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Background: To report clinical and activity-specific outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) for full-thickness supraspinatus tears in active individuals aged less than or equal to 45 years. The pre hoc hypothesis was that patients in this age group would demonstrate significant improvements in clinical outcomes following ARCR along with a significant improvement of athletic abilities. Methods: Patients were included in this study if they were (1) active individuals aged between 18 and 45 years at the time of surgery, (2) had a full-thickness rotator cuff tear of the supraspinatus tendon with or without anterior or posterior extension, and (3) underwent ARCR. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score; Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand; Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation; and Short Form-12 Physical Component Summary were prospectively collected and postoperative patient satisfaction (scale of 1-10) was recorded at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Attainment of the minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptom state for the ASES was calculated. Athletic activity–specific outcomes and return to activity were investigated prospectively via a custom-made comprehensive questionnaire. Results: Between November 2005 and June 2020, of 1149 RCRs performed by the senior author, 54 patients (mean age 40.9 years, 13 female; follow-up 69.7 ± 35.2 months in a range of 24.6-179.6 months) were included into the outcomes analysis. Of those, 4 patients (7.4%) had progressed to revision RCR. At a follow-up of 5.8 years, outcome scores had significantly improved compared to preoperative baselines (ASES 55.6 ± 13.8 to 90.1 + 15.8; P

Abstract Background Rotator cuff tears among patients under 50 years either result from an adequate trauma or are considered non-traumatic due to work-related or athletic overuse. The impact of these different mechanisms on postoperative functional outcomes and tendon healing has not yet been fully understood. Therefore, it was the purpose of this study to investigate the influence of etiology of (antero-)superior rotator cuff tears on postoperative outcomes and the healing rates after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in a young patient population. Methods Patients under 50 years who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between 2006–2017 for an anterosuperior rotator cuff tear with a minimum follow up of 24 months were included in this study. Revision surgeries or reconstructive concomitant procedures other than long head of the biceps tenodesis were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups according to the etiology of their rotator cuff tear (traumatic vs. non-traumatic). Demographic and outcome scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Constant Score (CS), bilateral strength measurements and postoperative tendon integrity evaluated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were assessed and compared between both groups. Results The mean follow up for this study was 55.6 months (24 – 158). Twenty-one patients (50.0%) had a traumatic RCT and 21 patients (50.0%) had a non-traumatic tear. Outcome scores did not differ significantly between groups. Strength measurements of the supraspinatus revealed significantly decreased force of the affected side as opposed to the contralateral side (p = 0.001), regardless of etiology. Retear rates were similar in both groups (37.5% and 33.3%, p = n.s.). Cuff integrity at follow-up was not predictive of superior scores or strength. Conclusion Surgical treatment of traumatic and non-traumatic RCT yields good clinical results in patients under the age of 50. The etiology of the rotator cuff tear did not significantly affect postoperative outcomes or healing rates. About one third of the patients suffered from a retear postoperatively, however retears were not predictive of inferior outcomes at midterm follow-up. Study design Level III. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

Background: Excellent results have been reported for anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA). We aim to assess the recovery curve and longitudinal effects of time, age, sex, and glenoid morphology on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after primary anatomic TSA for primary GHOA. Methods: Patients who underwent primary anatomic TSA over 5 years ago were included: Short-Form 12 Physical Component Summary, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, Quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand Score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and patient satisfaction were assessed. Linear mixed-effects models were used to model progression in PROs longitudinally. Unadjusted models and models controlling for sex and age were constructed. Results: Eighty-one patients (91 shoulders) were included. Significant improvements from the preoperative period to 1 year postoperatively in the median American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (48 to 93; P

