Shoulder arthroplasty in the setting of previous stabilization surgery: a systematic review of matched case control studies at minimum 2 years follow-up

Background

Anterior shoulder instability causes considerable patient morbidity and the volume of shoulder stabilization surgery being performed annually is rising. Despite stabilization surgery, instability arthropathy in the long-term may arise requiring consideration of shoulder arthroplasty. This study evaluated the outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty following previous stabilization surgery with their associated changes in bony anatomy or soft tissue structure.

Methods

A systematic review was performed as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines to identify all studies reporting outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty in the setting of previous stabilization surgery. Studies of >10 patients with a minimum of 24 months follow-up were included.

Results

Overall, 377 shoulder arthroplasties composed of 247 anatomical total shoulder arthroplasties (aTSAs), 102 reverse total shoulder arthroplasties (RTSAs), and 28 hemiarthroplasties (HAs) were reported across 14 included studies at mean age 55.4 years, with 203 compared to 451 control shoulders in 7 matched case-control studies. The mean interval from arthroplasty to stabilization procedure was 19.7 years, with 27.2% of patients having undergone multiple procedures and 39.5% bone transfer procedures. Improvements in patient outcomes were observed both for patients who had underwent aTSA or RTSA, with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score the most commonly used scoring system. Across matched studies comparing to control, large improvements in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons were seen for both aTSA and RTSA implants, 38.1-80.5 and 34.9-82.3, which compared to control groups 38.0-85.5 and 35.5-82.3, respectively. There were differences observed in complication profiles between aTSA and RTSA procedures, with lower revision rates in the short-term to medium-term for RTSA implants in present literature. A significantly higher rate of aTSA revision was observed compared to matched control patients undergoing aTSA for primary osteoarthritis without previous stabilization surgery, 9.4% (13/139) vs. 4.1% (11/269) (P = .044). Aseptic loosening posed a particular challenge in the aTSA group, with significantly higher rates of 5.0% (7/139 f = 54.6 months) compared to control 0.74% (2/269 f = 49.1 months, P = .0088). No significant difference in infection rate was observed between matched study and control groups, 1.5% vs. 2.2% (P = .76).

Conclusion

Shoulder arthroplasty may improve functional outcomes for patients experiencing instability arthropathy with a history of stabilization surgery. Careful consideration of potential complications is warranted both in surgical planning and patient counselling given the altered anatomy and biomechanics, with significantly higher revision and loosening rates observed following aTSA compared to control.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Setting of Post-Traumatic Arthritis Following Acetabular Fracture: A Systematic Review

Background

Acetabular fractures are frequently associated with post-traumatic arthritis (PTA), for which total hip arthroplasty (THA) has emerged as the established procedure. The purpose of this systematic review is to report the patient outcomes, complications, and implant survival of delayed THA for patients with PTA following acetabular fracture.

Methods

A systematic review was performed in December 2021 as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Guidelines to identify all studies reporting outcomes of delayed THA performed for PTA with a history of acetabular fracture. From an initial screen of 893 studies, 29 studies which met defined inclusion criteria including minimum 12 months of follow-up and minimum 10 THA were included in the final review.

Results

A total of 1220 THA were reported across 29 studies, with 1174 THA completing a minimum of 1-year follow-up at a mean of 86 months. All 29 studies reported upon complications, with a control included in 6 for comparison. Higher complication rates were observed both in patients who had prior open reduction internal fixation and conservative treatment, most notably infection which was observed following 3.6% THA. The total joint revision rate was 9.7%. An improvement was noted in all 25 studies which recorded patient-reported outcomes, with a mean rise in the Harris hip score from 45 to 86 across 18 studies.

Conclusions

THA may reduce reported pain levels and improve functional outcomes in selected patients experiencing PTA following acetabular fractures. There is an increased risk of complications, necessitating careful consideration when planning the operation and open discussion with prospective patients and caregivers.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Neurological Conditions: A Systematic Review

Background

As operative techniques and implant design have evolved over time, total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly being carried out for patients with neurological impairment. This patient group places unique surgical challenges to the arthroplasty surgeon, which may include contractures, instability, and altered muscular tone. The purpose of this systematic review is to report the patient outcomes, complications, and implant survival following THA for patients with neurological conditions affecting the hip. Thus, we aim to support orthopaedic surgeon decision-making when considering and planning THA for these patients.

Methods

A systematic review was performed as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using the PubMed/Medline OVID, Cochrane, and Embase databases. All studies reporting the outcomes of THA in the neurological population which met defined inclusion criteria were included.

Results

From an initial screen of 1820 studies, 45 studies with a total of 36,251 THAs were included in the final selection. All 45 studies reported complication rates, with controls included in 16 for comparison. High complication rates were observed following THA in the neurologically impaired population, most notably dislocation with observed rates up to 10.6%. An improvement was noted in all 36 studies (1811 THAs) which reported upon patient-reported outcomes.

Conclusions

THA may be beneficial in the selected patients with neurological conditions, to reduce pain and improve function. There is an increased risk of complications which require careful consideration when planning the operation and open discussion with prospective patients and caregivers before proceeding with surgery.