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Abstract Background Long term studies have shown the Latarjet procedure to be successful in preventing re-dislocation in primary and recurrent anterior inferior shoulder instability. It provides stability through the sling effect of the conjoint tendon and the bone block. It is unclear whether augmentation with capsular repair provides an added benefit or leads to restricted range of external rotation. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of capsular repair in the open Latarjet procedure on rotational range of active external rotation in 90 degrees abduction (RoM-ER90). The secondary aim is to evaluate the effect on clinical outcomes including post-operative apprehension, instability, proprioception and shoulder function scores. Methods This is a multi-national retrospective cohort study including patients with a minimum of 6-months follow-up post Latarjet procedure performed between 2016 and 2020 recruited from 3 units in Australia and France. Range of motion was measured using a Proteck goniometer. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Oxford shoulder, Oxford instability, Walch-Duplay and Rowe scores. Shoulder proprioception was assessed by the active relocation test described by Glendon et al. Results Forty-four patients were included, median age was 29.5 years and 91% male. Three groups were assessed, open latarjet with no capsular repair (OL n = 11), open latarjet with capsular repair (OLCR n = 20), and arthroscopic Latarjet without capsular repair (AL n = 13). There was no apparent effect of capsular repair on the ROM-ER 90 in the open groups with a median (interquartile range) of 78° (72°, 90°) for OL and 84° (75°, 90°; P = 0.87) for OLCR groups. Capsular repair and arthroscopic approach did not affect the proportion of patients reporting shoulder apprehension (P = 0.52 and 0.48 respectively). There was no difference in proprioception between operative and non-operative sides for the OL group (P = 0.43). Proprioception was poorer on the operative side for the OLCR group (P = 0.04) but better on the operative side for the AL group (P = 0.08). WOSI scores for the open surgical groups were similar (OL = 78, OLCR = 80, P = 0.91) and when combined (median WOSI = 79) demonstrated greater stability than the AL group (P = 0.009). There was no evidence of an effect of capsular repair or arthroscopic approach on the Walch-Duplay, Oxford Instability, or Rowe scores. Conclusions There is no significant difference in ROM-ER 90 or WOSI score in patients who undergo the Latarjet procedure with and without capsular repair. The arthroscopic Latarjet may preserve proprioception but did not improve shoulder stability compared to the open Latarjet. Level of evidence III, retrospective cohort study.

Background: Tendon transfers of the latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) or the lower trapezius transfer (LTT) are treatment options for irreparable posterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears (PSIRCT). There is still no consensus on which type of tendon transfer is superior in the treatment of PSIRCT. Due to the differences in the anatomy and biomechanics, we hypothesize that there are different clinical situations in which either LDT or LTT should be preferred. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of LDT and LTT in patients with PSIRCT to establish a clinical algorithm for the treatment decision. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective, single-center observational study. Included were patients who underwent arthroscopically assisted LDT (aaLDT) or arthroscopically assisted LTT (aaLTT) for PSIRCT. In all patients, range of motion (ROM), external rotation strength, visual analog scale of pain and subjective shoulder value were determined pre- and postoperatively. Constant–Murley score was evaluated at the final follow-up. The complication rate, failure of the tendon transfer, and revision rate were analyzed. Results: In total, 29 aaLDT (age 64 years, median follow-up time 45 months) and 8 aaLTT (age 54 years, median follow-up time 34 months) were included. Active ROM, visual analog scale and subjective shoulder value was significantly improved in both cohorts. At follow-up, the median Constant–Murley score was 73 (aaLDT) and 77 (aaLTT), respectively. The failure rate, including revision surgery, was 14% (aaLDT) and 13% (aaLTT), respectively. Low functional findings preoperatively were correlated to a lower functional outcome at follow-up in both groups. Painful loss of anterior elevation and loss of external rotation had no significant impact on functional outcomes in aaLDT. Conclusion: Following the treatment algorithm based on the clinical examination, clinical outcome parameters, active ROM and pain could be significantly improved. A good preoperative function was associated with a good clinical outcome in both transfers. A low failure and revision rate supports the good decision-making of the algorithm presented.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is characterized by compression of neurovascular structures including the brachial plexus. Endoscopic techniques for brachial plexus neurolysis are emerging as treatment options when properly indicated. This technical note presents an updated comprehensive endoscopic technique for infraclavicular and supraclavicular brachial plexus neurolysis, including release of the suprascapular nerve via the anterior approach and release of the brachial plexus at the level of the interscalene triangle.

