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Abstract Background Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is commonly performed to reduce pain and restore shoulder function in patients with severe shoulder conditions. While most patients experience significant pain relief and functional improvement following surgery, a subset of patients continue to report persistent pain even two years postoperatively. The aim of this study was to identify both modifiable and non-modifiable preoperative factors that contribute to the risk of persistent postsurgical pain after RTSA. By understanding these factors, clinicians can better anticipate which patients are at higher risk and develop tailored preoperative and postoperative pain management strategies to improve overall outcomes. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 703 patients with complete data undergoing primary RTSA performed between 2011 and 2022 were analyzed. Persistent postsurgical pain was defined as a pain score ≥ 3 on a numeric rating scale. Multivariable regression models were used to identify patient-related and disease-related predictors of persistent postsurgical pain. Results The cohort comprised 445 women (63%) and 258 men (37%) with a mean age of 74 ± 8 years at the time of surgery. Persistent postsurgical pain was reported by 18% of patients. Preoperative pain scores averaged 6.0 ± 2.5 on the NRS scale, which decreased to 1.2 ± 1.8 postoperatively. Key predictors included higher preoperative pain levels (β = 0.10, p

Abstract Background Insufficient tuberosity healing is the most common reason for poor outcome after treatment of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) using hemiarthroplasty (HA). In these cases, revision to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) can improve function and reduce pain in the short term, however, long-term results remain scarce. Aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological mid- to long-term results in patients with a revision RTSA after failed HA for PHF. Methods In this retrospective study all patients that received a revision to RTSA after failed fracture HA between 2006 and 2018 were included. A total of 49 shoulders in 48 patients (38 female, 10 male; mean age 82 ± 9 years) were identified in our database. A total of 20 patients (17 female, 3 male; mean age was 79 ± 9 years) were available for follow-up examination after a mean time period of approximately eight years (3–14 years) after revision surgery. At final follow-up, patients were assessed using a subjective shoulder value (SSV), range of motion (ROM), visual analogue score (VAS), the Constant Score (CS) and the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12). Results At final follow-up, mean CS was 55 ± 19 (19–91), VAS averaged 3 ± 3 (0–8) and mean SSV was 61 ± 18% (18–90%). Mean SF-12 was 44 (28–57) with a mean physical component summary (PCS) of 38 (21–56) and a mean mental component summary (MCS) of 51 (29–67). On average active forward flexion (FF) was 104° (10–170°), active abduction (ABD) was 101° (50–170°), active external rotation (ER) was 19° (10–30°) and active internal rotation (IR) of the lumbosacral transition was reached. Three patients presented with a periprosthetic humeral fracture after RTSA implantation and underwent a reoperation (15%) during follow-up period. Conclusions Revision RTSA results in promising clinical results in patients after initial failed HA after PHF. A complication and reoperation rate of 15% is tolerable in consideration of satisfactory functional and psychological outcome. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

Anterior shoulder dislocations often are associated with cartilage defects of the anterior glenoid (glenolabral articular disruption, or GLAD lesions). However, the importance of GLAD lesions for shoulder stability is usually greatly underestimated. Moreover, glenoid cartilage defects may have a high clinical relevance as the result of persistent pain and possible progression to osteoarthritis. Therefore, surgical treatment appears to be necessary. Although in older patients prosthetic arthroplasty is a useful treatment option for progressive symptomatic cartilage defects, there is still disagreement about the ideal joint-preserving method for the treatment of isolated glenoid cartilage defects, especially in younger and more active patients. In recent years, autologous chondrocyte implantation has been established as a promising treatment option for focal cartilage defects. However, most autologous chondrocyte implantation techniques have the disadvantage of requiring 2 surgical procedures and the availability of specialized laboratories, making the techniques complex and expensive. In contrast, the AutoCart procedure (Arthrex, Munich, Germany) is a cost-effective one-step procedure in which the cartilage defect is filled with a mixture of minced autologous cartilage and autologous conditioned plasma and has already shown good clinical results in the knee joint. We present an arthroscopic technique for use in glenoid cartilage defects.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate joint reduction (loss of reduction [LOR]; dynamic posterior translation [DPT]) and clavicular tunnel widening (cTW) in patients treated with arthroscopically‐assisted acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) stabilization after previously failed nonoperative versus surgical treatment. Methods Patients undergoing arthroscopically‐assisted ACJ stabilization (bidirectional tendon allograft with a low‐profile TightRope) after previously failed nonoperative versus surgical treatment were included retrospectively. Bilateral anteroposterior stress views served for evaluating LOR (side‐comparative coracoclavicular distance [CCD]) and cTW at a 6‐weeks‐ and 6‐months‐follow‐up (FU) and for evaluating the filling ratio (FR, vertical device insertion depth relative to clavicle height) at the 6‐weeks‐FU. Postoperative DPT was assessed on Alexander's views. Results Twenty‐seven patients (20 male, mean age 46.1 ± 14.8 years) were included (prior treatment: nonoperative: n = 15; surgical: n = 12). There were no differences in LOR, DPT or cTW between groups postoperatively. Initial CCD‐symmetry at the 6‐weeks‐FU (CCD: −0.1 mm [95% confidence interval, CI, −2 to 1.4 mm]) was followed by LOR at the 6‐months‐FU (CCD: −3.5 mm [95% CI, −5.2 to −1.9 mm]; p

