Search

Background: The treatment of patients who suffer a proximal humeral fracture (PHF) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to find consensus among experts using a validated iterative process in the treatment of patients after a PHF., Methods: The Neer Circle is an organization of shoulder experts recognized for their service to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. Consensus among 86 identified experts from this group was sought with a series of surveys using the Delphi process. The first three surveys included vignettes with 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part fractures, under two scenarios, (1) a healthy 55-year-old and (2) and a 75-year-old with significant medical comorbidities. Within each vignette, respondents were asked about their preference on CT utilization, and whether they would select operative or nonoperative treatment. A final survey was administered to elicit respondent preferences on general treatment approaches regardless of specific vignette characteristics., Results: Consensus was reached on the value of CT scans with 3D reconstructions, age as an important factor in determining treatment, functional demand, fracture pattern, bone quality, and the presence of more significant medical comorbidities would strongly impact decision making. Experts agreed that medial calcar involvement would have no impact on their decision, and gender and non-dominant arm involvement would have a low impact. Consensus was reached in the following scenarios for an operative treatment in a young and healthy patient: 2-part shaft fracture (V3, 98%); 3-part varus fracture (V5, 98%); 3-part valgus fracture (V7, 98%); 4-part fracture (V9, 100%); 4-part dislocation fracture (V11, 98%) and 4-part valgus impacted fractures (V13, 95%). For older unhealthy patients in 4- part dislocation fractures (V12, 100%). In the remainder of scenarios, there was no consensus reached for preferred treatment, either operative or nonoperative. Finally, there was no consensus on preferred rehab protocols, whether for nonoperative management or postoperative care., Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that consensus when managing proximal humerus fractures is limited to specific scenarios, while lack of consensus still exists in others. The presented study advocates non-operative treatment of proximal humerus fractures in the sicker patient and surgical treatment methods for 3-part and 4-part fractures in the young, healthy patient., (Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Since the advent of Neer's total shoulder arthroplasty in 1974, glenoid implant design has evolved to optimize patient function and increase implant longevity. Glenoid loosening continues to be a major cause of total shoulder arthroplasty failure due to both patient and implant factors. The more recent development of posterior augmented glenoids, peg fixation with ingrowth potential, inlay implants, zoned conformity implants, and convertible glenoids have all shown promising results in improving glenoid fixation and survival in different clinical circumstances. The increased utilization of 3D CT scans, preoperative planning, and patient-specific instrumentation has paralleled innovation in glenoid implants with the aim of improving the accuracy of glenoid implant placement to further optimize patient function and implant longevity. Specific indications for the variety of glenoid implants available today are still being studied. The shoulder arthroplasty surgeon should consider patient and implant factors and patient goals when determining the appropriate implant for each individual., (Copyright © 2024 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

Background: The realities of midshaft clavicle fracture distribution have not been described accurately. Consequently, a topographical depiction of midshaft clavicle fractures may help design implants that are more anatomically concordant with the fractured clavicle, leading to better outcomes and fewer complications., Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. One-hundred sixty-six surgically treated midshaft clavicle fractures of four fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons were evaluated to determine the precise "location" of the fracture on standard radiographs. This location was determined by noting the lateral, central, and medial endpoint of each fracture, expressed as a percentage (0%-100%) of the distance from the lateral to the medial end of the clavicle., Results: Fractures on average began at the 36% line (SD = 6%), were centered at the 42% line (SD = 6%), and ended at the 48% line (SD = 7%). Ninety percent of fractures were centered lateral to the midpoint, and 64% were completely lateral to the midpoint. Thirty-two percent of midshaft fractures extended into the lateral third of the clavicle, but no fractures extended into the medial third., Conclusion: Midshaft clavicle fractures in skeletally mature individuals appear to occur predominantly within the lateral metadiaphyseal half of the clavicle, and rarely extend into the medial third. Industry professionals and surgeons alike should consider this when designing and selecting implants. To note, our study relied on two-dimensional radiographs, and future studies should work on fully capturing the complex three-dimensional anatomy of the clavicle., Level of Evidence: IV., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Authors JAA, SPK, JCL, and AMM are paid consultants of Globus Medical, Inc. (GMI). Authors PMG and GCJ are salaried employees with stock options of GMI. Authors KDA and MYF report nothing to disclose., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Introduction: The Walch classification has been widely accepted and further developed as a method to characterize glenohumeral arthritis. However, many studies have reported low and inconsistent measures of the reliability of the Walch classification. The purpose of this study was to review the literature on the reliability of the Walch classification and characterize how imaging modality and classification modifications affect reliability., Methods: A systematic review of publications that included reliability of the Walch classification reported through intraobserver and interobserver kappa values was conducted. A search in January 2021 and repeated in July 2023 used the terms ["Imaging" OR "radiography" OR "CT" OR "MRI"] AND ["Walch classification"] AND ["Glenoid arthritis" OR "Shoulder arthritis"]. All clinical studies from database inception to July 2023 that evaluated the Walch or modified Walch classification's intraobserver and/or interobserver reliability were included. Cadaveric studies and studies that involved subjects with previous arthroplasty, shoulder débridement, glenoid reaming, interposition arthroplasty, and latarjet or bankart procedure were excluded. Articles were categorized by imaging modality and classification modification., Results: Thirteen articles met all inclusion criteria. Three involved the evaluation of plain radiographs, 10 used CT, two used three-dimensional (3D) CT, and four used magnetic resonance imaging. Nine studies involved the original Walch classification system, five involved a simplified version, and four involved the modified Walch. Six studies examined the reliability of raters of varying experience levels with none reporting consistent differences based on experience. Overall intraobserver reliability of the Walch classifications ranged from 0.34 to 0.92, and interobserver reliability ranged from 0.132 to 0.703. No consistent trends were observed in the effect of the imaging modalities or classification modifications on reliability., Discussion: The reliability of the Walch classification remains inconsistent, despite modification and imaging advances. Consideration of the limitations of the classification system is important when using it for treatment or prognostic purposes., Competing Interests: Financial Disclosure Statement: There are no financial disclosures, commercial associations, or other conditions posing a conflict of interest to report for any of the above authors., (Copyright © 2024 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

