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The domestication of cattle provided Propionibacteriaceae the opportunity to adapt to human skin. These bacteria constitute a distinct genus ( Cutibacterium ), and a single species within that genus ( C. acnes ) dominates 25% of human skin. C. acnes protects humans from pathogen colonization, but it can also infect indwelling medical devices inserted through human skin. Proteins that help Cutibacteria live on our skin may also act as virulence factors during an opportunistic infection, like a shoulder periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). To better understand the evolution of this commensal and opportunistic pathogen, we sought to extensively characterize one of these proteins, RoxP. This secreted protein is only found in the Cutibacterium genus, helps C. acnes grow in oxic environments, and is required for C. acnes to colonize human skin. Structure-based sequence analysis of twenty-one RoxP orthologs (71-100% identity to C. acnes strain KPA171202 RoxP_1) revealed a high-degree of molecular surface conservation and helped identify a potential heme-binding interface. Biophysical evaluation of a subset of seven RoxP orthologs (71-100% identity) demonstrated that heme-binding is conserved. Computational modeling of these orthologs suggests that RoxP heme-binding is mediated by an invariant molecular surface composed of a surface-exposed tryptophan (W66), adjacent cationic pocket, and nearby potential heme axial ligands. Further, these orthologs were found to undergo heme-dependent oligomerization. To further probe the role of this protein in C. acnes biology, we developed four monoclonal anti-RoxP antibodies, assessed the binding of those antibodies to a subset of ten RoxP orthologs (71-100% identity), developed an anti-RoxP sandwich ELISA (sELISA) with sub-nanogram sensitivity, and adapted that sELISA to quantitate RoxP in human biofluids that can be infected by C. acnes (serum, synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid). This study expands our understanding of how an environmental bacterium evolved to live on humans, and the assays developed in this work can now be used to identify this organism when it gains access to sterile sites to cause opportunistic infections., Author Summary: The longer humans live, the more they require internal "replacement parts," like prosthetic joints. Increased placement of these and other medical devices has increased their complications, which frequently are infections caused by microbes that live on humans. One of these microbes is Cutibacterium acnes , which dominates 25% of human skin. It appears that when humans domesticated cattle, a C. acnes ancestor adapted from living in cows to living on people. One of these adaptations was RoxP, a protein only found in Cutibacterium and carried by all C. acnes . Here, we describe our extensive characterization of RoxP. We found that distantly related RoxP conserve high stability at the low pH found on human skin. They also conserve the ability to bind heme, a source of iron used by microbes when they infect humans. As a part of this work, we developed tests that measure RoxP to identify C. acnes growth. In a clinic or hospital, these tests could allow a doctor to rapidly identify C. acnes infections, which would improve patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs. This work has helped us better understand how C. acnes adapted to live on humans and to identify C. acnes infections of medical devices.

Background: Descriptions of glenoid deformities in glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) have focused on the axial plane. Less is known regarding arthritic glenoids with higher amounts of superior inclination and little evidence exists to guide management of inclination or combined version-inclination deformity when performing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). We hypothesized that biplanar deformities (BD) would be present in a higher proportion of GHOA patients than previously appreciated, and these deformities would be difficult to adequately reconstruct with contemporary aTSA implants., Methods: A retrospective query was performed of GHOA patients indicated for TSA 2012-2017 with a computed tomography (CT) scan within three months of surgery. Images were uploaded to three-dimensional (3D) software for automated measurements. Glenoids with superior inclination ≥10°, and retroversion ≥20° were considered to have BD. Walch classification was determined, and C-type glenoids were excluded. Rotator-cuff muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured and fatty infiltration was graded. Glenoids with BD were virtually planned for aTSA with correction to neutral inclination and version, then with 5° superior inclination and 10° retroversion., Results: Two-hundred and sixty-eight shoulders in 250 patients were included; average age was 65 years, 67% male. There were no differences in inclination between Walch types (P = .25). Twenty-nine shoulders with BD were identified (11%). These deformities were not associated with age (P = .47) or gender (P = .50) but were skewed towards Walch B-type, specifically B2 (P = .03). Acromial index and posterior humeral head subluxation were higher in BD patients (P = .04, P < .001, respectively). Biplanar deformities had similar cuff CSA compared to those without but were less frequently associated with fatty infiltration of the subscapularis (P = .05). When correcting to neutral version and inclination, 41% BD could not be reconstructed. Of those that could, 94% required augmented implants. When correcting to 5° superior inclination and 10° retroversion, 10% could not be reconstructed. Of those that could, 58% required augmented implants. With partial correction, augment use was predicted by retroversion >26° (P = .009). Inclination did not predict augment use (P = .90). Final implant position commonly involved unseating in the posterosuperior quadrant and cancellous exposure in the anteroinferior quadrant., Conclusions: This retrospective computed tomography (CT)-based study of 268 shoulders with GHOA found an 11% prevalence of BD. These deformities were commonly associated with Walch B2 wear patterns. Virtual aTSA planning showed a high failure rate (41%) when correcting to neutral version and inclination. Posteriorly augmented implants were frequently required, and often still involved unseating in the posterosuperior quadrant, increased cancellous exposure in the anteroinferior quadrant, and vault perforation., (Copyright © 2024 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Optimal management of retroversion in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) remains controversial and limited attention has been directed to the impact of glenoid inclination. Prior biomechanical study suggest that residual glenoid inclination generates shear stresses that may lead to early glenoid loosening. Combined biplanar glenoid deformities may complicate anatomic glenoid reconstruction and affect outcomes. The goal of this matched-cohort analysis was to assess the relationship between biplanar deformities and mid-term radiographic loosening in aTSA., Methods: The study cohort was identified via an institutional repository of 337 preoperative CT scans from 2010-2017. Glenoid retroversion, inclination, and humeral head subluxation were assessed via 3D-planning software. Patients with retroversion ≥ 20˚ and inclination ≥ 10˚ who underwent aTSA with eccentric reaming and non-augmented components were matched by age, sex, retroversion, and Walch classification to patients with retroversion ≥ 20˚ only. Primary outcome was glenoid component Lazarus radiolucency score., Results: Twenty-eight study subjects were matched to 28 controls with retroversion only. No difference in age (61.3 vs. 63.6 years, p=0.26), sex (19 [68%] vs. 19 [68%] male, p=1.0), or follow-up (6.1 vs. 6.4 years, p=0.59). Biplanar deformities had greater inclination (14.5˚ versus 5.3˚, p<0.001), retroversion (30.0˚ versus 25.6˚, p=0.01) and humeral subluxation (86.3% versus 82.1%, p=0.03). Biplanar patients had greater postoperative implant superior inclination (5.9 [4.6] vs. 3.0 [3.6] degrees, p=0.01) but similar rate of complete seating 24 [86%] vs. 24 [86%] p=1.0). At final follow-up, biplanar subjects had higher Lazarus radiolucent scores (2.4 [1.7] vs. 1.6 [1.1], p=0.03) and higher proportion of patients with glenoid radiolucency (19 [68%] vs. 11 [39%], p=0.03). No difference in complete component seating (86% versus 86%, p=0.47) or initial radiolucency grade (0.21 versus 0.29, p=0.55) on immediate postop radiographs. Biplanar patients demonstrated a greater amount of posterior subluxation at immediate postop(3.5% [1.3%] versus 1.8% [0.6%]; p=0.03) and final follow-up (7.6% [2.8%] versus 4.0% [1.8%]; p=0.04). At final radiographic follow-up, biplanar subjects had higher Lazarus radiolucent scores (2.4 [1.7] vs. 1.6 [1.1], p=0.03; ICC=0.82). Bivariate regression analysis demonstrated biplanar deformity was the only significant predictor (OR 3.3, p=0.04) of glenoid radiolucency., Conclusion: Biplanar glenoid deformity resulted in time-zero glenoid implant superior inclination and increased mid-term radiographic loosening and posterior subluxation. Attention to glenoid inclination is important for successful anatomical glenoid reconstruction. Future research is warranted to understand the long-term implications of these findings and impact of utilizing augmented implants or reverse shoulder arthroplasty to manage biplanar deformities., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) with structural bone graft has been described as a technique in addressing glenoid bony defects. Studies have demonstrated acceptable outcomes with structural autograft or allograft. However, most of these studies are relatively small and rarely evaluate bone graft incorporation with CT scan. The aim of this study was to assess clinical and radiographic outcomes and report graft incorporation assessed on CT scan after RTSA where structural bone autograft or allograft was used to reconstruct the glenoid., Methods: From May 2011 through June 2016, 38 patients underwent RTSA with structural bone graft. Of these, 35 were available for a minimum 2-year follow-up and retrospectively enrolled. From July 2016 through February 2019, 32 patients undergoing RTSA with structural bone graft were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and visual analog scale (for pain) scores and radiographs were obtained. CT scan was obtained at least 1 year postoperatively., Results: Thirty-five patients were enrolled retrospectively (52.2%) and 32 prospectively (47.8%). Autograft was used in 46 cases (68.7%) and allograft in 21 cases. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 33.1 (SD 18.5) to 78.2 (SD 22.4), with P < 0.0001. On postoperative radiographs, 63 cases (94.0%) showed stable RTSA constructs while four cases (6.0%) developed glenoid baseplate subsidence. Postoperative CT scan demonstrated complete graft incorporation in 45 cases (90.0%) while partial incorporation was noted in 4 cases (8.0%), and in 1 case (2.0%), there was no graft incorporation. No correlation was observed between baseplate subsidence and graft type (autograft versus allograft) or primary versus revision surgery., Discussion: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty with structural bone autograft and allograft is reliable for glenoid augmentation in patients undergoing RTSA in both primary and revision settings. Bony incorporation of autograft and allograft as evaluated on CT scan is predictably high., (Copyright © 2024 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

