Proximal humerus fracture-dislocations are uncommon in elderly patients and rarely associated with neurovascular compromise. The anatomical proximity of the axillary artery and brachial plexus to the humeral head places them at risk during trauma, but diagnosis can be challenging when distal pulses are preserved. We present the case of a 79-year-old female who sustained a fracture-dislocation of the proximal humerus following a low-energy fall. CT angiography demonstrated humeral head displacement into the axilla with bony impingement on the axillary artery compression and brachial plexus tenting without transection. The patient underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with neurovascular exploration. The patient developed postoperative neuropraxia, which gradually improved with rehabilitation. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of vascular injury without overt clinical signs and underscores the role of CT angiography in surgical planning. Early imaging allowed a multidisciplinary operative approach, facilitating preservation of vascular integrity and functional recovery. In patients with severely displaced proximal humerus fracture-dislocations, particularly when neurovascular injury is suspected, early CT angiography should be strongly considered to guide surgical decision-making and optimise outcomes.

PURPOSE:The aim of this systematic review is to review the functional, clinical and radiological outcomes of patients undergoing large to massive rotator cuff repair with long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) autograft, as well as compare these to standard arthroscopic cuff repair. METHODS:A review of the online Medline database was conducted on 20 October 2022 according to PRISMA guidelines and registered prospectively on the PROSPERO database. Clinical studies assessing patients with large to massive rotator cuff tears undergoing LHBT autograft repair were included. All studies reported on functional outcomes, range of movement (ROM) and radiological re-tear rates. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies (MINORS) tool was used to appraise all studies. RESULTS:The search strategy identified ten studies for inclusion including a total of 594 patients. Five studies were comparable (346 patients), assessing LHBT autograft repair against arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without autograft. A variety of techniques of LHBT autograft were used across all studies, including bridging and augmentation styles. Radiographic comparison showed lower re-tear rates in the LHBT autograft group with two studies demonstrating statistically significant results. Pain scores, functional outcomes and ROM were significantly improved post-operatively in all studies for LHBT autograft patients, with no significant difference when compared to standard arthroscopic repair. CONCLUSION:LHBT autograft looks to significantly improve functional scoring and range of motion in patients with large to massive rotator cuff tears. When compared to standard arthroscopic cuff repair, LHBT autograft appears to significantly reduce the re-tear rate. Further randomised studies are needed to assess the efficacy of this technique.

Background: Management of displaced distal clavicle fractures remains a topic of discussion because of notoriously high nonunion rates, but there is little documented in the literature as to what effect this may have on patient-reported function. The aim of this systematic review was to look at nonoperative management following displaced distal clavicle fractures to determine union rates, complications, and patient-reported outcome measures. Methods: A review of the online databases MEDLINE and Embase was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Clinical studies that included a cohort of nonoperatively managed displaced distal clavicle fractures and reported on union rate, complications, and patient-reported functional scores were included. Results: Eleven studies were eligible for inclusion (2 randomized controlled trials, 1 prospective noncomparative cohort study, 5 retrospective comparative cohort studies, and 3 case series) with a total of 779 patients included in this review. Average union rate was 63.2% (22.2%-94.4%) in nonoperatively managed patients, compared with 96.3% (87.9%-100%) in operatively managed patients. The Constant-Murley score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire were the most frequently used outcome measure tools. No study demonstrated any significant difference in any outcome measure when comparing nonoperative with operative treatment. Complication rate (including nonunion) in nonoperatively managed patients was 45.1%, with 11.1% requiring delayed surgery. Average complication rate in the operatively managed groups was 41.2%, with 40.1% requiring a second operation. Conclusion: Nonoperative management of displaced distal clavicle fractures results in higher nonunion rates, but shoulder function remains excellent, and risk of complications and delayed surgery are low. Decision making must take into account patient factors and expectations to provide high-quality, individualized care.