Background: Augmented baseplates can be effective at addressing eccentric glenoid wear in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. However, these implants often come in a limited number of predetermined shapes that require additional reaming to ensure adequate glenoid seating. This typically involves complex instrumentation and can have a negative impact on implant stability. Modular baseplate augmentation based on intraoperative measurements may allow for more precise defect filling while preserving glenoid bone. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the stability of a novel ringed baseplate with modular augmentation in comparison with nonaugmented standard and ringed baseplate designs., Methods: In this biomechanical study, baseplate micromotion was tested for 3 constructs according to the American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines. The constructs included a nonaugmented curved baseplate, a nonaugmented ringed baseplate, and a ringed baseplate with an 8-mm locking modular augmentation peg. The nonaugmented constructs were mounted flush onto polyurethane foam blocks, whereas the augmented baseplate was mounted on a polyurethane block with a simulated defect. Baseplate displacement was measured before and after 100,000 cycles of cyclic loading., Results: Before cyclic loading, the nonaugmented and augmented ringed baseplates both demonstrated significantly less micromotion than the nonaugmented curved baseplate design (81.1 μm vs. 97.2 μm vs. 152.7 μm; P = .009). After cyclic loading, both ringed constructs continued to have significantly less micromotion than the curved design (105.5 μm vs. 103.2 μm vs. 136.6 μm; P < .001). The micromotion for both ringed constructs remained below the minimum threshold required for bony ingrowth (150 μm) at all time points., Conclusions: In the setting of a simulated glenoid defect, locked modular augmentation of a ringed baseplate does not result in increased baseplate micromotion when compared with full contact nonaugmented baseplates. This design offers a simple method for tailored baseplate augmentation that can match specific variations in glenoid anatomy, limiting the need for excessive reaming and ultimately optimizing the environment for long-term implant stability., (Copyright © 2024 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Reducing differences in the gender representation of shoulder arthroplasty surgeons may help optimize patient care. This work aimed to determine (1) the current gender distribution of surgeons performing shoulder arthroplasty, (2) how gender relates to practice patterns among shoulder arthroplasty surgeons, and (3) how gender distribution has been changing over time., Methods: The Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data for the years 2012-2020 were used to identify orthopedic surgeons performing anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (Current Procedural Terminology code 23472). The data set provides self-reported gender, credentials, National Provider Identifier, annual volume of all procedures (based on Current Procedural Terminology codes) that were performed ≥11 times in the calendar year, and location for all included providers. The data set was linked to the Medicare Physician Compare data set using National Provider Identifiers to determine hospital affiliations, year of medical school graduation, and graduating medical school. All included hospitals were queried to determine academic status (affiliated orthopedic residency or fellowship program). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) directory was reviewed to determine the gender breakdown of current members., Results: The number of surgeons performing ≥11 shoulder arthroplasties annually increased from 821 (13 women [1.6%]) in 2012 to 1840 (53 women [2.9%], P = .05) in 2019. One female surgeon ranked in the top 100 surgeons by shoulder arthroplasty volume in 2012 and in 2020. Female surgeons graduated more recently from medical school (mean, 2005) compared with male surgeons (mean, 1997; P < .001). About 10% of female surgeons (10.8%, 12 of 111) and male surgeons (9.1%, 229 of 2528) practiced at hospitals with orthopedic residents (P = .50). Female surgeons performing shoulder arthroplasty were less likely than male surgeons to perform total knee arthroplasty (29.4% vs. 54.1%, P < .001) and total hip arthroplasty (12.6% vs. 34.7%, P < .001). There were 86 female members of ASES (6.7%, 86 of 1275), with a significant difference in the proportion of women in differing membership categories (P = .017)., Discussion and Conclusion: A diverse cohort of high-volume shoulder replacement surgeons is integral to delivering high-quality shoulder arthroplasty. Currently, the proportion of women performing high-volume shoulder replacement in the United States is small, with little improvement in recent years. However, women performing shoulder arthroplasty are younger and are often involved in academic practices, and the membership of ASES is increasingly female. Continued efforts to promote orthopedics-and to mentor female residents and medical students interested in shoulder surgery-may bring real change to the gender differences among shoulder replacement surgeons over the coming years., (Copyright © 2024 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Prior research has shown that industry funding can impact the outcomes reported in medical literature. Limited data exist on the degree of bias that industry funding may have on shoulder arthroplasty literature outside of the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. The purpose of this study is to characterize the type and frequency of funding for recently published shoulder arthroplasty studies and the impact of industry funding on reported outcomes. We hypothesized that studies with industry funding are more likely to report positive outcomes than those without., Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study searching all articles with the term "shoulder arthroplasty," "reverse shoulder arthroplasty," "anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty," or "total shoulder arthroplasty" on PubMed from the years January 2020 to December 2022. The primary outcome of studies was coded as either positive, negative, or neutral. A positive result was defined as one in which the null hypothesis was rejected. A