Abstract Background To evaluate the diagnostic value of MR-derived CT-like images and simulated radiographs compared with conventional radiographs in patients with suspected shoulder pathology. Methods 3 T MRI of the shoulder including a 3D T1-weighted gradient echo sequence was performed in 25 patients (mean age 52.4 ± 18 years, 13 women) with suspected shoulder pathology. Subsequently a cone-beam forward projection algorithm was used to obtain intensity-inverted CT-like images and simulated radiographs. Two radiologists evaluated the simulated images separately and independently using the conventional radiographs as the standard of reference, including measurements of the image quality, acromiohumeral distance, critical shoulder angle, degenerative joint changes and the acromial type. Additionally, the CT-like MR images were evaluated for glenoid defects, subcortical cysts and calcifications. Agreement between the MR-derived simulated radiographs and conventional radiographs was calculated using Cohen’s Kappa. Results Measurements on simulated radiographs and conventional radiographs overall showed a substantial to almost perfect inter- and intra-rater agreement (κ = 0.69–1.00 and κ = 0.65–0.85, respectively). Image quality of the simulated radiographs was rated good to excellent (1.6 ± 0.7 and 1.8 ± 0.6, respectively) by the radiologists. A substantial agreement was found regarding diagnostically relevant features, assessed on Y- and anteroposterior projections (κ = 0.84 and κ = 0.69 for the measurement of the CSA; κ = 0.95 and κ = 0.60 for the measurement of the AHD; κ = 0.77 and κ = 0.77 for grading of the Samilson-Prieto classification; κ = 0.83 and κ = 0.67 for the grading of the Bigliani classification, respectively). Conclusion In this proof-of-concept study, clinically relevant features of the shoulder joint were assessed reliably using MR-derived CT-like images and simulated radiographs with an image quality equivalent to conventional radiographs. MR-derived CT-like images and simulated radiographs may provide useful diagnostic information while reducing the amount of radiation exposure.

Purpose: To specifically evaluate the influence of the acromioclavicular (AC)-joint morphology on the outcome after arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular (CC) stabilization surgery with suspensory fixation systems and to investigate whether an additional open AC-joint reduction and AC cerclage improves the clinical outcome for patients with certain morphologic AC-joint subtypes. Methods: Patients with an acute acromioclavicular joint injury, who underwent arthroscopically assisted CC stabilization with suspensory fixation systems with or without concomitant AC cerclage between January 2009 and June 2017 were identified and included in this retrospective cohort analysis. AC-joint morphology was assessed on preoperative radiographs and categorized as “flat” or “non-flat” (“oblique”/“curved”) subtypes. After a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, postoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain were collected. A subgroup analysis of clinical outcomes depending on the surgical technique and morphological subtype of the AC joint was performed. Results: Eighty-one patients (95% male, mean age 35 ± 12 years) could be included at a mean follow-up of 57 ± 14 months. Radiographic assessment of AC-joint morphology showed 24 (30%) cases of flat type, 38 (47%) cases of curved type, and 19 (23%) cases of oblique morphology. Postoperatively, no clinically significant difference could be detected after the treatment of AC joint injury via CC stabilization with or without concomitant AC cerclage (VASrest: P = .067; VASmax: P = .144, ASES: P = .548; SANE: P = .045). No clinically significant differences were found between the surgical techniques for the flat morphologic subtype (VASrest: P = .820; VASmax: P = .251; SANE: P = .104; ASES: P = .343) or the non-flat subtype (VASres: P = .021; VASmax: P = .488; SANE: P = .243, ASES: P = .843). Conclusions: In arthroscopically assisted AC stabilization surgery with suspensory fixation systems for acute AC-joint injury, the AC-joint morphology did not influence the postoperative outcome, independent of the surgical technique. No clinical benefit of performing an additional horizontal stabilization could be detected in our collective at mid-term follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Abstract Background Elbow dislocation represents a common injury, especially in the younger population. If treated surgically, the reattached tendons require a high amount of primary stability to allow for an early rehabilitation to avoid postoperative stiffness. The purpose of this study was to assess the biomechanical properties of a single and a double row technique for reattachment of the common extensor and common flexor muscles origin. We hypothesized that the double row technique would provide greater stability in terms of pullout forces than the single row technique. Methods Twelve cadaveric specimens were randomized into two groups of fixation methods for the common extensor tendon or the common flexor tendon at the elbow (1): a single row technique using two knotted 3.0 mm suture anchors, and (2) a double row technique using an additional knotless 3.5 mm anchor. The repairs were cyclically loaded over 500 cycles at 1 Hz from 10 N to a maximum of 100 N (extensors) or 150 N (flexors), and then pulled to failure. Stiffness and maximum load at failure and mode of failure were recorded and calculated. Results No significant differences in stiffness were observed between the two techniques for both the extensor and flexor reattachment (P = 0.701 and P = 0.306, respectively). The mean maximum load at failure indicated that the double row construct was significantly stronger than the single row construct. This was found to be true for both the extensor and flexor reattachment (213.6; SD 78.7 N versus 384.1; SD 105.6 N, P = 0.010 and 203.7; SD 65.8 N versus 318.0; SD 64.6 N, P = 0.013, respectively). Conclusions The double row technique provides significant greater stability to the reattached common flexor or extensor origin to the medial or lateral epicondyle. Thus, it should be considered in the development of improved repair techniques for stabilizers of the elbow. Study design Controlled laboratory study.

