Neuropathy of the suprascapular and axillary nerves in rotator cuff arthropathy: a prospective electrodiagnostic study

PURPOSE

Prevalence of axillary (AN) and/or suprascapular (SSN) neuropathy in rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA) is unknown. We aimed to prospectively evaluate for preoperative neurodiagnostic abnormalities in order to determine their prevalence, location, and influence on reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) outcomes.

METHODS

Patients who underwent RSA for RCTA were prospectively included. An electromyography and nerve conduction study were performed pre and post-surgery. Clinical situation: VAS, Relative Constant-Murley Score (rCMS) and ROM over a minimum of two years follow-up.

RESULTS

Forty patients met the inclusion criteria; mean follow-up was 28.4 months (SD 4.4). Injuries in RCTA were present in 83.9% (77.4% in AN and 45.2% in SSN). There were no differences on preoperative VAS, ROM, and rCMS between patients with and without preoperative nerve injuries. Four acute postoperative neurological injuries were registered under chronic preoperative injuries. Six months after RSA, 69% of preoperative neuropathies had improved (82.14% chronic injuries and 77.7% disuse injuries). No differences in improvement between disuse and chronic injuries were found, but patients with preoperative neuropathy that had not improved at the postoperative electromyographic study at six months, scored worse on the VAS (1.44 vs 2.66; p .14) and rCMS (91.6 vs 89.04; p .27).

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of axillary and suprascapular neuropathies in RCTA is much higher than expected. Most of these injuries improve after surgery, with almost complete neurophysiological recovery and little functional impact on RSA. However, those patients with preoperative neuropathies and absence of neurophysiological improvement six months after surgery have lower functional results.

The effect of cuff arthropathy stage on sleep disturbance and kinesiophobia in reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients

BACKGROUND

The current study aimed to determine the changes in pre-and post-operative Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) and Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK) values ​​according to the Hamada classification in patients who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA).

METHODS

One hundred and eight patients who underwent RSA for RCTA were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups with low grade (stages 1-2-3) (n = 49) and high grade (stages 4a-4b-5) (n = 59) according to the Hamada classification, which is the radiographic evaluation of RCTA. PSQI and TSK values ​​were calculated preoperatively, and post-operatively at the 6th week, 6th month, and 1st year. The change in PSQI and TSK values ​​between the evaluations and the effect of staging according to the Hamada classification on this change was examined.

RESULTS

When compared in preoperative evaluations, PSQI and TSK scores were found to be lower in low-grade group 1 (7.39 ± 1.56, 51.88 ± 4.62, respectively) than in high-grade group 2 (10.47 ± 2.39, 57.05 ± 3.25, respectively) according to Hamada classification (both p < 0.001). In the postoperative evaluations, PSQI and TSK results decreased gradually compared to the preoperative evaluations, and there was a severe decrease in both parameters between the 6th-week and 6th-month evaluations (both p < 0.001). Preoperatively, 102 (95%) patients had sleep disturbance (PSQI ≥ 6), and 108 (100%) patients had high kinesiophobia (TSK > 37). In the 1st year follow-ups, sleep disturbance was observed in 5 (5%) patients and kinesiophobia in 1 (1%) patient. When the Hamada stages were compared, it was seen that there was a significant difference before the operation (both p < 0.001), but the statistically significant difference disappeared in the PSQI value in the 1st year (p = 0.092) and in the TSK value in the 6th month (p = 0.164) post-operatively. It was observed that Hamada staging caused significant differences in PSQI and TSK values ​​in the preoperative period but did not affect the clinical results after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

RSA performed based on RCTA improves sleep quality and reduces kinesiophobia. RCTA stage negatively affects PSQI and TSK before the operation but does not show any effect after the treatment.

Comparison of Clinical Performance of Inlay versus Onlay Humerus Implants in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Background

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has become the treatment of choice for the management of massive rotator cuff tears combined with cuff tear arthropathy, and many novel designs have been proposed to overcome the shortcomings of classic RTSA. This study sought to evaluate and compare RTSA outcomes among patients with cuff tear arthropathy treated by a medialized inlay humerus implant with a neck shaft angle of 155° or a lateralized onlay implant with a neck shaft angle of 145°.

