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Purpose: To systematically review the literature for studies investigating the biomechanical properties of constructs used to repair isolated subscapularis tears in time zero human cadaveric studies. Methods: A systematic review was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Three electronic databases were searched for studies that reported on the construct technique and biomechanical outcomes for the repair of isolated subscapularis tears in human cadaveric specimens. Ultimate load, gap formation, stiffness, and failure mode were documented. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies (QUACS) scale. Results: Six articles qualified (104 shoulders [72 single-row, 26 double-row, 6 transosseous]; mean QUACS score 10.5 ± 1) and were analyzed. Studies varied in the number and type of anchors and construct technique (1-2 anchors single-row; 3-4 anchors double-row; bioabsorbable or titanium anchors) and suture(s) used (no. 2 FiberWire or FiberTape), subscapularis tear type (25%, 33%, 50%, or 100% tear), and whether a knotless or knotted fixation was used. In studies that created full-thickness, upper subscapularis tears (Fox-Romeo II/III or Lafosse II), no significant differences were seen in ultimate load, gap formation, and stiffness for knotted versus knotless single-row repair (2 studies) and single-row versus double-row repair (1 study). Double-row repair of complete subscapularis tears demonstrated higher ultimate load, stiffness, and lower gap formation in 1 study. Ultimate load differed between the studies and constructs (single-row: range, 244 N to 678 N; double-row: range 332 N to 508 N, transosseous: 453 N). Suture cutout was the most common mode of failure (59%). Conclusion: Because of the limited number of studies and varying study designs in examining the biomechanical properties of repair constructs used for subscapularis tears, there is inconclusive evidence to determine which construct type is superior for repairing subscapularis tears. Clinical Relevance: Results from biomechanical studies of clinically relevant subscapularis repair constructs are important to guide decision-making for choosing the optimal construct for patients with subscapularis tears.

Purpose: To evaluate the reoperations, complications, and costs up to 5 years following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) alone, with acromioplasty (acro), with biceps tenodesis (BT), or with both acro and BT. Methods: We queried the MarketScan database to identify patients who underwent RCR from 2007 to 2016. Patients were stratified into groups based on concomitant procedures (acro and/or BT) performed on the same day as index RCR. Reoperations, complications, and costs were followed for 5 years post-index procedure. Patients without laterality codes were excluded. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounding factors. Results: This study identified 147,838 patients (mean age, 53.1 years; standard deviation, 8.3 years) who underwent primary RCR. Patients were stratified into 4 groups: (1) RCR only, (2) RCR + acro, (3) RCR + BT, and (4) RCR + acro + BT. Patients in the RCR only group experienced the highest rate of unadjusted overall postoperative complications (17.2%) versus the other groups (RCR + acro 16.4%, RCR + BT 15.1%, RCR + acro + BT 16.2%, P < .0161). The RCR only group also experienced a significantly greater number of reoperations on the ipsilateral shoulder (P < .0001), whereas the RCR + acro + BT had the highest costs at all timepoints. In the regression analysis, there was no significant differences between complications and reoperations between any groups. After adjusting for covariates, the performance of a BT with an RCR and acromioplasty led to increased costs (odds ratio, 1.47, 1.37-1.59, P < .001). Conclusions: Concomitant biceps tenodesis does lead to higher total healthcare costs, both in the shorter and longer terms. When adjusting for confounding factors, the performance of concomitant biceps tenodesis with rotator cuff repair does not lead to a difference in postoperative complication rate or risk for revision surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV, economic analysis.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement is one of the most commonly performed neurosurgical procedures and is necessary to treat most forms of hydrocephalus. Unfortunately, complications related to VPS placement are common, and multiple shunt revisions are almost expected throughout a patient's lifetime. Shunt malfunction may be attributed to multiple causes, including obstruction, infection, pseudocyst formation and bowel perforation. VPS obstruction, which is most often occurs in the proximal catheter, is the most common cause of VPS malfunction. Hardware infection is the second most common cause of VPS malfunction, and this is a complication is most often observed in infants, with premature infants being the most susceptible. Despite continuous attempts to reduce the incidence of VPS complications, such as improved sterile techniques, antibiotic impregnated catheters, and programmable valves, VPS malfunction remains a major problem, which often leads to multiple and costly hospital admissions. In the present review, the most common complications of VPS are discussed, including presentation and appropriate management. Keywords: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt, Ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection, Ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction, Ventriculoperitoneal shunt complications, Pediatric neurosurgery

Rotator cuff tears are increasing in frequency in the aging population and are a common issue seen by orthopaedic surgeons. In patients with large, multi-tendon rotator cuff tears or retears, treatment can be challenging. Failure rates of up to 90% have been reported for rotator cuff repair (RCR) of large, multi-tendon tears. Biological augmentation has been an area of interest because of the distinctly different biology of the repaired tendon compared with the native tendon. These biological differences affect the ultimate tensile properties of the repair and may contribute to gap formation and the high failure rate of repairs. RCR with allograft augmentation is a technique that shows potential benefit to healing and preventing retears. Arthroscopic augmentation of RCRs can be challenging. The technique described in this Technical Note illustrates a simple and easily reproducible method for augmenting RCRs with human acellular dermal allograft.

