Rotator cuff surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: clinical outcome comparable to age, sex and tear size matched non-rheumatoid patients

Postoperative flares and peri-arthroscopic management of immunosuppressive medications in patients with rheumatic disease

PURPOSE

To determine the rate and characteristics of postoperative flares in rheumatic disease patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery, and the role of perioperative immunosuppression (IS) management in preventing or provoking these exacerbations.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of arthroscopic surgeries in patients with rheumatologic disease over 11 years. Patients taking IS at baseline and those without were matched 1:1 using propensity scores on age, sex, rheumatic disease type, and procedure complexity. Patients taking IS at baseline were sub-divided into those remaining on IS perioperatively versus those who held IS before surgery. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for postoperative flares for the three IS groups, and survival analysis was used to compare the probability of remaining flare-free up to 12 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

After matching, 428 patients (214 on various types of baseline IS, 214 not on baseline IS) were included, with 110 on baseline IS remaining on it perioperatively. Rates of postoperative flares were similar for those staying on vs holding their baseline IS (9.1% vs 9.6%) but flares were less frequent in patients not on baseline IS (1.9%). Patients who remained on perioperative IS did not have significantly less flares compared to patients taken off perioperative IS (OR 0.764 [0.267, 2.181]; p = 0.61). Patients not on baseline IS had a significantly higher probability ofremaining flare-free up to 12 weeks (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Rheumatic disease patients who hold IS medication before undergoing arthroscopy, out of concern for potential infection or complications, do not significantly increase their risk of flaring their autoimmune disease whether they had been taking csDMARDs or biologic agents. Those not taking any IS at baseline have a much lower risk of post-arthroscopic flaring, though as a group they likely harbor less of an autoimmune burden.

Rotator cuff repair in patients with inflammatory arthritis: satisfactory midterm outcomes

Background

We aimed to evaluate midterm patient-reported outcomes and reoperation rates following rotator cuff repair in patients with either rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or other inflammatory arthritis (nonRA-IA) diagnoses.

Methods

We identified all patients with either RA or nonRA-IA who underwent a rotator cuff repair at our institution between 2008 and 2018. IA diagnoses included RA, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, and other unspecified inflammatory arthritis. We compiled a cohort of 51 shoulders, with an average follow-up time of 7.0 years. The average age was 60 years (range 39-81), and 55% of patients were female. Patients were contacted via phone to obtain patient-reported outcomes surveys. Univariate linear regression was used to evaluate associations between patient characteristics and outcomes.

Results

A review of preoperative radiographs demonstrated that 50% of patients presented with some degree of glenohumeral joint inflammatory degeneration. At the final follow-up, the mean visual analog score for pain was 2 (range 0-8), and the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES) was 77 (standard deviation [SD] = 19). The mean subjective shoulder value was 75% (SD = 22%), and the average satisfaction was 9 (SD 1.9). The mean Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System upper extremity score was 41 (SD = 10.6). Female sex and a complete tear (vs. partial) were both associated with lower ASES scores, whereas no other characteristics were associated with postoperative ASES scores. The 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival estimate free of reoperation was 91.8% (95% confidence interval 83.0-99.8).

Conclusions

Rotator cuff repair in patients with RA or other inflammatory arthritis diagnoses resulted in satisfactory patient-reported outcomes that seem comparable to rotator cuff repair when performed in the general population. Furthermore, reoperations were rare, with a 5-year survival rate free of reoperation for any reason of over 90%. Altogether, an inflammatory arthritis diagnosis should not preclude by itself attempted rotator cuff repair surgery in these patients.

Surgical Management of Massive Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears: Arthroscopic-Assisted Lower Trapezius Transfer

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Functionally irreparable rotator cuff tears (FIRCTs) remain one of the most challenging pathologies treated in the shoulder. The lower trapezius transfer represents a very promising treatment option for posterosuperior FIRCT. This article reviews the role for the lower trapezius transfer in the treatment of patient with FIRCTs and highlights the tips and tricks to performing this arthroscopic-assisted procedure.

RECENT FINDINGS

The treatment of posterosuperior FIRCTs contemplates a wide array of surgical options, including partial repair, biceps tenodesis/tenotomy, superior capsule reconstruction, subacromial balloon, reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and open-/arthroscopic-assisted tendon transfers. Tendon transfers have emerged as very promising reconstructive options to rebalance the anterior-posterior force couple. Controversy remains regarding the relative indications of latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) and lower trapezius transfer (LTT). Initially used with very good success in patients with brachial plexus injuries, the open LTT has shown excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes in a recent series of patients with FIRCTs. However, this technique should be reserved for patients with an intact or reparable subscapularis tendon and no advanced glenohumeral arthritis or humeral head femoralization. With advancements in surgical technique, the arthroscopic-assisted LTT has shown similar promising results. However, studies on arthroscopically assisted LTT are limited to short-term follow-up, and future comparative trials with large patient numbers and longer follow-up are needed to better understand the indications for this novel tendon transfer in the treatment of FIRCT. The arthroscopic-assisted LTT is a novel, promising option for the treatment of patients with functional irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Careful attention to indications and technical pearls are paramount when performing this procedure to optimize postoperative clinical outcomes.