Instability arthropathy of the sternoclavicular joint is most commonly managed by rehabilitation, injection, and either arthroscopic or open debridement with or without interposition arthroplasty. When these options fail to achieve symptom relief, excision arthroplasty is an option. This is associated with a risk of persistent instability and incomplete pain relief. We describe two cases in which custom sternoclavicular joint replacement was performed for painful insufficiency of scapular suspension. Although the prostheses remained secure in both cases, the first case was complicated by persistent instability due to insufficient reconstruction of the intrinsic sternoclavicular capsular ligaments. This was recognised and corrected for in the second case, in which stability of the sternoclavicular joint replacement has been noted on more than a 5-year review. We conclude that sternoclavicular joint replacement is an option for patients in whom instability arthropathy remains an intrusive problem in daily life after other conventional treatments have not controlled symptoms. Stability of the joint remains a concern. We offer one method of achieving stability through an iterative design process including the ability to reconstruct the intrinsic capsular ligaments around the articulation.

Background:The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and retear rate of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) with dermal allograft following structural failure of a previous rotator cuff repair, with a cohort of primary SCRs.Methods:This was a retrospective comparative study with a study group comprising 22 patients who were followed up at a minimum of 24 (mean, 41; range, 27-65) months after SCR with dermal allograft performed for structural failure of a previous rotator cuff repair. The control group included 13 patients who previously underwent a primary SCR using dermal allograft and were followed up for 24 months. Clinical outcome measures comprised range of motion, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) Index. Radiological outcomes included the acromiohumeral interval and graft integrity on magnetic resonance imaging at one year. Logistic regression was used to determine whether SCR being undertaken as either a primary or revision procedure influenced functional outcomes or retear rate.Results:The mean age at the time of surgery was 58 (range, 39-74) years for the study group and 60 (range, 48-70) years for the control group. Forward flexion improved from a mean of 117° (range, 7°-180°) preoperatively to 140° (range, 45°-170°) postoperatively (P = .11), and external rotation increased from a mean of 31° (range, 0°-70°) preoperatively to 36° (range, 0°-60°) postoperatively (P = .23). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved (P = 0) from a mean of 38 (range, 12-68) to 73 (range, 17-95), and the WORC Index improved (P = 0) from a mean of 29 (range, 7-58) to 59 (range, 30-97). Following SCR, there was no significant change in the acromiohumeral interval. The graft was intact in 42% of cases on magnetic resonance imaging and none of the retears underwent further surgery. Compared to revision SCR, primary SCR resulted in a significant improvement in forward flexion (P = .001), external rotation (P = 0), and WORC Index (P = .019). Logistic regression demonstrated that SCR performed as a revision procedure was associated with a higher retear rate (P = .006) and worse forward flexion (P = .009) and external rotation (P = .008).Conclusion:SCR using human dermal allograft following structural failure of a previous rotator cuff repair can lead to an improvement in clinical outcomes but the results are inferior to primary procedures.

Recurrent shoulder instability and its role in bone loss from the anterior glenoid is well recognized throughout the literature. This technique paper presents an all-arthroscopic technique that uses distal tibial allograft and double-button suture fixation to address anterior recurrent shoulder instability. With the patient in the lateral decubitus position, we use the posterior portal to position the double-barrel drill guide tangential to the face of the glenoid, while viewing through the anterosuperolateral portal. We then use the "bullets," which are made through two percutaneous posterior skin incisions of the double-barreled drill. This guide ensures parallel drill tunnels are created 5 mm medial to the glenoid articular surface and 1 cm apart, minimizing risk to the suprascapular nerve caused by a straying medial. We prepare a bone block from allograft distal tibia and place two drill holes to match those drilled in the glenoid vault. The allograft is then shuttled arthroscopically using looped passing wires. Once the final position is confirmed, a tensiometer is used to tension the graft in place. We then reattach the labrum to the native glenoid rim. Our technique creates a reproducible, anatomic, glenoid surface reconstruction for anterior glenoid bone loss in recurrent instability.