Abstract Background The management of acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries depends on the degree of injury diagnosed by the Rockwood classification. Inadequate imaging and not selecting the most helpful imaging protocols can often lead to incorrect diagnosis of the injury. A consensus on a diagnostic imaging protocol for acute AC joint injuries does not currently exist. Therefore we conducted a systematic review of the literature considering three diagnostic parameters for patients with acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries: 1) Assessment of vertical instability; 2) Assessment of horizontal instability; 3) Benefit of weighted panoramic views. Methods Internet databases were searched in March 2016 using the terms (“AC joint” OR “acromioclavicular joint”) AND (MRI OR MR OR radiograph OR X-ray OR Xray OR ultrasound OR “computer tomography” OR “computed tomography” OR CT). Diagnostic, prospective, retrospective, cohort and cross- sectional studies were included to compare their use of different radiological methods. Case reports, cadaveric studies, and studies concerning chronic AC injuries and clinical outcomes were excluded. Results This search returned 1359 citations of which 1151 were excluded based on title, 116 based on abstract and 75 based on manuscript. 17 studies were included for review and were analyzed for their contributions to the three parameters of interest mentioned above. The inter- and intra-observer reliability for diagnosing vertical instabilities of the clavicle using x-ray alone show a high level of reproducibility while for horizontal instabilities the values were much more variable. In general, digitally measured parameters seem to be more precise and reliable between investigators than visual classification alone. Currently, evidence for the value of weighted views and other additional diagnostic imaging to supplement standard x-rays is controversial. Conclusion To date there is no consensus on a gold standard for diagnostic measures needed to classify acute AC joint injuries. The inter- and intra-observer reliability for diagnosing vertical instabilities of the clavicle using bilateral projections show a high level of reproducibility while for horizontal instabilities the results are much more inconsistent. There is currently no clear consensus on a protocol for image-based diagnosis and classification of acute AC joint injuries, leading to a lack of confidence in reproducibility and reliability.

Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) is a lesion associated with anterior shoulder instability. Although uncommon, HAGL lesions are a significant contributor to shoulder pain and dysfunction and, if missed, can even be a cause of failed Bankart repair. HAGL lesions should generally be repaired surgically; however, given their low prevalence, there is no consensus on the optimal surgical approach. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe our preferred surgical technique for the fixation of an HAGL lesion using an all-arthroscopic approach and a knotless suture anchor construct.

Os acromiale occur frequently in the population and can be a cause of significant shoulder dysfunction and rotator cuff impingement. When symptomatic os acromiale fail conservative management, surgical intervention may become necessary. The purpose of this article is to describe our preferred surgical technique for osteosynthesis of os acromiale using cannulated screws and tension-band wiring.

Chronic anterior shoulder instability due to structural failure of the subscapularis muscle and the anterior capsule is a rare and challenging diagnosis for surgeons to manage because poor-quality capsular, labral, and rotator cuff tissue often limits effective treatment options. If primary repair is not possible because of retraction and poor tissue quality, reconstruction with an allograft or autograft may be the only joint-preserving option. The purpose of this article is to describe a surgical technique for anterior capsular reconstruction using a human acellular dermal allograft for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis tears.

Although uncommon, rotator cuff tears that occur medially at the musculotendinous junction can result from acute trauma, anatomic force imbalance, or medial row cuff failure following a previous rotator cuff repair. The quality of the torn muscle and tendon along with the length of the remnant tendon stump should be considered before deciding on the most appropriate repair technique. When muscle and tendon quality are sufficient, the tear can often be repaired directly to the remnant tendon stump and compressed onto the greater tuberosity. If the remnant tendon stump is degenerative, of insufficient length, or lacks tendon in which to place sutures, an allograft patch can be used to augment the repair. When the quality of the remaining muscle and tendon are poor or when the muscle is retracted too far medially and is nonmobile, a bridging technique such as superior capsule reconstruction is preferable. The purpose of this report is to (1) highlight that medial cuff failure can occur both primarily and after previous repair; (2) define and classify the 3 major tear patterns that are encountered, and (3) describe the authors' preferred techniques for medial cuff repair that specifically address each of the major tear patterns.

Isolated fractures of the greater tuberosity of the humerus are an uncommon and frequently missed diagnosis. Mistreated and unrecognized, these fractures can cause chronic pain and diminished shoulder range of motion and function. Operative treatment options include open reduction and internal fixation, as well as arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal fixation. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe a bridging arthroscopic technique for the treatment of bony avulsions of the supraspinatus tendon.