High-grade the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations can be treated surgically. Endoscopic techniques to stabilize the ACJ using an EndoButton suture technique for coracoclavicular (CC) fixation have been shown to be safe and reproducible. Several studies have demonstrated the benefit of stabilizing the ACJ to reduce postoperative horizontal instability. This Technical Note presents a full-endoscopic technique for acute ACJ dislocations using a double-stranded EndoButton cerclage technique for CC reconstruction and an additional coracoacromial ligament transfer for acromioclavicular reconstruction. An autologous coracoacromial ligament transfer to the lateral clavicle increases stability in the horizontal plane and reduces the risk of anteroposterior recurrent instability. Clinical studies need to show whether additive ACJ fixation in addition to the all-endoscopic double cerclage EndoButton CC stabilization technique is in fact beneficial.

Abstract Background This study aims to compare the range of motion (ROM) of reverse shoulder arthroplasty lateralised by bony increased offset (BIO-RSA) using a standard 38-mm (mm) component to regular reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) lateralised by using a 42-mm glenoid component. The secondary aims are to compare patient-reported and radiographic outcomes between the two groups. Materials and Methods All patients with a BIO-RSA and size 38 glenosphere were retrospectively identified and matched to patients with a regular RSA and size 42 glenosphere. Matched patients were invited for a follow-up visit. ROM was assessed as well as radiographic outcomes (lateralisation, distalisation, inferior overhang, scapular notching, heterotopic bone formation, radiolucency, stress shielding, bone graft healing and viability and complications) and patient-reported outcomes (subjective shoulder value, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, activities of daily living which require internal rotation, activities of daily living which require external rotation and a visual analogue scale for pain). Outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results In total, 38 BIO-RSAs with a size 38 glenosphere were matched to 38 regular RSAs with a size 42 glenosphere. Of the 76 matched patients, 74 could be contacted and 70 (95%) were included. At the final follow-up, there were no differences between the two groups in ROM, patient-reported outcomes or radiographic outcomes (p > 0.485). Conclusions Using a larger glenosphere is a feasible alternative to BIO-RSA for lateralising RSA, providing comparable ROM, patient-reported and radiographic results, while potentially decreasing costs, operative time and complication rates. Level of evidence III.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to use the Activities of Daily Living which require Internal Rotation (ADLIR) questionnaire to assess the functional internal rotation in patients who had undergone reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) without reattachment of the subscapularis (SSc) tendon at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The secondary aim was to report the objective range of motion (ROM) and the rate of postoperative instability. Materials and methods All consecutive primary RSA procedures without reattachment of the SSc tendon that were performed using a Delta Xtend prosthesis (an inlay system with a 155° neck-shaft angle) between January 2015 and December 2020 were identified to ensure a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients were contacted and requested to fill in several questionnaires, including the ADLIR and Auto-Constant scores. Results In total, 210 patients met the inclusion criteria; among those patients, 187 could be contacted and 151 completed questionnaires (response rate: 81%). The SSc tendon was fully detached without repair in all cases, and a superolateral approach was used in 130 (86%) cases. The median follow-up was 4.5 years (range: 2.0–7.6). At final follow-up, the mean ADLIR score was 88/100 (interquartile range (IQR): 81–96). The median level reached in internal rotation was the 3rd lumbar vertebra (IQR: lumbosacral region—12th thoracic vertebra). Of the 210 eligible patients, one required a revision for a dislocation within the first month after primary surgery. With regards to regression analysis with ADLIR score as the outcome, none of the factors were associated with the ADLIR score, although age and smoking approached significance (0.0677 and 0.0594, respectively). None of the explanatory variables were associated with ROM in internal rotation (p > 0.05). Conclusions This study demonstrates that satisfactory ADLIR scores and internal rotation ROM were obtained at mid-term follow-up after RSA leaving the SSc detached. Leaving the SSc detached also did not lead to high instability rates; only one out of 210 prostheses was revised for dislocation within the first month after primary surgery. Level of evidence III.

With improving surgical and technological solutions for repairing rotator cuff tears, there has been increased interest in treatment of partial rotator cuff tears. The most prevalent type of partial tear is the PASTA (partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion) lesion. There is an ongoing debate on the best surgical technique to repair a PASTA lesion, which has led to the development of many different arthroscopic techniques. This Technical Note provides a cost-effective and reproducible technique of a transtendinous single-row bridge repair of PASTA lesions, using two 1.8 FiberTak Knotless Soft Anchors.