Methods

A retrospective review of 32 inlay implants and 32 onlay implants was performed. The active range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, motor power for elevation and external rotation, and functional scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, and Korean Shoulder Scoring system were assessed before surgery, at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, and at the last follow-up at least 24 months after surgery. Scapular notching, lateral humeral offset, and deltoid wrapping offset were assessed for radiographic evaluation.

Results

The preoperative demographic data of both groups showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). The mean follow-up period was 24.9 months. Significant improvements in forward flexion, functional scores, and pain VAS score were observed in both groups at the last follow-up. No significant differences in ROM or functional scores were found between two groups at each time point, except that the onlay implant group exhibited a significantly greater range of external rotation at 3 and 12 months after surgery and at the last follow-up. The rate of scapular notching and the final power improvement did not show significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions

Primary RTSA using inlay or onlay humerus implants was associated with recovery from pseudoparalysis and good clinical outcomes. However, RTSA with onlay humerus implantation led to clinically superior results in terms of external rotation.

A Comparison of Complications and Survivorship after Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fracture compared with Cuff Tear Arthropathy

Objectives

Traditionally used to treat rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is becoming increasingly utilized for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures (PHF). The purpose of this study was to use a matched cohort analysis to assess differences in 90-day complications as well as 2-year and 5-year implant survival between patients undergoing RTSA for CTA and patients undergoing RTSA for PHF.

Methods

Patients with at least a 5-year follow-up who underwent primary RTSA for either PHF or CTA were identified in a national database (PearlDiver Technologies) using current procedural terminology (CPT) and international classification of diseases (ICD) 9 and 10 codes. Patients with a surgical indication of PHF were matched with patients with a surgical indication of CTA based on age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, smoking status, and obesity (body mass index (BMI)>30). All-cause revision at the 2-year and 5-year postoperative time intervals were assessed. Reimbursements for the surgical care episode up to the 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year postoperative intervals were also assessed. Bivariate analysis was performed with a significance set at P<0.05.

Results

In total, 802 PHF patients were matched with 802 CTA patients. Compared to CTA patients, PHF patients undergoing RTSA were significantly at increased risk of atrial fibrillation, anemia, and heart failure within 90 days of surgery. Notably, there was no significant difference in all-cause revision surgery at 2-year and 5-year postoperative intervals or hospital reimbursements at the 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year postoperative intervals.

Conclusion

Preoperative indication appears to be an important driver of healthcare utilization for RTSA, as PHF patients undergoing RTSA have a higher risk of short-term postoperative complications compared to CTA patients. However, there is no difference in hospital reimbursement for the two indications of RTSA, suggesting that current payment modalities may not appropriately adjust for risk based on the surgical indication.

Drivers of inpatient hospitalization costs, joint-specific patient-reported outcomes, and health-related quality of life in shoulder arthroplasty for cuff tear arthropathy

BACKGROUND

Cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) can be successfully treated with various types of shoulder arthroplasty. While reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is commonly used to treat CTA, CTA hemiarthroplasty (CTA-H, hemiarthroplasty with an extended humeral articular surface) can also be effective in patients with preserved glenohumeral elevation and an intact coracoacromial (CA) arch. As the value of arthroplasty is being increasingly scrutinized, cost containment has become a priority. The objective of this study was to assess hospitalization costs and improvements in joint-specific measures and health-related quality of life for these two types of shoulder arthroplasty in the management of CTA.

METHODS

Seventy-two patients (39 CTA-H and 33 RSA) were treated during the study time period using different selection criteria for each of the two procedures: CTA-H was selected in patients with retained active elevation, an intact CA arch, and an intact subscapularis, while RSA was selected in patients with pseudoparalysis or glenohumeral instability. The Simple Shoulder Test (SST) was used as a joint-specific patient-reported outcome measure. Improvement in quality-adjusted life years was measured using the Short Form 36. Costs associated with inpatient care were collected from hospital financial records. Univariate and multivariate analyses focused on determining predictors of hospitalization costs and improvements in patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in SST and Short Form 36 physical component scores were seen in both groups. Inpatient hospitalization costs were significantly higher in the RSA group than that in the CTA-H group ($15,074 ± $1614 vs. $10,389 ± $1948, P < .001), driven primarily by supplies including the cost of the prosthesis ($9005 ± $2521 vs. $4715 ± $2091, P < .001). The diagnosis of diabetes was an independent predictor of higher inpatient hospitalization costs for both groups. There were no independent predictors for quality-adjusted life year improvements. SST improvement in the CTA-H group was significantly higher in patients with lower preoperative SST scores.