negative result was defined as one in which the result did not favor the group in which the industry-funded implant was used. A neutral result was defined as one in which the null hypothesis was confirmed. Article funding type, subcategorized as National Institutes of Health funding or industry funding was recorded. Author disclosures were recorded to determine conflicts of interest. Statistical analysis was conducted using the χ 2 test and Fisher exact test., Results: A total of 750 articles reported on either conflict of interest or funding source and were included in the study. Of the total number of industry-funded studies, the majority were found to have a positive primary endpoint (58.1%, 104 of 179), as compared to a negative (7.8%, 14 of 179) or neutral endpoint (33.5%, 60 of 179) (P = .004). Overall, 363 articles reported an author conflict of interest, and the majority of these studies had positive primary endpoint (55.6%, 202 of 363) as compared to negative (9.1%, 33 of 363) or neutral endpoints (34.4%, 125 of 363) (P = .002)., Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that there is a significant relationship between conflicts of interest and the primary outcome of shoulder arthroplasty studies, beyond the overall positive publication bias. Studies with industry funding and author conflicts of interest both report positive outcomes more frequently than negative outcomes. Shoulder surgeons should be aware of this potential bias when choosing to base clinical practice on published data., (Copyright © 2024 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Particle-induced osteolysis resulting from polyethylene wear remains a source of implant failure in anatomic total shoulder designs. Modern polyethylene components are irradiated in an oxygen-free environment to induce cross-linking, but reducing the resulting free radicals with melting or heat annealing can compromise the component's mechanical properties. Vitamin E has been introduced as an adjuvant to thermal treatments. Anatomic shoulder arthroplasty models with a ceramic head component have demonstrated that vitamin E-enhanced polyethylene show improved wear compared with highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE). This study aimed to assess the biomechanical wear properties and particle size characteristics of a novel vitamin E-enhanced highly cross-linked polyethylene (VEXPE) glenoid compared to a conventional ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) glenoid against a cobalt chromium molybdenum (CoCrMo) head component., Methods: Biomechanical wear testing was performed to compare the VEXPE glenoid to UHMWPE glenoid with regard to pristine polyethylene wear and abrasive endurance against a polished CoCrMo alloy humeral head in an anatomic shoulder wear-simulation model. Cumulative mass loss (milligrams) was recorded, and wear rate calculated (milligrams per megacycle [Mc]). Under pristine wear conditions, particle analysis was performed, and functional biologic activity (FBA) was calculated to estimate particle debris osteolytic potential. In addition, 95% confidence intervals for all testing conditions were calculated., Results: The average pristine wear rate was statistically significantly lower for the VEXPE glenoid compared with the HXLPE glenoid (0.81 ± 0.64 mg/Mc vs. 7.00 ± 0.45 mg/Mc) (P < .05). Under abrasive wear conditions, the VEXPE glenoid had a statistically significant lower average wear rate compared with the UHMWPE glenoid comparator device (18.93 ± 5.80 mg/Mc vs. 40.47 ± 2.63 mg/Mc) (P < .05). The VEXPE glenoid demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in FBA compared with the HXLPE glenoid (0.21 ± 0.21 vs. 1.54 ± 0.49 (P < .05)., Conclusions: A new anatomic glenoid component with VEXPE demonstrated significantly improved pristine and abrasive wear properties with lower osteolytic particle debris potential compared with a conventional UHMWPE glenoid component. Vitamin E-enhanced polyethylene shows early promise in shoulder arthroplasty components. Long-term clinical and radiographic investigation needs to be performed to verify if these biomechanical wear properties translate to diminished long-term wear, osteolysis, and loosening., (Copyright © 2024 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Home health services provide patients with additional professional care and supervision following discharge from the hospital to theoretically reduce the risk of complication and reduce health care utilization. The aim of this investigation was to determine if patients assigned home health services following total shoulder arthroplasty (anatomic [TSA] and reverse [RSA]) exhibited lower rates of medical complications, lower health care utilization, and lower cost of care compared with patients not receiving these services., Methods: A national insurance database was retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients undergoing primary TSA and RSA from 2010 to 2019. Patients who received home health services were matched using a propensity score algorithm to a set of similar patients who were discharged home without services. We compared medical complication rates, emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and 90-day cost of care between the groups. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the independent effect of home health services on all outcomes., Results: A total of 1119 patients received home health services and were matched to 11,190 patients who were discharged home without services. There was no significant difference in patients who received home health services compared with those who did not receive home health services with respect to rates of ED visits within 30 days (OR 1.293; P = .0328) and 90 days (OR 1.215; P = .0378), whereas the home health group demonstrated increased readmissions within 90 days (OR 1.663; P < .001). For all medical complications, there was no difference between cohorts. Episode-of-care costs for home health patients were higher than those discharged without these services ($12,521.04 vs. $9303.48; P < .001)., Conclusion: Patients assigned home health care services exhibited higher cost of care and readmission rates without a reduction in the rate of complication or early return to the ED. These findings suggest that home health care services should be strongly analyzed on a case-by-case basis to determine if a patient may benefit from its implementation., (Copyright © 2023 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Subscapularis function is critical after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). Recently, however, a technique has been described that features a chevron or V-shaped subscapularis tendon cut (VT). This biomechanical study compared repair of the standard tenotomy (ST), made perpendicular to the subscapularis fibers, to repair of the novel VT using cyclic displacement, creep, construct stiffness, and load to failure., Methods: This biomechanical study used 6 pairs of fresh frozen paired cadaveric shoulder specimens. One specimen per each pair underwent VT, the other ST. Subscapularis tenotomy was performed 1 cm from the insertion onto the lesser tuberosity. For VT, the apex of the V was 3 cm from the lesser tuberosity. After tenotomy, each humerus underwent humeral head