Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis: An Overview of Etiology and Diagnostics

The degenerated glenohumeral joint

Aims

This study aimed to define the histopathology of degenerated humeral head cartilage and synovial inflammation of the glenohumeral joint in patients with omarthrosis (OmA) and cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). Additionally, the potential of immunohistochemical tissue biomarkers in reflecting the degeneration status of humeral head cartilage was evaluated.

Methods

Specimens of the humeral head and synovial tissue from 12 patients with OmA, seven patients with CTA, and four body donors were processed histologically for examination using different histopathological scores. Osteochondral sections were immunohistochemically stained for collagen type I, collagen type II, collagen neoepitope C1,2C, collagen type X, and osteocalcin, prior to semiquantitative analysis. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 levels were analyzed in synovial fluid using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Cartilage degeneration of the humeral head was associated with the histological presentation of: 1) pannus overgrowing the cartilage surface; 2) pores in the subchondral bone plate; and 3) chondrocyte clusters in OmA patients. In contrast, hyperplasia of the synovial lining layer was revealed as a significant indicator of inflammatory processes predominantly in CTA. The abundancy of collagen I, collagen II, and the C1,2C neoepitope correlated significantly with the histopathological degeneration of humeral head cartilage. No evidence for differences in MMP levels between OmA and CTA patients was found.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive histological characterization of humeral cartilage and synovial tissue within the glenohumeral joint, both in normal and diseased states. It highlights synovitis and pannus formation as histopathological hallmarks of OmA and CTA, indicating their roles as drivers of joint inflammation and cartilage degradation, and as targets for therapeutic strategies such as rotator cuff reconstruction and synovectomy.

Utility of Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System measures in predicting shoulder arthroplasty in patients with shoulder osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

The decision to treat shoulder osteoarthritis (OA) definitively with shoulder arthroplasty (SA) is multifactorial, considering objective findings, subjective information, and patient goals. The first goal of this study was to determine if Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures correlated with patients with shoulder OA who underwent SA within 1 year. The second goal of this study was to determine if score cut-offs in PROMIS domains could further discriminate which shoulder OA patients underwent SA within 1 year.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study examined patients with a diagnosis of shoulder OA who consulted an orthopedic provider from November 1, 2020 to May 23, 2022, and recorded PROMIS measures in the domains of Physical Function, Depression, and/or Pain Interference. A surgical group was defined as patients who underwent SA within 1 year of the most recent PROMIS measures and the nonsurgical patients were defined as the control group. Mean PROMIS scores were compared between the surgical and control groups. Separate logistic regression models controlling for age, race, ethnicity, and comorbidity count were performed for each PROMIS domain as a 1) continuous variable, and then as 2) binary variable defined by PROMIS score cut-off points to determine which scores correlated with undergoing SA to further characterize the potential clinical utility of PROMIS score cut-offs in relating to undergoing SA.

RESULTS

The surgical group of 478 patients was older (68.2 vs. 63.8 years), more often of White race (82.6% vs. 70.9%), and less often of Hispanic Ethnicity (1.5% vs. 2.9%) than the control group of 3343 patients. Using optimal cut-offs in PROMIS scores, Pain Interference ≥63 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.97 (2.41-3.64), P < .001), Physical Function ≤39 (OR = 1.81 (95% confidence interval, 1.48-2.22), P < .001), and depression ≥49 (OR = 1.82 (95% confidence interval, 1.50-2.22), P < .001) were all found to correlate with undergoing SA within 1 year in multivariable logistic regressions.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrate that cut-off scores for PROMIS measures differentiated patients undergoing SA within 1 year. These cut-off scores may have clinical utility in aiding in decision-making regarding surgical candidates for SA. Further research is needed to validate these cut-off scores and determine how they relate to patient outcomes after SA.

Occupational mechanical exposures as risk factor for shoulder osteoarthritis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review was to study the association between occupational mechanical exposures and shoulder osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

A protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Four databases were systematically searched based on PECOS criteria. Outcome was defined as shoulder OA (acromioclavicular (AC) and/or glenohumeral OA) and exposure as occupational mechanical exposures (vibration, upper arm elevation, force, lifting, repetition, and combined mechanical exposures). We included epidemiological studies estimating the prevalence of shoulder OA or the association between occupational mechanical exposures and shoulder OA. Two researchers independently screened articles, performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias and level of evidence using GRADE.

RESULTS

A total of 1642 articles were screened, of which 7 met the inclusion criteria. Four studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias, 1 with a moderate risk, and 2 with a low risk. Based on job titles, higher prevalence estimates (2.9% to 61.8%) were found in exposed job groups. For all occupational mechanical exposures, exposure-response relations were found in relation to AC OA. For vibration, the odds ratio (OR) ranged between 1.7 and 3.1 in the highest exposure groups, while the ORs for upper arm-elevation, force, lifting, repetition, and combined mechanical exposures ranged between 0.5 to 2.2, 1.3 to 1.8, 7.3 to 10.3, 2.4, and 2.2 to 2.9. Low or very low level of evidence was found for all exposures.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review found an indication of an association between occupational mechanical exposures and shoulder OA, especially AC OA. However, the level of evidence varied between low and very low. High-quality studies assessing the association and differentiating between the specific shoulder joints are highly warranted.

Anthropometric study of the scapula in a contemporary population from granada. Sex estimation and glenohumeral osteoarthritis prevalence

Anthropometric studies of the scapula have been rare in Spanish populations, nevertheless they are of current interest in forensic anthropology for estimation of sex. Although the estimation of sex is usually carried out on the pelvis and skull, other measurements related to the scapula can be helpful when the skeletal remains are incomplete. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis development is influenced, among others, by the morphology of the scapula, which is one of the less studied aspects. We carried out a descriptive study of anthropometric parameters in a series of 157 scapulae (82 individuals) on bone remains dated to the 20th century from a population of Granada (Southern Spain). Seventy seven (49%) were right-side and 80 (51%) left-side; 72 (45.9%) were from males and 85 (54.1%) from females, and the mean age at death was 70.76±11.7 years. The objective was to develop a discrimination function for sex estimation based on anthropometric parameters of the scapula other than those considered to date, and to analyze the prevalence of glenohumeral osteoarthritis in relation to selected anthropometric parameters. A logistic regression model based on parameters of the upper-external segment of the scapula was done. The obtained formula: 1/1+e^ (- (-57.911 + 0.350*B + 0283*C + 0.249*b + 0.166*a +-0.100*β) classifies male sex with 98.3% accuracy and female sex with 92.1%. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis was detected in 16.6% of individuals and was related to age (p<0.05), scapular length (p<0.05), glenoid width (p<0.05), glenopolar angle (p<0.05), and α angle (p<0.05) in bivariate analyses but showed no significant associations in multivariate analyses. This approach can be useful for anthropological-forensic identification when scapula remains are incomplete. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis is significantly associated with a smaller α angle.

Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty Is Associated With Higher 30-Day Complication Rates Compared With Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

Anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) have both been shown to have good outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint. However, evidence comparing perioperative complications between these procedures in this population is heterogeneous.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried between the years 2012 and 2021 (10 years in total) for records of patients who underwent either TSA or HA for osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint. Patients in each group underwent a 1:1 propensity match for demographic variables. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare complications and risk factors between these cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 4376 propensity-matched patients, with 2188 receiving TSA and 2188 receiving HA, were included in the primary analyses. The HA cohort had a higher rate of any adverse event (7.18% vs 4.8%, P=.001), death (0.69% vs 0.1%, P=.004), sepsis (0.46% vs 0.1%, P=.043), postoperative transfusion (4.62% vs 2.2%, P<.001), postoperative intubation (0.5% vs 0.1%, P=.026), and extended length of stay (23.77% vs 13.1%, P<.001). HA was found to increase the odds of developing these complications when baseline demographics were controlled. Older age (odds ratio, 1.040; 95% CI, 1.021-1.059; P<.001) and lower body mass index (odds ratio, 0.949; 95% CI, 0.923-0.975; P<.001) increased the odds of having any adverse event in the HA cohort but not in the TSA cohort.

CONCLUSION

Compared with TSA, HA appears to be associated with significantly higher rates of 30-day postoperative complications when performed for glenohumeral osteoarthritis. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(4):217-224.].

Does glenoid version and its correction affect outcomes in anatomic shoulder arthroplasty? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Correction of glenoid retroversion is commonly performed in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) to increase component contact area and decrease eccentric loading of the glenoid component. Despite demonstrated biomechanical advantages, limited information exists on the clinical benefit of correcting glenoid retroversion. The purpose of this systematic review is to critically evaluate the existing literature on the effect of preoperative and postoperative glenoid retroversion on clinical functional and radiologic outcomes in patients who underwent anatomic TSA.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library evaluating the impact of glenoid retroversion on clinical and radiologic outcomes of TSA. English-language studies of level I through IV evidence were included. Blinded reviewers conducted multiple screens and methodological quality was appraised using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies, including 3 level III and 13 level IV studies (1211 shoulders), satisfied all inclusion criteria. To address glenoid retroversion, 9 studies used corrective reaming techniques, and 4 studies used posteriorly augmented glenoids. Two studies used noncorrective reaming techniques. Mean preoperative retroversion ranged from 12.7° to 24° across studies. Eleven studies analyzed the effect of glenoid retroversion on clinical outcomes, including patient-reported outcome scores (PROs), range of motion (ROM), or clinical failure or revision rates. Most studies (8 of 11) did not report any significant association of pre- or postoperative glenoid retroversion on any clinical outcome. Of the 3 studies that reported significant effects, 1 study reported a negative association between preoperative glenoid retroversion and PROs, 1 study reported inferior postoperative abduction in patients with postoperative glenoid retroversion greater than 15°, and 1 study found an increased clinical failure rate in patients with higher postoperative retroversion. Ten studies reported radiographic results (medial calcar resorption, Central Peg Lucency [CPL] grade, Lazarus lucency grade) at follow-up. Only 1 study reported a significant effect of pre- and postoperative retroversion greater than 15° on CPL grade.

CONCLUSION

There is currently insufficient evidence that pre- or postoperative glenoid version influences postoperative outcomes independent of other morphologic factors such as joint line medialization. Given that noncorrective reaming demonstrated favorable postoperative outcomes, and postoperative glenoid version was not significantly and consistently found to impact outcomes, there is inconclusive evidence that correcting glenoid retroversion is routinely required.

The Critical Shoulder Angle: A Significant Radiological Measure in Rotator Cuff vs. Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis in Chilean Patients-A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Shoulder pain is one of the most important musculoskeletal conditions affecting the upper extremities. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) and rotator cuff injuries (RCIs) are notable for their high prevalence. The critical shoulder angle (CSA) is a significant radiological measure for determining the diagnosis and progression of patients with these conditions. Although there are reports in the international literature about this measure, in our country, guideline values considering these two pathologies are unknown. Objective: Our objective was to assess patients diagnosed with GHOA and RCI using an AP X-ray view and the CSA. Methods: To conduct this, we identified differences between sexes and age categories. Fifty-nine adult patients with GHOA and RCI were included. CSA grades varied depending on the age category and type of injury evaluated. Results: Significant differences between the age ranges of 40 and 54 (p = 0.05), 55-69 (p = 0.001), and 70-84 (p = 0.017) were observed. Conclusions: Patients with RCI tended to be younger and have a higher CSA compared to those with GHOA. It is important to have more normative values and to continue monitoring the critical shoulder angle in these patients.

Measurement Properties of the Oxford Shoulder Score and Minimal Clinically Important Changes After Primary Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the measurement properties of the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and estimated the minimal clinically important change (MCIC) in patients undergoing primary total shoulder replacement in Australia.

METHODS

Deidentified data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry were used for this analysis. Pre- and 6-month postoperative OSS scores were used, with the 5-level EuroQoL quality of life instrument and shoulder pain scores used as comparators. Floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness to change were evaluated using standard psychometric methods. Mean change and predictive modeling approaches (with and without adjustment for the proportion of improved patients) were used to calculate MCIC thresholds, with patient-perceived improvement after surgery as the anchor.

RESULTS

Preoperative OSS data were available for 1,117 patients (59% female; 90% aged ≥60 years) undergoing primary total shoulder replacement. No floor or ceiling effects were observed pre- or postoperatively. The OSS showed high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach alpha >0.89), good construct validity, and high responsiveness to change (effect size 1.88). The MCIC derived from the mean change method was 6.50 points (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.41-8.61). The predictive modeling approach produced an MCIC estimate of 8.42 points (95% CI 5.68-12.23) after adjustment.

CONCLUSION

The OSS has good measurement properties to capture pain and function outcomes after shoulder replacement procedures and is highly responsive to change. Based on robust methods, an increase in OSS scores of at least eight points can be considered as meaningful improvement after surgery from the patient's perspective.

Effect of patient-specific scapular morphology on the glenohumeral joint force and shoulder muscle force equilibrium: a study of rotator cuff tear and osteoarthritis patients

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) and rotator cuff tear (RCT) pathologies have distinct scapular morphologies that impact disease progression. Previous studies examined the correlation between scapular morphology and glenohumeral joint biomechanics through critical shoulder angle (CSA) variations. In abduction, higher CSAs, common in RCT patients, increase vertical shear force and rotator cuff activation, while lower CSAs, common in OA patients, are associated with higher compressive force. However, the impact of the complete patient-specific scapular morphology remains unexplored due to challenges in establishing personalized models. Methods: CT data of 48 OA patients and 55 RCT patients were collected. An automated pipeline customized the AnyBody™ model with patient-specific scapular morphology and glenohumeral joint geometry. Biomechanical simulations calculated glenohumeral joint forces and instability ratios (shear-to-compressive forces). Moment arms and torques of rotator cuff and deltoid muscles were analyzed for each patient-specific geometry. Results and discussion: This study confirms the increased instability ratio on the glenohumeral joint in RCT patients during abduction (mean maximum is 32.80% higher than that in OA), while OA patients exhibit a higher vertical instability ratio in flexion (mean maximum is 24.53% higher than that in RCT) due to the increased inferior vertical shear force. This study further shows lower total joint force in OA patients than that in RCT patients (mean maximum total force for the RCT group is 11.86% greater than that for the OA group), attributed to mechanically advantageous muscle moment arms. The findings highlight the significant impact of the glenohumeral joint center positioning on muscle moment arms and the total force generated. We propose that the RCT pathomechanism is related to force magnitude, while the OA pathomechanism is associated with the shear-to-compressive loading ratio. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of the impact of the complete 3D scapular morphology of the individual on shoulder biomechanics.

