Showing papers in "JSES international in 2023"

Ultrasound assessment of the posterolateral elbow ulnohumeral gap in normal subjects with and without posterolateral drawer testing

Abstract: Posterolateral rotator instability (PLRI) is the most common pattern of recurrent elbow instability, and current imaging to aid PLRI diagnosis is limited. Thus, we sought to define use of ultrasound (US) to determine normal lateral ulnohumeral joint measurements, with and without posterolateral drawer testing to provide an insight into how US may aid diagnosis.Sixty elbows were evaluated in thirty healthy volunteers. The lateral ulnohumeral gap (LUHG) was measured with US in the resting position while the posterolateral drawer stress test maneuver was applied. Joint laxity was calculated as the difference between maximum stress and average rest measurements. Two independent readers assessed each elbow with comparison performed between stress and rest positions.Differences in the LUHG were evident between stress and rest conditions (reader 1: P < .0001 and reader 2: P = .0002). At rest, median LUHG values were 2.31 mm and 2.05 mm for readers 1 and 2 respectively, while at stress 2.88 mm and 2.9 mm for readers 1 and 2. Median joint laxity was 0.8 mm for reader 1 and 1.1 mm for reader 2. Pearson correlation was r = 0.457 (absolute intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.608) while under stress and r = 0.308 (absolute intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.417) at rest. Median joint laxity demonstrated a Pearson correlation of r = 0.161 and absolute intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.252.This study demonstrates a dynamic US assessment for PLRI, which aimed to assess the usefulness and feasibility of a laxity measurement after the application of a posterolateral drawer stress maneuver in a healthy population. Although establishing concordance between readers in measuring an LUHG under stress, the utility of a laxity measurement alone is not clear as correlation of measurements is not excellent; hence, an upper limit of normal for the ulnohumeral gap under stress may be more useful. Further evaluation of this technique is required in patients with PLRI.

Short-term radiographic analysis of a stemless humeral component for anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty

Abstract: Standard stemmed humeral implants have traditionally been utilized for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with a recent trend to implant smaller stems including short and stemless humeral designs. However, the rate of stress shielding after stemless TSA has not been primarily studied. Therefore, the objective of this study is to report the short-term survivorship and radiographic analysis of a stemless humeral implant.A retrospective cohort review of a prospectively collected, multicenter database for patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty with a stemless humeral design (Equinoxe Stemless; Exactech, Inc., Gainesville, FL, USA) with a minimum of 2 years clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed. The primary outcomes were to report the location and rate of stress shielding from a radiographic analysis of the humeral stem. Additionally, the revision rate of the humeral stem is reported. The secondary outcomes included ASES scores, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and range of motion (ROM). Radiographs (anterior-posterior/Grashey and axillary) were reviewed blindly by two fellowship trained shoulder surgeons. Radiographic analysis included stress shielding (partial or complete cortical resorption) and subsidence or shift in component position.Fifty four patients were included in this study with an average follow-up of 27 months (range 24-32 months). The average age of this cohort was 65 years (range 57-73 years) with 23 patients (43%) being female. Stress shielding was observed in 4 patients (7%) with the medial calcar being the most common location of stress shielding. Three of the 4 patients (75%) had evidence of partial resorption while 1 patient (25%) had evidence of complete resorption. No humeral component shift or subsidence was observed. There were no revisions due to humeral component complications. There was 1 revision surgery for aseptic glenoid loosening. A significant improvement for all clinical outcome measures was seen including with respect to VAS pain, which improved from 6.2 to 1.8 (P < .05), ASES, which improved from 38.2 to 81.8 (P < .05), and ROM which forward flexion improved from 120 degrees to 153 degrees (P < .05) and external rotation improved from 29 degrees to 49 degrees (P < .05).This ongoing study demonstrates a low rate of stress shielding for a stemless design humeral implant at short-term follow-up without any revision surgery due to humeral component complications. Longer term radiographic and clinical analysis with this cohort will be needed to confirm these findings and theoretical benefits for future revision surgeries.