Background: The primary aim was to determine the diagnostic value of the O’Brien test in localizing labral tears of the shoulder. Methods: A consecutive series of patients electing for labral repair between January 2005 and March 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) any patient with a labral tear who was elected for arthroscopic labral repair and (2) had documentation of the O’Brien test in the preoperative evaluation. Exclusion criteria were patients that had a negative arthrographically enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan. During arthroscopy, the localization and extension of the labral tear was documented in a standardized 12-o’clock configuration. Anteroinferior, posteroinferior, superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP), and combined labral tears were documented. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, positive and negative likelihood ratios, receiver operating characteristic curve, and area under the curve were calculated to determine the diagnostic value. Results: The cohort consisted of 271 patients (77% male) and included 105 anteroinferior, 86 posteroinferior, 46 SLAP, and 32 combined parts of the labrum. The mean age at time of surgery was 30 (±10.2) years. The O’Brien test was positive in 142 (52%) patients and showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for the posteroinferior tears (83% and 62%) compared to the anteroinferior (16% and 25%), combined labral parts (69% and 50%), and SLAP (65% and 50%) tears. In addition, receiver operating characteristic-analysis demonstrated a significantly higher area under the curve for posteroinferior tears compared to the other tears (P

Introduction Despite technological advancements in recent years, glenoid component loosening remains a common complication after anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) and is one of the main causes of revision surgery. Increasing emphasis is placed on the prevention of glenoid component failure. Previous studies have successfully predicted range of motion, patient-reported outcomes and short-term complications after ATSA using machine learning methods, but an accurate predictive model for (glenoid component) revision is currently lacking. This study aims to use a large international database to accurately predict aseptic loosening of the glenoid component after ATSA using machine learning algorithms.Methods and analysis For this multicentre, retrospective study, individual patient data will be compiled from previously published studies reporting revision of ATSA. A systematic literature search will be performed in Medline (PubMed) identifying all studies reporting outcomes of ATSA. Authors will be contacted and invited to participate in the Machine Learning Consortium by sharing their anonymised databases. All databases reporting revisions after ATSA will be included, and individual patients with a follow-up less than 2 years or a fracture as the indication for ATSA will be excluded. First, features (predictive variables) will be identified using a random forest feature selection. The resulting features from the compiled database will be used to train various machine learning algorithms (stochastic gradient boosting, random forest, support vector machine, neural network and elastic-net penalised logistic regression). The developed and validated algorithms will be evaluated across discrimination (c-statistic), calibration, the Brier score and the decision curve analysis. The best-performing algorithm will be used to create an open-access online prediction tool.Ethics and dissemination Data will be collected adhering to the WHO regulation on data sharing. An Institutional Review Board review is not applicable. The study results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Purpose/introduction Over the last decades, there has been increasing interest in biological stimulation or bioaugmentation after rotator cuff repair. So far, there is no consensus on the appropriate composition of biologicals or which patients would benefit most, and moreover, these biologicals are often expensive. However, there are other, non-pharmacological strategies that are also believed to achieve biological stimulation. This randomised controlled trial evaluates the possible cumulative effect of pragmatic application of cryobiomodulation, photobiomodulation and electrobiomodulation—collectively called biomodulation—on the bone-to-tendon healing process after rotator cuff repair.Methods In this randomised, controlled proof of concept study, 146 patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of a full thickness posterosuperior or anterosuperior rotator cuff tear will be 1:1 randomly assigned to either a control group or to the additional biomodulation protocol group. The adjuvant biomodulation protocol consists of seven self-applicable therapies and will be administered during the first 6 weeks after surgery. Primary outcome will be healing of the rotator cuff as evaluated by the Sugaya classification on MRI at 1-year postoperatively.Ethics and dissemination This study has been accepted by the National Ethical Review Board CPP Sud-Est IV in France and has been registered at Clinicaltrials.gov. The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration number NCT04618484.

Introduction The effectiveness of rotator cuff tear repair surgery is influenced by multiple patient-related, pathology-centred and technical factors, which is thought to contribute to the reported retear rates between 17% and 94%. Adequate patient selection is thought to be essential in reaching satisfactory results. However, no clear consensus has been reached on which factors are most predictive of successful surgery. A clinical decision tool that encompassed all aspects is still to be made. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms use complex self-learning models that can be used to make patient-specific decision-making tools. The aim of this study is to develop and train an algorithm that can be used as an online available clinical prediction tool, to predict the risk of retear in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair.Methods and analysis This is a retrospective, multicentre, cohort study using pooled individual patient data from multiple studies of patients who have undergone rotator cuff repair and were evaluated by advanced imaging for healing at a minimum of 6 months after surgery. This study consists of two parts. Part one: collecting all potential factors that might influence retear risks from retrospective multicentre data, aiming to include more than 1000 patients worldwide. Part two: combining all influencing factors into a model that can clinically be used as a prediction tool using machine learning.Ethics and dissemination For safe multicentre data exchange and analysis, our Machine Learning Consortium adheres to the WHO regulation ‘Policy on Use and Sharing of Data Collected by WHO in Member States Outside the Context of Public Health Emergencies’. The study results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Institutional Review Board approval does not apply to the current study protocol.