Abstract Background The two major reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) designs are the Grammont design and the lateralized design. Even if the lateralized design is biomechanically favored, the classic Grammont prosthesis continues to be used. Functional and subjective patient scores as well as implant survival described in the literature so far are comparable to the lateralized design. A pure comparison of how the RSA design influences outcome in patients has not yet been determined. The aim of this study was a comparison focused on patients with cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). Methods We analyzed registry data from 696 CTA patients prospectively collected between 2012 and 2020 in two specialized orthopedic centers up to 2 years post-RSA with the same follow-up time points (6,12 24 months). Complete teres minor tears were excluded. Three groups were defined: group 1 (inlay, 155° humeral inclination, 36 + 2 mm eccentric glenosphere (n = 50)), group 2 (inlay, 135° humeral inclination, 36 + 4 mm lateralized glenosphere (n = 141)) and group 3 (onlay, 145° humeral inclination, + 3 mm lateralized base plate, 36 + 2 mm eccentric glenosphere (n = 35)) We compared group differences in clinical outcomes (e.g., active and passive range of motion (ROM), abduction strength, Constant-Murley score (CS)), radiographic evaluations of prosthetic position, scapular anatomy and complications using mixed models adjusted for age and sex. Results The final analysis included 226 patients. The overall adjusted p-value of the CS for all time-points showed no significant difference (p = 0.466). Flexion of group 3 (mean, 155° (SD 13)) was higher than flexion of group 1 (mean, 142° (SD 18) and 2 (mean, 132° (SD 18) (p

Background: The treatment of lateral epicondylitis remains unsatisfactory in certain cases. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficiency of an ultrasound-guided infiltration combined with fenestration of the extensor tendon postulating a 50% reduction in pain on exertion within 6 months. Methods: In a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study design, 68 patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis and symptoms lasted for at least 6 weeks were included. Each hospital has been assigned for Traumeel (A), autologous whole blood (B), or dextrose (C) in advance. Preinterventional, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months after infiltration, patient-related outcome parameter, and dorsal wrist extension strength were documented. Preinterventional (obligate) and after 6 months (optional) radiological evaluation (magnetic resonance imaging) was performed. Results: The Visual Analog Scale showed a significant reduction after 6 months in all groups (A. 4.8-2.5, B. 6.2-2.3, C. 5.8-2.4). Similar results could be observed with Subjective elbow value, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. The loss of strength could be completely compensated after about 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging did not fully reflect clinical convalescence. Re-infiltrations were sometimes necessary for final reduction of symptoms (A = 11, B = 8, C = 4). Switching to surgical intervention was most frequently observed in group C (A = 2, B = 1, C = 5). In 14.5% of the cases, no improvement of the symptoms could be achieved with this method. Conclusion: The primary hypothesis of a significant long-term pain reduction of at least 50% could be achieved regardless of the medication chosen.

