Interobserver Agreement in the Classification of Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears Using the Snyder Classification System

Percutaneous bone marrow concentrate and platelet products versus exercise therapy for the treatment of rotator cuff tears: a randomized controlled, crossover trial with 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Surgical repair is recommended for the treatment of high-grade partial and full thickness rotator cuff tears, although evidence shows surgery is not necessarily superior to non-surgical therapy. The purpose of this study was to compare percutaneous orthobiologic treatment to a home exercise therapy program for supraspinatus tears.

METHODS

In this randomized-controlled, crossover design, participants with a torn supraspinatus tendon received either 'BMC treatment', consisting of a combination of autologous bone marrow concentrate (BMC) and platelet products, or underwent a home exercise therapy program. After three months, patients randomized to exercise therapy could crossover to receive BMC treatment if not satisfied with shoulder progression. Patient-reported outcomes of Numeric Pain Scale (NPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, (DASH), and a modified Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) were collected at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Pre- and post-treatment MRI were assessed using the Snyder Classification system.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were enrolled and randomized to the BMC treatment group (n = 34) or the exercise therapy group (n = 17). Significantly greater improvement in median ΔDASH, ΔNPS, and SANE scores were reported by the BMC treatment group compared to the exercise therapy group (-11.7 vs -3.8, P = 0.01; -2.0 vs 0.5, P = 0.004; and 50.0 vs 0.0, P < 0.001; respectively) after three months. Patient-reported outcomes continued to progress through the study's two-year follow-up period without a serious adverse event. Of patients with both pre- and post-treatment MRIs, a majority (73%) showed evidence of healing post-BMC treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients reported significantly greater changes in function, pain, and overall improvement following BMC treatment compared to exercise therapy for high grade partial and full thickness supraspinatus tears.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This protocol was registered with www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov (NCT01788683; 11/02/2013).

Developing a machine learning algorithm to predict probability of retear and functional outcomes in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair surgery: protocol for a retrospective, multicentre study

INTRODUCTION

The effectiveness of rotator cuff tear repair surgery is influenced by multiple patient-related, pathology-centred and technical factors, which is thought to contribute to the reported retear rates between 17% and 94%. Adequate patient selection is thought to be essential in reaching satisfactory results. However, no clear consensus has been reached on which factors are most predictive of successful surgery. A clinical decision tool that encompassed all aspects is still to be made. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms use complex self-learning models that can be used to make patient-specific decision-making tools. The aim of this study is to develop and train an algorithm that can be used as an online available clinical prediction tool, to predict the risk of retear in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a retrospective, multicentre, cohort study using pooled individual patient data from multiple studies of patients who have undergone rotator cuff repair and were evaluated by advanced imaging for healing at a minimum of 6 months after surgery. This study consists of two parts. Part one: collecting all potential factors that might influence retear risks from retrospective multicentre data, aiming to include more than 1000 patients worldwide. Part two: combining all influencing factors into a model that can clinically be used as a prediction tool using machine learning.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

For safe multicentre data exchange and analysis, our Machine Learning Consortium adheres to the WHO regulation 'Policy on Use and Sharing of Data Collected by WHO in Member States Outside the Context of Public Health Emergencies'. The study results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Institutional Review Board approval does not apply to the current study protocol.

Can We Apply Snyder's Arthroscopic Classification to Ultrasound for Evaluating Rotator Cuff Tears? A Comparative Study with MR Arthrography

We aimed to demonstrate the applicability of Snyder's arthroscopic classification of rotator cuff tears (RCT) in shoulder ultrasound (US) and to compare it with MR arthrography (MRA). Forty-six patients (34 males; mean age:34 ± 14 years) underwent shoulder US and MRA. Two radiologists (R1 = 25 years of experience; R2 = 2 years of experience) assigned A1-4, B1-4, or C1-4 values depending on the extent of RCT in both US and MRA. Inter-reader intra-modality and intra-reader inter-modality agreement were calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient. US sensitivity and specificity of both readers were calculated using MRA as the gold standard. Patients were divided into intact cuff vs. tears, mild (A1/B1) vs. moderate (A2-3/B2-3) tears, mild-moderate (A2/B2) vs. high-moderate (A3/B3) cuff tears, moderate (A2-3/B2-3) vs. advanced (A4/B4) and full-thickness (C) tears. The highest agreement values in inter-reader US evaluation were observed for mild-moderate vs. high-moderate RCT (K = 0.745), in inter-reader MRA evaluation for mild vs. moderate RCT (K = 0.821), in R1 inter-modality (US-MRA) for mild-moderate vs. high-moderate and moderate vs. advanced/full-thickness RCT (K = 1.000), in R2 inter-modality (US-MRA) for moderate vs. advanced/full-thickness RCT (K = 1.000). US sensitivity ranged from 88.89%(R1)-84.62%(R2) to 100% (both readers), while specificity from 77.78%(R1)-90.00%(R2) to 100% (both readers). Snyder's classification can be used in US to ensure the correct detection and characterization of RCT.