Introduction Shoulder instability is a common injury, with a reported incidence of 23.9 per 100 000 person-years. There is still an ongoing debate on the most effective treatment strategy. Non-operative treatment has recurrence rates of up to 60%, whereas operative treatments such as the Bankart repair and bone block procedures show lower recurrence rates (16% and 2%, respectively) but higher complication rates (1000 patients worldwide. Part 2, the multicentre data will be re-evaluated (and where applicable complemented) using machine learning algorithms to predict outcomes. Recurrence will be the primary outcome measure.Ethics and dissemination For safe multicentre data exchange and analysis, our Machine Learning Consortium adhered to the WHO regulation ‘Policy on Use and Sharing of Data Collected by WHO in Member States Outside the Context of Public Health Emergencies’. The study results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal. No Institutional Review Board is required for this study.

To date, no consensus exists regarding the best surgical management of isolated, micro-traumatic long thoracic nerve (LTN) paresis. Our hypothesis was that a combined decompression of the LTN at two potential locations for entrapment would be effective in the management of dynamic LTN paresis. We report on twelve patients with isolated LTN parersis, with tenderness at two entrapment sites, who underwent bifocal LTN decompression after undergoing unsuccessful conservative treatment for at least 6 months; all patients had preoperative electrodiagnostic studies that confirmed the paresis and ruled out peripheral neuritis. Clinical and electrical improvements were observed in eight patients (67%) regarding shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, and Quick-DASH scores. Four patients (33%) did not improve after surgery. The results corroborate our hypothesis that a bifocal LTN decompression can be an effective and reliable therapeutic option in more than half of a very selective patient population suffering from serratus anterior muscle deficiency.

Abstract Purpose Despite substantial animal evidence, cell therapy in humans remains in its infancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential therapeutic effects and safety of cell therapy in the treatment of tendon disorders. Methods According to the PRISMA guideline, a systematic review was performed on clinical studies concerning cell therapy in tendon disorders. A comprehensive search including the 5 databases of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until December 2021 was carried out and associated with hand searching. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed using the tools suggested by Cochrane recommendations. Qualitative synthesis was performed in 2 tables and discussed separately for rotator cuff, elbow, patella, Achilles, and gluteal tendons. Results Through 6017 records, 22 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, including 658 patients. All the studies administered autologous cells, except one that used allogenic adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (Allogenic AD‐MSC). Almost all studies demonstrated the safety of cell injection in their follow‐up period with no serious side effects or immunologic reactions, with only a few related minor adverse events in some cases. The included studies showed the effectiveness of cell injection in tendinopathies of different sites, rotator cuff, elbow, patella, Achilles, and gluteal tendons. Among the rotator cuff studies, 4 comparative studies claimed that cell therapy is a more efficient treatment with a lower retear rate and pain level compared to the control group. However, one study found no differences between the groups. No controlled study has been performed on elbow tendinopathies, but 5 case series demonstrated the effectiveness of cell injection in elbow tendon disorders. For Achilles tendinopathies, only one randomized controlled trial (RCT) found that both cell therapy and control groups showed significant pain reduction and functional improvement with no statistical differences at the 6 months follow‐up, but the cell therapy group had improved faster at earlier follow‐ups. Patellar tendinopathy was studied in 2 RCTs, one did not show a significant difference and the other showed superior improvement compared to controls. Conclusion Cell therapy showed promising results and the available evidence suggests that it is safe at several sites of tendon disease. Based on available evidence, cell therapy should be suggested in specific conditions at each site. To approve cell therapy for tendon diseases, randomized clinical trials are required with a large sample size and long‐term follow‐ups. Level of evidence IV