Trends in Shoulder Arthroplasty in Germany: A 10-Year Epidemiological Analysis of Patients with Primary Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder

Shoulder arthroplasty has significantly gained popularity in orthopedic surgery, driven by progress in prosthesis design and surgical techniques. This study explored the epidemiology of shoulder arthroplasty, analyzing healthcare data from 2012 to 2022 for primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder. The data included patient demographics and types of surgical procedures. Data analysis indicates a higher utilization rate of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA; n = 41,251) over total- (TSA; n = 18,679) and hemiarthroplasty (HSA; n = 12,827) for primary shoulder osteoarthritis. Overall, a significant increase in RTSA procedures from n = 2237 (2012) to n = 5415 (2022) was observed, representing more than a two-fold increase of 121.1%. The relative proportion of RTSA among all types of shoulder arthroplasty increased from 39% (2012) to 68.6% (2022), while HSA decreased and TSA essentially remained constant. Age analysis identified the following peaks: RTSA, 77 ± 7 y; HSA, 68 ± 12 y; and TSA, 67 ± 10 y. Among the over 60s, significantly more women were treated with any type of prosthesis, whereas in young patients (45 to 59 y), more men received HSA or TSA. Our study confirms that RTSA has become the preferred choice for elderly patients in Germany, reflecting the prevailing preference despite varying patient ages and conditions, with a noted difference in sex in treatment prevalence.

Evaluating the Patterns of FAPI Uptake in the Shoulder Joint: a Preliminary Study Comparing with FDG Uptake in Oncological Studies

BACKGROUND

Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) targeting PET has been introduced as a novel molecular imaging modality for visualizing cancer-associated fibroblasts. There have also been reports suggesting incidental findings of localized accumulation in the shoulder joints. However, further characterization in a larger patient cohort is still lacking.

METHODS

77 consecutive patients (28 females; mean age, 63.1 ± 11.6) who underwent Ga-68 FAPI-04 PET/CT for diagnosis of solid tumors were included. The incidence and localization of tracer uptake in shoulder joints were investigated and compared with available F-18 FDG scans serving as reference.

RESULTS

Ga-68 FAPI-04 uptake was evaluated in 77 patients (154 shoulder joints), of whom 54 subjects (108 shoulder joints) also had available F-18 FDG scans for head-to-head comparison. On FAPI-targeted imaging, 67/154 shoulders (43.5%) demonstrated increased radiotracer accumulation in target lesions, which were distributed as follows: acromioclavicular (AC) joints in 25/67 (37.3%), followed by glenohumeral and subacromial (GH + SA) joints in 23/67 (34.3%), or both (AC and GH + SA joints) in the remaining 19/67 (28.4%). Ga-68 FAPI-04 correlated with quantified F-18 FDG uptake (r = 0.69, p < 0.0001). Relative to the latter radiotracer, however, in-vivo FAP expression in the shoulders was significantly increased (Ga-68 FAPI-04, 4.7 ± 3.2 vs F-18 FDG, 3.6 ± 1.3, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed focal accumulation of Ga-68 FAPI-04 in the shoulders, particularly in the AC joints, with higher uptake compared to the inflammatory-directed PET radiotracer F-18 FDG in oncological studies. As a result, further trials are warranted to investigate the potential of FAPI-directed molecular imaging in identifying chronic remodeling in shoulder joints. This could have implications for initiating anti-FAP targeted photodynamic therapy based on PET signal strength.

Harms reporting in randomized controlled trials underpinning the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guidelines for glenohumeral osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. As such, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has developed clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to address the management of glenohumeral osteoarthritis. These CPG recommendations stem from the findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which have been shown to influence clinical decision making and health policy. Therefore, it is essential that trial outcomes, including harms data (ie, adverse events), are adequately reported. We intend to evaluate the reporting quality of harms-related data in orthopedic literature specifically relating to AAOS CPG recommendations on the management of glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

METHODS

We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) as well as guidance for reporting meta-research. The AAOS CPGs for glenohumeral osteoarthritis were obtained from orthoguidelines.org, and 2 authors independently screened the guidelines for the RCTs referenced. A total of 14 studies were identified. Data were extracted from the 14 included studies independently by the same 2 authors. Adherence to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Extension for Harms Checklist was assessed using an 18-item scoring chart, with 1 point being awarded for meeting a checklist item and 0 points being awarded for not meeting a checklist item. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, percentages, and 95% confidence intervals were used to summarize RCT adherence to the CONSORT checklist.

RESULTS

The average score among the studies included was 7.36/18 items (39% adherence). No study adhered to all criteria, with the highest-performing study meeting 11 of 18 items (58%) and the lowest meeting 3 of 18 items (16%). A positive correlation between checklist score and year of publication was observed, with studies published more recently receiving a higher score on the CONSORT checklist (P < .05). Studies that disclosed funding information received a higher score than those that did not (P < .05), but there was no significant difference when the different funding sources were compared. Finally, double-blinded studies scored higher on the checklist than those with lower levels of blinding (single or no blinding, P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Adverse events are poorly reported amongst RCTs cited as supporting evidence for AAOS Management of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis CPGs, evidenced by a CONSORT checklist compliance rate of only 41% in this study. We recommend the development of an updated checklist with information that makes it easier for authors to recognize, evaluate, and report on harms data. Additionally, we encourage authors to include information about adverse events or negative outcomes in the abstract.

[Shoulder-clinical introduction]

BACKGROUND

Radiological imaging plays a significant role in the diagnostics of shoulder pathologies. Based on a patient's medical history, physical examination and radiological imaging, it is possible to plan the further conservative or surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVES

Common pathologies of the shoulder and the correct radiological imaging are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

A rational and targeted use of radiological imaging, together with the medical history and physical examination allows correct diagnosis of pathologies of the shoulder joint.

A comprehensive analysis of age and 30-day complications following total shoulder arthroplasty: nonagenarians, octogenarians, and septuagenarians

Background

Increased age is a well-known risk factor for development of osteoarthritis. Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is a common treatment option for patients with severe glenohumeral osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the septuagenarian, octogenarian, and nonagenarian populations and postoperative outcomes following TSA.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients who underwent TSA between 2015 and 2020. Patients were divided into cohorts based on age: sexagenarians (60-69), septuagenarians (70-79), octogenarians (80-89), and nonagenarians (90+). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associations between age and postoperative complications.

Results

On bivariate analysis, compared to sexagenarians, septuagenarians were significantly associated with higher rates of myocardial infarction (P = .038), blood transfusion (P < .001), organ/space surgical site infection (P = .048), readmission (P = .005), and nonhome discharge (P < .001. Compared to septuagenarians, octogenarians were significantly associated with higher rates of urinary tract infection (P < .001), blood transfusion (P < .001), readmission (P = .002), non-home discharge (P < .001), and mortality (P = .027). Compared to octogenarians, nonagenarians were significantly associated with higher rates of sepsis (P = .013), pneumonia (P = .003), reintubation (P = .009), myocardial infarction (P < .001), blood transfusion (P < .001), readmission (P = .026), nonhome discharge (P < .001), and mortality (P < .001).

Conclusion

From age 60, each decade of age was identified to be an increasingly significant predictor for blood transfusion, readmission, and nonhome discharge following TSA. From age 70, each decade of age was additionally identified to be an increasingly significant predictor for mortality.