Determination of rotator cuff tear reparability: an ultrasound-based investigation

Abstract: The use of ultrasound as a viable diagnostic tool for routine office visit evaluation of rotator cuff integrity is slowly gaining acceptance in orthopedic practice. However, the reliability of accurately assessing rotator cuff tear reparability by ultrasound has limited evidence in the literature. The purpose of this study was to compare preoperative assessment of cuff tear reparability via ultrasound with the arthroscopic determination of reparability at the time of surgery.We prospectively collected preoperative ultrasound and arthroscopic imaging data on 145 patients (80 or 55% men and average age of 60.7 years) who underwent arthroscopic posterior superior rotator cuff repair. Three independent experienced orthopedic surgeons retrospectively reviewed all ultrasound studies and arthroscopic imaging and determined if the posterior superior rotator cuff tendon edge was able to be viewed via ultrasound and determined with the arthroscopic images if the tear was reparable.On review of the ultrasound and arthroscopic data, if the edge of the rotator cuff tendon was able to be viewed on the coronal ultrasound image, it was most likely reparable with a positive predictive value of 97.6% and a positive likelihood ratio of 5.8. Sensitivity was 84.4%, and specificity was 76.9%. The negative predictive value was 37.5%, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.17. The interobserver reliability was 0.63, and the observers were unanimous in determining the tendon edge was able to be visualized in 99 of 145 cases (68%).Preoperative ultrasound evaluation of the shoulder for posterior superior rotator cuff tears is a useful tool for assessing rotator cuff integrity and may help predict intraoperative reparability of the tendon. This study demonstrates that if the cuff tear edge is able to be visualized, there is a high probability of successful arthroscopic restoration of the tendon to its native attachment. Conversely, if the tear edge is unable to be visualized, there is a moderate chance of the tear being irreparable. These results help expand the knowledge base of the usefulness of in-office ultrasound performed by the surgeon in predicting the results of surgical intervention for rotator cuff tears.

Assessment of therapeutic clinical trials for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

Abstract: BackgroundAdhesive capsulitis is a debilitating shoulder condition with unknown etiology and complex diagnosis. Treatment options include conservative and operative measures. Exploring the therapeutic trials targeting adhesive capsulitis can help shed light on effective modalities, and pinpoint inadequacies and areas of improvement.MethodsOn June 15,2022 interventional therapeutic clinical trials related to adhesive capsulitis on Clinicaltrials.gov were screened. Trial characteristics including, phase, duration, enrollment, study design, type of intervention, outcomes, and location were collected. Publications linked to trials in our study were reviewed for outcome reporting.ResultsA total of 70 trials were included in our study. The majority of the trials had no FDA-defined phase (70%). Only nine publications were associated with the trials, constituting a low publication rate of 14%. Majority of trials had an enrollment size between 11 and 50 participants (51%), and more than 90% were initiated after the start of 2010. Asia/Australia witnessed the highest number of trials with 31 trials. Physical therapy was the most commonly involved intervention type (50%), and disability/function was the most commonly explored primary outcome (71%). Majority of trials included a single institution (83%), were randomized (91%), and adopted an interventional model with parallel assignment (87%). Fourteen trials (20%) adopted an open labelled approach.ConclusionThe majority of trials that were undertaken remain with unpublished results. Trial results need to be published to help physicians navigate treatments and establish therapeutic protocols. Involving multiple institutions and reinforcing blinding can help decrease bias and increase the validity and reliability of trial results.

Why do patients with anterior shoulder instability not return to sport after surgery? A systematic review of 63 studies comprising 3545 patients