Purpose: To compare superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) versus bridging graft (BG) for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Methods: A prospective double-blind randomized study was conducted to compare SCR versus BG for massive irreparable RCTs. Fifty patients (mean age: 60.2 +/- 6.0 years) with chronic tears (mean duration of symptoms: 5 +/- 5.2 years) were intraoperatively randomized following partial repair to SCR or BG using human dermal allograft. All patients underwent standardized rehabilitation and were followed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months clinically and radiographically. Magnetic resonance imaging were obtained at 12 months to determine graft integrity. Results: At 2 years, 46 patients were available for follow-up. Mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC), and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were 74.8 +/- 23.9, 66.0 +/- 28.3, and 24.7 +/- 26.1 for the SCR group, and 77.9 +/- 19.9, 69.5 +/- 24.5, and 25.0 +/- 19.1 for the BG group, respectively, with no significant difference between groups. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated 18 of 24 (75%) in the SCR group and 14 of 22 (64%) in the BG group were intact at 12 months (P = .53). Patients with intact grafts compared with those with retorn grafts, whether SCR or BG, had greater ASES and WORC scores at 24 months (ASES 81.0 +/- 18.7 vs 65.7 +/- 24.4, P = .021 and WORC 72.3 +/- 24.6 vs 53.7 +/- 26.7, P = .04) and greater acromiohumeral intervals on radiographs at all follow-up time points. Conclusions: When performing arthroscopic reconstruction using human dermal allograft for an irreparable RCT, whether the proximal edge of the graft is attached on the glenoid bone or to the torn tendon does not significantly change short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Rotator cuff repair is increasingly being performed, and this is likely to continue to given the ageing population. An improvement in functional outcome can be achieved, with the best results noted in those tendons that go on to heal. Failure of repair following surgery can be associated with debilitating symptoms that are not always amenable to non-operative measures, so further surgery may be indicated for these patients. Several operative strategies have been described, but careful evaluation is required to determine the most suitable option. This review describes the decision-making strategies and treatment options available during management of a failed rotator cuff repair.

Background:The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcomes and retear rate following arthroscopic interpositional bridging dermal allograft for revision rotator cuff repair of large and massive retears.Methods:Twenty-three patients were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum follow-up of 24 (mean, 47; range, 24-77) months after revision rotator cuff repair using an interpositional bridging dermal allograft. There were 17 males and 6 females with a mean age of 56 (range, 40-74) years. Clinical outcomes were assessed using range of motion, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index. Graft integrity was assessed at 12-months using magnetic resonance imaging.Results:The interval between the primary rotator cuff repair and interpositional bridging graft was a mean of 82 (range, 7-192) months. Forward flexion improved from a mean of 145° (range, 60-180°) preoperatively to 152° (range, 135-170°) postoperatively (P = .3561). There was a decrease in external rotation from a mean of 50° (range, 20-80°) preoperatively to 37° (range, 0-45°) postoperatively (P = .0021). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved (P = .0196) from a mean of 50 (range, 10-88) to 69 (range, 22-97), and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index improved (P = .0008) from a mean of 34 (range, 3-90) to 57 (range, 14-93). The graft was intact in 39% of patients. No patients underwent further surgery.Conclusion:Interpositional bridging grafting for revision rotator cuff repair of large and massive retears leads to a significant improvement in functional outcome but is associated with a high retear rate.