Background: Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) remains a valuable tool for treating inflammatory, degenerative, and traumatic elbow conditions. This study aimed to understand the incidence of and risk factors for reoperation following TEA at a high-volume center utilizing an implant with a convertible linkage and the potential for anatomic lateral column reconstruction., Methods: All patients undergoing primary TEA with the Latitude prosthesis (Stryker) from July 2001 to May 2020 were identified. Patient characteristics, the surgical indication, and implant characteristics were obtained. Additionally, the indications and timing were identified for reoperations. Postoperative radiographs were analyzed to assess cement quality, implant position, lateral column reconstruction, and distal humeral bone loss., Results: Two hundred and nineteen TEAs were performed in 206 patients; 162 (74.0%) were in female patients, the mean patient age was 61 years (range, 23 to 95 years), and the mean follow-up was 11.8 years (range, 2 to 21 years). The most common indication for surgery was sequelae of trauma (36%). Ninety elbows (41.1%) required 200 reoperations at a mean of 19.6 months. Forty TEAs (18.3%) required revision of nonmodular implants, with 14 (6.4%) undergoing definitive explantation. The 5 and 10-year survivorship was 86.1% and 79.7%, respectively. The most common of the reasons for revision was aseptic loosening (53.8%), and the most common cause for non-revision reoperation was infection (23%). Younger age and greater follow-up duration were associated with greater revision and reoperation risks. Aseptic ulnar loosening was associated with a short ulnar stem length and component linkage (30% of short linked ulnar stems loosened; p < 0.001). Aseptic humeral loosening was associated with less-than-adequate cement-mantle quality (p = 0.04)., Conclusions: Extended follow-up of the Latitude prosthesis at a high-volume center demonstrates that TEA continues to be hampered by a high reoperation rate, primarily due to infection and aseptic loosening. Technical factors such as good cement-mantle quality, longer stem length, and unlinked implants may play a role in preventing aseptic loosening. Further work is required to optimize long-term outcomes following TEA through improved understanding of appropriate surgical indications, techniques, and implant utilization., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence., Competing Interests: Disclosure: No external funding was received for this work. The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest forms are provided with the online version of the article ( http://links.lww.com/JBJS/I63 )., (Copyright © 2024 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.)

For atraumatic rotator cuff tears, genetics contributes to symptomatic tear risk and may influence rotator cuff healing after surgical repair. But little is known about how genetic factors influence rotator cuff tear patient characteristics at presentation. We collected saliva samples for genotyping from atraumatic rotator cuff tear patients. We examined nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with cuff tears in prior literature. We estimated associations of SNP dosage with (1) age at tear diagnosis, (2) bilateral atraumatic tear prevalence, and (3) tear size. Linear regression was used to estimate associations with diagnosis age adjusted for sex and principal components. Logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression were used to estimate associations with bilateral tear prevalence and tear size category, respectively, adjusting for age, sex, and principal components. Of 344 eligible patients, 336 provided sufficient samples for genotyping. Median age at tear diagnosis was 61, 22% (N = 74) had bilateral atraumatic tears, and 9% (N = 29) had massive tears. SNP rs13107325 in the SLC39A8 gene and rs11850957 in the STXBP6 gene were associated with younger diagnosis age even after accounting for multiple comparisons (rs13107325: -4 years, 95% CI = -6.5, -1.4; rs11850957: -2.7 years, 95% CI = -4.3, -1.1). No other significant associations were observed with diagnosis age, tear size, or bilateral tear prevalence. SLC39A8 encodes a Mn transporter. STXBP6 may play a role in inflammatory responses by altering phagocytosis and antigen presentation of monocytes and macrophages. Further research is needed to determine if genetic markers can be used alongside patient characteristics to aid in identifying optimal surgical repair candidates., (© 2023 Orthopaedic Research Society.)

Background: The prevalence of failed reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is increasing. This can often present a challenging clinical situation with substantial bone loss and limited reconstruction options. This study reports a single tertiary referral center's experience with revision of failed rTSA managed with revision rTSA of bone-interfacing components., Methods: After institutional review board approval, all revision shoulder arthroplasty cases performed at a single institution between 2012 and 2020 were reviewed. Cases in which rTSA was revised to a new rTSA construct with revision of at least 1 bone-interfacing implant (humeral stem and/or baseplate) with a minimum 2-year follow-up were identified. Characteristics of revision cases-including indications, bony stock, revised components, and use of bone graft-were collected. All patients were contacted for patient-reported outcome measures at a minimum of 2 years after surgery. In addition, the incidence and indication for any reoperation after revision were determined., Results: Thirty-three patients with an average age of 66 years (range: 46-82 years), with 19 (58%) being female, met the inclusion criteria and had a mean follow-up of 4.2 years (range: 2-8 years). The most common indication for revision rTSA included humeral component loosening (33%; 11/33), baseplate loosening (27%; 9/33), and instability (21%; 7/33). Prerevision infectious workup demonstrated no cases of periprosthetic shoulder infection. Thirteen cases had massive bone loss-5 treated with humeral allograft prosthetic composite, 5 with glenoid bone grafting, and 3 with custom glenoid implant. In total, 10 of 33 cases (30%) required reoperation at a mean of 13 months (range: 1-44 months) for instability (4), humeral loosening (2), infection (1), baseplate loosening (1), or periprosthetic fracture (1). The reoperation rate for patients with revised baseplates only, humerus only, or combined was 23% (3/13), 28% (5/18), and 27% (3/11), respectively. Overall, the visual analog scale pain score improved from 6.5 preoperatively to 2.0 (P < .001), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 30.7 to 67.5 (P < .001). However, the postoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score averaged only 51.2% (range: 2-100%)., Conclusion: This study demonstrates that failed rTSA can be salvaged with a revision rTSA. However, patient expectations for functional improvements should be tempered, and a high reoperation rate should be expected., (Copyright © 2023 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The demonstrated benefits of virtual reality (VR) in orthopaedic surgical training are numerous. However, it is relatively unknown how best to implement VR into an already established orthopaedic resident education curriculum and how trainees will engage and use these technologies longitudinally., Methods: This was an exploratory, qualitative research study performed in accordance with Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. Orthopaedic surgery residents at a single institution were recruited during the 2022 to 2023 academic year. Semistructured interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed through grounded theory methodology, beginning with open coding, followed by axial coding, and concluding with selective coding that describes orthopaedic surgery residents' current perceptions of VR as a training tool., Results: Six residents participated in interviews before thematic saturation was achieved. Average interview length was 13:27 (±2:59) minutes. Residents felt that currently, VR is most useful for interns and junior residents as an educational adjunct for learning anatomy, surgical exposures, and the steps of a procedure in a risk- and judgment-free arena. There seems to be a "ceiling effect" with VR given current technological limitations, and residents remarked that there is an associated "opportunity cost" with using VR technology. Some residents may find it more time-efficient to study texts, videos, or surgical guides rather than use VR. Cost (limited number of headsets) and technological barriers (i.e., hardware, software, and Wi-Fi issues) were some of the described barriers to VR utilization. Residents felt that there needs to be dedicated technological support to help with these issues. At this time, given these limitations of VR, many preferred VR as an optional educational adjunct rather than as a required curricular tool or assessment of surgical competency., Conclusions: There is current utility for VR in orthopaedic surgical training. Future technological advances may make VR more central to resident education. This study describes resident perceptions about the technology and best use practices for the technology., Level of Evidence: Qualitative Study, Level V Evidence., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest forms are provided with the online version of the article (http://links.lww.com/JBJSOA/A607)., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To compile the existing literature on bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation (BASD) and analyze patient demographics, mechanisms of injury, injury characteristics, management, and outcome., Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Online databases, including Ovid Medline 1946-, Embase.com 1947-, Scopus 1960-, Cochrane Central, and Clinicaltrials.gov were systematically queried. Studies eligible for inclusion were case reports or case-series, documenting BASD. Two reviewers independently screened and applied a set of a priori exclusion criteria to each returned study. Data were extracted, compiled, and synthesized from each reported case of BASD. Contingency tables/Chi-Square Analyses, T-tests, and univariate regression analyses were conducted to assess relationships between different variables., Results: Eighty-one studies (87 cases of BASD) were included. Patients were 41.1 (SD± 19.5) years old and most were male (n=63; 72.4%). Around a quarter of patients (28.7%) had a history of epilepsy/seizures or were being worked-up for such. Younger males were more likely to have BASD due to a seizure or electrocution (P<0.05). Close to a third of cases (n=27; 31.0%) were delayed in presentation. Those sustaining seizures or electrocutions were more likely to be delayed in presentation (P=0.013). Most events resulted in simple dislocations that were closed reduced successfully. BASD resulting from seizures or electrocutions were more likely to be fracture-dislocations (P=0.018); and in younger patients with fracture-dislocations, closed reduction was more often to fail or not be attempted (P<0.05). Median follow-up was 6 months (IQR: 3 months - 12 months). Seven patients (10.6%) had complications and 4 (2.3%) demonstrated recurrent instability., Conclusion: In young males presenting with BASD without known trauma, suspicion should be high for a convulsant event. In patients with a known seizure disorder who present with chronic bilateral shoulder or arm pain, BASD should be considered and work-up should be expedited to avoid misdiagnosis., Competing Interests: None, (2024 © BY THE ARCHIVES OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY.)