Abstract: PurposeTo review athletes’ reasons not to return to sport (RTS) after surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability, comparing capsulolabral repair and bony reconstruction procedures. The hypothesis is that the mostly named reason for patients unable to RTS is not due to physical inability of the shoulder.MethodsA systematic review was performed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines. PubMed, Embase/Ovid, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews/Wiley, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials/Wiley, SPORTDiscus/Ebsco and Web of Science/Clarivate Analytics were searched in collaboration with an information specialist up to August 11th 2022. Observational and interventional studies reporting reasons for no RTS following surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability were included. Quality assessment of studies was conducted using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria and Risk of Bias (RoB) assessment. Forest plots were generated to show an overview of the proportion shoulder function independent reasons for each study.ResultsSixty-three studies were included reporting on 3545 athletes, of which 2588 (73%) underwent capsulolabral repair versus 957 (27%) who underwent surgical treatment with bony reconstruction procedures. A total of 650 athletes (18%) was unable to RTS. The reason not to RTS was most frequently shoulder function independent (70%) compared to shoulder function dependent (30%) following both capsulolabral repair and bony reconstruction procedures. Most cited reasons for no RTS after capsulolabral repair were fear of re-injury (17%), personal reasons or change of priorities (11%) and retirement/discharge of military service or sports team (10%). Of these reasons, 106 (22%) were not specified other than being shoulder function dependent or shoulder function independent. Most cited reasons for no RTS after bony reconstruction procedures were fear of re-injury (12%), shoulder pain (10%) and retirement/discharge of military service or sports team (9%). Of these reasons, 74 (44%) were not specified other than being shoulder function dependent or shoulder function independent. Forest plots showed a variation from 0-100% shoulder independent reasons for both capsulolabral repair and bony reconstruction procedures.ConclusionThe majority of athletes who did not RTS following surgical treatment for anterior shoulder instability did so due to shoulder function independent reasons, such as fear of re-injury. However, there was a high variety between studies and many reasons were unspecified, warranting unified definitions for reasons of patients that do not RTS.

Correlation of suprascapular notch morphology with suprascapular nerve palsy: a 3D-computed tomography study

Abstract: The morphology of the suprascapular (SS) notch is a very important factor in treatment of suprascapular nerve (SSN) palsy. Several studies have reported SS notch morphology in cadavers or using a three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT); however, none has reported the distribution of SS notch morphology according to the age group. In addition, the correlation between SS notch morphology and SSN palsy remains unclear. The purposes of this study were to investigate the morphological distribution of the SS notch by age group in a large population and to assess the relationship between SS notch morphology and SSN palsy.We studied the 3D-CT images of 1063 shoulders in 1009 patients (mean age, 60.8 years; age range, 14-96 years). There were 53 shoulders with SSN palsy and 1010 shoulders without SSN palsy. Morphology of the SS notch was classified by Rengachary's classification (types I-VI). Shoulders with types I-IV were classified into the nonossified superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) group (group N) and those with types V and VI into the ossified STSL group (group O).The Rengachary's classifications of the 1063 shoulders were as follows: type I: n = 113, 10.6%; type II: n = 313, 29.4%; type III: n = 383, 36.0%; type IV: n = 109, 10.3%; type V: n = 107, 10.0%; and type VI: n = 38, 3.6%. Mean age was significantly older in the ossified STSL group, and the age was <40 years for only two shoulders in this group. The Rengachary's classifications of the SSN palsy cases were as follows: type I: 7.5%, II: 24.5%, III: 34.0%, IV: 15.1%, V: 13.2%, and VI: 5.7%. There was no statistical difference in age and sex, Rengachary type, or ossification between SSN palsy and non-SSN palsy cases.Ossification of the STSL was significantly more common in older patients, which suggests age-related change. In addition, no relation was identified between narrow notch or ossification of the STSL with the onset of SSN palsy.

Interrater and intrarater reliability of four different classification methods for evaluating acromial morphology on standardized radiographs

Abstract: Acromial morphology is an important pathophysiological factor for the development of subacromial impingement syndrome. There are 3 radiological methods to evaluate acromial morphology: Bigliani, modified Epstein, and acromial angle. However, their reliability have not been compared in a single study, nor using standardized radiographs. Consequently, the evaluation of acromial morphology is currently not validated though its widespread use across the world. The objective of this study was to investigate reliability of the 3 known classifications and the novel Copenhagen Acromial Curve classification.Three experienced clinicians rated 102 standardized supraspinatus outlet view radiographs with the 4 classification methods in 2 separate sessions a month apart. All measurements were blinded. With an expected kappa (κ) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.7 (+/-0.15), the target sample size was 87 radiographs.The Bigliani classification had interrater and intrarater reliability ranging from fair to good (κ 0.32-0.41 and 0.26-0.62). The modified Epstein classification had fair to good interrater and intrarater reliability (κ 0.24-0.69 and 0.57-0.63). The acromial angle classification had moderate to good interrater and intrarater reliability (κ 0.53-0.60 and 0.59-0.72). The novel Copenhagen Acromial Curve classification showed moderate to good interrater and intrarater reliability (ICC 0.66-0.71 and 0.75-0.78, respectively).The Copenhagen Acromial Curve was the only classification method with an ICC value > 0.7. The popular Bigliani classification had the worst reliability. The Copenhagen Acromial Curve classification produces numerical data, as opposed to the other 3 classification methods. This could potentially be utilized in future research to establishing cut-off values for treatment stratification.