Clinical and Biochemical Implications of Hyaluronic Acid in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Review

Hyaluronic acid (HA) naturally occurs as a biopolymer in the human body, primarily in connective tissues like joints and skin. Functioning as a vital element of synovial fluid, it lubricates joints, facilitating fluid movement and diminishing bone friction to protect articular well-being. Its distinctive attributes encompass notable viscosity and water retention capacities, ensuring flexibility and absorbing shock during motion. Furthermore, HA has gained significant attention for its potential benefits in various medical applications, including rehabilitation. Ongoing research explores its properties and functions, especially its biomedical applications in several clinical trials, with a focus on its role in improving rehabilitation outcomes. But the clinical and biochemical implications of HA in musculoskeletal rehabilitation have yet to be fully explored. This review thoroughly investigates the properties and functions of HA while highlighting its biomedical applications in different clinical trials, with a special emphasis on its role in rehabilitation. The presented findings provide evidence that HA, as a natural substance, enhances the outcomes of musculoskeletal rehabilitation through its exceptional mechanical and biochemical effects.

Clinical Diagnosis of Common Overlapping Shoulder and Cervical Spine Disorders: A Review of Current Evidence

» Pain in the shoulder is a common orthopaedic complaint that can be caused by shoulder or neck pathologies.» Shoulder and neck pathologies often coexist, among which one may be a predisposing factor for the other.» History, physical examination, and diagnostic injections can be used to discern the cause of shoulder pain and guide treatment.

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis: what the surgeon needs from the radiologist

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) is a widely prevalent disease with increasing frequency due to population aging. Both clinical manifestations and radiography play key roles in the initial diagnosis, staging, and management decisions. Radiographic disease progression evaluation is performed using validated staging systems, such as Kellgren and Lawrence, Samilson, and Hamada. For young patients with mild to moderate GHOA and failed conservative treatment, arthroscopic preservation surgery (APS) is usually considered. Older patients and those with severe GHOA benefit from different types of arthroplasties. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for APS surgical planning, as it maps repairable labral, cartilage, and rotator cuff lesions. For arthroplasty planning, the status of glenoid cartilage and intactness of rotator cuff as well as glenoid morphology represent key factors guiding the decision regarding the most suitable hardware design, whether resurfacing, partial, total, or reverse joint replacement. Pre-surgical MRI or alternatively computed tomography arthrogram is employed to evaluate the cartilage and rotator cuff. Finally, three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) is indicated to optimally assess the glenoid morphology (to determine Walch classification, version, inclination, and bone loss) and analyze the necessity for glenoid osteotomy or graft augmentation to correct the glenoid structural abnormalities for future success and longevity of the shoulder implants or chosen constructs. Understanding the purpose of each imaging and treatment modality allows more efficient image interpretation. This article reviews the above concepts and details what a surgeon needs from a radiologist and could benefit from accurate reporting of preoperative imaging studies.

Comparing Outcomes After Referral to Physical Therapy for Patients With Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis Based on the Radiographic Osteoarthritis Severity: A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction Glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) is a common cause of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) that can frequently lead to pain and functional disability in patients throughout the world. GHOA can be managed with conservative or surgical interventions, although conservative interventions, such as physical therapy (PT), are generally first-line interventions depending on the severity of GHOA. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to examine how conventional PT impacts outcomes for patients with GHOA based on the severity of radiographic GHOA findings. Methods This study is a retrospective chart review of patients who were referred to PT for MSP and received PT in the outpatient setting between 2016 and 2022. Inclusion criteria were patients who received PT in the outpatient setting, received PT for MSP, had shoulder radiograph imaging within two years of initial PT evaluation, had more than one PT visit (i.e. attended a follow-up session after initial evaluation), and did not have a history of shoulder surgery. Primary outcome measures were pain, abduction active range-of-motion (AROM), and disability via the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH). Patients were divided into the No GHOA group (n=104), Mild GHOA group (n=61), and Moderate/Severe GHOA group (n=55) based on the radiographic GHOA severity. Results All included patients (n=220) had a mean age of 62.2 ± 12.4 years old with a mean number of PT visits of 7.8 ± 4.5 visits. There was initially a significant difference in the magnitude of pain improvement between the three groups based on radiographic severity of GHOA (Kruskal-Wallis H=6.038; p=0.049); however, post hoc testing revealed no significant difference between any of the three groups for pain improvement (p=0.061 to p=1.000). There was also no significant difference in the magnitude of abduction AROM improvement between the three groups based on the radiographic severity of GHOA (Kruskal-Wallis H=2.887; p=0.236). Finally, there was no significant difference in the magnitude of disability improvement via the Quick DASH between the three groups based on the radiographic severity of GHOA (Kruskal-Wallis H=0.156; p=0.925). Conclusion Patients with GHOA referred to PT experience small but statistically significant short-term improvements in pain, abduction AROM, and disability regardless of GHOA radiographic severity. There is no significant association between the magnitude of clinical improvement and the severity of radiographic GHOA. However, despite statistically significant improvements in pain, only patients with mild GHOA experienced clinically significant improvements in pain. Patients with GHOA, regardless of severity, may or may not experience clinically significant improvements in disability after PT.

Best-Fit Circle for the Replication of Humeral Head Anatomy in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Background

Anatomic restoration of the humeral head is critical for successful shoulder replacement. Accurate measurements of the humeral head are essential for anatomic substitution.

Purpose

To evaluate whether a best-fit circle of the humeral head, as determined from different projections of plain radiographs, can predict the humeral head implant size for either the left or right shoulder.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

Bilateral shoulder radiographs of 200 patients without arthropathy or other abnormal findings of the humeral head were evaluated. The best-fit circle was obtained based on 3 points: the medial and lateral endpoints of the anatomic neck and the lateral cortex below the greater tuberosity. This circle was drawn on 5 different radiographic projections (shoulder anteroposterior [AP], glenoid AP, outlet, axillary, and 30° caudal tilt) of the left and right shoulders of each patient, and the radius of each circle was measured. Agreement in the best-fit circle radius between the left and right shoulders was statistically analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). There were 2 independent blinded observers who performed each measurement twice to evaluate inter- and intraobserver reliability.

Results

Overall agreement in the radius between the right and left shoulders was excellent (all ICCs ≥0.990). The ICCs according to the radiographic view were 0.990 (95% CI, 0.986-0.993) for shoulder AP, 0.992 (95% CI, 0.989-0.995) for glenoid AP, 0.996 (95% CI, 0.994-0.997) for outlet, 0.994 (95% CI, 0.991-0.996) for axillary, and 0.993 (95% CI, 0.990-0.995) for 30° caudal tilt. Interobserver ICCs demonstrated a high level of precision: 0.987 (95% CI, 0.978-0.993) for shoulder AP, 0.986 (95% CI, 0.974-0.992) for glenoid AP, 0.974 (95% CI, 0.954-0.985) for outlet, 0.991 (95% CI, 0.984-0.995) for axillary, and 0.987 (95% CI, 0.977-0.993) for 30° caudal tilt. Intraobserver ICCs demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability: 0.983 (95% CI, 0.970-0.991) for shoulder AP, 0.989 (95% CI, 0.980-0.994) for glenoid AP, 0.987 (95% CI, 0.978-0.993) for outlet, 0.985 (95% CI, 0.973-0.991) for axillary, and 0.970 (95% CI, 0.947-0.983) for 30° caudal tilt.