Objectives: (1) Determine effects of computed tomography (CT) on reproducibility of olecranon fracture classification. (2) Determine effects of CT utilization on interobserver agreement regarding management of olecranon fractures. (3) Evaluate factors associated with articular impaction., Methods: Seven surgeons retrospectively evaluated radiographs of 46 olecranon fractures. Each fracture was classified according to Colton, Mayo, Orthopaedic Trauma Association/AO Foundation (OTA/AO) systems. Observers determined whether articular impaction was present and provided treatment plans. This was repeated at minimum 6 weeks with addition of CT. Descriptive and comparative statistics were performed and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated., Results: Interrater agreement was near-perfect for all classifications using radiographs (ICC 0.91, 0.93, 0.89 for Colton, Mayo, OTA/AO) and did not substantially change with CT (ICC 0.91, 0.91, 0.93). Agreement was moderate regarding articular impaction using radiographs (ICC 0.44); this improved significantly with CT (ICC 0.82). Articular impaction was significantly associated with OTA/AO classification, with high prevalence of impaction in OTA/AO 2U1B1e ( P < 0.03). Agreement was substantial for chosen fixation construct using radiographs (ICC 0.71); this improved with CT (ICC 0.79). Utilization of CT changed fixation plans in 25% of cases. Agreement regarding need for void filler was fair using radiographs (ICC 0.37); this notably improved with CT (ICC 0.64)., Conclusions: Utilization of CT for evaluating olecranon fractures led to significant improvements in interobserver agreement for presence of articular impaction. Impaction was significantly associated with fracture pattern, but not with patient-related factors. Addition of CT improved agreement regarding fixation construct and led to notable improvement in agreement regarding need for void filler., Competing Interests: A. W. Aleem is a paid consultant for Stryker. M. B. Berkes is a paid consultant for Arthrex, Smith and Nephew, and Mediflix and receives teaching honoraria from AO Trauma North America. B. M. Zmistowski is a paid consultant for Zimmer-Biomet. The remaining authors report no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

COVID-19 forced surgical resident training programs to adapt to meet educational requirements within the constraints of various guidelines. Some of the changes implemented during the pandemic have imparted a lasting effect on orthopaedic education. As such, the purpose of this article was to review how orthopaedic training and education were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: The published literature was queried using search strategies devised by a medical librarian, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies eligible for inclusion were studies related to COVID-19, orthopaedic surgical training, and medical education. Studies were excluded if they (1) were abstracts, conference proceedings, letters, perspective pieces, reviews, or editorials; (2) evaluated medical student education; (3) included other specialties; or (4) were unrelated to COVID-19 and/or orthopaedic training., Results: Eighty-three (n = 83) studies were included. Five themes emerged including (I) Fellowship Application, Interview, and Match Processes; (II) Social Media and Websites for Program Information; (III) Changes in Trainee Surgical Volume; (IV) Trainee Mental Health and Well-being; and (V) Innovations in Education. The pandemic decreased opportunities for medical students to gain exposure to orthopaedic surgery. Social media use, particularly Instagram, among orthopaedic residencies increased during the pandemic. Between the cancellation of away rotations and in-person interviews, applicants saved over $6,000; however, both residency applicants and interviewers preferred in-person interviews. The pandemic led to decreased surgical volume and in-person didactics for trainees, thus relying more on virtual learning. Orthopaedic trainees had mixed feelings regarding online virtual education. Although some respondents reported that they preferred the convenience of online learning, others expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of virtual education., Conclusions: The shift to virtual learning affected how applicants learned about residency programs, with many relying on virtual away rotations and social media to compare different programs. The pandemic also highlighted issues of diversity and accessibility within orthopaedic surgery, with cost savings from virtual interviews and canceled away rotations potentially benefiting applicants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Although some innovative approaches and adaptations to orthopaedic education and training have shown promise and may continue to be used in the future after the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of others, such as virtual interviews, is less clear., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated. All rights reserved.)

Background: Shoulder instability is a common pathology associated with an elevated risk of osteoarthritis (OA). Little is known about gene expression in the cartilage of the glenohumeral joint after dislocation events, particularly as it relates to the risk of posttraumatic OA. This study tested the hypothesis that gene expression in glenoid cartilage varies among acute instability (<3 dislocations), chronic instability (≥3 dislocations), and OA., Methods: Articular cartilage was collected from the anteroinferior glenoid of consenting patients undergoing shoulder stabilization surgery (n = 17) or total shoulder arthroplasty (n = 16). Digital quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the relative expression of 57 genes (36 genes from OA risk allele studies, 21 genes from differential expression studies), comparing (1) OA versus instability (acute and chronic combined), (2) acute versus chronic instability, (3) OA versus acute instability, and (4) OA versus chronic instability., Results: The expression of 11 genes from OA risk allele studies and 9 genes from differential expression studies was significantly different between cartilage from patients with instability and those with OA. Pro-inflammatory genes from differential expression studies and genes from OA risk allele studies were more highly expressed in cartilage in the OA group compared with the instability group, which expressed higher levels of extracellular matrix and pro-anabolic genes. The expression of 14 genes from OA risk allele studies and 4 genes from differential expression studies, including pro-inflammatory genes, anti-anabolic genes, and multiple genes from OA risk allele studies, was higher in the acute instability group compared with the chronic instability group. Cartilage in the OA group displayed higher expression of CCL3, CHST11, GPR22, PRKAR2B, and PTGS2 than cartilage in the group with acute or chronic instability. Whereas cartilage in both the acute and chronic instability groups had higher expression of collagen genes, cartilage in the OA group had expression of a subset of genes from OA risk allele studies or from differential expression studies that was lower than in the acute group and higher than in the chronic group., Conclusions: Glenoid cartilage has an inflammatory and catabolic phenotype in shoulders with OA but an anabolic phenotype in shoulders with instability. Cartilage from shoulders with acute instability displayed greater (cellular) metabolic activity compared with shoulders with chronic instability., Clinical Relevance: This exploratory study identified genes of interest, such as CCL3, CHST11, GPR22, PRKAR2B, and PTGS2, that have elevated expression in osteoarthritic glenoid cartilage. These findings provide new biological insight into the relationship between shoulder instability and OA, which could lead to strategies to predict and potentially modify patients' risk of degenerative arthritis due to shoulder instability., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest forms are provided with the online version of the article ( http://links.lww.com/JBJS/H478 )., (Copyright © 2023 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.)