arthroplasty. Eight figure-of-8 sutures were used to repair the tenotomy (Ethibond Excel; Ethicon, US LLC). Specimens were cyclically loaded from 2 to 100 N at 45 degrees abduction at a rate of 1 Hz for 3000 cycles. Cyclic displacement, creep, and stiffness and load to failure were measured., Results: Cyclic displacement did not differ significantly between the ST and VT from 1 to 3000 cycles. The difference in displacement between the V-shaped and standard tenotomy at 3000 cycles was 1.57 mm (3.66 ± 1.55 mm vs. 5.1 ± 2.8 mm, P = .31, respectively). At no point was the V-shape tenotomy (VT) >3 mm of average displacement, whereas the standard tenotomy (ST) averaged 3 mm of displacement after 3 cycles. Creep was significantly lower for VT in cycles 1 through 3. For all cycles, stiffness was not significantly different in the VT group compared with the ST group. Load to failure was not statistically significant in the VT compared to the standard tenotomy throughout all cycles (253.2 ± 27.7 N vs. 213.3 ± 76.04 N; P = .25, respectively). The range of load to failure varied from 100 to 301 N for standard tenotomy compared with 216 to 308 N for VT., Conclusion: This study showed that VT and ST demonstrated equivalent stiffness, displacement, and load to failure. VT had the benefit of less creep throughout the first 3 cycles, although there was no difference from cycle 4 to 3000. The VT had equivalent biomechanical properties to the ST at time zero, an important first step in our understanding of the technique. The VT technique warrants further clinical study to determine if the technique has clinical benefits over ST following aTSA., (Copyright © 2023 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Lower trapezius tendon transfer is 1 option to improve pain and function with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of tendon healing with the procedure has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate early tendon transfer healing using postoperative MRI scans and to assess early clinical outcomes in patients after arthroscopically assisted lower trapezius tendon transfer (AALTT) for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears., Methods: This was a single institution retrospective review of consecutive patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears who underwent AALTT with a single surgeon from January 2017 to July 2020 with a minimum 6-month follow-up. Patient information including age, sex, follow-up, prior surgical history, and type of work (sedentary or labor-intensive) was recorded. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion, external rotation strength, presence of a lag sign, and pain visual analog scale data were extracted from medical records. Patient-reported outcomes were extracted from patient charts. Six-month postoperative MRIs were reviewed for tendon transfer healing at both the greater tuberosity and the trapezius-allograft interface., Results: A total of 19 patients met inclusion criteria with average age 56.7 (range, 29-72 years). Of these patients, 17 (89.5%) were male. The average follow-up was 14.6 (range, 6-45) months. Fifteen (78.9%) patients had unsuccessful previous rotator cuff repair. Six-month MRI demonstrated complete healing of the transferred tendon in 17 of 19 patients (89.5%). There were significant improvements in postoperative pain visual analog scale (5.9 ± 2 vs. 1.8 ± 2), ASES score (44.6 ± 18 vs. 71.2 ± 24), and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical (46.3 ± 6 vs. 51.3 ± 11) and in external rotation motion (10.5 ± 17° vs. 40.5 ± 13°) and strength (2.8/5 ± 1 vs. 4.7/5 ± 0.5) at final follow-up. All patients with a preoperative external rotation lag sign had reversal of their lag sign at final follow-up (15/15). Of 17 work-eligible patients, 13 (76.4%) were able to return to work., Conclusion: In this series, AALTT showed a high rate of healing of the transferred tendon on MRI by 6 months postoperatively. The current findings of a high rate of early tendon transfer healing are consistent with the good early and mid-term outcomes that have been observed in AALTT and provide support for surgeon and patient expectations, postoperative rehabilitation, and return to work following AALTT for massive posterior superior rotator cuff tears., (Copyright © 2023 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The split anconeus fascia transfer (SAFT) is an option for reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) in chronic posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow with potential advantages of using only local tissue within the surgical exposure and not requiring ulnar fixation. This study aimed to assess SAFT strength compared to a traditional free graft reconstruction in a PLRI biomechanical model., Methods: To measure biomechanical strength, eight cadaveric upper extremity pairs were utilized. Within each pair, one specimen was randomly assigned to LUCL reconstruction with autograft palmaris longus and the other to SAFT reconstruction. Torque load to failure was assessed on a load frame with the elbow in 30 degrees of flexion, 5 degrees of valgus, and 25 N axial load as the elbow was brought into external rotation. Torque load to failure was compared between the two reconstruction techniques., Results: No difference was found in the torque load to failure between SAFT specimens compared to palmaris longus autograft specimens (mean 14.6 ± 4.4 Nm vs. mean 11.3 ± 3.9 Nm; P  = .16)., Discussion: In this biomechanical study, the SAFT LUCL reconstruction provided torque load to failure similar to that of the traditional technique. These findings suggest that the SAFT technique warrants continued study as a biomechanically sound option for LUCL reconstruction in the setting of elbow PLRI., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Introduction: Patients on chronic corticosteroids/immunosuppressants (SI) undergoing orthopaedic surgery are at an increased risk for surgical complications and worse outcomes. However, whether or not chronic preoperative SI use increases the risk for 30-day complications in patients undergoing primary total shoulder arthroplasty (SA) has yet to be explored., Methods: From 2006 to 2019, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to identify all patients who underwent primary SA (anatomic TSA and reverse TSA). Patients were stratified into two cohorts: chronic preoperative SI users and those without use. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were utilized in this study., Results: Of the 26,979 patients who underwent primary SA, 25,656 (95.1%) patients did not have SI usage whereas 1323 (4.9%) patients had chronic preoperative SI usage. Following adjustment on multivariate analyses, compared to the non-SI usage cohort, patients who used SI had an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) (OR 1.87; p  = 0.009) and septic shock (OR 7.14; p  = 0.002). There were no differences in mortality between the two cohorts ( p  = 0.058)., Discussion and Conclusion: Chronic pre-operative SI use is an independent risk factor for septic shock and UTIs following primary SA. Surgeons and patients should be aware of these risks to better inform patient counseling and surgical decision making., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2022.)

