically for rotator cuff repair increases, it is important to recognize sex differences in utilization and outcomes.

Methods

Patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between 2010 and 2019 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, and information concerning utilization, operative time, length of hospital stay, days from operation to discharge, readmission, and adverse events were analyzed by sex.

Results

Of 42,443 included patients, 57.7% were male and 42.3% were female. Comparably, females were generally older (P < .001) and less healthy as indicated by American Society of Anesthesiologists class (P < .001) and rates of obesity (52.0% vs. 47.8%, P < .001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (4.0% vs. 2.7%, P < .001), and steroid use (2.7% vs. 1.6%, P < .001). Females experienced shorter operative times (mean difference [MD] 11.5 minutes, P < .001), longer hospital stays (MD 0.03 days, P < .001), longer times from operation to discharge (MD 0.03 days, P < .001), and more minor adverse events (odds ratio [OR], 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-2.47) after baseline adjustment. Conversely, rates of serious adverse events (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55-0.86) and readmissions (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.66-0.97) were lower among females. Disparities in utilization increased over the study period (P = .008), whereas length of stay (P = .509) and adverse events (P = .967) remained stable.

Conclusion

Sex differences among patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are evident, indicating the need for further research to understand and address the root causes of inequality and optimize care for all.

Network Meta-Analysis of Perioperative Analgesic Effects of Different Interventions on Postoperative Pain After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Based on Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Shoulder arthroscopic surgery is a common surgical method used in orthopedics. However, severe postoperative pain can significantly limit the early joint movement of patients and adversely affect the impact of the surgery. At present, there is no consistent and effective analgesic scheme for the management of postoperative pain after arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to search for the most effective analgesic scheme to control pain in the perioperative period of arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder.

Study Design

Network meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched 5 different databases (i.e., Medline, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) from January 2011 to January 2021 for English literature. Thereafter, we sifted out randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which compared different intervention schemes for pain management after shoulder arthroscopy and selected only 12 h, 24 h, or 48 h after the patient leaves the operating room as an optimal period for administration of analgesic intervention schemes. Only patients with shoulder disease who have undergone arthroscopic shoulder surgery were included in this study. The Cochrane “risk of bias” was used for the quality assessment. Moreover, some additional tests were performed to enhance the credibility of the results.

Results

Twenty-nine RCTs involving 1,885 patients were included in this frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA). These articles mainly were divided into two distinct groups, namely, the nerve block group and the non-nerve block group. Regarding the nerve block group, at postoperative 12 h, the intervention suprascapular nerve block + interscalene nerve block (SSNB + INB) was ranked first, whereas INB + intra-articular injection (INB + IAI) was ranked first at 24 h and 48 h postoperation. In the non-nerve block group, external application (EA) was ranked first at postoperative 12 h, but oral administration (OA) exhibited a better analgesic effect at postoperative 24 h and postoperative 48 h.

Conclusion

We conclude that the analgesic effect of SSNB+INB was the best at postoperative 12 h, and INB+IAI was the best at postoperative 24 h and 48 h in the nerve block group. For the non-nerve block group, the effect of EA was the best at postoperative 12 h, and the analgesic effect of OA at postoperative 24 h and 48 h was significantly better than any other interventions.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42021286777.

Rates of Return to Manual Labor After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

BACKGROUND

Rotator cuff tears represent a significant cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in the United States. The development of these injuries is associated with older patient age and higher levels of physical activity; however, data regarding the rate of return to work after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients older than 50 years of age who have physically strenuous jobs is inconclusive.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this study was to report short term outcomes and return to work rates after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in a cohort of patients aged 50 to 60 years working in manual labor jobs. It was hypothesized that arthroscopic rotator cuff repair would result in good functional outcomes for these patients and allow for return to work rates in excess of 80%.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Preoperative and final evaluations including the pain visual analog scale (VAS), the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Score were collected. A total of 73 patients were screened for inclusion. Nineteen patients were outside of the inclusion age range, 2 underwent exclusionary concomitant procedures, and 4 patients were lost to follow up, leaving a total of 48 patients with a mean follow up of 34.02 months (range, 24-67 months) available for analysis. None of the patients were involved in a workers' compensation claim. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine if arm dominance or tear size affected surgical outcomes or return to work rates.