Background: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has been well-described as a surgical solution to manage rotator cuff tear arthropathy in elderly, low demand paitents. As experience has increased along with improvements in technique and implant design, RTSA has become increasingly used to manage more varied pathologic conditions of the shoulder in younger, more active patients. This study evaluates outcomes in a consecutive series of patients aged 60 years old and younger after undergoing RTSA., Methods: There were 94 shoulders in 89 patients enrolled. Mean age of the cohort was 54.8 (range 18-60 years). Surgical indications included rotator cuff tear arthropathy, irreparable rotator cuff tear without arthritis, glenohumeral arthritis with erosive glenoid deformity, inflammatory arthropathy, proximal humerus fracture nonunion/malunion and failed prior shoulder arthroplasty. Sixty-one shoulders (70%) had undergone at least one prior surgery. Of these, 6 shoulders (6% of total cohort) had a prior failed arthroplasty. Clinical outcomes (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder index; visual analog scale pain), radiographic outcomes and complications were analyzed and assessed for correlation with patient demographic factors., Results: The mean follow-up for this cohort was 4.9 years (range 2-12 years). Subjects experienced improvements in ASES score and pain ( P  < .001) and active forward elevation (88° preop to 135° postop, P  < .001). Prior operation correlated with worse postoperative ASES and WOOS scores. Higher demand occupation correlated with less improvement in pain scores. The overall complication rate was 12%. Seven shoulders (7%) underwent an additional procedure. There was a 2% incidence of dislocation and a 4% incidence of acromial stress fracture. There was a 36% incidence of notching., Conclusion: With medium-term follow-up, RTSA is a reliable and predictable operation to manage various pathologic conditions in patients aged 60 years or less. Patients predictably experience significant improvements in pain and range of motion while assuming a modest complication risk. Long-term study is needed to understand potential for late complications or implant failure., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Scholarship and research are important aspects of orthopaedic surgery training. Many orthopaedic surgery residency programs have developed dedicated research curricula, often culminating in a capstone thesis project with the intended goal of peer-reviewed publication. However, data on the success of these programs are scarce. The purpose of the current study was to determine the success rate and time to publication of resident research thesis projects at our own institution while evaluating factors associated with these outcomes., Methods: Resident research thesis projects performed over the past 15 years were aggregated and reviewed. Additional data regarding the projects and former trainees who performed them were collected using public resources which included measures of current academic aptitude (i.e., H-index and number of publications) as well as project and publication characteristics. Cox and linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the relation between numerous predictor variables and the success and time to publication. All analyses were conducted at the 95% confidence interval (CI) level., Results: Sixty-eight (n = 68; 83%) resident research thesis projects were published an average of 2,582.8 days, or roughly 7 years from the start of their residency training. Graduate adjusted H-index was associated with increased success and decreased time to publication (hazard ratio 1.183 [95% CI: 1.059-1.322], p = 0.003). A lower journal impact factor was associated with taking significantly shorter time to reach publication ( F (1,66) = 7.839, p = 0.007; Β 1 = 146.45, p = 0.007). Study type (clinical vs. laboratory), posttraining practice setting (academic vs. private), and whether the research topic was within the same area of the trainee's matched fellowship(s) did not predict publication success., Discussion/conclusion: Over the past 15 years, 83% of orthopaedic resident research thesis projects at our institution were published. A higher adjusted H-index was associated with greater completion and faster timing to publication. A lower journal impact factor was also associated with quicker publication. These data highlight the publication metrics of a formalized resident research program and identify factors associated with success and timing of publication., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest forms are provided with the online version of the article (http://links.lww.com/JBJSOA/A457)., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated. All rights reserved.)

Background: Evidence is building that a functional subscapularis improves function-specifically internal rotation tasks-following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). However, the optimal method for subscapularis repair during rTSA remains unknown with variable healing rates reported. This study aims to investigate the rate of and predictors for healing a lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO) following rTSA., Methods: Following local institutional review board approval, patients with at least one-year follow-up for rTSA managed with an LTO and subsequent repair between March, 2017 and March, 2020 were retrospectively identified. Shoulders were selected for LTO repair based upon preoperative imaging and intraoperative assessment of subscapularis quality. All patients were implanted with a system consisting of a 150° or 155° (constrained) humeral neck-shaft angle and 2.5 to 4.5 millimeters (mm) of glenoid lateralization (Trabecular Metal Reverse Shoulder System; Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA). At a minimum of six months, radiographs were reviewed for an assessment of LTO healing by three independent reviewers. Healing was classified as displaced, fibrous union, or ossified union. For assessing predictors, the repair was considered intact if the LTO fragment was not displaced (fibrous union or ossified union)., Results: Sixty-five rTSA with LTO repair were performed in 64 patients. These patients had an average age of 67.2 years (range, 31-81) and 36 (55.4%; 36/65) were female. At an average follow-up of 15.2 months (range, 8-38), 50 cases (76.9%; 50/65) were classified as having an ossified union. The radiographic healing could not be assessed in a single case. Of the 14 cases without ossific union, 8 (12.3%; 8/65) were displaced and 6 (9.2%; 6/65) were classified as a fibrous union. In logistic regression, only combined humeral liner height predicted LTO displacement (odds ratio = 1.4 [95% confidence interval = 1.1-1.8]; P  = .01). Humeral loosening was not found in any cases following LTO., Conclusion: This analysis demonstrates that radiographic healing of LTO repair is more favorable than published rates of healing after subscapularis tenotomy or peel in the setting of rTSA. Subscapularis management with LTO provides the ability to monitor repair integrity with plain radiographs and a predictable radiographic healing rate. The integrity of subscapularis repair may be influenced by the use of thicker humeral liners. Further investigation is needed to determine the functional impact of a healed subscapularis following rTSA.

Purpose: Despite advances in implant design and surgical technique, instability remains the most common early complication and reason for early revision after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the glenoid implant inclination, as measured by the β-angle, as an independent risk factor for instability after primary RSA., Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted matching cases with instability after primary RSA using a single implant to controls without instability. Controls were matched to age, sex, body mass index, and baseplate type (1:3 ratio of cases to controls). The preoperative, postoperative, and the change in pre- to postoperative glenoid inclination (β-angle) were compared between groups., Results: Thirty-four cases (mean age, 66.2 years) were matched to 102 controls (mean age, 67.0 years). There was a wide range of postoperative (63° to 100°) and pre- to postoperative change (-16.5° to +30.5°) in β-angles collectively. There was no significant difference in the postoperative β-angle (mean, 80.8° vs. 82.7°, P = .19) or the change in β-angle (mean, +1.7° vs. +3.4°, P = .35) between cases and controls, respectively. Regression analysis demonstrated no increased odds of instability with the postoperative β-angle, odds ratio 0.965 (confidence interval [CI] = 0.916-1.02, P = .19). Likewise, for the preoperative to postoperative change in β-angle, there was no significantly increased odds of instability, odds ratio 0.978 (CI = 0.934-1.03, P = .35). Finally, there was no difference in risk of instability in patients whose implant positioning resulted in a net superior increase in inclination, relative risk 0.85 (95% CI = 0.46-1.56, P = .28)., Conclusions: Neither the final prosthetic glenoid inclination nor the change in glenoid inclination, as measured by the β-angle, significantly influences the risk of prosthetic instability after primary RSA., (Copyright © 2020 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Disclosure: The author indicated that no external funding was received for any aspect of this work. The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest form is provided with the online version of the article (http://links.lww.com/JBJS/G355).

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the 2020 residency application cycle and resulted in many changes to the usual application processes. Particular attention should be placed on the obstacles faced by applicants who are underrepresented in medicine (URiM) as they may be disproportionately affected by the changes in 2020. These challenges are especially relevant in competitive surgical specialties, where racial and gender diversity already lags behind other medical specialties. Inclusive excellence is a guiding philosophy in creating equitable resident selection processes. It focuses on the multilayered processes that form the foundation of inclusive institutional culture, while recognizing that excellence and inclusivity are mutually reinforcing and not mutually exclusive. A key tenant in inclusive excellence for resident recruiting involves applying an equity lens in all decision making. An equity lens allows programs to continuously evaluate resident selection policies and processes through an intentional equity-forward approach. In addition to using an equity lens, programs should emphasize the importance of equity-focused skill building, which ensures that all individuals engaged in the resident selection process have the tools and knowledge to recognize biases. Finally, institutions should implement specific programming for URiM applicants to provide them with information about key aspects of department culture and mechanisms of support for URiM trainees. Every residency program should adopt a sustained perspective of inclusive excellence, in this application cycle and beyond. The status quo has existed for far too long, and COVID-19 offers institutions and their residency programs a unique opportunity to try new and innovative equity-forward practices., (Copyright © 2020 by the Association of American Medical Colleges.)