Background: Clinical decision-making often relies on evidence-based medicine, derived from objective data with conventional and rigorous statistical tests to evaluate significance. The literature surrounding rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair (RCR) is conflicting, with no defined standard of practice., Purpose: To determine the fragility index (FI) and the fragility quotient (FQ) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating rehabilitation protocols after RCR., Study Design: Systematic review., Methods: A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases for RCTs evaluating rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic RCRs from 2000 to June 1, 2022. The FI was determined by manipulating the dichotomous outcome events from each article until a reversal of significance with 2 × 2 contingency tables was achieved. The FQ was determined by dividing the FI by the sample size., Results: Fourteen RCTs with 48 dichotomous outcomes were ultimately included for analysis. The mean FI for the included dichotomous outcomes was 4 (interquartile range, 3-6), suggesting that the reversal of 4 events is required to change study significance. The mean FQ was 0.048. Of the RCTs that reported data regarding loss to follow-up, most studies (58.5%) indicated that >4 patients had been lost to follow-up., Conclusion: The results of RCT studies of RCR rehabilitation protocols are moderately fragile, something clinicians should be aware of when implementing study results into practice. We recommend the inclusion of FI and FQ in addition to standard P values when reporting statistical results in future RCTs with dichotomous outcome variables on this topic., Competing Interests: One or more of the authors has declared the following potential conflict of interest or source of funding: M.A.W. has received education payments from Arthrex, Elite Orthopedics, Smith & Nephew, and Supreme Orthopedic Systems. A.M.M. has received education payments from Supreme Orthopedic Systems; consulting fees from Catalyst OrthoScience, DePuy/Medical Device Business Services, Globus Medical, Ignite Orthopedics, Stryker, and Zimmer Biomet; nonconsulting fees from Globus Medical; royalties from DePuy, Ignite Orthopedics, and Globus Medical; honoraria from Wright Medical; and has an investment interest in Ignite Orthopedics. AOSSM checks author disclosures against the Open Payments Database (OPD). AOSSM has not conducted an independent investigation on the OPD and disclaims any liability or responsibility relating thereto., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Background: Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is increasingly performed safely and efficiently as an outpatient procedure in certain patients. Patient selection is often based on surgeon choice, surgeon expertise, or institutional guidelines. One orthopedic research group released a publicly available shoulder arthroplasty outpatient appropriateness risk calculator that considers patient demographic characteristics and comorbidities with the aim of helping surgeons to predict successful outpatient TSA. This study aimed to retrospectively assess the utility of this risk calculator at our institution., Methods: Records were obtained for patients undergoing procedure code 23472 at our institution between January 1, 2018, and March 31, 2021. Patients undergoing anatomic TSA in the hospital setting were included. Records were reviewed for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and surgery duration. These data were entered into the risk calculator to calculate the likelihood of discharge by postoperative day 1. Charlson Comorbidity Index, complications, reoperations, and readmissions were also collected from patient records. Statistical analyses assessed the model's fit with our patient cohort and compared outcome measures between inpatient and outpatient groups., Results: Of the 792 patients whose records were initially obtained, 289 met the inclusion criteria of anatomic TSA performed in the hospital setting. Of these patients, 7 were excluded because of missing data, leaving 282 patients: 166 (58.9%) in the inpatient group and 116 (41.1%) in the outpatient group. We found no significant differences in mean age (66.4 years in inpatient group vs. 65.1 years in outpatient group, P = .28), Charlson Comorbidity Index (3.48 vs. 3.06, P = .080), or American Society of Anesthesiologists class (2.58 vs. 2.66, P = .19). Surgery time was longer in the inpatient group than the outpatient group (85 minutes vs. 77 minutes, P = .001). Overall complication rates were low (4.2% in inpatient group vs. 2.6% in outpatient group, P = .07). Readmissions and reoperations did not differ between groups. There was no difference in the average percentage likelihood of same-day discharge (55.4% in inpatient group vs. 52.4% in outpatient group, P = .24), and a receiver operating characteristic curve to assess fit with the risk calculator demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.55., Discussion: The shoulder arthroplasty risk calculator performed similarly to chance when retrospectively predicting discharge within 1 day after TSA in our patients. Complications, readmissions, and reoperations were not higher after outpatient procedures. Risk calculators for determining whether a patient should be admitted after TSA should be used cautiously because they may not provide measurable benefit over the use of surgeon experience and expertise in discharge decision making, and other factors may be relevant in the decision to perform outpatient TSA., (Copyright © 2023 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Acromion and scapular spine stress fractures can be catastrophic complications following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). A variety of host, implant, and technical factors have been identified that increase the risk of this complication. The glenoid component in particular has been closely evaluated for its impact on rates of stress fractures following RSA. The goal of this biomechanical study is to evaluate if humeral stem version has an impact on acromion and scapular spine strain after RSA., Methods: Eight cadaveric specimens were tested on a custom dynamic shoulder frame. Commercially available RSA components were implanted with the humeral component inserted in 0° of retroversion. Acromion and scapular spine strain were measured at 0°, 30°, and 60° of abduction using strain rosettes secured to the acromion and scapular spine in the typical locations for Levy type II and type III stress fractures, respectively. The humeral stem was then removed and reimplanted in 30° of retroversion and