The effect of single-dose, preoperative intravenous tranexamic acid on early postoperative pain scores after rotator cuff repair: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is commonly used in upper and lower limb arthroplasty to limit blood loss and postoperative hematoma formation. The role of TXA in rotator cuff repair (RCR) surgery is less defined. This trial assessed the effect of preoperative TXA on early postoperative pain scores.

METHODS

A randomized double-blind trail was conducted in 89 patients undergoing RCR. Patients were randomized to either 2 g of intravenous TXA or placebo at induction. The primary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS)-pain score at day 3 postoperation, with secondary outcomes including VAS-pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), and Constant scores at 2, 8, 24, and 52 weeks.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in VAS-pain scores between groups at day 3 postoperation. Pain scores were significantly better in the TXA group at 8 weeks. There was no difference between groups at any time point in the ASES or Constant score. The TXA group had improved motion at 6 months with a reduced rate of secondary adhesive capsulitis.

CONCLUSION

TXA did not improve postoperative pain scores after RCR, however, patients who received the intervention demonstrated greater range of motion at 6 months with lower rates of secondary adhesive capsulitis.

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.

Diagnosis and Management of Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Comprehensive Review

Partial thickness rotator cuff tears (PRCTs) are a challenging disease entity. Optimal management of PRCTs continues to be controversial. Although advances in magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography have aided in early diagnosis, arthroscopic evaluation remains the benchmark for diagnosis. Conservative treatment is often the first line of management for most patients; however, evidence suggests that surgical intervention may limit tear progression and the long-term sequelae. Surgical decision making is driven by factors such as age, arm dominance, etiology, activity level, tear thickness, and tear location. Many surgical options have been described in the literature to treat PRCTs including arthroscopic débridement, transosseous, in situ repair techniques, and tear completion and repair. Biologic supplements have also become an attractive alternative to aid in healing; however, the long-term efficacy of these modalities is largely unknown. This article will provide a detailed review of the etiology and natural history of PRCTs, as well as diagnosis, and current management to guide clinical decision-making and formulate an algorithm for management of PRCTs for the orthopaedic surgeon.

In situ repair of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears: a critical analysis review

After failed conservative management, operative intervention is typically indicated for patients with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) with persistent pain and disability symptoms.

For PTRCTs involving < 50% of the tendon thickness, debridement with or without acromioplasty resulted in favourable outcomes in most studies.

For PTRCTs involving > 50% of the tendon thickness, in situ repair has proven to significantly improve pain and functional outcomes for articular and bursal PTRCTs.

The few available comparative studies in the literature showed similar functional and structural outcomes between in situ repair and repair after conversion to full-thickness tear for PTRCTs.

Most non-overhead athletes return to sports at the same level as previous to the injury after in situ repair of PTRCTs. However, rates of return to preinjury level of competition for overhead athletes have been generally poor regardless of the utilized technique.

During long-term follow-up, arthroscopic in situ repair of articular and bursal PTRCTs produced excellent functional outcomes in most patients, with a low rate of revision.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:138-144. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190010

Surgeon Agreement on the Presence of Pathologic Anterior Instability on Shoulder Imaging Studies

Background

In the setting of anterior shoulder instability, it is important to assess the reliability of orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose pathologic characteristics on the 2 most common imaging modalities used in clinical practice: standard plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Purpose

To assess the intra- and interrater reliability of diagnosing pathologic characteristics associated with anterior shoulder instability using standard plain radiographs and MRI.

Study Design

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Patient charts at a single academic institution were reviewed for anterior shoulder instability injuries. The study included 40 sets of images (20 radiograph sets, 20 MRI series). The images, along with standardized evaluation forms, were distributed to 22 shoulder/sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons over 2 points in time. Kappa values for inter- and intrarater reliability were calculated.