Abstract Background Prediction models for outcomes after orthopedic surgery provide patients with evidence-based postoperative outcome expectations. Our objectives were (1) to identify prognostic factors associated with the postoperative shoulder function outcome (the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS)) and (2) to develop and validate a prediction model for postoperative OSS. Methods Patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) were prospectively documented at a Swiss orthopedic tertiary care center. The first primary ARCR in adult patients with a partial or complete rotator cuff tear were included between October 2013 and June 2021. Thirty-two potential prognostic factors were used for prediction model development. Two sets of factors identified using the knowledge from three experienced surgeons (Set 1) and Bayesian projection predictive variable selection (Set 2) were compared in terms of model performance using R squared and root-mean-squared error (RMSE) across 45 multiple imputed data sets using chained equations and complete case data. Results Multiple imputation using data from 1510 patients was performed. Set 2 retained the following factors: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, baseline level of depression and anxiety, baseline OSS, operation duration, tear severity, and biceps status and treatment. Apparent model performance was R-squared = 0.174 and RMSE = 7.514, dropping to R-squared = 0.156, and RMSE = 7.603 after correction for optimism. Conclusion A prediction model for patients undergoing ARCR was developed using solely baseline and operative data in order to provide patients and surgeons with individualized expectations for postoperative shoulder function outcomes. Yet, model performance should be improved before being used in clinical routine.

Background: Increased coracoclavicular distance due to acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) instability is often described as a pseudoelevation of the clavicle due to inferior hanging of the scapula, while the distal clavicle remains in its position. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the elevation of the distal clavicle, depression of the scapula, or both are associated with vertical instability and to evaluate the impact of weighted stress radiographs on the clavicle and scapular position in acute ACJ instabilities. Methods: The cohort consisted of 505 patients (f = 52, m = 453; mean age 46 years) which presented to our emergency department or outpatient clinic and treated in our institution from 2006 to 2019 displaying an acute ACJ injury. The panorama views that displayed at least two vertebraes with their spinous processes were retrospectively evaluated. Two raters assessed the panorama views twice regarding the clavicular and coracoidal angle of both sides in relation to the cervicothoracal spine and the difference in height of both clavicles and coracoids. Results: In our cohort, five types of displacement were distinguished: type A, only clavicle is elevated (N = 46); B, only scapula depressed (N = 36); C, the clavicle elevated and the scapula depressed (N = 67); D, both depressed (N = 133); and E, both elevated (N = 223). 123 patients had non-weighted radiographs and 353 patients stress views with 10 kg of axial load, whereas 29 patients had both radiological modalities. Among these 29 patients, a significant increase in coracoclavicular distance difference, clavicle, and scapula height (P

Background: Shoulder strength is an essential assessment to monitor the outcome of treatment interventions. Isometric strength assessment in the Constant Score (CS) was initially measured with a cable tensiometer or spring balance (SB). Some authors have questioned the validity of this strength assessment and the resulting CS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the concordance of strength measurements using an unsecured SB vs. isometric dynamometer and outline the impact of these methods on the CS. Methods: In the context of routine clinical examination as well as participation in a Swiss national cohort study, shoulder strength was measured to calculate baseline (before surgery) and 6-month postoperative CS in adult rotator cuff tear patients who had undergone primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Measurements of each of the operated and contralateral shoulders were made per patient routinely using an unsecured SB and study-specific using an isometric dynamometer in patients with the shoulder at 90° abduction in the scapular plane. Absolute and change values of strength and CS data were presented in scatter plots and assessed using concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs) and Bland-Altman plots. Results: Between June 2020 and October 2021, baseline strength measurements from the operated shoulder of 78 patients ranged from 0.0 to 13.6 kg with a CCC of 0.64 (P

Background: Stemless shoulder arthroplasty using 4 open-fin press-fit anchors has been showing promising short-term clinical and radiographic results for patients’ primary osteoarthritis. This prospective, multicenter study presents 5-year postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes of a stemless shoulder arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis. Methods: Between November 2012 and December 2015, 100 patients were treated for primary osteoarthritis with the Sidus stem-free shoulder system at 7 European centers. Clinical assessment included the Constant-Murley Score, American Shoulder and Elbow Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form score, Subjective Shoulder Value, and range of motion. True anteroposterior, axial and lateral radiographs were reviewed for osteolysis, glenoid and humerus loosening, heterotopic ossification, radiolucent lines, component migration and humeral bone resorption. In addition to a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, a comparative analysis between total shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty was performed. Results: Seventy-one patients (36 females) with a mean age of 63.8 years (range: 47-79 years) were available for the 5-year clinical and radiographic follow-up (range: 52-79 months). There was a significant increase (P