Conclusion

The best-fit circle to calculate the ideal size of a humeral head implant was able to be determined from different projections of plain radiographs.

Clinical Relevance

Anatomic restoration of a deformed humeral head can be achieved using the best-fit circle of the contralateral humeral head as obtained from plain radiographs. This method can facilitate preoperative planning and postoperative evaluation in the anatomic restoration of the shoulder to avoid the problems of overstuffing.

Association between surgeon volume and patient outcomes after elective shoulder replacement surgery using data from the National Joint Registry and Hospital Episode Statistics for England: population based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between surgeon volume and patient outcomes after elective shoulder replacement surgery to improve patient outcomes and inform future resource planning for joint replacement surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Public and private hospitals in the United Kingdom, 2012-20.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 18 years or older who had shoulder replacement surgery, identified in the National Joint Registry, with linkage of participants in England to Hospital Episode Statistics data.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measure was revision surgery. Secondary outcome measures were reoperation within 12 months, serious adverse events, and prolonged hospital stay (>3 nights) after shoulder replacement surgery.

RESULTS

39 281 shoulder replacement procedures undertaken by 638 consultant surgeons at 416 surgical units met the inclusion criteria and were available for analysis. Multilevel mixed effects models and restricted cubic splines were fit to examine the association between a surgeon's mean annual volume and risk of adverse patient outcomes, with a minimum volume threshold of 10.4 procedures yearly identified. Below this threshold the risk of revision surgery was significantly increased, as much as twice that of surgeons with the lowest risk (hazard ratio 1.94, 95% confidence interval 1.27 to 2.97). A greater mean annual surgical volume was also associated with a significantly lower risk of reoperations, fewer serious adverse events, and shorter hospital stay, with no thresholds identified. Annual variation in surgeon volume was not associated with any of the outcomes assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

In the healthcare system represented by these registry data, an association was found between surgeons who averaged more than 10.4 shoulder replacements yearly and lower rates of revision surgery and reoperation, lower risk of serious adverse events, and shorter hospital stays. These findings should inform resource planning for surgical services and joint replacement surgery waiting lists and improve patient outcomes after shoulder replacement surgery.

Imaging for patients presenting with a painful shoulder

Shoulder pain is a common cause of musculoskeletal presentation in primary care, where both traumatic and atraumatic pathologies can also lead to emergency department attendances. This article discusses common acute and chronic presentations of a painful shoulder, looking at the typical history of patients presenting with a painful shoulder, examination findings and the most appropriate imaging modalities to consider. Strengths and weaknesses of each imaging modality are discussed along with their role in aiding diagnosis, as well as management of the various pathologies encountered in primary and secondary care.

Comprehensive arthroscopic management without axillary nerve release or subacromial decompression achieves satisfactory and durable results in young patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis

PURPOSE

The comprehensive arthroscopic management (CAM) procedure is a useful joint-preserving option for young or active patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA). Our objective was to evaluate the results and prognostic factors of the CAM procedure without direct axillary nerve release or subacromial decompression.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study among patients with GHOA who underwent the CAM procedure was conducted. Neither axillary nerve neurolysis nor subacromial decompression was performed. Both primary and secondary GHOA were considered; the latter was defined as a history of shoulder pathology (mainly instability or proximal humerus fracture). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale, Simple Shoulder Test, Visual Analogue Scale, activity level, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, EuroQol 5 Dimensions 3 Levels, Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, and active range of motion (aROM) were analysed.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients who underwent the CAM procedure met the inclusion criteria. After a mean follow-up of 42.4 ± 22.9 months, we found improvement (p < 0.001) in all postoperative values of the different scales. The procedure increased aROM overall. Patients with arthropathy due to instability showed worse results. The rate of CAM failures, defined as conversion to shoulder arthroplasty, was 12%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the CAM procedure without direct axillary nerve neurolysis or subacromial decompression might be a valid alternative in active patients with advanced GHOA to improve shoulder function (aROM and scores), decrease pain, and delay arthroplasty. This technique showed good subjective functional scores, high patient satisfaction, and a low rate of complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

The role of the anterior shoulder joint capsule in primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis

The pathogenesis of primary glenohumeral arthritis (GHOA) is mediated by a complex interaction between osseous anatomy and the surrounding soft tissues. Recently, there has been growing interest in characterizing the association between the anterior shoulder joint capsule and primary GHOA because of the potential for targeted treatment interventions. Emerging evidence has shown substantial synovitis, fibrosis, and mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate in the anterior capsule of osteoarthritic shoulders. In addition, increased thickening of the anterior shoulder joint capsule has been associated with greater posterior glenoid wear and humeral head subluxation. While these findings suggest that anterior capsular disease may play a causative role in the etiology and progression of eccentric GHOA, further studies are needed to support this association. The purpose of this article is to review the pathogenesis of primary GHOA, contextualize current hypotheses regarding the role of the anterior capsule in the disease process, and provide directions for future research.

Effect of obesity on short- and long-term complications of shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The proportion of patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with obesity continues to grow every year in the United States. Although comorbid obesity is common among TSA patients, the relationship of obesity on medical and surgical complications remains debated. The goal of this study was to evaluate a national database for postoperative medical and surgical complications in patients undergoing TSA with comorbid obesity.

METHODS

Patients undergoing anatomic and reverse TSA were studied in the PearlDiver database. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes were used to compare patients with and without preoperative obesity who underwent TSA, and they were stratified based on body mass index (BMI) into nonobese, obese, morbidly obese, and superobese. A matched comparison was performed at a 1:1 ratio based on age, sex, diabetes, smoking, tobacco use, and Charlson Comorbidity Index.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2020, a total of 113,634 patients undergoing anatomic or reverse TSA were identified in a national database. During this time, the percentage of TSA patients with obesity increased every year. Matched cohort analysis demonstrated higher odds of readmission, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, superficial infection, and prosthetic joint infection at 90 days postoperatively in the obesity group. There were no increased odds of mechanical complications or revision surgery at 2 years in the obesity group when matched to nonobese patients with similar comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

The number of patients undergoing TSA with obesity is rising. Medical complications and infection after TSA are greater in obese patients even when matching for medical comorbidities, age, and sex, and rates of complication increase as BMI increases. Obesity is not an independent risk factor for mechanical surgical complications and revision surgery, and the relatively higher rates are likely due to an increased burden of other comorbidities. Surgeons should counsel obese patients appropriately regarding their perioperative risk of medical complication, but they should not expect higher rates of mechanical complication or revision surgery at 2-year follow-up when compared to a matched control group with similar comorbidities.

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.

Total shoulder arthroplasty vs. hemiarthroplasty in patients with primary glenohumeral arthritis with intact rotator cuff: meta-analysis using the ratio of means

BACKGROUND

Glenohumeral arthritis is a degenerative disease of the shoulder joint. There is limited evidence in the literature in superiority of outcomes between total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) for patients when the rotator cuff is intact. The purpose of this systematic review was to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and rate of complication between these 2 interventions in patients with primary glenohumeral arthritis and an intact rotator cuff. Previous systematic reviews have focused only on results from randomized controlled trials, demonstrating mixed outcomes in PROMs and no difference in postoperative complications or rate of revision. Our study is the first, to our knowledge, to assess all comparative studies including prospective and retrospective observational studies, assessing a combined 1317 patients. Using the ratio of means, data from different PROMs were pooled to analyze and compare the total combined relative effect change following intervention.