RESULTS

After arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, 43 of 48 patients (89.6%) were able to return to manual labor positions. Tears were classified using the Southern California Orthopaedic Institute Classification at the time of repair as massive (C4) in 9 patients (18.75%), large (C3) in 13 patients (27.08%), medium (C2) in 21 patients (43.75%), and small (C1) in 5 patients (10.42%). At latest follow up, the mean VAS decreased from 8.0 ± 1.81 to 0.46 ± 1.20, the average SANE increased from 47.50 ± 18.59 to 91.88 ± 12.30, and the average ASES score improved from 39.58 ± 10.71 to 93.44 ± 11.97 (P < .0001). Outcomes did not differ between patients who underwent surgery on their dominant shoulder and those who underwent surgery on their nondominant shoulder. The overall postoperative complication rate was 8.33%.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair portended favorable outcomes and high rates of return to work in this cohort of manual laborers, with 89.6% of patients able to return to work.

Changes From Baseline in Patient- Reported Outcomes at 1 Year Versus 2 Years After Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Most orthopaedic journals currently require reporting outcomes of surgical interventions for at least 2 postoperative years, but there have been no rigorous studies on this matter. Various patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures (PROMs) have been used to assess the status of the shoulder after rotator cuff repair (RCR).

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that the mean shoulder-specific PROMs at 1 year improve substantially over baseline but that there is no clinically meaningful difference between the mean 1- and 2-year PROMs after RCR.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies (level of evidence 1 and 2) reporting the shoulder-specific American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), the Constant, or the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) Index scores at baseline, 1 year, and 2 years after RCR. The methodologic quality of studies was assessed. Also, the random effects meta-analyses of changes in PROMs for each of the first and second postoperative years were conducted.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (n = 11 RCTs; n = 4 cohort studies) with a total of 1371 patients were included. Studies were highly heterogeneous, but no visual evidence of major publication bias was observed. The weighted means of the baseline PROMs were 46.2 points for the ASES score, 46.4 points for the Constant score, and 38.8 points for the WORC Index. The first-year summary increments were 41.1 (95% CI, 36.0-46.2) points for the ASES score, 34.2 (95% CI, 28.8-39.6) points for the Constant score, and 42.9 (95% CI, 37.3-48.4) points for the WORC Index. In contrast, the second-year summary increments were 2.3 (95% CI, 1-3.6) points for the ASES score, 3.2 (95% CI, 1.9-4.4) points for the Constant score, and 2 (95% CI, -0.1 to 4) points for the WORC Index.

CONCLUSION

All PROMs improved considerably from baseline to 1 year, but only very small gains that were below the minimal clinically important differences were observed between 1 year and 2 years after RCR. This study did not find any evidence for requiring a minimum of 2 years of follow-up for publication of PROs after RCR. Our results suggest that focusing on 1-year PROMs after RCR would foster more timely reporting, better control of selection bias, and better allocation of research resources.

Factors Influencing the Size of a Non-Traumatic Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear: Focusing on Socioeconomic Factors

This study aimed to identify the risk factors for non-traumatic rotator cuff tears in Korean adult patients who underwent surgical treatment, focusing on socioeconomic factors. A retrospective study was conducted with 659 patients who were diagnosed with a full rotator cuff tear and underwent surgical treatment. The outcome variable was the rotator cuff tear size (mm), as indicated by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Socioeconomic variables included occupation, education level, insurance type, and residential area. Univariate analyses were used to evaluate the relation between tear size and independent variables, and multivariate regression was used to estimate the effects of socioeconomic factors on tear size after adjusting for other variables. Significant differences were found in mean tear size according to age, occupation, residence area, and symptom duration (p < 0.05) in multivariate regression analysis. Rural residents had a 2.12 mm larger tear size than urban residents. Compared to National Health Insurance patients, the tear size of Medicaid beneficiaries was significantly larger (6.79 mm) in urban areas. The larger the rotator cuff tear, the greater the risk of retear and poor shoulder function. Therefore, policy efforts are required to expand access to medical care for the vulnerable.

Better Short-Term Outcomes After Rotator Cuff Repair in Studies With Poorer Mean Shoulder Scores and Predominantly Small to Medium-Sized Tears at Baseline: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To perform a meta-analysis to explore factors associated with clinical and structural short-term outcomes in randomized and nonrandomized prospective studies of rotator cuff repair.

METHODS

Medline, clinicaltrials.gov, and Mendeley were searched for literature published from January 2000 to December 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) and nonrandomized prospective cohort studies (PCS) describing the outcome of surgical repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Study quality was assessed by two independent reviewers. We calculated standardized mean difference (SMD) from baseline to follow-up in each trial arm, preferably at 12 months follow-up. Between-study heterogeneity of outcomes, small-study effects and rates of retear were assessed. Meta-regression was performed to estimate associations between prespecified variables and clinical and structural outcomes.