Background: Cutibacterium acnes is the most commonly isolated organism involved in periprosthetic shoulder infections. C acnes has traditionally been difficult to isolate, and much debate exists over appropriate culture methods. Recently, our institution initiated a 10-day culture method using a Brucella blood agar medium to enhance anaerobic growth specifically for C acnes in shoulder specimens., Methods: A retrospective review of shoulder cultures from 2014-2017 of patients undergoing workup for possible infected shoulder arthroplasty was performed. Cultures were obtained in patients either preoperatively or intraoperatively at the time of revision. Presence of infection was determined based on at least 1 positive culture and treatment with either prolonged antibiotics, placement of an antibiotic spacer at the time of revision, or repeat surgical débridement., Results: The records of 85 patients with 136 cultures were reviewed. Eighty-two patients had full records with at least 1-year clinical follow-up. Fifty-eight cultures were positive, with C acnes as the most commonly recovered organism (57% of positive cultures). Clinical follow-up of patients with negative cultures found no incidence of missed periprosthetic infection., Conclusions: Use of a 10-day culture incubation method to enhance anaerobic bacterial growth is able to accurately detect periprosthetic infection in the shoulder including those related to C acnes. Our results suggest that by adopting more uniform culture methods, a shorter culture incubation time may be adequate. Ultimately, prospective studies with rigorous microbiologic methods are needed to best understand the clinical significance of unexpected positive bacterial cultures in shoulder arthroplasty., (© 2020 The Authors.)

Background: Patient pain and clinical function are important factors in decision-making for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA). The correlation between radiographic severity of arthritis and demographic factors with modern patient-reported outcome measures has not yet been well defined., Methods: This cross-sectional study included 256 shoulders in 246 patients presenting with isolated GHOA. All patients obtained standard radiographs and completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Shoulder Activity Scale, Visual Analog Scale, and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer adaptive tests at the time of presentation. Radiographs were graded according to the Samilson-Prieto classification. Mean pain and functional scores were compared between the radiographic grades of osteoarthritis (OA) and demographic factors., Results: There were 6 shoulders rated as grade 1 OA, 41 shoulders as grade 2, 149 shoulders as grade 3a, and 65 shoulders as grade 3b. There was excellent interobserver reliability in grade of OA (κ = 0.77). There were no significant differences in patient-reported pain or any validated measure of clinical function between radiographic grades of OA ( P  >   .05). Males reported higher function and lower pain scores than females ( P  =   .001-.066), although only the values for the SST and PROMIS physical function test were clinically relevant., Discussion: While gender correlated with pain and function, the clinical relevance is limited. Radiographic severity of GHOA does not correlate with patient-reported pain and function, and symptoms should remain the primary determinants of surgical decision-making. Further investigation is necessary to examine whether radiographic severity of OA influences improvement following operative intervention in this population., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The authors, their immediate families, and any research foundation with which they are affiliated have not received any financial payments or other benefits from any commercial entity related to the subject of this article. Dr Keener is a paid consultant for Arthrex and Wright Medical, receives research support from the National Institutes of Health and Zimmer/Biomet, receives royalties from Shoulder Innovations and Wright Medical, and is on the editorial staff for the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. Dr Chamberlain is a paid consultant for DePuy Synthes, Wright Medical, and Arthrex and received research support from the National Institutes of Health, Zimmer/Biomet, and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation. Dr Aleem, Dr Kohan, Dr Hill, and Dr Lamplot have no conflicts to disclose., (© The Author(s) 2020.)

Introduction: In the setting of the opioid epidemic, physicians continue to scrutinize ways to minimize exposure to narcotic medications. Several studies emphasize improvements in perioperative pain management following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). However, there is a paucity of literature describing outpatient narcotic consumption requirements following TSA., Methods: A single-institution, prospective study of patients undergoing primary TSA was performed. Preoperative demographics including exposure to narcotics, smoking history, and alcohol exposure were collected. The primary outcome was measurement of total outpatient narcotic consumption 6 weeks from surgery. Narcotic consumption was verified by counting leftover pills at the final follow-up visit., Results: Overall, 50 patients were enrolled. The median narcotic consumption in the cohort was 193 morphine equivalent units (MEUs), approximately 25 (5-mg) tablets of oxycodone, and the mean consumption was 246 MEUs, approximately 32 (5-mg) tablets. Almost 25% of patients consumed fewer than 10 total tablets, with 10% of patients taking no narcotics at home. Multivariate regression found preoperative narcotic exposure associated with increased consumption of 31 MEUs ( P  = .004). Older age was found to be protective of narcotic consumption, with increasing age by 1 year associated with 0.75 MEU decrease in consumption ( P  = .04)., Conclusions: Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty in general provides quick, reliable pain relief and does not require a significant amount of narcotic medication postoperatively. For most patients, it is reasonable to prescribe the equivalent of 25-30 (5-mg) oxycodone tablets following TSA., (© 2019 The Authors.)

Background: The patient-related factors for the perceived need for surgery for degenerative rotator cuff tears are not known. The purpose of this study is to examine patient- and tear-specific factors leading to surgery in newly painful degenerative rotator cuff tears., Methods: Asymptomatic, degenerative rotator cuff tears were followed prospectively to identify the onset of pain and tear enlargement. Newly painful tears were continually monitored with a focus on identifying patient-specific (age, occupation, activity level) and tear-specific (tear type and size, tear progression, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, muscle degeneration) factors that are associated with surgical intervention., Results: Forty-eight of 169 newly painful shoulders were eventually managed surgically. Factors associated with surgical treatment included younger age (P = .0004), pain development earlier in surveillance (P = .0002), a greater increase in pain (P = .0001), a decline in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P < .0001), and a history of contralateral shoulder surgery (P = .0006). Eighty-five of the 169 tears (50%) enlarged either before or within 2 years of pain development. Neither tear type (P = .13), tear enlargement (P = .67) nor tear size (P = .51) was associated with surgery. Neither the severity of muscle degeneration, occupational status, hand dominance, Shoulder Activity Score, nor changes in RAND-12 mental or physical scales differed between groups., Discussion: For newly painful rotator cuff tears, patient-specific factors such as younger age and prior surgery on the contralateral shoulder are more predictive of future surgery than tear-specific factors or changes in tear size over time., (Copyright © 2019 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Shoulder arthroplasty, especially reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), continues to increase in volume. Limitations in internal rotation can be challenging following RSA. Current patient-reported outcome measures are limited in assessing a patient's functional internal rotation following shoulder arthroplasty. To address this limitation, a questionnaire was developed., Methods: A single-center prospective comparative cohort study was performed to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. A pilot group of patients who had at least 1 year of follow-up following shoulder arthroplasty was asked to complete the questionnaire. Reliability testing was performed using Cronbach's alpha test. Additionally, individual questions and total questionnaire scores were compared between patients who underwent anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and RSA., Results: The questionnaire showed high reliability with all questions. A group of 23 anatomic TSA and 20 RSA patients were compared. RSA patients scored significantly lower on the questionnaire (35.2 out of 50 vs. 43.9, P  = .001)., Conclusion: The questionnaire can be used in conjunction with other patient-reported outcome measures to help surgeons better assess patients' results following shoulder arthroplasty. The initial findings from our internal reliability study found that RSA patients had significantly lower scores and higher variability in internal rotation function vs. patients with TSA. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical importance of this questionnaire., (© 2019 The Author(s).)