Background: The application of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has risen in the past decades especially due to its excellent long-term outcomes. With this positive trend, the indications for RSA have gradually extended to a broader age spectrum. The objective of this study was to identify the benefits of primary RSA in an advanced geriatric population with considerable comorbidity burden and higher perioperative risk. Methods: For this observational study using data collected from our local RSA register, we identified 73 patients (77% female) with a minimum age of 85 years (range: 85-93 years) at the time of surgery and a complete 24-month postoperative follow-up. Clinical evaluations of pain, Subjective Shoulder Value, Constant score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, quality of life (European Quality-of-Life 5-Dimension 5-Level utility), and patient satisfaction were made. Radiographic evaluation followed an international consensus core set. Adverse events were documented according to a core event set. Results: Preexisting medical conditions categorized following the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system indicated only 22% of patients with mild comorbidities (American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II), whereas severe (American Society of Anesthesiologists III-IV) comorbidities were common (78%). Indications for surgery were rotator cuff deficiency (72%), post-traumatic conditions (18%), and primary arthrosis (10%). There was significant improvement in all clinical evaluations up to 24 months post RSA: mean pain levels decreased from 6.2 to 1.6 points, where 0 indicates no pain (P

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome and complication spectrum after delayed repair surgery of distal biceps tendon ruptures, postulating that satisfactory results are possible contrary to previous literature. Methods: Forty-three of 92 patients with a full workup (= OPT in) undergoing primary distal biceps tendon repair were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 49.5 years (range = 22-66 years). This cohort was divided into two groups: patients undergoing acute repair (21 days = SR group). Beside clinical evaluation, functional scores and detection of heterotopic ossification were documented. Strength of flexion and supination were measured using a BIODEX multipoint system. In addition, thirty-one patients were included only in the evaluation of complications in the absence of consent for clinical examination (= OPT out). Results: Concerning the OPT-in group, twenty-eight patients (ø age = 48.9 years; 22-63 years) received acute repair after an average of 9.2 ± 3.7 days. On the contrary, 15 patients (ø age = 50.5 years; 32-66 years) were treated with a delay after an average of 31.4 ± 10.4 days. Regarding patient-reported outcome measures, conflicting results emerge (AR/SR: Subjective Elbow Value = 87/80%, P > .05; Mayo score = 96/93 pts, P > .05; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score = 6/13 pts, P

Background: Metallic humeral and glenoid lateralized implants have been developed to prevent common problems that can emerge using Grammont’s concept (ie, medialization of center of rotation, decreased humeral offset, scapular notching) in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of metallic humeral and glenoid lateralized implants for cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) and primary osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: In this prospective study, patients with CTA or OA who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty using augmented base plates for glenoid lateralization and a “curved stem” design for the humeral side were included. The Constant-Murley score and Subjective Shoulder Value were documented at 1- and 2-year follow-ups. Radiographs were reviewed for scapular notching, instability, loosening, osteolysis, ossification, bone resorption, or fractures. Lateralization and distalization shoulder angles were evaluated at the final follow-up. Results: There were 23 patients with CTA and 19 patients with OA (27 women; mean age, 76 years; range, 59-85) available for examination at 2 years. Both groups increased significantly in all outcome measures compared with baseline (P

The proportion of postoperative retears after arthroscopic rotator cuff reconstruction remains constant despite advancement of suture techniques and improved anchor implants. The commonly degenerative nature of rotator cuff tears can carry the risk of compromised tissue. Several techniques have been developed to biologically enhance rotator cuff repair, and a considerable number of autologous, allogeneic, and xenogenous augmentation methods have been described. This article introduces the biceps smash technique, an arthroscopic augmentation procedure for posterosuperior rotator cuff reconstruction using an autograft patch of the long head of the biceps tendon.