RESULTS

Outcomes in 64 RCT and 19 PCS trial arms were analyzed. Median age was 59 years. There was substantial between-study heterogeneity in clinical outcomes (SMD range: .42 to 6.44; I² = 93% in RCT, 88% in PCS) and summary estimates were not calculated. On the basis of multivariate analysis, better clinical outcome was associated with lower (worse) mean outcome value at baseline, smaller tear size, and lower proportion of large-massive tears (R² = 56 and 44%, respectively). Overall retear rate at median 13-month follow-up was 19.9% (interquartile range: 10-30). Higher mean age together with larger tear size and higher proportion of large-massive tears were associated with increased retear rates (R² = 33% and 58%, respectively). Clinical outcome was not significantly related to rate of retear.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies with lower mean outcome values at baseline and predominantly small- to medium-sized tears reported better clinical outcomes. Studies with higher mean age and a predominance of large-massive tears had significantly increased retear rates, but retear rates were not associated with clinical outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, meta-analysis of level I and II studies.

Analysis of Risk Factors, Complications, Reoperations, and Demographics Associated With Open and Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: An Analysis of a Large National Database

PURPOSE

To assess the national trends in arthroscopic and open rotator cuff repair surgery and the associated demographics, complications, and risk factors specific to each procedure.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) dataset between the years 2007 and 2018. Patients were identified using Common Procedural Terminology codes for open and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Variables collected including basic demographics, procedural, and outcome specific variables as available through the NSQIP repository. Appropriate statistical measures were used to compare the groups, with the χ² test used for categorical variables and t test for continuous variables.

RESULTS

The arthroscopic cohort comprised 39,013 patients; the open group consisted of 8,664. Reported arthroscopic and open cases increased significantly between 2007 and 2018 from 135 to 7,269 and 65 to 1,168, respectively. Average operative time for arthroscopic procedure was 89 minutes and 76 minutes for open. The open group consisted of a slightly greater percentage of smokers, 18.3% versus 15.2%, and patients with diabetes, 18.2% versus 15.9%, both of which were statistically significant (P < .001). Open cases had an odds ratio of 3.05 for superficial infections and 7.40 for deep infections, both of which were statistically significant (P < .001). The open cohort also had an odds ratio of 1.71 for unplanned readmissions when compared with the arthroscopic cohort, which was also statistically significant (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the NSQIP database, the increase in arthroscopic procedures is significantly outpacing the increase in open procedures during this study period, which matches the trends seen in previous studies. Patients with diabetes and who smoke also represent a greater risk group for postoperative complications when undergoing open surgery. These findings suggest that perhaps the decision to pursue one technique over the other may be influenced both by provider preference and patient-related factors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, retrospective comparative trial.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids in Orthopaedic Surgery: Current Concepts and Clinical Applications

Despite the well-documented effects of testosterone and its synthetic derivatives—collectively termed anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs)—on the musculoskeletal system, the therapeutic use of these agents has received limited investigation within the field of orthopaedic surgery. In the last 2 decades, preclinical and clinical research has started to identify promising applications of the short-term use of AASs in the perioperative period. There is evidence to suggest that AASs may improve postoperative recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and total joint arthroplasty. In addition, AASs may augment the biological healing environment in specific clinical scenarios including muscle injury, fracture repair, and rotator cuff repair. Current literature fails to present strong evidence for or against the use of AASs in orthopaedics, but there is continuous research on this topic. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of AAS applications in orthopaedic surgery, with an emphasis on preclinical data, clinical studies, and future directions.

Measurement of value in rotator cuff repair: patient-level value analysis for the 1-year episode of care

BACKGROUND

Rotator cuff repair (RCR) is one of the most common elective orthopedic procedures, with predictable indications, techniques, and outcomes. As a result, this surgical procedure is an ideal choice for studying value. The purpose of this study was to perform patient-level value analysis (PLVA) within the setting of RCR over the 1-year episode of care.

METHODS

Included patients (N = 396) underwent RCR between 2009 and 2016 at a single outpatient orthopedic surgery center. The episode of care was defined as 1-year following surgery. The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index was collected at both the initial preoperative baseline assessment and the 1-year postoperative mark. The total cost of care was determined using time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC). Both PLVA and provider-level value analysis were performed.

RESULTS

The average TDABC cost of care was derived at $5413.78 ± $727.41 (95% confidence interval, $5341.92-$5485.64). At the patient level, arthroscopic isolated supraspinatus tears yielded the highest value coefficient (0.82; analysis-of-variance F test, P = .01). There was a poor correlation between the change in the 1-year Western Ontario Rotator Cuff score and the TDABC cost of care (r² = 0.03). Provider-level value analysis demonstrated significant variation between the 8 providers evaluated (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

RCR is one of the most common orthopedic procedures, yet the correlations between cost of care and patient outcomes are unknown. PLVA quantifies the ratio of functional improvement to the TDABC-estimated cost of care at the patient level. This is the first study to apply PLVA over the first-year episode of care. With health care transitioning toward value-based delivery, PLVA offers a quantitative tool to measure the value of individual patient care delivery over the entire episode of care.

A multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing gamification with remote monitoring against standard rehabilitation for patients after arthroscopic shoulder surgery

BACKGROUND

Gamification has become increasingly popular in rehabilitation and is viewed as a tool to improve patient activation, motivation, and engagement. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of validated exergames played through a system using "depth sensor" and bespoke software against standard physiotherapy in patients treated with arthroscopic shoulder surgery. This included the following common conditions: subacromial impingement syndrome, calcific tendinopathy, and rotator cuff tear.

METHODS

Following arthroscopic shoulder surgery, patients were randomized into 1 of 2 groups: In the standard rehabilitation group, patients were followed up for 12 weeks after surgery with standard postoperative physiotherapy and underwent electronic measurements of their active range of movement (ROM). In the exergame group, patients followed a postoperative regimen of exergames using the principles of gamification with physiotherapy support. Patients were given an exergame schedule prescribed by their therapist on Medical Interactive Recovery Assistant (MIRA) software (MIRA Rehab, London, UK) paired with a Microsoft Kinect sensor (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA). The primary outcome was active ROM objectively measured by MIRA and Kinect. Secondary outcome measures included the Oxford Shoulder Score, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and the EQ-VAS score at 12 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients were recruited to the study. We excluded 7 patients based on intraoperative findings. Thirty-three patients were treated with exergames, and 31 patients underwent conventional physiotherapy. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in baseline ROM. Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in any of the cardinal planes of movement (forward flexion, P = .64; abduction, P = .33; and external rotation, P = .75). The mean Oxford Shoulder Score improved from 29.25 to 38.2 in the control group (P = .001) and from 27.1 to 35.1 in the trial group (P = .01); there was no significant difference between the groups at 12 weeks (P = .246). The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score improved from 38.13 to 16.98 in the control group (P = .001) and from 42.3 to 22.54 in the trial group (P = .007); there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .328). There was no significant difference in the EQ-VAS score in either group at any time point (P = .5866).

CONCLUSION

This randomized controlled trial demonstrates that exergames can be used effectively in the rehabilitation of patients following arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Outcomes, judged by ROM and patient-reported outcome measures, are equivalent to conventional physiotherapy rehabilitation protocols. This health care innovation has the potential to relieve some of the heavy burden placed on physiotherapy departments for "routine" postoperative care in shoulder surgery.

Increasing incidence of rotator cuff surgery: A nationwide registry study in Chile

BACKGROUND

The rotator cuff surgery (RCS) incidence is rising rapidly in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Despite this, multiple factors limit patients' access to surgery. In Latin America, barriers to orthopedic surgery have been largely ignored. The purpose of this study was to calculate the rate of RCS in Chile between 2008 and 2018, investigating possible associated factors to access such as age, sex, and the health insurance.

METHODS

An ecological study was carried out with nationwide data obtained from the Database of Hospital Discharges of the Department of Statistics. All Chilean inhabitants aged 25 years or more were included. We used the ICD-10 codes M751, M754, and S460. The annual incidence rate of surgeries and the incidence rate for the period studied per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated. Data were analyzed stratified by age, sex, year of study, and the health insurance. Negative binomial regression was used to compare rates. Statistical analyzes were performed with Stata v.14 software.

RESULTS

39,366 RCSs were performed, with a total rate for the period of 32.36 per 100,000 inhabitants. The annual rate of surgeries from 2008 to 2018 increased from 24.55 to 49.11 per 100,000/year. When adjusting for year, an annual increase in surgery rates of 8.19% (95% CI 6.7-9.6) and 101% growth between 2008 and 2018 (95% CI 90-109%, p < 0.001) was observed. When comparing the global rates according to the health insurance, the public system corresponds to 21.3 per 100,000 and the private system to 72 per 100,000, the latter being 3.4-times higher (95% CI 2.7-4.4; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

RCS rates are increasing in Chile concordantly with previous reports of other western countries. The most important factor associated with RCS rate found was the patients' health insurance, with higher rates observed for the private sector.

National Trends Show Declining Use of Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression Without Rotator Cuff Repair

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to investigate trends in the United States for arthroscopic subacromial decompression (aSAD) and open SAD (oSAD) with and without rotator cuff repair (RCR) between 2010 and 2018.