Over 300,000 rotator cuff repairs are performed annually in the United States, where the annual financial burden of managing shoulder pain has been estimated to be $3 billion. Despite advances in surgical techniques, retear rates range from 39% to 94%4. Partial-thickness tears are approximately twice as common as full-thickness tears and can lead to considerable pain and loss of function. Although some partial-thickness tears can be treated nonoperatively, spontaneous healing is unlikely when >50% of the bursal/articular-sided tendon thickness is involved, and thus nonoperative treatment would be unsuccessful1-4. Regeneten (Smith & Nephew) is a bioinductive type-1 collagen implant that can be utilized to repair a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear without formal tendon-bone reattachment. Because this implant does not require tendon-bone reattachment, treatment does not typically entail prolonged rehabilitation. At 2 years postoperatively, this implant has been shown to significantly improve functional outcomes and tendon thickness without any serious adverse events4.DescriptionA diagnostic arthroscopy is performed via a posterior viewing portal, paying particular attention to the insertion of the posterosuperior rotator cuff onto the humeral head. The subacromial space is entered posteriorly and visualized. With use of electrocautery through a lateral portal, all soft tissue is cleared from the undersurface of the acromion and from the superficial rotator cuff. The coracoacromial ligament is released from the underside of the acromion, and an acromioplasty is performed if indicated. The partial-thickness rotator cuff tear is visualized and examined for tissue quality, tear area, and residual tendon thickness. The size of the tear is measured, and an appropriate implant size is chosen. The lateral portal is enlarged so that the graft can be inserted and unfolded with use of a specialized delivery guide. The implant is centered over the tear, ensuring that it covers as much of the lateral footprint as possible. To complete the procedure, the implant is secured to the tendon with use of soft-tissue staples and to the lateral osseous footprint with use of bone staples.AlternativesFirst-line treatment is often nonoperative and entails activity modification, pharmacological therapies, and targeted physiotherapy directed toward strengthening parascapular muscles and the remaining rotator cuff. Surgical treatment is considered for persistent symptoms. Conventional operative strategies include subacromial decompression, rotator cuff debridement, in situ repair, and conversion to a full-thickness defect and repair.RationalePartial-thickness tears substantially increase intratendinous strain. This increased strain leads to further tissue degeneration and tear enlargement5, likely influencing the high rate of tear propagation observed with nonoperative treatment and nonanatomic operative treatment, such as subacromial decompression. Isolated bioinductive repair of partial-thickness tears with use of a resorbable collagen implant does not involve tendon excision or repair of the tendon to the bone, which can sometimes be challenging. This technique offers a simple solution to a complex problem and has the benefit of an accelerated rehabilitation program compared with formal rotator cuff repair. Accordingly, patient satisfaction with the procedure is high, making this treatment an appealing option4.Expected OutcomesShort and midterm results following isolated bioinductive repair of partial-thickness tears demonstrate that it is a safe procedure associated with a reduction in pain, increased range of motion, and improvement in functional outcomes. Patients should be counselled regarding the safety of a resorbable collagen patch and its potential to promote healing and improve symptoms4-6.Important TipsIf the tear is articular, it should be marked with a needle so that the graft can be centered over the tear within the subacromial space.When positioning the implant, ensure that it covers the defect and the lateral footprint.Position the cannulas so that they allow the staples to enter the tissue perpendicular to the tendon and osseous footprint.To prevent tearing of the patch, do not depress the staples with excessive force.Acronyms and AbbreviationsMRI = magnetic resonance imagingPEEK = polyetheretherketoneVAS = visual analogue scaleASES = American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score.

Partial thickness rotator cuff tears have been diagnosed with increased frequency due to heightened awareness and an improvement in diagnostic modalities. When >50% of the tendon thickness has ruptured, intra-tendinous strain of the residual tendon increases. Surgery is generally confined to patients who have failed non-operative measures and have persistent symptoms. The rationale for repairing partial thickness tears lies in their limited self-healing capacity, and propensity to enlarge over time and progress to a full thickness defect. Although tear debridement and acromioplasty can improve pain and function, tear progression can occur, in addition to worse results being noted in bursal-sided defects. Several surgical strategies have been recommended but there is a lack of evidence to advocate one form of treatment over another. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the treatment options for partial thickness tears of the rotator cuff.