In young patients, irreparable subscapularis tears can be managed by latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer on the lesser tuberosity. We provide a technical guide for isolated LD anterior transfer. The surgical procedure begins with glenohumeral exploration and release of the remaining subscapularis. Then, we dissect the LD tendon below the subscapularis. At the upper and inferior borders, we dissect the LD from the teres major, protecting the radial nerve anteriorly and inferiorly. Next, we detach the LD. Inferiorly, we cut the aponeurotic expansion for the triceps. A Foley catheter is used as a shuttle relay, anterior to the axillary nerve and medial and posterior to the radial nerve. We continue with an open dissection of the LD, posterior to the axillary fossa, to release the LD from the skin and tip of the scapula. The LD is transferred on the lesser tuberosity after retrieved by the Foley catheter, with care taken not to twist the tendon. It is fixed with 2 lateral anchors and 1 medial anchor. A shoulder brace is worn for 6 weeks. Physiotherapy begins thereafter.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a debilitating condition, impairing the function of the upper limb, and can be considered an entrapment of neurovascular structures dedicated to the upper limb. Its open treatment uses a large approach, and to date, only the structures under the clavicle have been endoscopically approached. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe an endoscopic brachial plexus decompression at all possible entrapment areas between the neck and the arm.

Acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations are common and difficult to manage. The physiopathologic pattern begins with the rupture of the AC ligaments, then the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments, and with an invasion of the clavicle through the deltotrapezial fascia. Therefore, we tend to perform a true suture of the CC ligaments, along with a release of the AC ligaments from the joint. We thus propose an all-endoscopic CC ligament suture and AC joint release. It starts with glenohumeral exploration enabling a repair of concomitant lesions when necessary. Dissection of the coracoid process is made, along with the lateral border of the conjoint tendon, medially the pectoralis minor tenotomy, and plexus brachial exposition and protection. Superiorly the CC ligaments are tagged and exposed. A major difference with others procedure then arises. We dissect the inferior and superior surfaces of the clavicle and the AC joint, although we maintain the continuity between the deltotrapezoid fascia and the AC ligaments. The AC dislocation is reduced under endoscopic control performing a true suture of the CC ligaments by the mean of 2 suture tapes and dog bones. After surgery, a shoulder brace is used for 6 weeks. Physiotherapy then begins.

Due to recent progress in shoulder arthroscopy, all-endoscopic brachial plexus (BP) dissection has progressively become a standardized procedure. Based on previously described techniques, we present an additional neurological procedure that may be performed all-endoscopically, that is, the excision of an infraclavicular BP schwannoma. Starting from a standard shoulder arthroscopy with posterior and lateral portals, additional anterior and medial portals are progressively opened outside the joint under endoscopic control to access the BP. At first, dissection of the subcoracoid space allows the identification of the posterior and lateral cords, along with the axillary artery. Then, by performing a pectoralis minor tenotomy, the medial cord and axillary vein are exposed, giving access to the whole infraclavicular plexus. Intraneural dissection is performed using arthroscopic tools such as a long beaver blade, a grasper, and a smooth dissector to progressively extract the encapsulated tumor from the nerve without any damage. Using a standardized technique, endoscopy may be an advantageous tool in selected cases of BP benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by a neurologic compression of the brachial plexus before it reaches the arm. Three anatomic areas are common locations for such an entrapment because of their congenital and/or acquired tightness: the interscalene triangle, the costoclavicular space, and the retropectoralis minor space. Because the compression level usually remains unknown, the treatment is still controversial and most teams focus on only one potential site. We propose an all-endoscopic technique of complete brachial plexus neurolysis that can be divided into three parts, one for each entrapment area. First, with a subacromial approach, the suprascapular nerve is released distally from the transverse ligament and then followed up to the upper trunk. Once the upper trunk is located, the middle and lower trunks are dissected in the interscalene triangle. Then, by use of an infraclavicular approach, the brachial plexus is released from the costoclavicular space by detaching the subclavian muscle from the clavicle. Finally, the pectoralis minor is released from the coracoid so that the brachial plexus is distally freed. This technique seems to be safe and reproducible, but expert knowledge of the neurovascular anatomy and advanced endoscopic skills are required.

Arthroscopic Latarjet procedure is an efficient and reliable approach for the treatment of shoulder instability. Nevertheless, the screws fixing the bone block may sometimes be responsible for pain and uncomfortable snapping in the shoulder that is triggered during active external rotation. We propose an all-arthroscopic technique for screw removal in cases of complications involving the screws from a Latarjet procedure. The all-arthroscopic screw removal is reliable and efficient. This procedure is indicated in more cases than thought because of the bone block resorption. It permits a revision of the glenohumeral joint in case of persisting pain.