CONCLUSION

Using a standard algorithm of CTA-H for shoulders with retained active elevation and an intact CA arch and RSA for poor active elevation or glenohumeral instability, both procedures led to significant improvements in health-related quality of life and joint-specific measures. Costs were significantly lower for patients meeting the selection criteria for CTA-H. Further value analytics are needed to compare the relative cost effectiveness of RSA and CTA-H for patients with CTA having retained active elevation, intact CA arch, and intact subscapularis.

Long-term functional and structural outcome of rotator cuff repair in patients 60 years old or less

Background

The long-term outcomes of rotator cuff repair (RCR) have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term functional and structural outcomes after RCR in younger patients.

Methods

A total of 49 patients (34 [69%] male) with a mean age of 51 ± 6 years were evaluated preoperatively, and at short- and long-term follow-ups (minimum 15 years). There were 13 (27%) small, 17 (35%) medium, 14 (29%) large, and 5 (10%) massive tears. 15 (31%) had an acute repair of a traumatic tear. Long-term evaluation included physical examination, plain radiographs, ultrasound, and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) (visual analog scale pain, Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Short Form-36). Statistical analysis was performed to determine associations between preoperative and intraoperative factors and long-term functional and structural outcome.

Results

There were significant improvements in the mean short- and long-term PROMs compared to preoperatively that exceeded reported minimal clinically important differences and substantial clinical benefits. There was a slight decrease in the PROMs from the short-term to long-term follow-up. Male sex and traumatic rotator cuff tears were associated with better long-term outcomes. The number of medical co-morbidities was associated with worse long-term outcomes. Smaller initial tear size was associated with better long-term outcomes. There were 15 (31%) full thickness and 9 (18%) partial thickness recurrent rotator cuff tears, 17 (35%) had rotator cuff tear arthropathy (2 Hamada grade 1, 15 Hamada grade 2), 5 (10%) had revision surgery (2 revision RCR, 2 anatomic total shoulder, and 1 reverse total shoulder), and 13 (26%) had subsequent contralateral RCR. There were weak correlations between the presence of arthropathy and DASH (r = 0.34; P = .02) and visual analog scale pain (r = 0.29; P = .049). There were no significant correlations between the structural outcomes (recurrent rotator cuff tear, recurrent full thickness tear, acromiohumeral space, and critical shoulder angle,) and the PROMs.

Discussion and Conclusion

Long-term follow-up of RCR in this relatively young patient cohort demonstrated substantial and durable patient reported functional outcome and improvement despite considerable structural deterioration. This suggests that while RCR does not arrest the progression of rotator cuff disease it may delay this progression and that patients adapt to the structural changes as they age.

Are progressive shoulder exercises feasible in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy?

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the feasibility of progressive shoulder exercises (PSE) for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) or rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). The aim of this study was to investigate whether 12 weeks of PSE is feasible in patients with glenohumeral OA or CTA eligible for shoulder arthroplasty. Moreover, to report changes in shoulder function and range of motion (ROM) following the exercise program.

METHODS

Twenty patients were included. Eighteen patients (11 women, 15 with OA), mean age 70 years (range 57-80), performed 12 weeks of PSE with one weekly physiotherapist-supervised and two weekly home-based sessions. Feasibility was measured by dropout rate, adverse events, pain, and adherence to PSE. At baseline and end of intervention, patients completed the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). Data to assess feasibility were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Two patients dropped out and no adverse events were observed. Sixteen of the eighteen patients (89%) had a high adherence (≥ 70%) to the physiotherapist-supervised sessions. Acceptable pain levels were reported; in 76% of all exercise sessions with no numeric rating scale (NRS) score over five for any exercise. WOOS improved with a mean of 23 points (95% CI 13;33), and DASH improved with a mean of 13 points (95% CI 6;19).

CONCLUSION

Adherence to PSE was high and dropout rates were low. PSE is feasible, safe and may relieve shoulder pain, improve function and ROM in patients with glenohumeral OA or CTA. The patient-experienced gains after PSE seem clinically relevant and should be compared to arthroplasty surgery in a RCT setting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

According to Danish law, this study did not need an approval by the Central Denmark Region Committee on Health Research Ethics. Approval from The Danish Data Protection Agency (journal number 1-16-02-15-20) was obtained.