Background: Although glenoid morphology has been associated with fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff in arthritic shoulders, the association of rotator cuff muscle area with specific patterns of glenoid wear has not been studied. The purpose of our study was to assess the associations of glenoid deformity in primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis and rotator cuff muscle area., Methods: A retrospective study of 370 computed tomographic (CT) scans of osteoarthritic shoulders was performed. Glenoid deformity according to the modified Walch classification was determined, and retroversion, inclination, and humeral-head subluxation were calculated using automated 3-dimensional software. Rotator cuff muscle area was measured on sagittal CT scan reconstructions. A ratio of the area of the posterior rotator cuff muscles to the subscapularis was calculated to approximate axial plane potential force imbalance. Univariate and multivariate analyses to determine associations with glenoid bone deformity and rotator cuff measurements were performed., Results: Patient age and sex were significantly related to cuff muscle area across glenoid types. Multivariate analysis did not find significant differences in individual rotator cuff cross-sectional areas across glenoid types, with the exception of a larger supraspinatus area in Type-B2 glenoids compared with Type-A glenoids (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; p = 0.04). An increased ratio of the posterior cuff area to the subscapularis area was associated with increased odds of a Type-B2 deformity (OR, 1.3; p = 0.002). Similarly, an increase in this ratio was significantly associated with increased glenoid retroversion (beta = 0.92; p = 0.01) and humeral-head subluxation (beta = 1.48; p = 0.001). Within the Type-B glenoids, only posterior humeral subluxation was related to the ratio of the posterior cuff to the subscapularis (beta = 1.15; p = 0.001)., Conclusions: Age and sex are significantly associated with cuff muscle area in arthritic shoulders. Asymmetric glenoid wear and humeral-head subluxation in osteoarthritis are associated with asymmetric atrophy within the rotator cuff transverse plane. Increased posterior rotator cuff muscle area compared with anterior rotator cuff muscle area is associated with greater posterior glenoid wear and subluxation. It is unclear if the results are causative or associative; further research is required to clarify the relationship., Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Walch B2 glenoid is characterized by a biconcave glenoid deformity, acquired glenoid retroversion, and posterior humeral head subluxation. Surgical reconstruction of the B2 glenoid remains a challenge. Surgical management options include arthroscopic debridement, hemiarthroplasty, anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with eccentric reaming, bone grafting or augmented glenoid implants, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Multiple factors dictate the optimal surgical management strategy.. This article describes each of these techniques and presents the current available literature in an effort to guide evidence-based decisions in the surgical management of the B2 glenoid deformity., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) assessment includes computerized adaptive tests (CATs) that assess function, pain, depression, and anxiety. The influence of mental health on patients' self-reported pain and function has not been explored using PROMIS in patients with symptomatic glenohumeral osteoarthritis., Methods: This cross-sectional study included 284 shoulders in 276 patients presenting with isolated glenohumeral osteoarthritis. All patients completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS), and PROMIS CATs at the time of presentation. PROMIS anxiety and depression scores were converted into Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores, respectively, using the PROsetta Stone "crosswalk" tool. Mean pain and functional scores were compared between patients with and without PROMIS-converted scores corresponding to a diagnosis of anxiety or depression, as well as between scores corresponding to varying degrees of anxiety or depression., Results: Patients with scores corresponding to a diagnosis of anxiety or depression reported lower functional and higher pain scores compared to those with scores in the normal range (P < .001). Analysis of variance showed progressively lower functional and higher pain scores as anxiety severity increased (P < .001). Similar results were seen with ASES, upper extremity CAT, and pain scores as depression severity increased (P < .001). Functional ASES (P = .004), SST (P < .001), and physical function CAT (P = .002) scores were statistically significantly lower in patients with moderate to severe depression than those without depression or with mild depression., Discussion: In patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis, PROMIS-reported anxiety and depression scores, particularly in those with moderate-to-severe scores, correlate with lower functional and higher pain scores. Further investigation is necessary to examine the influence that mental health has on outcomes after operative intervention in this population., (Copyright © 2018 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

To report the incidence of clinically detectable nerve injuries when utilizing transcranial electrical motor evoked potentials (MEPs) during shoulder arthroplasty. A retrospective review of patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty with continuous IONM was performed. The criteria for nerve alerts was an 80% amplitude reduction in MEPs. The primary outcome measure was post-operative clinically detectable nerve deficit. An additional retrospective analysis on a subset of cases using an all-or-none (100% amplitude reduction) criterion applied to the deltoid was performed. Two hundred eighty four arthroplasty cases were included. There were no permanent post-operative nerve injuries and two transient nerve injuries (0.7%). MEP alerts occurred in 102 cases (36.2%). Nineteen (6.7%) cases did not have signals return above alert threshold at closure. These cases were significantly associated with post-operative nerve injury (p = 0.03). There were no false negatives, making sensitivity 100% and specificity was 93.9%. In the subset of cases in which an all-or-none criterion was retrospectively applied to just the deltoid, MEP alerts occurred in just 17.9% of cases; specificity improved to 98.0%. We conclude that utilization of the real-time diagnostic MEP data during shoulder arthroplasty aids surgeons in decision making regarding impending peripheral nerve injuries.

Background: Corrective anterior reaming is an accepted method for addressing retroversion in a biconcave retroverted (Walch classification, type B2) glenoid in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. However, concern still exists regarding early glenoid component failure in the setting of severe retroversion, which may be related to loss of component containment and/or violation of subchondral bone resulting from reaming. The goal of this study was to determine what characteristics of B2 glenoids are less amenable to corrective reaming by virtually implanting anatomic glenoid components., Questions/purposes: (1) How much medial reaming is required to correct the version of a B2 glenoid to an acceptable position? (2) Are glenoids with more severe retroversion (> 25°) at higher risk of component perforation than less retroverted glenoids? (3) Is correcting to 10° of retroversion associated with greater risk as compared with reaming to 15°? (4) How does corrective reaming affect the underlying bone density on the glenoid face of B2 glenoids?, Methods: A series of 71 patients with B2 glenoids (posterior subluxation of the humeral head with posterior bone loss) with CT scans who were indicated for shoulder arthroplasty were reviewed. Forty-four of 71 glenoids (62.5%) had < 25° of native retroversion. Anatomic glenoid implants were then virtually implanted using three-dimensional CT software that allows for preoperative shoulder arthroplasty planning to correct native retroversion to 15° or 10° of retroversion using both a central peg with an inverted triangle peg configuration or a keel. The amount of reaming of the anterior glenoid required to correct retroversion, perforation of peripheral pegs, or keel was compared. Additionally, assessment of the surface area of the glenoid that had poor bone density (defined as cancellous bone under the subchondral plate) was analyzed by the software after correction., Results: Correction to 15° of retroversion required 5 ± 3 mm of reaming, and correction to 10° of retroversion required 8 ± 3 mm of reaming to obtain at least 80% seating. Peripheral peg perforation with correction to 15° occurred in 15 of 27 (56%) glenoids with > 25° of retroversion compared with 10 of 44 (23%) of glenoids with < 25° of retroversion (relative risk [RR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-4.6; p = 0.006). There was no difference in perforation with keeled components. Increased correction to 10° did not increase the risk of component perforation. When correction to 15°, glenoids with higher native version (> 25°) had a greater risk of poor bone quality support (10 of 27 [37%]) when compared with glenoids with less version (four of 44 [9%]; RR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.5-12.8; p = 0.006). Increased correction resulted in 13 of 27 (48%) glenoids with version > 25° having poor bone density versus 10 of 44 (23%) with ≤ 25° of version (RR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-4.1; p = 0.028)., Conclusions: There is a high risk of vault perforation after corrective reaming. Glenoid retroversions > 25° are at a higher risk of having poor bone quality supporting the component., Clinical Relevance: When contemplating options for patients with severe retroversion, surgeons should consider alternatives other than corrective reaming if achieving normal glenoid version is desired.