METHODS

The PearlDiver Mariner claims database was queried using CPT codes for open and arthroscopic subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair. Patient cohorts were developed for those undergoing aSAD or oSAD between 2010 and 2018, then segmented by whether RCR was performed simultaneously. Annual incidence was analyzed, as were associated diagnosis codes, and concomitant shoulder-associated procedures performed on the same day.

RESULTS

The PearlDiver Mariner dataset from 2010 to 2018 included 186,932 patients that underwent aSAD, while 9,263 patients underwent oSAD. The total incidence of aSAD declined from 118.0 to 71.3 per 100,000 (39.6% decrease) (P < .001). This change was due primarily to a decreasing incidence of aSAD performed without RCR, which declined from 66.3 to 25.5 per 100,000 (61.5% decrease) (P < .001). During the same period, the incidence of aSAD combined with RCR remained relatively stable, from 51.7 to 45.8 per 100,000 (11.5% decrease) (P = .27). The overall incidence of oSAD declined from 7.1 to 2.2 per 100,000 (68.1% decrease) (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall rate of aSAD has declined in recent years, primarily due to a large decrease in the incidence of aSAD without RCR as an isolated treatment for rotator cuff disorders.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Prior studies have demonstrated a rising incidence of SAD; however, high-level clinical evidence and clinical practice guidelines have challenged its efficacy. It is important for orthopaedic surgeons to understand evolving national trends in management among their peers.

Editorial Commentary: The Evolution of Regional Anesthesia in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: From Throbbing Shoulders to Paralyzed Diaphragms

Rotator cuff repair may result in significant postoperative pain. Although opioids were once the gold standard, addiction and other side effects are of significant concern. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain, sleep disturbance, and need for opioids, but they may impair soft tissue healing. The use of gabapentinoids is equivocal. Intralesional analgesia carries a risk of glenohumeral chondrolysis. Cryotherapy is beneficial, but it is often not covered by insurance companies. Suprascapular nerve block addresses innervation of only 70% versus interscalene block, but the latter has a higher incidence of unintended, temporary motor and sensory deficits of the upper extremity and hemidiaphragmatic paresis, despite similar pain scores. Although neurodeficits and diaphragmatic hemiparesis resolve by 3 weeks, temporary complications affect length of hospital stay, initiation of physical therapy, and patient satisfaction. These variables contribute to the challenge of postoperative pain control amid a growing wave of modalities aimed at improving the extent and duration of patient-focused analgesia, especially the application of continuous block infusions.

A Weaving Rip-Stop Technique Leads to a Significantly Increased Load to Failure and Reduction in Suture-Tendon Cut-Through in a Biomechanical Model of Rotator Cuff Repair

Purpose

To present an alternative arthroscopic rip-stop technique with a single suture tape weaved through the tendon from anterior to posterior and to biomechanically test its strength against a control technique consisting of a single-row repair with simple sutures.

Methods

This was a controlled biomechanical study. Dissection and harvesting of the supraspinatus muscle-tendon unit were performed along the cable in 9 matched-pair cadaveric shoulders. Samples were divided into 2 groups: simple suture repair only (SSR) and simple suture repair with rip-stop (SSPR). Biomechanical testing was performed with an initial preload, followed by cyclic loading and then ramp to failure. Peak-to-peak displacement, stiffness (in newtons per millimeter), load at failure (in newtons), and failure mechanism were recorded. Data were compared using the paired-sample t test.

Results

The average peak-to-peak displacement for SSR samples was not significantly different from that of SSPR samples (P = .96). Similarly, elongation in the SSR and SSPR groups was not significantly different (P = .82). Stiffness was significantly different between the SSR and SSPR groups (P = .0054): SSR samples were less stiff than SSPR samples. Moreover, SSR samples failed at significantly lower forces than did SSPR samples (P = .028). A larger percentage of failures occurred due to tendon cut-through among SSR samples versus suture breakage among SSPR samples.

Conclusions

An alternative rip-stop technique is presented in this biomechanical model that may assist surgeons to better deal with difficult rotator cuff repairs. Weaving a suture tape as a rip-stop can increase stiffness, achieve higher failure loads when compared with simple suture repair with no rip-stop, and reduce tendon cut-through.

Clinical Relevance

This study provides insight into a variation of rip-stop stitch techniques that may help solve the clinical problem of failure occurring at the suture-tendon interface, specifically tendon cut-through.