Superior capsular reconstruction is a powerful tool for the treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. Several authors have described this evolving technique. Issues of graft sizing, graft passage, graft tensioning, and suture management make this a challenging procedure even in the hands of experienced shoulder surgeons. We describe our arthroscopic technique for superior capsular reconstruction using nonirradiated human acellular dermis. We introduce several techniques for graft passage and tensioning that may help to simplify this challenging procedure and make it more reproducible.

Arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of glenoid fractures have been well described, especially for glenoid rim (Bankart) fractures, as well as for scapular body fractures with extensions into the articular surface. This approach has the advantage of decreasing comorbidities associated with a standard open approach, but it can be technically challenging and may not be amenable to all fracture patterns. Arthroscopic fixation of scapular fractures incorporating a transverse pattern along the inferior aspect of the glenoid is particularly challenging because of difficulty in accessing this space. We detail the use of a posteroinferior arthroscopic portal for fracture reduction and hardware placement in a scapular fracture with inferior glenoid involvement.

The treatment of articular-sided partial rotator cuff tears remains a challenge to the treating orthopaedic surgeon. Treatment algorithms have included nonoperative management, debridement alone, and debridement and subacromial decompression, as well as articular-sided rotator cuff repair and completion of the tear on the bursal side followed by a traditional arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Implantation of a bio-inductive collagen scaffold on the bursal side of the rotator cuff to potentially heal an articular-sided tear represents a novel approach to this difficult clinical entity.

The Bankart lesion is considered the critical lesion in anterior shoulder instability, in which the anteroinferior glenoid labrum separates from the glenoid rim. Technical advances in arthroscopy have ushered in a shift from open to arthroscopic Bankart repair. When one is performing an arthroscopic Bankart repair, proper portal placement is critical for success in labral preparation and anchor placement. Frequently, standard anterior portals are insufficient for inferior glenoid anchor placement and suture shuttling. The posterolateral portal—located 4 cm lateral to the posterolateral corner of the acromion—simplifies and improves anchor placement, trajectory, and anatomic capsulolabral repair of the inferior glenoid. We present our preferred technique for capsulolabral repair of the inferior glenoid.

Osteochondritis dissecans lesions occur frequently in children and adolescents. Treatment can be challenging and depends on the status of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Injection of calcium phosphate bone substitute into the area of subchondral bone edema (Subchondroplasty; Knee Creations, West Chester, PA) may be an option. We present a case of a lateral tibial plateau osteochondritis dissecans lesion treated with subchondral injection of nanocrystalline calcium phosphate. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is used to determine the area of subchondral edema, and intraoperative fluoroscopy is used to localize this area with the injection cannula. Calcium phosphate is injected by use of a series of syringes until the appropriate fill is obtained. Treatment of concomitant cartilage defects may also be carried out at this time.

Arthroscopic fixation of bony Bankart lesions in the setting of anterior shoulder instability has had successful long-term results. Key factors such as patient positioning, portal placement, visualization, mobilization of bony/soft tissues, and anatomic reduction and fixation are crucial to yield such results. We present a modified Sugaya technique that is reproducible and based on such key principles. This technique facilitates ease of anchor and suture placement to allow for anatomic reduction and fixation.

We propose a model of 'premature tree decline' whereby an absence of fire hastens the mortality of overstorey eucalypts in some forests. This model is relevant to some temperate Australian forests in which fire regimes have shifted from relatively frequent before European settlement to infrequent following settlement. The increased development of midstorey vegetation and litter accumulation has occurred since European settlement in some specific examples of Australian forests and woodlands. Our model proposes that in the long absence of fire: 1. midstorey vegetation reduces the availability of soil water for eucalypts and; 2. Eucalypts have less access to P and/or cations as these elements become locked up in soil, litter and midstorey biomass. We highlight important knowledge gaps and argue that research into ecological burning, for eucalypt health and other values such as biodiversity, is urgently required. Keywords Ecological Burning * Fire Management * Nutrient Cycling * Water Competition, Introduction Aboriginal people used fire extensively and modified the pattern and structure of vegetation in Australia to improve access, to attract herbivores to 'green-pick', and to increase the abundance of [...]