Background: Opioids are commonly administered for the treatment of acute and chronic pain symptoms. The current health care system is struggling to deal with increasing medication abuse and rising mortality rates from overdose. Preoperative patient-targeted education on opioid use is an avenue yet to be explored. The purpose of the study was to determine whether preoperative narcotics education reduces consumption after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR)., Methods: Patients undergoing primary ARCR at our institution were randomized to receiving opioid-related preoperative education or not. Patients filled out preoperative questionnaires detailing complete medical history and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Patients completed questionnaires regarding their opioid consumption and pain at their 2-week, 6-week, and 3-month follow-up., Results: The study enrolled 140 patients. Patients in the study group consumed significantly less narcotics than the control group at the 3-month follow-up. Patients in the education group were 2.2 times more likely to discontinue narcotic use by the end of follow-up (odds ratio, 2.19; P = .03). In addition, patients with a history of preoperative narcotic use that were in the education group were 6.8 times more likely to discontinue narcotics by the end of follow-up (odds ratio, 6.8; P = .008)., Discussion/conclusions: The findings of this study determined that preoperative education intervention significantly decreased the number of narcotic pills consumed at 3 months after ARCR. In addition, education resulted in earlier cessation of opioids; therefore, directed patient education can help alleviate the current opioid epidemic., (Copyright © 2018 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study describes the short-term functional and radiographic outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in shoulders with a B2 glenoid deformity addressed with corrective reaming., Methods: We conducted a retrospective series of consecutive patients who underwent TSA with a Walch B2 glenoid quantified by computed tomography scan. All glenoid deformities were addressed using partially corrective glenoid reaming. Radiographic and functional outcome measures, including scores on the visual analog scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Standardized Shoulder Assessment, and Simple Shoulder Test were collected., Results: Functional outcome scores were available for 59 of 92 eligible subjects (64%) at a mean of 50 months. The mean preoperative retroversion measured 18° (range, -1° to 36°), superior inclination was 8° (range, -11° to 27°), and posterior subluxation was 67% (range, 39%-91%). Mean visual analog scale improved from 7.4 to 1.4, the American Shoulder and Elbow Shoulder Standardized Assessment improved from 35.4 to 84.3, and the SST improved from 4.5 to 9.1. Radiographs were evaluated at a mean of 31 months: 38 had no glenoid radiolucent lines, 13 glenoids had grade 1, 2 had grade 2, and 5 had grade 3 lucencies. There was no difference in the rate of progression of glenoid radiolucencies between shoulders with a preoperative glenoid version of ≤20° (27.8%) compared with glenoids with >20° of retroversion (22.7%, P = .670). No shoulders were revised due to glenoid loosening or instability., Conclusion: TSA with partial corrective glenoid reaming in selected shoulders with a B2 glenoid deformity resulted in excellent functional and radiographic outcomes at short-term follow-up, with a low risk of revision surgery., (Copyright © 2018 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is being used to assess outcomes in many patient populations despite limited validation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores and PROMIS Physical Function (PF) and Upper Extremity (UE) function scores collected preoperatively in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair., Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 164 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Study inclusion required preoperative completion of the ASES and SST evaluations, as well as the PROMIS PF, UE, and Pain Interference computerized adaptive tests. Descriptive statistics were produced, and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between each of the outcome measures., Results: Average PROMIS UE scores indicated greater impairment than PROMIS PF scores (34 vs 44). Three percent of patients reached the PROMIS UE ceiling score of 56. PROMIS PF scores demonstrated a weak correlation with ASES scores (r = 0.43, P < .001) and a moderate correlation with SST scores (r = 0.51, P < .001). PROMIS UE scores demonstrated a moderate correlation with both ASES scores (r = 0.59, P < .001) and SST scores (r = 0.62, P < .001). PROMIS Pain Interference scores demonstrated weak negative correlations with both ASES scores (r = -0.43, P < .001) and SST scores (r = -0.41, P < .001). Patients answered fewer questions on average using the PROMIS PF and UE instruments as compared with the ASES and SST instruments., Conclusion: PROMIS UE scores indicate greater impairment and demonstrate a stronger correlation with the legacy shoulder scores than PROMIS PF scores in patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears. PROMIS computerized adaptive tests allow for more efficient patient-reported outcome data collection compared with traditional outcome scores., (Copyright © 2018 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Our study purpose was to determine the optimal glenoid and humeral reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) component design and position in osteoarthritic shoulders with severe glenoid retroversion deformities., Methods: Computed tomography scans from 10 subjects were analyzed with advanced software including RSA range of motion (ROM) analysis. Variables included glenoid component retroversion of 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20° and baseplate lateralization of 0, 5, and 10 mm. Humeral variables included 135°, 145°, and 155° angle of inclination (AOI) combined with variable humeral offset., Results: Glenoid component lateralization had the greatest influence on ROM. In comparing each ROM direction among all lateralization options independently, there were significantly greater adduction, abduction, external rotation, extension, and flexion motions with progressively greater lateralization. Internal rotation motion was greater at 10 mm only. In analyzing the effects of glenoid version independently, no differences in adduction or abduction ROM were seen. With greater retroversion, decreased external rotation and extension motion was noted; however, greater internal rotation and flexion motion was seen with the exception of flexion at 10 mm of lateralization. For adduction, external rotation, and extension, a more valgus AOI resulted in less ROM at each progressively greater AOI independent of humeral lateralization. Internal rotation and flexion motions were greater with a more varus AOI but not significant between each inclination angle. Abduction ROM was maximized with a more valgus AOI. Humeral lateralization had no effect on ROM., Conclusions: In the setting of RSA for advanced glenoid osteoarthritic deformities, optimal ROM is achieved with 10-mm baseplate lateralization and neutral to 5° of retroversion mated to a humeral implant with a varus (135°) inclination angle., (Copyright © 2017 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Corticosteroid injections are used to treat a variety of orthopedic conditions with the goal of decreasing pain and inflammation. Administration of systemic or local corticosteroids risks temporarily increasing blood glucose levels, especially diabetic patients. The purpose of this study is to quantify the effects of corticosteroid injections on blood glucose levels in diabetic patients with shoulder pathology., Methods: Diabetic patients who regularly monitored their blood glucose levels and were indicated for a subacromial corticosteroid injection were included in this prospective investigation. The typical normal morning fasting glucose and most recent hemoglobin A1c level was recorded for each patient. After injection, patients were contacted daily to confirm their fasting morning glucose level for 10 days post-injection., Results: Seventeen consecutive patients were enrolled. Patients with hemoglobin A1c of <7% had an average rise in blood glucose of 38 mg/dL compared to 98 mg/dL in the poorly controlled group after injection ( P <0.001). Well-controlled patients' glucose levels returned to near baseline levels around post-injection day 8, while poorly controlled patients levels remained elevated. Similarly, insulin-dependent diabetic patients had an average increase in fasting glucose level of 99 mg/dL versus 50 mg/dL in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients ( P <0.001)., Conclusion: After corticosteroid injection, patients with well-controlled diabetes experience smaller elevations and faster return to baseline glucose levels than patients with poor control. Insulin dependent diabetics experienced similar findings as patients with poor control. Future studies are needed to evaluate dosing to optimize the risks of blood glucose elevation while maintaining therapeutic benefit.

Background: This study prospectively examined the relationship of direct and indirect measures of shoulder activity with the risks of tear progression and pain development in subjects with an asymptomatic degenerative rotator cuff tear., Methods: A cohort of asymptomatic degenerative rotator cuff tears was prospectively monitored annually, documenting tear size progression with ultrasound imaging and potential shoulder pain development. Shoulder activity level, self-reported occupational and physical demand level, and hand dominance were compared with risks of tear enlargement and future pain development., Results: The study monitored 346 individuals with a mean age of 62.1 years for a median duration of 4.1 years (interquartile range [IQR], 2.4-7.9 years). Tear enlargement was seen in 177 shoulders (51.2%), and pain developed in 161 shoulders (46.5%) over time. Tear presence in the dominant shoulder was associated with a greater risk of tear enlargement (hazard ratio, 1.40; P = .03) and pain development (hazard ratio, 1.63; P = .002). Shoulder activity level (P = .37) and occupational demand level (P = .62) were not predictive of tear enlargement. Occupational demand categories of manual labor (P = .047) and "in between" (P = .045) had greater risks of pain development than sedentary demands. The median shoulder activity score for shoulders that became painful was lower than for shoulders that remained asymptomatic (10.0 [IQR, 7.0-13.0] vs. 11.0 [IQR, 8.0-14.0], P = .02)., Conclusions: Tear enlargement and pain development in asymptomatic tears are more common with involvement of the dominant shoulder. Shoulder activity level is not related to tear progression risks. Pain development is associated with a lower shoulder activity level even though patients with higher occupational demands are more likely to develop pain., (Copyright © 2017 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Although reverse shoulder arthroplasty provides excellent clinical results in appropriately selected patients, loss of external and internal rotation may occur. Component selection, design, and placement affect postoperative results. Recent studies considered the effect of humeral component version on functional results. The current study investigated whether humeral stem retroversion affects the outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a retrospective review of a multisurgeon, industry-sponsored, prospectively gathered database of a single reverse shoulder arthroplasty implant. All patients had at least 2-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale pain score, Short Form-12 Mental and Physical Component scores, range of motion, and internal rotation function, were compared between patients with humeral retroversion of 10° or less (group A) and those with humeral retroversion of 20° or greater (group B). Radiographic outcomes were compared. The analysis included 64 patients (group A, 29 patients; group B, 35 patients). No clinical or statistically significant difference was found in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores. Both groups showed statistical and clinical improvement vs preoperative scores, with group A averaging 77.8 and group B averaging 79.2 at final follow-up. No differences were found between groups in range of motion or ability to perform tasks that require shoulder internal rotation. Patients can expect good clinical improvement after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. No difference was found in clinical or radiologic outcomes based on humeral component retroversion. Despite the theoretical increase in external rotation when the humeral component is placed closer to native retroversion, the results did not show this effect. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):179-186.]., (Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.)