Perioperative Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion on Postoperative Recovery in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Under General Anesthesia - A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is known to cause severe postoperative pain which may interfere with recovery. Intravenous (IV) lidocaine has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperalgesic effects, and is being used in various types of surgeries. However, the effect of IV lidocaine in ARCR is not well known.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety patients undergoing ARCR were randomly allocated to receive IV lidocaine (1.5▒mg/kg bolus of 1% lidocaine after anesthesia induction followed by a continuous infusion of 2▒mg/kg/h up to 1▒h after surgery) or an equal volume of saline. In both groups, an IV patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device was used which contained fentanyl 10▒µg/mL, infused at 1▒mL/h with a 1▒mL bolus dose. The primary outcome was fentanyl requirements given via IV PCA during the first 24 hours after surgery. Perioperative pain scores and functional recovery were assessed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The amount of fentanyl administered via IV PCA up to 24 hours after surgery was significantly lower in the Lidocaine group compared to the Control group (329 [256.2-428.3] vs. 394.5 [287.0-473.0], P=0.037) The number of PCA bolus attempts were lower in the Lidocaine group without statistical significance. There were no differences in postoperative pain scores or functional shoulder scores between the two groups.

DISCUSSION

IV lidocaine appears to be helpful in reducing opioid requirements during the acute postoperative period in patients undergoing ARCR. IV lidocaine may be a viable option as a component of multimodal analgesia in ARCR when regional analgesia is not possible.

Large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears: a protocol for a systematic review investigating the effectiveness of exercise therapy on pain, disability and quality of life

Background: Chronic non-traumatic rotator cuff tendon tears are inextricably linked with the natural process of aging often resulting in severe disability, poor quality of life and an added burden to the health care system. The occurrence of rotator cuff tendon tears increases exponentially with every decade of life to approximately 60% in individuals over 80 years of age. Exercise is a commonly prescribed intervention although research on its efficacy is in its infancy and often conflicting. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of exercise interventions for people diagnosed with large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears.

Methods: This systematic review will adhere to the PRISMA reporting guidelines. A comprehensive search of five databases will be conducted. Randomised clinical trials (RCT) or quasi-randomised control trials will be included if they evaluate exercise as the core intervention or as part of the intervention in the management of large to massive rotator cuff tears. To quantify response to treatment we will compare changes in pain, disability and quality of life (QoL). The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) will be used to characterise the different types of exercise intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool will be used to assess study quality.

A narrative synthesis with meta-analysis will be performed, and the certainty of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.

Discussion: This review will synthesise the totality of GRADE A and B evidence on the effectiveness of exercise for large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears. It will provide clinically important information and guidance for immediate implementation by clinicians, health policymakers and may be used to guide future research.

PROSPERO registration: 244502 (24/03/2021)

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.

Anchor Site Fracture Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair - A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction

Fractures at the anchor site following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are rare and only a few case reports have been described. We report two additional well-documented cases of this uncommon post-operative complication and provide a review of the current literature.

Case Report

A 48-year-old male underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) due to a massive rotator cuff tear. Nine weeks postoperatively, the patient suffered a humeral head fracture at the anchor site of the ARCR after trauma. Despite subsequent surgical treatment with open reduction and internal fixation, the patient demonstrates with excellent functional outcome scores at 2-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Humeral head fractures are a rare complication after ARCR. The use of intraosseous anchors requires careful consideration regarding positioning and quantity used.

Preoperative characteristics predictive of PROMIS Pain Interference two years after shoulder surgery

Introduction

The objective of this study was to identify preoperative characteristics associated with worse Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference (PI) two years after shoulder surgery.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 293 patients who underwent elective shoulder surgery. Survey questionnaires were collected within one week of surgery and then two years postoperatively. Bivariate analysis was used to identify associations and multivariable analysis was used to control for confounding variables.

Results

Worse two-year PROMIS PI was significantly correlated with older age, higher BMI, greater comorbidities, more prior surgeries, and multiple socio-demographic factors. Less improvement in PROMIS PI was significantly correlated with greater comorbidities, more previous surgeries, unemployment, prior orthopaedic surgery on the operative joint, and a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. Better scores on all preoperative patient-reported outcome measures correlated with better two-year PROMIS PI. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that worse two-year PROMIS PI was independently predicted by the following preoperative factors: Workers' Compensation claim, opioid use, worse whole body Numeric Pain Score, and worse PROMIS PI. Less improvement in two-year PROMIS PI was predicted by the same preoperative factors.

Conclusion

Worse PROMIS PI after shoulder surgery was associated with older age, greater comorbidities, mental health impairment, and lower socioeconomic status. Preoperative predictors of worse pain interference two years after shoulder surgery included Workers' Compensation, opioid use, worse whole body pain, and worse PROMIS PI.

Level of evidence

III.

