Intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the modified Walch classification using radiographs and computed tomography

BACKGROUND

The Walch classification was introduced to classify glenoid morphology in primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. A modified Walch classification was recently proposed, with 2 additional categories, B3 (monoconcave glenoid with posterior bone loss leading to retroversion > 15° or subluxation > 70%) and D (excessive anterior subluxation), as well as a more precise definition of subtypes A2 and C. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver agreement of the modified Walch classification system using both plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

Three fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons blindly and independently evaluated radiographs and CT scans of 100 consecutive shoulders (98 patients) with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis and classified all shoulders according to the modified Walch classification in 4 separate sessions, each 4 weeks apart. Statistical analysis with the κ coefficient was used to evaluate reliability.

RESULTS

The first reading by the most senior observer on the basis of CT scans was used as the gold standard (distribution: A1, 18; A2, 12; B1, 20; B2, 25; B3, 22; C, 1; and D, 2). The average intraobserver agreement for radiographs and CT scans was 0.73 (substantial; 0.72, 0.74, and 0.72) and 0.73 (substantial; 0.77, 0.69, and 0.72), respectively. The average interobserver agreement was 0.55 (moderate; 0.61, 0.51, and 0.53) for radiographs and 0.52 (moderate; 0.63, 0.50, and 0.43) for CT scans.

CONCLUSION

Intraobserver agreement of the modified Walch classification was substantial both for axillary radiographs and for CT scans. Interobserver agreement was fair. Although the modified Walch classification represents an improvement over the original classification, automated computer-based analysis of CT scans may be needed to further improve the value of this classification.

Arthroplasty for glenohumeral arthritis in shoulders with a previous Bristow or Latarjet procedure

BACKGROUND

Coracoid transfer has become increasingly popular for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Despite the success, glenohumeral arthropathy develops in some patients. Arthroplasty in this population is complicated by altered anatomy, scarring, and retained hardware. This study evaluated shoulder arthroplasty in patients with a previous Latarjet or Bristow procedure.

METHODS

Between 1980 and 2014, 33 patients underwent shoulder arthroplasty after coracoid transfer. Of these, 17 men and 13 women were monitored for a minimum of 2 years or until reoperation. Arthroplasty procedures included hemiarthroplasty (HA) in 5, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in 14, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in 11. Outcome measures included pain, range of motion, complications, and reoperations.

RESULTS

At the most recent follow-up, pain had significantly improved in all arthroplasty groups. Elevation and external rotation also improved significantly (P < .001). Overall, 9 shoulders (30%) underwent revision for instability (1 TSA and 1 HA), glenoid loosening (1 TSA), instability and glenoid loosening (3 TSA), late cuff failure (1 TSA), and painful glenoid erosion (2 HA). Revision rates were significantly different between HA and RTSA (P = .0058) and between TSA and RTSA (P = .015). Radiographically, 2 additional anatomic glenoid components were considered loose, progressive medial erosion was seen in 1 HA, and grade 1 to 2 notching was observed in 2 RTSAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Shoulder arthroplasty in patients after prior coracoid transfer is technically challenging, yet improvements in pain and function are predictable. Instability and glenoid loosening are common reasons for revision surgery, likely related to difficulties in achieving a good soft tissue balance.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with os acromiale

BACKGROUND

Os acromiale has been reported in up to 15% of the general population. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) increases deltoid tension, which could potentially lead to excessive stress on a pre-existent os acromiale. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome and complications of primary RTSA in patients with radiographic evidence of an os acromiale.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2013, 25 shoulders underwent primary RTSA with an associated os acromiale, which was classified preacromion (3), mesoacromion (20), and meta-acromion (2). All patients were observed for a minimum of 2 years or until reoperation. Mean follow-up time was 30.8 (range, 1-81.4) months. Outcomes included pain scores, range of motion, patient satisfaction, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, and radiographic outcomes.

RESULTS

RTSA led to an improvement in pain scores in 24 of 25 shoulders. Mean elevation, external rotation, and internal rotation were improved at final follow-up (124°, 46°, and L4, respectively). Three patients required reoperation, including revision surgery for dislocation (2) and excision of a painful os acromiale (1). Postoperative tilting of the os acromiale was noted in 7 shoulders (28%). There was no statistically significant difference in any outcome measures between shoulders with and shoulders without postoperative tilt of the os acromiale.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The outcome of RTSA does not seem to be negatively affected by the presence of an os acromiale. Pain around an os acromiale after RTSA is rare. Inferior tilting is observed in approximately one-third of the shoulders after RTSA and does not seem to change the overall outcome.

The role age plays in the outcomes and complications of shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

This investigation used age as a continuous variable to estimate implant survival and the risk of complications.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data were used to analyze 5494 consecutive shoulder arthroplasties performed from 1970 to 2012. Patients were a mean age of 67 years. The association between the age at the index procedure and the risk for each outcome was assessed using Cox regression and smoothing spline analysis.

RESULTS

Older age was associated with a decreased risk of revision surgery, revision for mechanical failure, and reoperation but with a higher risk for thromboembolic events. Reoperation rates also decreased in a linear fashion with older ages (P < .001). The risk of revision surgery decreased in a linear fashion between the ages of 40 and 85, with a 3% decreased risk of revision per 1-year increase in age (P < .01). This association held true in a multivariate model and when specific procedures were separated out. Compared with patients aged <50 years, patients aged from 50 to 65 years (P < .001) and those >65 years (P < .001) have decreased risks of revision surgery. The risk of a revision surgery in a patient aged >50 years was significantly decreased (~13% reduction in risk for each year; P < .001). There was a subtle association between older age and decreased rates of infection (P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a strong association between older age and decreased rates of revision surgery and reoperation after shoulder arthroplasty, with a striking association with decreased rates of mechanical failure. These are important considerations when counseling younger patients regarding their risks.