the measurements were repeated. Student t test was performed to analyze the relationship between humeral stem version and acromion and scapular spine strain at various abduction angles., Results: Strain at the both the acromion and scapular spine were found to have no significant difference at any abduction angle when comparing 0° and 30° version of the humeral stem. With 0° and 30° versions pooled together, there is significantly lower acromion and scapular spine strain at 60° of abduction when compared to 0° of abduction (strain at 0° abduction - strain at 60° abduction: acromion 313.1 μꜪ; P = .0409, Scapular spine 304.9 μꜪ; P = .0407). There was no significant difference in strain at either location when comparing 0° of abduction to 30° of abduction and when comparing 30° of abduction to 60° of abduction., Conclusions: This biomechanical study found no significant difference in scapular spine and acromion strain after RSA when comparing variations in humeral stem version. There does appear to be lower strain at both the acromion and scapular spine at 60° of abduction when compared to 0° of abduction regardless of stem version., (Copyright © 2023 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Postoperative rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair is essential for a positive patient outcome. Each patient should have a program tailored to their individual tear and repair characteristics. Their plan should be advanced according to their progress, with therapist and surgeon communication. The rehabilitation progresses through 4 stages. This begins with a period of immobilization, passive range of motion, and protecting the repair and ends with functional and sport-specific exercises. Rehabilitation advances in progress-based steps during 24 weeks. The rehabilitation process aims to balance healing of the tendon repair and the risk of postoperative stiffness., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Despite strong evidence supporting the efficacy of rotator cuff repair (RCR), previous literature has demonstrated that socioeconomic disparities exist among patients who undergo surgery. There is a paucity of literature examining whether payor type, including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance types, impacts early medical complications and rates of reoperation after RCR., Methods: Patients with Medicare, Medicaid, or commercial payor-type insurance who underwent primary open or arthroscopic RCR between 2010 and 2019 were identified using a large national database. Ninety-day incidence of medical complications, emergency department (ED) visit, and hospital readmission, as well as 1-year incidence of revision repair, revision to arthroplasty, and cost of care were evaluated. Propensity-score matching was used to control for patient demographic factors and comorbidities as covariates., Results: A total of 113,257 Medicare, 23,074 Medicaid, and 414,447 commercially insured patients were included for analysis. Medicaid insurance was associated with an increased 90-day risk of various medical complications, ED visit (odds ratio [OR]: 2.87; P < .001), and 1-year revision RCR (OR: 1.60; P < .001) compared with Medicare insurance. Medicaid insurance was also associated with an increased risk of various medical complications, ED visit (OR: 2.98; P < .001), and hospital readmission (OR: 1.56; P = .002), as well as 1-year risk of revision RCR (OR: 1.60; P < .001) and conversion to arthroplasty (OR: 1.4358; P < .001) compared with commercially insured patients. Medicaid insurance was associated with a decreased risk of conversion to arthroplasty compared with Medicare patients (OR: 0.6887; P < .001). Medicaid insurance was associated with higher 1-year cost of care compared with patients with both Medicare (P < .001) and commercial insurance (P < .001)., Discussion: Medicaid insurance is associated with increased rates of medical complications, health care utilization, and reoperation after rotator cuff surgery, despite controlling for covariates. Medicaid insurance is also associated with a higher 1-year cost of care. Understanding the complex relationship between sociodemographic factors, such as insurance status, medical comorbidities, and outcomes, is necessary to ensure optimal health care access for all patients and to allow for appropriate risk stratification., (Copyright © 2022 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Radial head excision (RHE) has been shown to increase contact pressures within the ulnohumeral joint. Radiocapitellar interposition arthroplasty (RCIA) with the use of a soft tissue graft is an alternative for the treatment of isolated radiocapitellar arthritis or with failure of radial head replacement. We investigated contact pressures and contact area within the ulnohumeral joint after RHE compared to RCIA with dermal autograft., Methods: Six fresh-frozen cadaver elbows were tested on a custom dynamic elbow frame. A pressure sensor was inserted into the intact elbow joint, and mean contact pressure, peak contact pressure, contact area, and force within the ulnohumeral joint were recorded at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of flexion as a valgus load was applied to the elbow. The radial head was then excised and specimens were retested. Finally, a dermal graft matched to the size of the resected radial head was inserted in the radiocapitellar space and the specimens were tested a third time., Results: At 90° of flexion, contact pressure within the ulnohumeral joint was significantly lower with RCIA compared with RHE (110.8 kPa vs 216.8 kPa; P = .013). The mean peak contact pressure was also significantly lower with RCIA compared with RHE at 90° (279.4 vs 626.7 kPa; P = .025). No statistically significant differences were seen in mean contact area or force between the 3 testing conditions at any flexion position., Conclusion: RCIA with a dermal graft reduced contact pressures within the ulnohumeral joint compared to RHE at 90° of flexion without a significant change in contact area or contact force., (Copyright © 2022 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Disparities in the access to, utilization of, and outcomes after orthopaedic surgery are a notable problem in the field that limits patients' ability to access the highest level of care and achieve optimal outcomes. Disparities exist based on numerous sociodemographic factors, with sex and race/ethnicity being two of the most well-studied factors linked to disparities in orthopaedic care. These disparities cross all subspecialties and tend to negatively affect women and racial/ethnic minorities. The increased recognition of the disparities in orthopaedic care has been paralleled by an increased recognition of the lack of diversity among orthopaedic surgeons. Although efforts are being made to improve the representation of women and underrepresented minorities among orthopaedic surgeons, the numbers, particularly of racial and ethnic minorities, show little improvement. The lack of gender and racial diversity among orthopaedic surgeons may be one of many factors related to the gender and racial disparities seen in orthopaedic care. Patients may prefer a provider that they can better identify with and that may affect care. Orthopaedic surgery as a specialty must continue to work to foster an inclusive environment and make concerted efforts to improve diversity through the recruitment of women and underrepresented minorities, among others, for the benefit of patients, surgeons, and the continued growth of the field as a whole., (Copyright © 2022 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