Background: There is still a disagreement on the postoperative rehabilitation concerning position of immobilization of the shoulder after arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization and its influence on the clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results and the recurrence rate after arthroscopic anteroinferior shoulder stabilization and postoperative immobilization in internal rotation vs. external rotation. Methods: Twenty-five patients (22 male and 3 female, mean age 28.5 years) were included in this prospective nonrandomized cohort study. In group I (11 male, 2 female, mean age 28 years), the postoperative functional immobilization was carried out in internal rotation of 60°, and in group II (11 male, 1 female, mean age 30 years), 15° of external rotation of the arm for 4 weeks in both groups. The clinical follow-up was performed at 2, 4, and 6 weeks as well as at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively including assessment of range of motion and functional shoulder scores (Subjective Shoulder Value, Constant score, Rowe score, Walch Duplay score, Melbourne Instability Shoulder Score). Furthermore, shoulder instability was evaluated using the apprehension, relocation, and surprise tests. Mid-term follow-up data were additionally assessed after a minimum of 4 years. Results: Twenty patients (19 male and 1 female) with an average age of 28 years were followed up for 62 (53-72) months after arthroscopic stabilization. The comparison of both groups showed almost equal results regarding the range of motion without any significant differences (P > .05). The evaluation of the shoulder function scores also showed no significant differences with an average Subjective Shoulder Value of 95% vs. 91%, Constant score of 89 vs. 88 points, Rowe score of 96 vs. 94 points, Walch Duplay score of 86 vs. 89 points, Melbourne Instability Shoulder Score of 96 points, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index of 88% vs. 84% (P > .05). There was no recurrent dislocation in both groups. Conclusion: The type of immobilization after arthroscopic shoulder stabilization does not influence the clinical results after a mid- to long-term follow-up.

Abstract Background The role of the subacromial bursa in the development or healing of shoulder pathologies is unclear. Due to this limited knowledge, we aimed to understand specific reactions of the subacromial bursa according to rotator cuff (RC) pathologies compared to non-tendon defects of the shoulder. We hypothesized that the tissue composition and inflammatory status of the bursa are likely to vary between shoulder pathologies depending on the presence and the extent of RC lesion. Method Bursa samples from patients with either 1) shoulder instability with intact RC (healthy bursa, control), 2) osteochondral pathology with intact RC, 3) partial supraspinatus (SSP) tendon tear, or 4) full-thickness SSP tear were investigated histologically and on gene expression level. Result Bursae from SSP tears differed from non-tendon pathologies by exhibiting increased chondral metaplasia and TGFβ1 expression. MMP1 was not expressed in healthy bursa controls, but strongly increased with full-thickness SSP tears. Additionally, the expression of the inflammatory mediators IL1β, IL6, and COX2 increased with the extent of SSP tear as shown by correlation analysis. In contrast, increased angiogenesis and nerve fibers as well as significantly upregulated IL6 and COX2 expression were features of bursae from patients with osteochondral pathology. Using immunohistochemistry, CD45+ leukocytes were observed in all examined groups, which were identified in particular as CD68+ monocytes/macrophages. Conclusion In summary, besides the strong increase in MMP1 expression with SSP tear, molecular changes were minor between the investigated groups. However, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines correlated with the severity of the SSP tear. Most pronounced tissue alterations occurred for the osteochondral pathology and full-thickness SSP tear group, which demonstrates that the bursal reaction is not exclusively dependent on the occurrence of an SSP tear rather than longstanding degenerative changes. The present bursa characterization contributes to the understanding of specific tissue alterations related to RC tears or non-tendon shoulder pathologies. This pilot study provides the basis for future studies elucidating the role of the subacromial bursa in the development or healing of shoulder pathologies.

Abstract Background Stemless total shoulder arthroplasty is a well-established and reliable surgical treatment option for glenohumeral osteoarthritis resulting in loss of pain and improvement of shoulder function. Currently the two methods for the fixation of the humeral component are either screw fixation or impaction. The purpose of this study is the clinical and radiological comparison of two different stemless designs (screw fixation vs impaction) for total shoulder arthroplasties in patients suffering from primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Methods A retrospective cohort study including 39 patients with a mean age of 67 years and a minimum follow-up of 2 years was performed. Patients were separated into two groups based on the selected implant. In group A (n = 18) a screw fixation design and in group B (n = 21) an impaction type design was used. For clinical examination the Constant-Murley-Score (CS) and Subjective-Shoulder-Value (SSV) were evaluated. Radiological examination was performed on true-AP, axial and Y-view radiographs. Results In group A the CS increased from 27.1 to 65.2 points and SSV from 27.3 to 76.7% (p > 0.05). No osteolysis of the medial calcar or subsidence of the humeral implant were found in this group. In group B the CS increased from 29.0 to 72.6 points and SSV from 33.1 to 85% (p