The hospital cost of two-stage reimplantation for deep infection after shoulder arthroplasty

Background

The cost of treating infection after hip and knee arthroplasty is well documented in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost of two-stage reimplantation for deep infection after shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

Between 2003 and 2012, 57 shoulders (56 patients) underwent a two-stage reimplantation for deep periprosthetic shoulder infection; implants placed at reimplantation included anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (a-TSA) in 58%, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (r-TSA) in 40%, and hemiarthroplasty (HA) in 2%. During the same timeframe, 2953 primary shoulder arthroplasties (2589 patients) were performed at the same institution (a-TSA in 55%, r-TSA in 28%, and HA in 17%). Total direct medical costs were calculated by using standardized, inflation-adjusted costs for services and procedures billed during hospitalization and were adjusted to nationally representative unit costs in 2013 inflation-adjusted dollars.

Results

The mean hospital cost (per shoulder) for two-stage reimplantation was $35,824 (95% CI: 33,363 to 38,285) and was significantly higher than for primary procedures (mean: $16,068; 95% CI: 15,823 to 16,314). Both Part A and Part B costs were significantly higher in two-stage reimplantation (p < 0.001). For part A (hospital services), the mean cost for two-stage reimplantation was $29,851 (95% CI: 27,741 to 31,960), compared to $13,508 (95% CI: 13,302 to 13,715) for primaries. For part B (professional costs), mean costs were $5973 (95% CI: 5493 to 6453) versus 2560 (95% CI: 2512 to 2608) respectively.

Conclusions

The hospital cost of two-stage reimplantation for the treatment of an infected shoulder arthroplasty is about two times higher than the cost of a primary shoulder arthroplasty.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures: outcomes comparing primary reverse arthroplasty for fracture versus reverse arthroplasty after failed osteosynthesis

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly pose challenges in decision making. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has been established as a reliable option for salvage of failed hemiarthroplasty, although few studies have analyzed RTSA after failed open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF). This study evaluated the outcomes of patients with failed osteosynthesis who undergo salvage RTSA compared with patients undergoing primary RTSA for proximal humeral fractures.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients who underwent primary RTSA for acute proximal humeral fractures and 26 patients who underwent arthroplasty after failed ORIF at our institution between 2003 and 2013. Minimum follow-up was 2 years, with a mean follow-up 3 years (range, 2.0-6.0 years).

RESULTS

There are no statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two cohorts in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores and in the most recent forward flexion or external rotation. The salvage RTSA cohort experienced a higher complication rate (8%), including dislocation and aseptic loosening. The primary RTSA cohort had a 5% complication rate, with 1 late prosthetic joint infection requiring reoperation.

CONCLUSION

Although RTSA after failed ORIF has a higher rate of complications compared with acute RTSA, the revision and reoperation rate as well as clinical outcomes and shoulder function remained comparable. When a surgeon approaches these complex fractures in patients with poor underlying bone stock, this study supports acute arthroplasty or ORIF with the knowledge that salvage RTSA still has the potential to achieve good outcomes if osteosynthesis fails.

[Elbow replacement]

Elbow replacement or arthroplasty is a good therapeutic option for a large percentage of patients with significant joint destruction. However, many orthopaedic surgeons are no familiar with the surgical approaches or techniques associated with elbow replacement implants. Furthermore, the incidence of complications is higher than in other joint replacements, the most important being infections, mechanical failure, cubital neuropathy, and problems with the triceps. For these reasons, the use of bone arthroplasty in Spain may be less than ideal. Although, inflammatory arthritic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are the most frequent indication for this operation, distal humerus fractures and post-traumatic disease are a growing indication. This work attempts to summarise the most important current concepts associated with elbow replacement.

Acute periprosthetic fracture of the acetabulum associated with osteolytic pelvic lesions: a report of 3 cases

Three cases of acute acetabular fracture around uncemented porous-coated acetabular components associated with osteolytic lesions of the pelvis are reported. In each case, the fracture occurred through an area of severe osteolysis that contributed to the structural failure of the pelvis. None of the fractures were associated with significant trauma, and none of the implants demonstrated evidence of loosening before the fracture. When marked pelvic osteolysis develops around the acetabular component of a total hip arthroplasty, the possibility of pelvic fracture must be considered. Total hip arthroplasty patients with osteolysis should be followed with radiographs at regular and frequent intervals. When osteolysis progresses, early intervention should be strongly considered because appropriate treatment may prevent fracture occurrence.

Results and complications of the low contact stress knee prosthesis

We present the midterm results and complications of 101 low contact stress total knee replacements performed in 94 patients and reviewed at an average follow-up of 5.2 years (range, 4-8 years). The mean age at the time of surgery was 66 years (range, 53-76 years). Meniscal bearings were used in 83 knees and a rotating platform in the remaining 18 cases; cemented fixation was used only for 16 tibial components. At most recent follow-up, average knee and function scores were 93 and 78 points. None of the knees was revised because of loosening. Five knees showed distal femoral stress shielding. Complications included infection, supracondylar fracture, patellar component dislodgment, meniscal dislocation (2 cases), catastrophic wear of polyethylene, and progressive osteolysis (2 cases).