Hypothesis/background: Female representation in orthopedics, and specifically shoulder and elbow surgery, lags behind other surgical subspecialities. There has been a growing interest in recent years to better characterize, and address, gender disparities in the field. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize gender trends in authorship in the shoulder and elbow literature from 2002 to 2020., Methods: Articles published from January 2002 to December 2020 in 15 clinical orthopedic and shoulder- and elbow-specific journals were extracted from the online PubMed database. Articles that included the first name of the first and senior authors and contained keywords related to the shoulder and elbow subspecialty were included. The Genderize algorithm was used to determine each author's gender. Gender-based publication trends from 2002 to 2020 were analyzed using descriptive and significance testing as well as logistic regression., Results: 34,695 articles met inclusion criteria and 52,497 unique authors were identified. Of these unique authors, 10,175 (19.4%) were female and 42,322 (80.6%) were male. On average, each unique female author published 1.7 ± 0.1 manuscripts since 2002 and each male author published 2.5 ± 0.2 (P < .001). Female representation in shoulder and elbow publications began at 10.2% in 2002 and rose to 15.9% in 2020 (P < .001). Female representation in the lead author position began at 4.1% in 2002 and rose to 5.8% in 2020 (P = .009). Female representation in the senior author position began at 6.0% in 2002 and rose to 9.1% in 2020 (P < .001)., Conclusion: Although female representation in first, senior, and general authorship lags behind male representation in the shoulder and elbow literature, female authorship has significantly increased since 2002. The same men tend to publish more frequently while the number of unique female authors surpasses the annual representation of female authorship. Efforts to improve female representation in the field of orthopedic surgery should include efforts directed at improving female representation in academic literature., (Copyright © 2022 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The effect of academic influence, or the volume and quality of a surgeon's publications, on industry payments and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding has recently been studied in some academic orthopedic subspecialities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between academic influence, industry payments, and NIH funding among American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons accredited shoulder and elbow fellowship faculty., Methods: Shoulder and elbow fellowships and affiliated faculty members were identified from the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons website. Academic influence, measured by the Hirsch (h)-index, and the number of articles published were determined for faculty members using the Scopus Database Author Identifier tool. Industry payments were derived from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments database. NIH funding was determined using the NIH's Research Portfolio Online Reporting tool. Statistical analysis used Spearman correlations and the Mann-Whitney U-test with an alpha value of 0.05 (P < .05)., Results: A total of 146 faculty members were included. Twenty-two percent (42 of 146) received nonresearch payments, whereas 78% (114 of 146) received industry research funding averaging $6364 (standard deviation = $21,213). NIH funding averaged $272,589 (standard deviation = $224,635), and 5% received NIH funding (7 of 146). Faculty members who received NIH funding had a higher average h-index than those who did not (38 ± 22 vs. 22.64 ± 22.7, P = .02), whereas those receiving industry research payments had a greater number of publications than those who did not (127.97 ± 127.2 vs. 100.3 ± 122.3, P = .03). Industry nonresearch payments did not impact the number of publications or the h-index., Discussion/conclusion: This study demonstrated that academic influence among academic shoulder and elbow surgeons is not greater in those who receive nonresearch industry funding. However, surgeons with industry research funding did produce more publications, whereas NIH funding is associated with greater academic influence., (Copyright © 2022 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Women surgeons receive lower compensation, hold fewer academic positions, and hold fewer leadership positions than men, particularly in orthopedic surgery. Gender bias at the trainee level has been demonstrated in various surgical subspecialties, but there is a lack of information on gender bias within the orthopedic training environment. This study investigated whether implicit gender bias is present in the subjective evaluation of orthopedic trainee arthroscopic skills., Methods: After institutional review board approval, a web-based survey was sent to American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) members via the society's email listserve. Study participants were informed that the study was being done to develop a systematic evaluation method for trainees. The survey randomized participants to view and evaluate a prefellowship and a postfellowship video of "Rachel" (she/her) or "Charles" (he/him) performing a 15-point diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy. The videos for Rachel and Charles were identical except for the pronouns used in the video. Participants evaluated the trainee's skill level using questions from the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET). Blinded and deidentified additional comments regarding the trainee's skill were classified as positive, negative, or