Introduction In the field of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR), reporting standards of published studies differ dramatically, notably concerning adverse events (AEs). In addition, prognostic studies are overall methodologically poor, based on small data sets and explore only limited numbers of influencing factors. We aim to develop prognostic models for individual ARCR patients, primarily for the patient-reported assessment of shoulder function (Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS)) and the occurrence of shoulder stiffness 6 months after surgery. We also aim to evaluate the use of a consensus core event set (CES) for AEs and validate a severity classification for these events, considering the patient’s perspective.Methods and analysis A cohort of 970 primary ARCR patients will be prospectively documented from several Swiss and German orthopaedic clinics up to 24 months postoperatively. Patient clinical examinations at 6 and 12 months will include shoulder range of motion and strength (Constant Score). Tendon repair integrity status will be assessed by ultrasound at 12 months. Patient-reported questionnaires at 6, 12 and 24 months will determine functional scores (subjective shoulder value, OSS), anxiety and depression scores, working status, sports activities, and quality of life (European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5 Level questionnaire). AEs will be documented according to a CES. Prognostic models will be developed using an internationally supported regression methodology. Multiple prognostic factors, including patient baseline demographics, psychological, socioeconomic and clinical factors, rotator cuff integrity, concomitant local findings, and (post)operative management factors, will be investigated.Ethics and dissemination This project contributes to the development of personalised risk predictions for supporting the surgical decision process in ARCR. The consensus CES may become an international reference for the reporting of complications in clinical studies and registries. Ethical approval was obtained on 1 April 2020 from the lead ethics committee (EKNZ, Basel, Switzerland; ID: 2019-02076). All participants will provide informed written consent before enrolment in the study.Trial registration number NCT04321005.Protocol version Version 2 (13 December 2019).

Purpose Clinical registries are essential for evaluation of surgical outcomes. The Schulthess Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry (SAR) was established in 2006 to evaluate safety, function, quality-of-life and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.Participants Adult patients undergoing anatomic or reverse shoulder joint replacement at the Schulthess Klinik, a high-volume, leading orthopaedic surgery centre in Zürich, Switzerland.Findings to date Between March 2006 and December 2019, the registry covered 98% of eligible operations. Overall, 2332 patients were enrolled with a total of 2796 operations and 11 147 person-years of follow-up. Mean age at baseline was 71 (range: 20–95), 65% were women. Most common indication was rotator cuff tears with osteoarthritis (42%) and the mean preoperative Constant Score was 31 (±15). The most frequent arthroplasty type was reverse, increasing from 61% in 2006–2010 to 86% in 2015–2019. Functional recovery peaked at 12-month postoperatively and did not show a clinically relevant deterioration during the first ten follow-up years. Since its establishment, the registry was used to address multiple pertinent clinical and methodological questions. Primary focus was on comparing different implant configurations (eg, glenosphere diameter) and surgical techniques (eg, latissimus dorsi transfer) to maximise functional recovery. Additionally, the cohort contributed to the determination of the clinical relevance and validity of radiological monitoring of cortical bone resorption and scapular notching. Finally, SAR data helped to demonstrate that returning to sports was among key patient expectations after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.Future plans As first patients are approaching the 15 years follow-up landmark, the registry will continue providing essential data on long-term functional outcomes, implant stability, revision rates and aetiologies as well as patient satisfaction and quality-of-life. In addition to research and quality-control, the cohort data will be brought back to the patients by bolstering real-time clinical decision support.

The subacromial bursa has long been demolded as friction-reducing tissue, which is often linked to shoulder pain and, therefore, partially removed during shoulder surgery. Currently, the discovery of the stem cell potential of resident bursa-derived cells shed a new light on the subacromial bursa. In the meanwhile, this neglected tissue is gaining more attention as to how it can augment the regenerative properties of adjacent tissues such as rotator cuff tendons. Specifically, the tight fibrovascular network, a high growth factor content, and the large progenitor potential of bursa-derived cells could complement the deficits that a nearby rotator cuff injury might experience due to the fact of its low endogenous regeneration potential. This review deals with the question of whether bursal inflammation is only a pain generator or could also be an initiator of healing. Furthermore, several experimental models highlight potential therapeutic targets to overcome bursal inflammation and, thus, pain. More evidence is needed to fully elucidate a direct interplay between subacromial bursa and rotator cuff tendons. Increasing attention to tendon repair will help to guide future research and answer open questions such that novel treatment strategies could harvest the subacromial bursa’s potential to support healing of nearby rotator cuff injuries.