Results

The overall response rate was 91%. For shoulder radiographs, interrater agreement was fair to moderate for the presence of glenoid lesions (κ = 0.49), estimate of glenoid lesion surface area (κ = 0.59), presence of a Hill-Sachs lesion (κ = 0.35), and estimate of Hill-Sachs surface area (κ = 0.50). Intrarater agreement was moderate for radiographs (κ = 0.48-0.57). For shoulder MRI, interrater agreement was fair to moderate for the presence of glenoid lesions (κ = 0.44), glenoid lesion surface area (κ = 0.35), Hill-Sachs lesion (κ = 0.33), Hill-Sachs surface area (κ = 0.28), humeral head edema (κ = 0.41), and presence of a capsulolabral injury (κ = 0.36). Fair agreement was found for specific type of capsulolabral injury (κ = 0.21). Intrarater agreement for shoulder MRI was moderate for the presence of glenoid lesion (κ = 0.59), presence of a Hill-Sachs lesion (κ = 0.52), estimate of Hill-Sachs surface area (κ = 0.50), humeral head edema (κ = 0.51), and presence of a capsulolabral injury (κ = 0.53), and agreement was substantial for glenoid lesion surface area (κ = 0.63). Intrarater agreement was fair for determining the specific type of capsulolabral injury (κ = 0.38).

Conclusion

Fair to moderate agreement by surgeons was found when evaluating imaging studies for anterior shoulder instability. Agreement was similar for identifying pathologic characteristics on radiographs and MRI. There was a trend toward better agreement for the presence of glenoid-sided injury. The lowest agreement was observed for specific capsulolabral injuries.

Do Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears After a First-Time Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Dislocation in Young Athletes Influence the Outcome of Surgical Stabilization?

Background:

Because of the high risk for redislocations after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation with conservative treatment, recent publications have recommended early arthroscopic intervention, especially for young athletes. Concomitant rotator cuff tendon damage may occur when the shoulder dislocates; however, its presence and influence on clinical results have not been well described in this patient category.

Hypothesis:

In opposition to current opinion, a substantial number of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (APTRCTs) would be found at surgery after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in young athletes. However, the impact of these injuries on 2-year postoperative results would be negligible.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Sixteen male patients (mean age, 21 years [range, 16-25 years]) with a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation without bony Bankart lesions were included in this study. The indications for surgical treatment were age less than 25 years and being active in collision or contact sports at a competitive level. Arthroscopic surgery was performed at a mean 7.8 days (range, 2-14 days) after injury. Rowe and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores as well as range of motion were evaluated at a minimum 2 years after an arthroscopic Bankart procedure, and a comparison of the clinical results between patients with and without APTRCTs was conducted.

Results:

An anterior-inferior capsulolabral injury was found in all patients. There were no bony Bankart lesions. An APTRCT was found in 9 of the 16 patients. At 2 years after surgical treatment, there were no significant differences between the patients with and without APTRCTs in terms of the Rowe score (90.0 and 87.1, respectively; P = .69) and ASES score (94.6 and 90.4, respectively; P = .67).

Conclusion:

APTRCTs were found in the superior part of the shoulder joint after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in a majority of young male athletes treated with surgical stabilization. There were no significant differences found between patients with and without APTRCTs in terms of the Rowe and ASES scores at 2 years after surgical treatment.

Advanced Rotator Cuff Tear Score (ARoCuS): a multi-scaled tool for the classification and description of rotator cuff tears

BACKGROUND

To introduce a (semi-)quantitative surgical score for the classification of rotator cuff tears.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 146 consecutive patients underwent rotator cuff repair and were assessed using the previously defined Advanced Rotator Cuff Tear Score (ARoCuS) criteria: muscle tendon, size, tissue quality, pattern as well as mobilization of the tear. The data set was split into a training (125 patients) and a testing set (21 patients). The training data set fitted a nonlinear predictive model of the tear score based on the ARoCuS criteria, while the testing data served as control. Based on the scoring results, rotator cuff tears were assigned to one of four categories (ΔV I-IV) and received a stage-adapted treatment. For statistical analysis, mean values ± standard deviation, interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and kappa values were calculated.

RESULTS

Overall, 32 patients were classified as ΔV I, 68 as ΔV II and 37 as ΔV III. Nine patients showed ΔV IV tears. Patients of all ΔV groups improved significantly their Constant scores (p < 0.001) and profited from significant pain reduction after surgery (p < 0.001). To date, ten patients have undergone revision surgery with five of them primarily classified as ΔV IV. Kappa values for the interobserver reliability ranged between 0.69 and 0.95. ICC scores for the ΔV category were 0.95 for interobserver reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

The ARoCuS facilitates intra-operative decision-making and enables surgeons and researches to document rotator cuff tears in a standardized and reproducible manner.