Isolated bioinductive repair of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears using a resorbable bovine collagen implant: two-year radiologic and clinical outcomes from a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Current surgical treatment options for partial-thickness tears (eg, takedown and repair, in situ repair) are limited by the degenerative nature of the underlying tendon and may require extensive intervention that can alter the anatomic footprint. The complexity of available techniques to address these issues led to the development of a resorbable collagen implant, which can be used to create a bioinductive repair of partial-thickness tears.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 33 patients with chronic, degenerative, intermediate-grade (n = 12), or high-grade (n = 21) partial-thickness tears (11 articular, 10 bursal, 4 intrasubstance, and 8 hybrid) of the supraspinatus tendon in a multicenter study. After arthroscopic subacromial decompression without a traditional rotator cuff repair, a bioinductive implant was secured over the bursal surface of the tendon. Clinical outcomes were assessed using American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant-Murley scores (CMS) preoperatively and at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to assess postoperative tendon healing and thickness at the original tear site.

RESULTS

At 2-year follow-up, mean ASES and CMS scores improved both clinically and statistically at 1 and 2 years, compared with baseline, for intermediate- and high-grade tears. There was magnetic resonance imaging evidence of new tissue fill-in within the original baseline tear in 100% of the intermediate-grade tears and 95% of the high-grade tears. In 90.9% of the intermediate-grade tears and 84.2% of the high-grade tears, this new tissue fill-in represented at least an additional 50% of the volume of the initial lesion. From baseline to 2-year follow-up, the mean tendon thickness increased by 1.2 mm (standard deviation, 1.3; P = .012) and 1.8 mm (standard deviation, 2.2; P = .003) in the intermediate- and high-grade tears, respectively. The analysis of tear grade and location revealed no statistically significant difference in the change in mean tendon thickness at any time point. One patient with a high-grade articular lesion demonstrated progression to a full-thickness tear; however, the patient was noncompliant and the injury occurred while shoveling snow 1 month after surgery. Neither tear location nor treatment of bicep pathology affected the ASES or CMS scores at any follow-up point. No serious adverse events related to the implant were reported.

CONCLUSION

Final results from this 2-year prospective study indicate that the use of this resorbable bovine collagen implant for isolated bioinductive repair of intermediate- and high-grade partial-thickness rotator cuff tears of the supraspinatus is safe and effective, regardless of tear grade and location.

Large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears: a protocol for a systematic review investigating the effectiveness of exercise therapy on pain, disability and quality of life

Background: Rotator cuff tendon tears are inextricably linked with the natural process of aging often resulting in severe disability, poor quality of life and an added burden to the health care system. The occurrence of rotator cuff tendon tears increases exponentially with every decade of life to approximately 60% in individuals over 80 years of age. Exercise is a commonly prescribed intervention although research on its efficacy is in its infancy and often conflicting. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of exercise interventions for people diagnosed with large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears. Methods: This systematic review will adhere to the PRISMA reporting guidelines. A comprehensive search of five databases will be conducted. Randomised clinical trials (RCT) or quasi-randomised control trials will be included if they evaluate exercise as the core intervention or as part of the intervention in the management of large to massive rotator cuff tears. To quantify response to treatment we will compare changes in pain, disability and quality of life (QoL). The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) will be used to characterise the different types of exercise intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool will be used to assess study quality. A narrative synthesis with meta-analysis will be performed, and the certainty of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Discussion: This review will synthesise the totality of GRADE A and B evidence on the effectiveness of exercise for large to massive rotator cuff tendon tears. It will provide clinically important information and guidance for immediate implementation by clinicians, health policymakers and may be used to guide future research. PROSPERO registration: 244502 (24/03/2021)

Return to Work After Primary Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Rotator cuff tears are a prevalent pathology in injured workers, causing significant economic ramifications and time away from work. To date, published articles on work outcomes after rotator cuff repair have not been cumulatively assessed and analyzed.

PURPOSE

To systematically review reports on return to work after rotator cuff repair and perform a meta-analysis on factors associated with improved work outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review of return-to-work investigations was performed using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Individual studies reporting rates of return to previous work with level of evidence 1 to 4 were independently screened by 2 authors for inclusion, and study quality was assessed using the Methodologic Index for Non-randomized Studies and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Work outcome data were synthesized and analyzed using random effects modeling to identify differences in rates of return to previous work as a function of operative technique, work intensity, and workers' compensation status.

RESULTS

Thirteen retrospective investigations comprising 1224 patients who underwent rotator cuff repair met inclusion criteria for this investigation. Across all investigations, a weighted average of 62.3% of patients returned to previous level of work at 8.15 ± 2.7 months (mean ± SD) after surgery. Based on random effects modeling, higher rates of return to previous work were identified with decreasing work intensity (P < .001), while rates were similar between open and arthroscopic repair technique (P = .418) and between workers' compensation and non-workers' compensation cohorts (P = .089). All shoulder pain and functional outcome assessments demonstrated significant improvements at final follow-up when compared with baseline across all investigations.