Complications of reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a concise review

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is an ideal treatment for glenohumeral dysfunction due to cuff tear arthropathy. As the number of patients treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty is increasing, the incidence of complications after this procedure also is increasing. The rate of complications in reverse shoulder arthroplasty was reported to be 15%-24%. Recently, the following complications have been reported in order of frequency: periprosthetic infection, dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, neurologic injury, scapular notching, acromion or scapular spine fracture, and aseptic loosening of prosthesis. However, the overall complication rate has varied across studies because of different prosthesis used, improvement of implant and surgical skills, and different definitions of complications. Some authors included complications that affect the clinical outcomes of the surgery, while others reported minor complications that do not affect the clinical outcomes such as minor reversible neurologic deficit or minimal scapular notching. This review article summarizes the processes related to diagnosis and treatment of complications after reverse shoulder arthroplasty with the aim of helping clinicians reduce complications and perform appropriate procedures if/when complications occur.

The modern use of the extended humeral head (cuff tear arthropathy) hemiarthroplasty

Today, the treatment of osteoarthritis in the rotator cuff–deficient population is largely dominated by reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Despite the popularity of and increased familiarity with this procedure, the complication rate of RSA remains significant. An extended humeral head hemiarthroplasty may provide a less invasive alternative for select patients with cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) and preserved glenohumeral active elevation. With the indications for reverse arthroplasty expanding to younger patients, there are concerns about the longevity of this implant, as well as the associated revision burden. In the setting of failed RSA, the bone stock available for glenosphere baseplate fixation can be inadequate for reimplantation. The treatment strategies for complex shoulder deformities and failed RSA are limited by patient-specific issues, such as anatomy and risk factors. In this review, we discuss the potential role of extended humeral head hemiarthroplasty (CTA hemiarthroplasty) as a primary surgical option in select patients (1) who have preserved elevation > 90°, (2) who have maintained stability (intact coracoacromial ligament), and (3) who desire to circumvent the complications associated with RSA. Furthermore, CTA hemiarthroplasty may be used for severe glenoid erosion, for a fragmented acromion, and in the revision setting for failed RSA aimed at a reliable salvage procedure.

Clinical Outcomes after Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty According to Primary Diagnosis

Background

To compare the clinical outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) according to the primary diagnosis.

Methods

In 98 shoulders (97 patients), RTSA was performed for cuff tear arthropathy (45), massive rotator cuff tear without glenohumeral arthritis (31), posttraumatic arthritis (9), primary osteoarthritis (6), rheumatoid arthritis (4), and arthritis due to infection sequelae (3). The average age of the patients at surgery was 68.9 years (range, 46-84 years). The mean follow-up duration was 48.4 months (range, 24-85 months).

Results

In the overall series, the mean subjective pain score (visual analog scale) during motion decreased from 5.2 preoperatively to 1.8 at 2 years of follow-up. There were significant improvements in active forward flexion (preoperatively 51.5° to 121.8° at 2 years of follow-up). The average Constant score improved from 35.4 points to 57.8 points and UCLA score improved from 13.4 points to 28.8 points. The Constant score and UCLA score were 60.8 and 31.0 points, respectively, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The Constant score and UCLA score were 58.4 and 29.1 points, respectively, in patients with cuff tear disease and 55.7 and 27.7 points, respectively, in patients with posttraumatic arthritis. Patients' subjective satisfaction was 86.8 points in the overall series; highest in the patients with arthritis by infection sequelae (96.7 points) and lowest in the patients with posttraumatic arthritis (82.2 points). In terms of complications, there were 17 cases (17.3%) of scapular notching and 2 patients with suprascapular nerve irritation symptom, but no patients with permanent neuropathy.

Conclusions

The range of forward flexion and abduction motion, pain relief, and functionality were improved after RTSA in not only patients with cuff tear disease but also those with other arthritic diseases. There was no difference in the clinical outcomes of RTSA between patients with cuff tear disease and those with other arthritic diseases.

[Custom-made glenoid component via 3D print : A rescue prosthetic option for patients with massive glenoid destruction and simultaneous cuff-arthropathy]

The combination of glenoid destruction with cuff arthropathy remains a challenge. A 75-year old woman presented with a post-traumatic loss of the glenoid and concomitant cuff arthropathy. Using CT-data a custom-made glenoid component was created by 3D printing. 6 months after reverse shoulder arthroplasty, the patient was free of pain with acceptable ROM. An individual glenoid component created by 3D printing is a feasible therapeutic option in patients with loss of the glenoid and concomitant cuff arthropathy.