METHODS

We undertook literature review of the reference databases until March 2021. We included randomized controlled trials in addition to comparative observational studies and case series (more than 10 patients). Study participants were adults who had primary glenohumeral arthritis with an intact rotator cuff. Meta-analysis was performed by the ratio of means for PROMs and risk ratio for revision and complication data.

RESULTS

Comparing clinical outcome of TSA against HA from 10 studies, meta-analyses using ratio of means demonstrated an 8% significantly improved relative increase in the postoperative PROMs in the TSA cohort (ratio of means 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-1.12, P < .01). The TSA cohort additionally demonstrated a significantly lower revision rate (relative risk 1.84, 95% CI 1.05-3.24, P = .03). Although the risk of complication was nonsignificant, pooling revision and complications data revealed a 2-fold increased risk in the HA group compared with TSA (relative risk 2.09, 95% CI 1.17-3.74, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff, TSA is favored to HA in terms of clinical outcome, risk of revision surgery, and postoperative complications.

Inpatients with shoulder osteoarthritis who received integrative Korean medicine treatment: Long-term follow-up of an observation study

This study aimed to investigate the long-term clinical efficacy of and satisfaction with integrative Korean medicine (KM) treatment in patients with shoulder osteoarthritis (SOA). We conducted a prospective observational study of patients with SOA. Patients aged 19 years and older who underwent inpatient treatment for more than 1 week were eligible for enrollment in the study. The primary evaluation index was the numeric rating scale for shoulder pain. Sub-evaluation indices included the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index for shoulder function, EuroQol-5-dimension score for overall quality of life, and Patient Global Impression of Change. Outcome measures were assessed at admission, discharge, and follow-up. For the follow-up questionnaire survey, the following information was collected: current status, surgery after discharge, reasons for finding integrative KM treatment satisfactory/unsatisfactory, and quality of life after discharge. In total, 186 patients were enrolled in the primary analysis, and 103 patients completed the follow-up survey. The mean number of days of follow-up was 1019 ± 439. Compared with the baseline, the mean differences in the numeric rating scale and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index were 3.05 ± 0.34 and 36.06 ± 5.53, respectively. Regarding the Patient Global Impression of Change, 89 out of 103 (86.4%) patients chose "minimally improved" or better. Furthermore, the EuroQol-5-dimension score also increased, showing an improvement of health-related quality of life after treatment. Integrative KM treatment is a potential option for reducing pain severity and improving function and health-related quality of life in patients with SOA. Prospective randomized studies would support this finding for the next step.

Arthritis Severity and Medical Comorbidities Are Prognostic of Worse Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Patients With Concomitant Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis

Purpose

To assess demographic factors, comorbidities, radiographic variables, and injury patterns as potential prognostic indicators of poor functional and patient-reported outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients with concomitant glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis who underwent arthroscopic supraspinatus repairs between 2013 and 2018 with a minimum of 1-year follow up was performed. Demographic variables included age, tobacco use, alcohol use, diabetes, sex, hypercholesterolemia, and body mass index while injury patterns included partial- versus full-thickness tear, bicep tendon involvement, and osteoarthritis severity. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify independent predictors of visual analog pain scale (VAS), subjective shoulder value (SSV), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score as well as active range of motion (ROM) in forward flexion (FF) and external rotation (ER). Binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors of repair failure as well as postoperative strength in FF and ER.

Results

In total, 91 patients (mean age 61.48 ± 9.4 years) were identified with an average follow up of 26.3 ± 5.7 months. Repair failures occurred in 9.9% (9/91 patients) of the total cohort. Postoperative outcomes were significantly improved with regards to visual analog pain scale, subjective shoulder value, ASES score, ROM in FF, FF strength, and external rotation strength compared with preoperative baseline. Obesity (P = .023) and diabetes (P = .010) were significant independent predictors of greater pain scores postoperatively. Obesity (P = .029) and tobacco use (P = .007) were significant predictors of lower ASES scores postoperatively. Finally, moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis was a significant risk factor for poor ROM and strength in FF postoperatively compared to mild osteoarthritis (P = .029). No variables were predictive of repair failure.

Conclusions

Tobacco use, obesity, and diabetes are associated with worse pain and patient-reported outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in the context of glenohumeral OA. In addition, moderate-to-severe OA is associated with worse strength and forward flexion compared to those with mild OA.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

NOD/RIPK2 signalling pathway contributes to osteoarthritis susceptibility

OBJECTIVES

How inflammatory signalling contributes to osteoarthritis (OA) susceptibility is undetermined. An allele encoding a hyperactive form of the Receptor Interacting Protein Kinase 2 (RIPK2) proinflammatory signalling intermediate has been associated with familial OA. To test whether altered nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD)/RIPK2 pathway activity causes heightened OA susceptibility, we investigated whether variants affecting additional pathway components are associated with familial OA. To determine whether the Ripk2104Asp disease allele is sufficient to account for the familial phenotype, we determined the effect of the allele on mice.

METHODS

Genomic analysis of 150 independent families with dominant inheritance of OA affecting diverse joints was used to identify coding variants that segregated strictly with occurrence of OA. Genome editing was used to introduce the OA-associated RIPK2 (p.Asn104Asp) allele into the genome of inbred mice. The consequences of the Ripk2104Asp disease allele on physiology and OA susceptibility in mice were measured by histology, immunohistochemistry, serum cytokine levels and gene expression.

RESULTS

We identified six novel variants affecting components of the NOD/RIPK2 inflammatory signalling pathway that are associated with familial OA affecting the hand, shoulder or foot. The Ripk2104Asp allele acts dominantly to alter basal physiology and response to trauma in the mouse knee. Whereas the knees of uninjured Ripk2Asp104 mice appear normal histologically, the joints exhibit a set of marked gene expression changes reminiscent of overt OA. Although the Ripk2104Asp mice lack evidence of chronically elevated systemic inflammation, they do exhibit significantly increased susceptibility to post-traumatic OA (PTOA).

CONCLUSIONS

Two types of data support the hypothesis that altered NOD/RIPK2 signalling confers susceptibility to OA.

Simultaneous bilateral shoulder arthroplasty: a case series

BACKGROUND

Staged bilateral shoulder arthroplasty procedures have been shown to have good functional outcomes. The next step is to explore the option of simultaneous bilateral shoulder arthroplasty (SBSA). We report on the first case series of SBSA in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and postoperative complication profile of SBSA and provide a technique reference for surgeons considering performing or investigating this procedure.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective record review of all the SBSA procedures performed by the senior author between 2007 and 2020. Patient demographic characteristics, surgical information, and postoperative data were collected. Data were compiled, and means, standard deviations, and ranges were calculated. Any readmissions or postoperative complications requiring revision were noted. A cohort of patients matched for age, sex, and body mass index with staged (sequential) bilateral total shoulder arthroplasty was analyzed for comparison.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were identified in the simultaneous group (SBSA). The mean age was 64 ± 15 years, with 9 women (69%) and 4 men (31%); the mean body mass index was 29.1 ± 7.5. The mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.55 ± 0.7, average blood loss was 364 ± 170 mL (range, 50-600 mL), 5 of 13 patients (38%) underwent blood transfusions, and the mean surgical time was 183 ± 42 minutes. Postoperatively, the mean visual analog scale pain score on postoperative day 1 was 4 ± 2 (range, 0-7), and the mean length of stay was 3.3 days. Postoperative complications included urinary tract infections in 2 patients, urinary retention in 2 patients, and recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 1 patient. No patient was readmitted within 90 days of surgery. One patient underwent a reoperation 2 years postoperatively for symptomatic hardware removal (cerclage cables around the tuberosities). A matched cohort of staged bilateral total shoulder arthroplasty patients was analyzed for comparison. Postoperative complications in the staged group included 1 reverse total shoulder arthroplasty patient with subjective instability that was managed with additional physical therapy. There were no documented readmissions within 90 days or revision arthroplasty procedures in either cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