Shoulder activity of the contralateral shoulder as a prognostic factor in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the prognosticator of the contralateral rotator cuff in patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) for symptomatic rotator cuff tear (RCT).A total of 104 patients with a mean age of 64.7 years (range, 40-83 years) underwent ARCR and were checked for the presence of a contralateral RCT using preoperative ultrasonography. Preoperative demographic data, including patients' occupations and sports activities, were also evaluated.The mean follow-up period for the operated shoulder was 25.0 months (range, 12-72 months). An RCT of the contralateral shoulder was observed in 40 of the 104 (38.5%) patients. Contralateral shoulder pain was observed in 16 (40%) and 15 (23.1%) patients in the RCT group preoperatively and the non-tear group, respectively. Of the 31 patients with shoulder pain, a poor prognosis was seen in 17 (54.8%). Statistical significance was observed between the active and sedentary groups in the RCT group, with eight patients (30.8%) in the active group and none in the sedentary group having a poor prognosis (P = .02). In contrast, in the non-tear group, a poor prognosis was observed in four patients (10.5%) in the active group, which was not significantly different compared to the five patients (19.2%) in the sedentary group (P = .33).For patients in the active group, RCTs are a risk factor for poor prognosis in the contralateral shoulder of ARCR.

Persistent elbow dislocation

Abstract: Acute elbow dislocation is a common injury with an incidence in the general population estimated at around 5/10000029Stoneback J.W. Owens B.D. Sykes J. Athwal G.S. Pointer L. Wolf J.M. Incidence of elbow dislocations in the United States population.J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012; 94: 240-245https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.J.01663Crossref PubMed Scopus (155) Google Scholar. Persistent (or static) elbow dislocation is a relatively rare problem but might occur due to inappropriate assessment or treatment of acute simple or complex elbow dislocations. Persistent elbow dislocation can be an invalidating and painful condition with a more ominous prognosis than an acute elbow dislocation with appropriate treatment.Surgical treatment of persistent elbow dislocation is a complex intervention that requires extended surgical exposure and arthrolysis in combination with circumferential ligamentous and osseous stabilization. Satisfactory results are described, but complication and re-intervention rates are high. Aftertreatment with a dynamic external fixator is often necessary.

Criteria-based return-to-sport testing helps identify functional deficits in young athletes following posterior labral repair but may not reduce recurrence or increase return to play

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare recurrent instability and return to play (RTP) in young athletes who underwent clearance to full activity based on a validated return-to-sport (RTS) test to those who underwent time-based clearance following primary posterior labral repair.This was a retrospective review of athletes with posterior shoulder instability who underwent primary arthroscopic posterior labral repair from 2012 to 2021 with minimum 1-year follow-up. Patients who underwent RTS testing at a minimum of 5 months postoperatively were compared to a historic control cohort of patients who underwent time-based clearance.There were 30 patients in the RTS cohort and 67 patients in the control cohort (mean follow-up 32.1 and 38.6 months, respectively). Of the 30 patients who underwent RTS testing, 11 passed without failing any sections, 10 passed while failing 1 section, and 9 failed the RTS test by failing 2+ sections. No differences were found between the RTS and control cohort in the incidence of recurrent instability (6.7% vs. 9.0%), overall RTP (94.7% vs. 94.3%), RTP at the same level as before injury (84.2% vs. 80.0%), recurrent pain/weakness (23.3% vs. 25.4%), or revision surgery (0% vs. 3.0%), respectively.While RTS testing in young athletes after posterior labral repair did not reduce recurrence or improve return to play compared to time-based clearance, two-thirds of athletes who underwent testing failed at least 1 section, indicating some functional deficit. Thus, RTS testing may help guide postoperative rehabilitation following posterior stabilization.