[Reversed total shoulder arthroplasty in rotator cuff defect arthropathy]

BACKGROUND

In a progredient rotator cuff tear with tendon retraction, fatty infiltration and atrophy of rotator cuff muscles the humerus cannot be centered and stabilized sufficiently in the glenohumeral joint. This leads to rotator cuff defect arthropathy as an eccentric osteoarthritis with acetabularization and wear of the acromion, as well as of the glenoid.

INDICATION

A painful pseudoparalysis of the shoulder indicates the implantation of a reversed total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) to reduce pain and restore active motion. The rTSA improves the motoric function of the deltoid muscle by medialization and caudalization of the center of rotation via an optimized lever arm and is also indicated in cranio-caudally centered osteoarthritis with static posterior humeral decentration due to a bi-concavely eroded glenoid.

THERAPY

Currently, humeral anatomical resection with an inclination of 135° and a humeral retrotorsion of 20-40°, in rTSA in contrast to 155° inclination, has been shown to lead to better glenohumeral motion without loss of stability. Additionally, a reduced glenohumeral offset should be restored by especially bony lateral augmentation of the glenoid. In a pre-operatively positive lag sign for external rotation caused by a rupture of the infraspinatus/teres minor tendon, a lateral latissimus/teres major muscle tendon transfer in rTSA can optimize active external rotation. The tendon of the subscapularis muscle should be re-fixated in the deltopectoral approach for rTSA whenever possible for better anterior stability of the glenohumeral joint. Larger diameters of the glenospheres have been shown to have more stability and better motion. Humeral metaphyseal metal liners with corresponding polyethylene glenospheres can avoid osteolysis of the inferior scapular neck caused by polyethylene debris due to impingement of the humeral liner at the scapular neck.

Long - Term survivorship and clinical and radiological follow - up of the primary uncemented Delta III reverse shoulder prosthesis

Background

Purpose of this study was to evaluate the long - term survivorship and clinical and radiological results of a primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) performed with uncemented stems.

Methods

From 2001 until 2006 61 primary uncemented RTSAs were implanted, which were included in a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Range of motion, functional scores and radiological follow - up was obtained. 27 patients were available for follow - up. Mean follow-up was 9.2 years (SD 2.4).

Results

Mean cumulative survival was 82.4% (95% CI: 50.7-94.6%) of the total construct and 98.3% (CI: 88.8-98.8%) of the uncemented humeral stem after 12.5 years. Five revisions occurred (8.2%). Mean anteflexion improved from 69.3 to 111.9° (p < 0.0001), lateral elevation from 65.9 to 101.3° (p < 0.0001), Constant-Murley score from 39.1 to 66.9 (p < 0.0001), Simple Shoulder Test from 1.5 to 7.1 (p < 0.0001), and VAS-pain from 65.5 to 6.6 at final follow-up (p = 0.0003). Scapular notching was present in 94.1% of the patients.

Conclusions

The present study shows that the long-term clinical results of the primary Delta III RTSA seem very encouraging and survivorship of, in particular, its uncemented humeral stem is good.

Prognostic Radiological Factors Affecting Clinical Outcomes of Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in the Korean Population

Background

Despite the growing use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), it is associated with relatively frequent complications and uncertain clinical outcomes. We investigated radiological factors affecting clinical outcomes of RSA in the Korean population.

Methods

We evaluated physical findings, radiographic findings, visual analog scale scores for pain and satisfaction, and several functional scores in 179 consecutive patients who underwent RSA at two centers between 2008 and 2014.

Results

In 146 included RSAs, pain and forward flexion improved with deltoid lengthening (average, 23.5 ± 9.1 mm; p = 0.039). External rotation decreased with medialization (average, 16.8 ± 6.0 mm, p = 0.025), whereas internal rotation showed no correlation with humeral retroversion. Scapular notching (n = 44, 30%) significantly decreased with greater inferior glenosphere overhang (average, 2.94 ± 3.0 mm; p = 0.001), greater prosthesis scapular neck angle (average, 104° ± 10.3°; p = 0.001), greater glenoid neck length (average, 9.8 ± 2.54 mm; p = 0.012), lower inferior baseplate tilt angle (average, 105.5° ± 9.2°; p = 0.009), and varus humeral neck-shaft angle (p = 0.046), and it did not affect ranges of motion and pain, satisfaction, and functional scores. At the final follow-up, medialization was related to improvement in pain and satisfaction, and inferior glenosphere overhang to functional scores.