SBSA is a reasonable procedure that can be useful in select patients, with promising short-term safety noted in this series. Prospective randomized studies are needed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Pilot study for treatment of symptomatic shoulder arthritis utilizing cooled radiofrequency ablation: a novel technique

OBJECTIVE

To introduce cooled radiofrequency nerve ablation (C-RFA) as an alternative to managing symptomatically moderate to severe glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) in patients who have failed other conservative treatments and who are not surgical candidates or refuse surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective pilot study includes a total of 12 patients experiencing chronic shoulder pain from moderate to severe glenohumeral OA. Patients underwent anesthetic blocks of the axillary, lateral pectoral, and suprascapular nerves to determine candidacy for C-RFA treatment. Adequate response after anesthetic block was over 50% immediate pain relief. Once patients were deemed candidates, they underwent C-RFA of the three nerves 2-3 weeks later. Treatment response was evaluated using the clinically validated American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and visual analog scale (VAS) to assess pain, stiffness, and functional activities of daily living. Follow-up outcome scores were collected up to 6 months after C-RFA procedure.

RESULTS

Twelve patients underwent C-RFA procedure for shoulder OA. VAS scores significantly improved from 8.8 ± 0.6 to 2.2 ± 0.4 6 months after the C-RFA treatment (p < 0.001). Patient's ASES score results significantly improved in total ASES from 17.2 ± 6.6 to 65.7 ± 5.9 (p < 0.0005). No major complications arose. No patients received re-treatment or underwent shoulder arthroplasty.

CONCLUSION

Image-guided axillary, lateral pectoral, and suprascapular nerve C-RFA has minimal complications and is a promising alternative to treat chronic shoulder pain and stiffness from glenohumeral arthritis.

Clinical and radiographic assessment of peripheral joints in controlled acromegaly

PURPOSE

Acromegalic arthropathy is a well-known phenomenon, occurring in most patients regardless of disease status. To date, solely hips, knees, hands, and spinal joints have been radiographically assessed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of joint symptoms and radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) of new, and established peripheral joint sites in well-controlled acromegaly.

METHODS

Fifty-one acromegaly patients (56% female, mean age 64 ± 12 years) in long-term remission for 18.3 years (median, IQR 7.2-25.4) were included. Nineteen patients currently received pharmacological treatment. Self-reported joint complaints were assessed using standardized interviews. Self-reported disability of the upper and lower limbs, and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Radiographic OA [defined as Kellgren & Lawrence (KL) ≥ 2] was scored using (modified) KL methods.

RESULTS

Radiographic signs of OA were present in 46 patients (90.2%) with ≥ 2 joints affected in virtually all of these patients (N = 44; 95.7%). Radiographic MTP1 OA was as prevalent as radiographic knee OA (N = 26, 51.0%), and radiographic glenohumeral OA was similarly prevalent as hip OA [N = 21 (41.2%) vs. N = 24 (47.1%)]. Risk factors for radiographic glenohumeral OA were higher pre-treatment IGF-1 levels [OR 1.06 (1.01-1.12), P = 0.021], and current pharmacological treatment [OR 5.01 (1.03-24.54), P = 0.047], whereas no risk factors for MTP1 joint OA could be identified.

CONCLUSION

Similar to previously-assessed peripheral joints, clinical and radiographic arthropathy of the shoulder and feet were prevalent in controlled acromegaly. Further studies on adequate management strategies of acromegalic arthropathy are needed.

Outcomes after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears in the setting of mild to moderate glenohumeral osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Rotator cuff pathology is a very common source of shoulder pain. Similarly, osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint can cause shoulder pain and produce similar symptoms. Surgical management can be indicated for both pathologies, however, outcomes data is limited when examining rotator cuff repair (RCR) in the setting of glenohumeral arthritis (GHOA). Thus, this study sought to determine outcomes for patients who undergo RCR in the setting of GHOA.

AIM

To evaluate if a relationship exists between outcomes of RCR in the setting of GHOA.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with concurrent glenohumeral osteoarthritis between 2010-2017. Patients were stratified based on rotator cuff tear size and glenohumeral osteoarthritis severity. Cohorts were paired 1:1 with patients without glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Patients included had a minimum two year follow-up. Rate of conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty, complication rates following initial surgery, and patient-reported outcome measures were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 142 patients were included. The number of patients that required total shoulder arthroplasty within two years after index surgery was low. 2/71 (2.8%) patients with GHOA, and 1/71 (1.4%) without GHOA. Following rotator cuff repair, both groups showed favorable patient-reported outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair showed comparable outcomes to patients without glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

A finite element model of the shoulder: application to the changes of biomechanical environment induced by postoperative malrotation of humeral shaft fracture

Objectives

The humerus fracture is one of the most commonly occurring fractures. In this research, we attempted to evaluate and compare the extent of malrotation and biomechanical environment after surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures.

Methods

A finite element (FE) model of the shoulder was built based on Computed Tomography (CT) data of a patient with a humeral shaft fracture. The muscle group around the shoulder joint was simulated by spring elements. The changes of shoulder stresses under rotation were analyzed. The biomechanics of the normal shoulder and postoperative malrotation of the humeral shaft was analyzed and compared.

Results

During rotations, the maximum stress was centered in the posterosuperior part of the glenoid for the normal shoulder. The von Mises shear stresses were 4.40 MPa and 4.89 MPa at 40° of internal and external rotations, respectively. For internal rotation deformity, the shear contact forces were 7–9 times higher for the shoulder internally rotated 40° than for the normal one. For external rotation deformity, the shear contact forces were about 3–5 times higher for the shoulder with 40° external rotation than the normal one.

Conclusion

Postoperative malrotation of humeral shaft fracture induced the changes of the biomechanical environment of the shoulders. The peak degree of malrotation was correlated with increased stresses of shoulders, which could be paid attention to in humeral shaft fracture treatment. We hoped to provide information about the biomechanical environment of humeral malrotation.

Clinical outcomes of rotator cuff repair in patients with concomitant glenohumeral osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) is a common comorbidity in patients with rotator cuff tears. However, the efficacy of rotator cuff repair in patients with concomitant glenohumeral OA is still heavily debated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcome measures following arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs in patients with concomitant glenohumeral OA vs. those without glenohumeral OA.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 206 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic supraspinatus repairs (both isolated and with accompanying infraspinatus and/or subscapularis involvement) between 2013 and 2018 with a minimum of 1-year follow-up was performed. Patients were separated into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of concomitant glenohumeral OA. The primary outcome was failure of repair, defined as the need for revision repair or a retear confirmed on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcome measures including the visual analog scale pain score, Subjective Shoulder Value, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score; active range of motion (ROM); and strength testing. Within the OA cohort, a subgroup analysis was conducted to compare outcomes between patients with mild OA and patients with moderate to severe OA.