Partial thickness rotator cuff tears have been diagnosed with increased frequency due to heightened awareness and an improvement in diagnostic modalities. When >50% of the tendon thickness has ruptured, intra-tendinous strain of the residual tendon increases. Surgery is generally confined to patients who have failed non-operative measures and have persistent symptoms. The rationale for repairing partial thickness tears lies in their limited self-healing capacity, and propensity to enlarge over time and progress to a full thickness defect. Although tear debridement and acromioplasty can improve pain and function, tear progression can occur, in addition to worse results being noted in bursal-sided defects. Several surgical strategies have been recommended but there is a lack of evidence to advocate one form of treatment over another. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the treatment options for partial thickness tears of the rotator cuff.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is being performed by an ever-increasing number of surgeons. With an ageing population and growing patient expectations it is crucial that clinical outcomes are optimised. Anatomical reduction of the tendon back to its footprint with minimal tension contributes to this, but this can only be achieved if key biomechanical factors are taken into consideration. In this review of the technical aspects of a rotator cuff repair, we focus on: (1) patient positioning, (2) biomechanical principles, (3) optimal visualisation, and (4) repair techniques for both anterior and postero-superior tears.

The demand for total shoulder arthroplasty has grown over the years and is set to continue in a similar trend because of the ageing population. Following a global reduction in elective orthopaedic treatment and an exponential rise in surgical waiting times, innovative strategies are desperately needed to mitigate against the harmful effects of delaying vital operations on both patients and the wider society. Day case shoulder arthroplasty is a safe alternative to a traditional inpatient approach, with evidence supporting substantial cost savings, improved outcomes and fewer complications. Rigorous patient selection and a multidisciplinary team approach are paramount when adopting a day case service to deliver joint replacement surgery. This review outlines the principles of day case total shoulder arthroplasty and highlights key considerations when transitioning to this approach.

INTRODUCTION:Surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears commonly entails reattachment of the ruptured tendon to its bony insertion using suture anchors. Suture anchor design has evolved from solid metal anchors to vented biocomposite anchors with potentially biologic consequences. Few studies have investigated the differences between different modern anchor design and materials, making it difficult to justify their use or cost. OBJECTIVE:To compare the rate of bony ingrowth and implant resorption between a coil-type open-architecture biocomposite suture anchor and a vented screw-type biocomposite suture anchor, used for arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair. METHODS AND ANALYSIS:In this retrospective comparative study, a consecutive series of patients who undergo a double row rotator cuff repair using a coil-type open architecture biocomposite suture anchor in the medial row and a vented screw-type biocomposite suture anchor in the lateral row will be included. A sample size calculation demonstrated that 16 participants are required in each group. Primary outcome measures will be bony ingrowth and reabsorption of the suture anchor as measured on computed tomography (CT). Secondary outcomes will include patient reported outcome measures (The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score and The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff questionnaire), range of motion, postoperative tendon integrity, and cyst formation. HIGHLIGHTS:Open-architecture suture anchors facilitate the release of marrow constituents.The rate of bony ingrowth for coil- and screw-type anchors will be assessed.The difference in functional outcome between the two anchors will be assessed.

Revision rotator cuff repair is a technically demanding procedure that can be complicated by the presence of large peri-implant cysts. When multiple suture anchors are encountered, massive bone defects may need to be addressed to ensure that tendon–bone fixation and healing can be optimized. This Technical Note discusses arthroscopic compaction bone grafting for massive uncontained bone defects of the greater tuberosity associated with revision rotator cuff repair.