Abstract Background Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in rotator cuff repairs but its effect on the healing process is unclear. Several cell culture studies on the effect of allogenic PRP have reported promising results but are not transferable to clinical practice. The aim of the present study is to assess the possible effect of autologous PRP on rotator cuff tendon cells. The amount of growth factors involved with tendon-bone healing (PDGF-AB, IGF-1, TGF-β1, BMP-7 and -12) is quantified. Methods Rotator cuff tissue samples were obtained from (n = 24) patients grouped by age (>/

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Using a subscapularis- and deltoid-preserving anterior approach is an option for patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Outcomes are better at short term than compared with the standard deltopectoral approach. Maintaining the integrity of the subscapularis tendon and preserving the deltoid muscle minimizes the need for postoperative immobilization and rehabilitation, allowing the patient to achieve active shoulder range of motion more rapidly, without increasing the incidence of shoulder dislocation. Overall length of hospital stay and duration of postoperative physical therapy are minimized, leading to significant economic gain. Future studies with longer follow-up are required to document the potential long-term benefits of this surgical technique. Level of Evidence of the study: Review, Level IV

There has been increase attention to the surgical treatment of the subscapularis (SSC) tendon with risk of postoperative dysfunction and early failures following shoulder arthroplasty. Studies investigating the clinical results after shoulder arthroplasty indicate that SSC tendon detachment or incision techniques and rehabilitation concepts may impair SSC recovery and consequently the postoperative function. In response to these results, technical modifications have been proposed and evaluated anatomically, biomechanically, and clinically. The aim of this article is to give an overview of current SSC take-down approaches, subsequent repair techniques, and postoperative rehabilitation protocols as well as to present the diagnostic algorithm and clinical impacts of the increasingly acknowledged condition of SSC insufficiency following shoulder arthroplasty procedures.

To date, specific surgical procedures are available for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with substantial bony glenoid defects, as well as for patients without osseous lesions. However, specific treatment options are lacking for the frequently observed small to intermediate glenoid defects, which may not necessitate glenoid reconstruction surgery according to current guidelines but can still jeopardize the outcome after mere soft-tissue stabilization procedures. This article describes the so-called arthroscopic Bankart-Plus procedure for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with small to intermediate bony glenoid defects. In addition to the conventional capsulolabral repair, an allogeneic demineralized spongy bone matrix is inserted between the glenoid neck and the labrum with the aim of compensating for the glenoid bone loss by increasing the volume of the labrum and thus its stabilizing effect.

Tendon bone healing of the rotator cuff is often associated with non-healing or recurrent defects, which seems to be influenced by the patient's age and sex. The present study aims to examine cellular biological characteristics of tenocyte-like cells that may contribute to this impaired rotator cuff healing. Moreover, a therapeutic approach using growth factors could possibly stimulate tendon bone healing. Therefore, our second aim was to identify patient groups who would particularly benefit from growth factor stimulation. Tenocyte-like cells isolated from supraspinatus tendons of female donors younger and older than 65 years of age were characterized with respect to different cellular biological parameters, such as cell density, cell count, marker expression, collagen-I protein synthesis, and stem cell potential. Furthermore, cells of the donor groups were stimulated with BMP-2 and BMP-7 (200 and 1000 ng/ml) in 3D-culture and analyzed for cell count, marker expression and collagen-I protein synthesis. Female donors older than 65 years of age showed significantly decreased cell count and collagen-I protein synthesis compared to cells from donors younger than 65 years. Cellular biological parameters including cell count, collagen-I and -III expression, and collagen-I protein synthesis of cells from both donor groups were stimulated with BMP-2 and BMP-7. The cells from donors older than 65 years revealed a decreased stimulation potential for cell count compared to the younger group. Cells from female donors older than 65 years of age showed inferior cellular biological characteristics. This may be one reason for a weaker healing potential observed in older female patients and should be taken into consideration for tendon bone healing of the rotator cuff.