CONCLUSION

The majority of injured workers undergoing rotator cuff repair return to previous work at approximately 8 months after surgery. Despite this, >35% of patients are unable to return to their previous work level after their repair procedure. Similar rates of return to work can be anticipated regardless of workers' compensation status and operative technique, while patients in occupations with higher physical intensity experience inferior work outcomes.

The Relationship of Staged, Bilateral Arthroscopic Primary Rotator Cuff Repair Timing and Postoperative Complications

BACKGROUND

Although previous studies have reported acceptable clinical outcomes after simultaneous, single-stage bilateral and staged bilateral rotator cuff repair (RCR), few studies have been adequately powered to compare postoperative complication rates at various time intervals between procedures.

PURPOSE

To examine the relationship between the timing of bilateral arthroscopic RCR and complications.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiology study.

METHODS

Patients from the Medicare data set within the PearlDiver database who underwent bilateral RCR between 2005 and 2014 were identified. These patients were then stratified by time between surgeries into cohorts: (1) single stage, (2) <3 months, (3) 3 to 6 months, (4) 6 to 9 months, (5) 9 months to 1 year, and (6) 1 to 2 years. Surgical and medical complications of these cohorts were compared with those of a control cohort of patients who underwent bilateral RCR >2 years apart using a regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 11,079 patients who underwent bilateral RCR were identified. Patients who underwent single-stage bilateral arthroscopic RCR experienced higher rates of revision RCR (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; P < .0001), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) (OR, 2.47; P < .0001), and postoperative infection (OR, 2.18; P = .007) in addition to higher rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (OR, 1.78; P = .031) and emergency department visits (OR, 1.51; P = .002) compared with the control group. Patients who underwent bilateral RCR with a <3-month interval had higher rates of revision surgery (OR, 1.56; P = .003), RTSA (OR, 1.89; P = .002), and lysis of adhesions (OR, 2.31; P < .0001) in addition to increased rates of VTE (OR, 1.92; P = .015) and emergency department visits (OR, 1.62; P < .0001) compared with the control group. There were no differences in any surgical or medical complications when surgeries were staged by ≥3 months compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

Patients with Medicare undergoing single-stage and staged bilateral RCR who had the second repair within 3 months had significantly higher rates of multiple medical and surgical complications compared with patients waiting >2 years between procedures.

Preoperative screening in patients having elective shoulder surgery reveals a high rate of fall risk

INTRODUCTION

Fall risk is an acknowledged but relatively understudied concern for older patients undergoing shoulder surgery. The cause is multifactorial, and it includes advanced age, impaired upper extremity function, use of shoulder abduction braces, and postoperative use of opioid medications. No previous study has examined preoperative fall risk in patients undergoing elective shoulder surgery. Previous literature looking at fall risk in elective orthopedic procedures has predominantly focused on falls occurring in the hospital setting, although falls have also been shown to occur in the outpatient setting. Gait speed and Timed Up and Go (TUG) are well-researched functional measures in the aging population with established cutoff scores indicating increased fall risk. The purpose of this study was to quantify gait speed and TUG scores in a series of patients who were scheduled to undergo either rotator cuff repair (RCR) or total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in order to assess overall risk of fall in these populations.

METHODS

A total of 198 patients scheduled for TSA or RCR surgery were evaluated preoperatively from multiple outpatient physical therapy clinics within Greenville, South Carolina. The TUG score (>14 seconds considered high fall risk) and 10 Meter Walk test (<0.7 m/s considered high risk for falls) were recorded for each patient. Patient-reported outcomes were also collected, including Veteran's Rand 12 Physical Component and Mental Component Scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form score, and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing TSA (n = 80; 65.4 ± 11.4 years) were older than those undergoing RCR (n = 118; 59.0 ± 14.2 years). Fifty-nine percent of all patients were classified as being a high risk for falls based on gait speed <0.7 m/s. Patients in the TSA group were more likely to display preoperative fall risk compared to patients in the RCR group (62% vs. 38%; χ² = 8.9, P = .03). There were no significant differences in ambulatory status, Veteran's Rand 12 Physical Component and Mental Component Scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, or Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores between groups (P = .11).

DISCUSSION

Both patient groups demonstrated a high rate of fall risk in preoperative evaluation. Patients undergoing TSA more often displayed fall risk compared with patients undergoing RCR. Although patients in the TSA group were older, there was no association between age or ambulatory status and fall risk.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that fall risk screening may be important for patients undergoing TSA and RCR surgeries. The higher fall risk in the TSA group may be an important consideration as this procedure shifts toward outpatient status.