Conclusions

Proper amount of deltoid lengthening (mean, 2.3 cm) and inferior glenosphere overhang (mean, 2.9 mm) should be chosen for the better outcomes, while the center of rotation should be individualized according to patient characteristics in the Korean population.

Comparison of Arthroscopically Guided Suprascapular Nerve Block and Blinded Axillary Nerve Block vs. Blinded Suprascapular Nerve Block in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of arthroscopically guided suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) and blinded axillary nerve block with those of blinded SSNB in terms of postoperative pain and satisfaction within the first 48 hours after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

METHODS

Forty patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for medium-sized full thickness rotator cuff tears were included in this study. Among them, 20 patients were randomly assigned to group 1 and preemptively underwent blinded SSNB and axillary nerve block of 10 mL 0.25% ropivacaine and received arthroscopically guided SSNB with 10 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine. The other 20 patients were assigned to group 2 and received blinded SSNB with 10 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine. Visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain and patient satisfaction score were assessed 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean VAS score for pain was significantly lower 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours postoperatively in group 1 (group 1 vs. group 2; 5.2 vs. 7.4, 4.1 vs. 6.1, 3.0 vs. 5.1, 2.1 vs. 4.2, 0.9 vs. 3.9, and 1.3 vs. 3.3, respectively). The mean patient satisfaction score was significantly higher at postoperative 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours in group 1 (group 1 vs. group 2; 6.7 vs. 3.9, 7.4 vs. 5.1, 8.8 vs. 5.9, 9.2 vs. 6.7, 9.5 vs. 6.9, and 9.0 vs. 7.2, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopically guided SSNB and blinded axillary nerve block in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for medium-sized rotator cuff tears provided more improvement in VAS for pain and greater patient satisfaction in the first 48 postoperative hours than blinded SSNB.

Expanding roles for reverse shoulder arthroplasty

Since its introduction in the USA in 2003, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has been used with increasingly frequency as surgeons have observed the remarkable improvement in pain, range of motion, and function associated with this implant. RTSA was initially used exclusively for elderly, low demand individuals with end-stage rotator cuff tear arthropathy. However, RTSA is now being increasingly successfully employed for the management of irreparable rotator cuff tears, glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff, acute proximal humerus fractures, the sequelae of proximal humerus fractures, neoplasms of the proximal humerus, inflammatory arthropathy, young patients and failed anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty. While long-term outcomes are pending, short- and mid-term follow-up results suggest that in experienced hands, RTSA may be a reasonable treatment for many previously difficult to treat pathologies within the shoulder.

A combination of subscapularis tendon transfer and small-head hemiarthroplasty for cuff tear arthropathy: a pilot study

This pilot study reports the clinical outcomes of a combination of partial subscapularis tendon transfer and small-head hemiarthroplasty in patients with rotatator cuff arthropathy. A total of 30 patients (30 shoulders; eight men and 22 women) with a mean age of 74 years (55 to 84) were assessed at a mean follow-up of 31 months (24 to 60). The inclusion criteria were painful cuff tear arthropathy with normal deltoid function and a non-degenerative subscapularis muscle and tendon and a preserved teres minor. Outcome was assessed using the University of California Los Angeles score, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and the Oxford Shoulder Score. Radiographic measurements included the centre of rotation distance and the length of the deltoid. All clinical scores were significantly improved post-operatively. The active flexion and external rotation improved significantly at the most recent follow-up (p < 0.035). Although the mean centre of rotation distance changed significantly (p < 0.001), the mean length of the deltoid did not change significantly from the pre-operative value (p = 0.29). The change in the length of the deltoid with < 100° flexion was significantly less than that with > 100° (p < 0.001). Progressive erosion of the glenoid was seen in four patients. No patient required revision or further surgery. A combination of partial subscapularis tendon transfer and small-head hemiarthroplasty effectively restored function and relieved pain in patients with rotator cuff arthropathy.