RESULTS

There were 91 patients in the glenohumeral OA group and 115 patients in the control group. Significant differences in postoperative forward flexion (FF) ROM (153.55° ± 21.07° vs. 160.14° ± 17.26°, P = .001) and external rotation (ER) ROM (46.91° ± 11.95° vs. 52.25° ± 11.60°, P = .001) were observed between the glenohumeral OA and control groups. There were no significant differences between groups in revision repairs, retears, postoperative internal rotation ROM, all preoperative ROMs, all patient-reported outcome measures, and all strength parameters (all P > .05). For the subgroup analysis, there were 70 patients in the mild OA group and 21 patients in the moderate to severe OA group. We found a significant difference in postoperative FF strength (88.4% vs. 61.9% with 5 of 5 strength, P = .010) and ER strength (89.9% vs. 71.4% with 5 of 5 strength, P = .046) between the mild OA group and moderate to severe OA group. There were no significant differences between the groups in all other outcome measures.

DISCUSSION

Rotator cuff repair remains an excellent treatment option in patients with concomitant glenohumeral OA. The data in this study demonstrate that rotator cuff repairs in patients with concomitant glenohumeral OA have similar clinical and functional outcomes to repairs in patients without OA with the exception of slightly decreased postoperative FF and ER ROM. Patients with moderate to severe OA may have slightly decreased FF and ER strength outcomes compared with patients with mild OA.

Etiologic Factors of Rotator Cuff Disease in Elderly: Modifiable Factors in Addition to Known Demographic Factors

With the aging society, musculoskeletal degenerative diseases are becoming a burden on society, and rotator cuff disease is one of these degenerative diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of shoulder osteoarthritis and the etiologic factors of rotator cuff disease in the Korean elderly population. A total of 102 patients performing ultrasonography were recruited, and their demographic factors were analyzed. As functional factors, visual analog scale and the peak torque of external and internal rotators of the shoulder using an isokinetic dynamometer were measured. As an anatomical factor, the acromiohumeral distance in the plain radiograph of the glenohumeral anterior-posterior view was used. There were more female patients (65.7%) than male patients (34.3%). The age range with the highest number of respondents was 50–59 years old. The mean visual analogue score was 4.09 (Min 1 to Max 9). Age and dominant hand side factors appear to be the crucial etiologic factors of the presence and severity of rotator cuff disease. The lower net value of the external rotator strength is weakly related to the presence of rotator cuff disease after adjusting for age, and this is the only modifiable factor in the study.

An up to date on clinical prospects and management of osteoarthritis

The rising prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) in the general population has necessitated the development of novel treatment options. It is critical to recognize the joint as a separate entity participating in degenerative processes, as well as the multifaceted nature of OA. OA is incurable because there is currently no medication that can stop or reverse cartilage or bone loss. As this point of view has attracted attention, more research is being directed toward determining how the various joint components are impacted and how they contribute to OA pathogenesis. Over the next few years, several prospective therapies focusing on inflammation, cartilage metabolism, subchondral bone remodelling, cellular senescence, and the peripheral nociceptive pathway are predicted to transform the OA therapy landscape. Stem cell therapies and the use of various biomaterials to target articular cartilage (AC) and osteochondral tissues are now being investigated in considerable detail. Currently, laboratory-made cartilage tissues are on the verge of being used in clinical settings. This review focuses on the update of clinical prospects and management of osteoarthritis, as well as future possibilities for the treatment of OA.

•

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a general term that incorporates several different joint diseases.

•

The exact pathophysiology of OA remains unclear.

•

OA is incurable because there is currently no medication that can stop or reverse cartilage or bone loss.

•

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most frequently prescribed medications to alleviate arthritic discomfort.

•

Stem cell therapies to target articular cartilage and osteochondral tissues are now under investigation.

Humeral Head Morphology Influences Outcomes of Arthroscopic Interposition Glenoid Patch Allograft for Glenohumeral Arthritis

Purpose

To determine short- to midterm patient-reported outcomes of arthroscopic soft-tissue interposition arthroplasty using acellular dermal allograft with a minimum follow-up of 1 year and to assess outcomes in patients with and without flattening of the humeral head.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of primary glenohumeral arthritis who underwent arthroscopic soft-tissue interposition arthroplasty with an acellular dermal allograft from July 2010 to November 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Inclusion criteria were a primary diagnosis of glenohumeral arthritis and Outerbridge 4 full-thickness cartilage loss of ≥50% of the glenoid articular surface. Patients underwent arthroscopic debridement, microfracture, and biological arthroscopic soft-tissue interposition arthroplasty with an acellular dermal matrix. Postoperative outcomes included American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, Penn Shoulder Score (PSS), numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score, analgesic use, and conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Results were stratified according to humeral head morphology on preoperative radiographs.

Results

A total of 25 patients were included, with a mean age of 56.0 years (range 19.2 to 74.8) and a mean follow-up of 3.36 years (range 1.03 to 8.98). The mean postoperative ASES score was 64.1 (range 11.7 to 100.0), SANE score was 62% (range 5% to 100%), and PSS was 61.2 (range 10.6 to 97.9). Additionally, 56% of patients rated their shoulder function as improved or much improved, and 36% of patients converted to TSA at a mean of 2.35 years. Patients with and without humeral flattening had similar postoperative ASES scores (P = .44), SANE scores (P = .90), PSS (P = .73), and conversions to TSA (P = .83). Patients with humeral flattening were more likely to have shoulder pain at night (83.3% versus 28.6%, P = .02).

Conclusion

Arthroscopic soft-tissue interposition arthroplasty with an acellular dermal allograft resulted in satisfactory short- to mid-term postoperative outcomes for younger patients with glenohumeral arthritis but demonstrated a TSA conversion rate of 36%. Patients with humeral head flattening also had satisfactory shoulder function but were more likely to experience shoulder pain at night.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic case series

The Causal Relationship Between Body Mass Index and the Risk of Osteoarthritis

Objective

The study aimed to explore the causal effect of body mass index (BMI) on osteoarthritis.

Methods

The genome-wide association data of BMI and osteoarthritis were obtained via the Mendelian randomization (MR)-base platform. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with BMI were identified and used as instrumental variables, and the causal relationship between BMI and osteoarthritis was examined using the two-sample MR research method. Three statistical methods including inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, weighted median estimator, and MR-Egger regression were employed.

Results

A total of 79 SNPs significantly associated with BMI were identified in the study (P<5×10⁻⁸; linkage disequilibrium r² <0.1). Consistent association between BMI and osteoarthritis was observed when evaluated by different methods (IVW: odds ratio (OR) 1.028, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.021–1.036; weighted median estimator: OR 1.028, 95% CI 1.019–1.037; MR-Egger regression: OR 1.028, 95% CI 1.009–1.046), which suggests that BMI is positively associated with increased risk of osteoarthritis. There was no evidence that the observed causal effect between BMI and the risk of osteoarthritis was affected by genetic pleiotropy (MR-Egger intercept 1.3×10⁻⁵, P=0.959).

Conclusion

The MR analysis provided the strong evidence to indicate that BMI might be causally associated with the risk of osteoarthritis.