Background: Graft choice in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains controversial and some grafts fail due to inadequate osteointegration. Demineralised cortical bone (DCB) is an osteoinductive collagen-based scaffold. The aim of this study was to measure the tensile properties of DCB from different locations and from different ages, and determine its compatibility with current ACL fixation systems. Methods: The tensile properties of DCB manufactured from femur and tibia of young (9 month) and old (2-3 years) sheep was measured to determine the most appropriate graft choice. The ultimate load and stiffness of DCB allograft using two fixation systems, interference screws and sutures tied around screw posts, was measured ex vivo in an ovine ACL reconstruction model. Comparison was made with superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and ovine ACL. Results: DCB derived from young tibia had the highest ultimate load and stiffness of 67.7 +/- 10.6 N and 130.2 +/- 64.3 N/mm respectively. No DCB fixation system reached the published peak in vivo force through the ovine ACL of 150 N. SDFT fixation with interference screws (308.2 +/- 87.3 N) did reach the in vivo threshold but was significantly weaker than ovine ACL (871.0 +/- 64.2 N). Conclusion: The tensile properties of DCB were influenced by the donor age and bone. Owing to inferior tensile properties and incompatibility with suspensory fixation devices, this study indicates DCB is inferior to current tendon grafts options for ACL reconstruction.

Aims The success of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) depends on osseointegration at the graft-tunnel interface and intra-articular ligamentization. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of clinical and preclinical studies that evaluated biological augmentation of graft healing in ACLR. Materials and Methods In all, 1879 studies were identified across three databases. Following assessment against strict criteria, 112 studies were included (20 clinical studies; 92 animal studies). Results Seven categories of biological interventions were identified: growth factors, biomaterials, stem cells, gene therapy, autologous tissue, biophysical/environmental, and pharmaceuticals. The methodological quality of animal studies was moderate in 97%, but only 10% used clinically relevant outcome measures. The most interventions in clinical trials target the graft-tunnel interface and are applied intraoperatively. Platelet-rich plasma is the most studied intervention, but the clinical outcomes are mixed, and the methodological quality of studies was suboptimal. Other biological therapies investigated in clinical trials include: remnant-augmented ACLR; bone substitutes; calcium phosphate-hybridized grafts; extracorporeal shockwave therapy; and adult autologus non-cultivated stem cells. Conclusion There is extensive preclinical research supporting the use of biological therapies to augment ACLR. Further clinical studies that meet the minimum standards of reporting are required to determine whether emerging biological strategies will provide tangible benefits in patients undergoing ACLR. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:271–84.

BACKGROUND:The success of rotator cuff repair is primarily dependent on tendon-bone healing. Failure is common because weak scar tissue replaces the native enthesis, rendering it prone to reruptures. A demineralized bone matrix (DBM) consists of a network of collagen fibers that provide a sustained release of growth factors such as bone morphogenetic proteins. Previous studies have demonstrated that it can regenerate a fibrocartilaginous enthesis.HYPOTHESIS:The use of a DBM and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at the healing enthesis will result in a higher bone mineral density at the tendon insertion and will enhance the regeneration of a morphologically superior enthesis when compared with an acellular human dermal matrix.STUDY DESIGN:Controlled laboratory study.METHODS:Eighteen female Wistar rats underwent unilateral detachment of the supraspinatus tendon. Three weeks later, tendon repair was carried out in animals randomized into 3 groups: group 1 received augmentation of the repair with a cortical allogenic DBM (n = 6); group 2 received augmentation with a nonmeshed, ultrathick, acellular human dermal matrix (n = 6); and group 3 underwent tendon-bone repair without a scaffold (n = 6). All animals received 1 × 106 MSCs delivered in fibrin glue to the repair site. Specimens were retrieved at 6 weeks postoperatively for histological analysis and the evaluation of bone mineral density.RESULTS:All groups demonstrated closure of the tendon-bone gap with a fibrocartilaginous enthesis. Although there were no significant differences in the enthesis maturation and modified Movin scores, repair augmented with a dermal matrix + MSCs exhibited a disorganized enthesis, abnormal collagen fiber arrangement, and greater cellularity compared with other MSC groups. Only repairs augmented with a DBM + MSCs reached a bone mineral density not significantly lower than nonoperated controls.CONCLUSION:A DBM enhanced with MSCs can augment rotator cuff healing at 6 weeks and restore bone mineral density at the enthesis to its preinjury levels.CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Biological augmentation of rotator cuff repair with a DBM and MSCs may reduce the incidence of retears, although further studies are required to determine its effectiveness.