Background: Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears is a common procedure performed by orthopedic surgeons. There is a well-known incidence of up to 35% of bilateral rotator cuff tear disease in patients who have a known unilateral tear. The majority of the literature focuses on outcomes after unilateral surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are clinical differences in shoulders of patients who underwent staged bilateral rotator cuff repairs during their lifetime., Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent staged bilateral arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery at our institution was performed. All patients had at least 2 years of follow-up. Clinical outcome scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and Rowe measures were obtained. A subset of patients returned for clinical and ultrasound evaluation performed by an independent fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist., Results: Overall, 110 shoulders in 55 patients, representing 68% of all eligible patients, participated. No clinical or statistical difference was found in any outcome measure. ASES scores averaged 86.5 (36.7-100) in the dominant shoulder compared with 89.6 (23.3-100) in the nondominant shoulder (P = .42). Ultrasound was available on 34 shoulders and showed complete healing rate of 88%. The shoulders with retearing of the rotator cuff (12%) demonstrated clinically relevant lower ASES scores (72.5) compared with shoulders with confirmed healed repairs (86.2; P = .2)., Discussion: Patients who undergo staged bilateral rotator cuff repair can expect to have similarly good clinical outcomes regardless of hand dominance or chronologic incidence with excellent healing rates in both shoulders., (Copyright © 2016 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study was performed to identify factors associated with the need for revision surgery after in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome., Methods: This case-control investigation examined all patients treated at one institution with open in situ decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome between 2006 and 2011. The case patients were 44 failed decompressions that required revision, and the controls were 79 randomly selected patients treated with a single operation. Demographic data and disease-specific data were extracted from the medical records. The rate of revision surgery after in situ decompression was determined from our 5-year experience. A multivariate logistic regression model was used based on univariate testing to determine predictors of revision cubital tunnel surgery., Results: Revision surgery was required in 19% (44 of 231) of all in situ decompressions performed during the study period. Predictors of revision surgery included a history of elbow fracture or dislocation (odds ratio [OR], 7.1) and McGowan stage I disease (OR, 3.2). Concurrent surgery with in situ decompression was protective against revision surgery (OR, 0.19)., Discussion: The rate of revision cubital tunnel surgery after in situ nerve decompression should be weighed against the benefits of a less invasive procedure compared with transposition. When considering in situ ulnar nerve decompression, prior elbow fracture as well as patients requesting surgery for mild clinically graded disease should be viewed as risk factors for revision surgery. Patient factors often considered relevant to surgical outcomes, including age, sex, body mass index, tobacco use, and diabetes status, were not associated with a greater likelihood of revision cubital tunnel surgery., (Copyright © 2015 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Design: Retrospective., Objectives: The purpose of this study is to review the efficacy of monitoring data and outcomes in pediatric patients with spinal cord pathology., Summary of Background Data: The incidence of spinal cord pathology in pediatric patients with scoliosis has been reported between 3% and 20%. Previous studies demonstrated that intraoperative spinal cord monitoring (IOM) during scoliosis surgery can be reliable despite underlying pathology., Methods: A single-center retrospective review of 119 spinal surgery procedures in 82 patients with spinal cord pathology was performed. Diagnoses included Arnold-Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, myelomeningocele, spinal cord tumor, tethered cord, and diastematomyelia. Baseline neurologic function and history of prior neurosurgical intervention were identified. Outcome measures included ability to obtain reliable monitoring data during surgery and presence of postoperative neurologic deficits. Results were compared for 82 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)., Results: Usable IOM data were obtained in 82% of cases (97/119). Twenty-two cases (18%) had no lower extremity data. Patients with Arnold-Chiari malformation or syringomyelia pathologies, in isolation or together, had a significantly higher rate of reliable data compared to other pathologies (p < .0001). Among study group cases with usable data, there were 1 false negative (1%) and 4 true positive (4%) outcomes. There were no permanent neurologic deficits. The spinal cord pathology group demonstrated 80% sensitivity and 92% specificity., Conclusions: Spinal cord monitoring is a valuable tool in pediatric patients with spinal cord pathology undergoing spinal deformity surgeries. When obtained, data allow to detect changes in spinal cord function. Patients with a diagnosis of Arnold-Chiari or syringomyelia have monitoring data similar to those patients with AIS. Patients with other spinal cord pathologies have less reliable data, and surgeons should have a lower threshold for performing wake-up tests to assess spinal cord function intraoperatively., (Copyright © 2015 Scoliosis Research Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To compare both validated patient-rated and objective outcomes of patients following revision cubital tunnel surgery to a similar group of patients who underwent primary surgery., Methods: This case-control investigation enrolled 56 patients treated surgically for cubital tunnel syndrome (28 revision cases, 28 primary controls) at a tertiary center. Patients with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were eligible. All patients completed an in-office study evaluation. Revision participants represented 55% of potential patients in our practice and controls (treated only with primary surgery) were chosen at random from our practice to reach a 1:1 case to control ratio. Preoperative McGowan grading was confirmed similar between the groups. Outcome measures included validated patient outcome questionnaires (Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation, Levine-Katz questionnaire), symptoms, and physical examination findings. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the patient groups., Results: Despite 79% of revision patients reporting symptomatic improvement, revision patients reported worse outcomes on all measured standardized questionnaires compared with primary patients. The Levine-Katz questionnaire indicated mild residual symptoms in the primary group (1.6) versus moderate remaining symptoms following revision surgery (2.3). The Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation also indicated superior results for the control group (9 ± 10) compared with the revision group (32 ± 22). Revision patients had a higher frequency of constant symptoms, elevated 2-point discrimination, and diminished pinch strength. McGowan grading improved after 25% of revision surgeries versus 64% of primary surgeries, and 21% of revision patients had deterioration of their McGowan grade., Conclusions: Subjective and objective outcomes of revision patients in this cohort were inferior to outcomes of similar patients following primary surgery. Revision surgery can be offered in the setting of persistent or recurrent symptoms that are unexplained by an alternative diagnosis, but patients should be counseled that complete resolution of symptoms is unlikely., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Therapeutic III., (Copyright © 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the implications of the transverse bone in cleft hand by assessing outcomes after reconstruction in comparison with a control group., Methods: This study is a retrospective review of 23 hands in 18 patients following surgical reconstruction of the cleft hand. Eleven hands had a transverse bone component, and 12 hands (control group) did not. Patients and their families were contacted to assess overall satisfaction following reconstruction. Clinical and radiographic records were reviewed to assess aesthetic and functional outcomes, the need for additional surgery, and radiographic divergence angles., Results: There was no difference in aesthetic or functional subjective outcomes. There was no statistically significant difference in any objective outcome measure between the two groups. The use of the cleft for pinch was more dependent on the status of the index finger and the preoperative thumb-index webspace rather than the presence of a transverse bone. Eleven (4 transverse and 7 control) hands required additional surgery to address abnormal function or posture of the index and ring fingers. Preoperative radiographic divergence angles were larger in the transverse bone group than in the control group, whereas postoperative divergence angles were nearly equivalent., Conclusions: Similar outcomes between the two groups demonstrate that the presence of a transverse bone in cleft hand was not associated with worse outcomes following cleft reconstruction. Preoperative narrowing of the thumb webspace and postoperative index finger metacarpophalangeal joint abnormality are associated with worse functional outcomes., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III., (Copyright © 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Rotator cuff disease accounts for more than 4.5 million annual visits to a physician, and more than 75,000 surgical repairs are performed a year. Surgical techniques have evolved from all open repairs to all arthroscopic repairs being the most commonly used. The purpose of this article is to review the current evidence regarding the outcomes of surgical techniques in rotator cuff surgery. Reported outcomes have been favorable with open, mini-open, and arthroscopic repairs. Recently, a committee sponsored by the AAOS published a clinical practice guideline summary regarding the management of rotator cuff tears. The guidelines touched aspects of both nonoperative and operative repair. In regard to operative repair, the committee could not recommend a modality of surgical repair (eg, arthroscopic vs open) as a superior method, citing a lack of comparative studies. The theoretical advantage of arthroscopic surgery lies in smaller soft tissue dissection and the ability to evaluate and treat the glenohumeral joint. However, no study using patient-based outcomes has shown superiority compared with open or mini-open repairs. With the method of surgical repair not changing outcomes, investigation has recently focused on optimizing bone-tendon healing in rotator cuff repair. Double-row fixation allows for a more anatomic reapproximation of the rotator cuff footprint on the greater tuberosity versus single-row and has been shown to be biomechanically superior. Despite this, no clinical studies have shown superiority of one type of repair versus the other. The AAOS committee citing similar evidence gave a weak recommendation for the use of achieving tendon-to-bone healing with double-row fixation. Transosseous-equivalent repair, which provides a high compressive force on the tendon-to-bone interface of repair, is the newest fixation method under investigation to optimize healing. The use of collagen and biologic augmentation has gained interest as researchers are attempting to optimize rotator cuff healing. There is moderate evidence against the use of porcine small intestine submucosa xenograft patches. Other commercially available collagen augments have yet to be proven as either beneficial or detrimental. Other than PRP, which has not shown to have any benefit augmenting repair, no biologic augment has been investigated clinically. Overall, rotator cuff surgery portends a good outcome for appropriately selected patients. However, there is not much high-quality evidence-based research that can be used to conclude what surgical treatments are superior or appropriate for a given patient. Future research should be aimed at identifying whether and in whom rotator cuff healing is appropriate to better identify surgical candidates as well as to determine the best surgical repair strategy., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)