neutral. Statistical analyses were used to compare scores and comments between Rachel and Charles., Results: Of 1115 active ASES members, 181 ASES members started the survey and 106 watched both videos and were included in the analysis. Of the 106 participants completing the survey, 96 (91%) were men and 10 (9%) were women with a median (interquartile range) age of 44 (38-51). A teaching role was reported by 84 of 106 participants (79%). There was no significant difference between prefellowship scores (P = .87) or between postfellowship scores (P = .84) for the woman and man fellow. The numbers of comments classified as positive, negative, or neutral were not significantly different between the man and woman fellow (P = .19). Participants in teaching roles gave significantly lower scores to both fellows at both time points (P = .04), and participants who had fellow trainees were more likely to give negative comments to both fellows (P = .02)., Discussion: Trainee gender did not influence the ratings and comments participants gave for trainee arthroscopic skills, suggesting that gender bias may not play a major role in the evaluation of arthroscopic skill during orthopedic training., (Copyright © 2022 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Small changes in deltoid tension and moment arm due to glenosphere lateralization may be associated with an increase in acromion or scapular spine strain in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), which can lead to stress fracture. The coracoacromial ligament (CAL) may be protective and lower the strain seen on the acromion or scapular spine. This biomechanical study investigated the impact of glenosphere lateralization and CAL integrity on acromion and scapular spine strain after RSA., Methods: Ten cadaveric specimens were tested on a custom dynamic shoulder frame. Acromial and scapular spine strain were measured at 0°, 30°, and 60° of abduction using strain rosettes fixed to the acromion (Levy Type 2) and the scapular spine (Levy Type 3). Specimens were first tested with a standard commercially available RSA implant with zero lateralization and then subsequently with the +3 and +6 lateralizing glenospheres for that implant. The CAL was then cut in each specimen and testing was repeated with the 0, +3, and +6 glenospheres. Maximal strain was recorded at both the acromion and scapular spine and analysis of variance compared strain across various abduction angles and glenospheres with and without CAL transection., Results: In the intact CAL group, maximal strain decreased significantly at the acromion with abduction from 0° to 30° and 0° to 60°, however, at the scapular spine abduction did not significantly impact strain. Maximal strain decreased significantly with increasing abduction from 0 to 30 and 0 to 60 at both the acromion and scapular spine in the cut CAL group. Average strain at the acromion was significantly higher in the cut group (844.7 με) versus the intact group (580.3 με), a difference of 31.3% ( P  = .0493). Average strain at the scapular spine, did not differ in the cut group (725 με) compared with the intact group (787 με) ( P  = .3666). There were no statistically significant differences in acromial or scapular spine strain between various levels of glenosphere lateralization in either the cut or intact state., Conclusion: In this biomechanical study, arm abduction decreased acromial and scapular spine strain following RSA. Cutting the CAL significantly increased strain at the acromion, and did not significantly alter strain at the scapular spine for all angles of abduction, differing from prior literature. Glenosphere lateralization did not have a significant effect on strain at the levels studied regardless of CAL status. Continued study of the complexion relationship between surgical and implant factors on strain following RSA is needed., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Background: Proximal humeral fracture represents an increasingly common pathology with evaluation and treatment often guided by evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but the strength of an RCT must be considered in this process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strength of outcomes in RCTs on the management of proximal humeral fractures using the fragility index (FI), a method used with statistically significant dichotomous outcomes to assess the number of patients that would change an outcome measure from significant (P ≤ .05) to nonsignificant if the patient outcome changed. We also aimed to correlate the FI with other measures of study strength., Methods: A systematic review was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to evaluate RCTs on the management of proximal humeral fractures. The PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched from database inception to May 2021. RCTs with at least 1 statistically significant (P ≤ .05) dichotomous outcome were included. The FI was calculated for each included trial using the Fisher exact test. The FI was correlated with the study sample size and journal impact factor., Results: Ten RCTs reporting on 656 patients and published between 2011 and 2020 were included. The median patient sample size was 67 (mean, 65.6; range, 40-86). Complications were the most commonly reported dichotomous statistically significant outcome. The median FI was 1 (mean, 2.6; range, 0-18), with 4 studies having an FI of 0. A median FI of 1 indicates that 1 patient experiencing an alternative outcome or having not been lost to follow-up could have changed the pertinent conclusions of the trial for a given outcome. The median number of patients lost to follow-up was 3 (mean, 4.9; range, 0-16) and exceeded the FI in 50% of studies. There was no correlation between the FI and sample size (Spearman coefficient = 0.0592, P = .865) or between the FI and journal impact factor (Spearman coefficient = -0.0229, P = .522)., Conclusion: In most studies of proximal humeral fractures, only 1 or 2 patients experiencing an alternative outcome or lost to follow-up would change the conclusions for the dichotomous outcome studied. Although the FI cannot be used to assess continuous variables, which are often the primary outcome variables of RCTs, it does offer an additional unique measure of study strength that surgeons should consider when evaluating RCTs., (Copyright © 2022 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Trabecular Metal (TM)-backed glenoid implants were introduced for their theoretical ability to increase osseointegration while minimizing wear and the risk of loosening in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Initial follow-up studies of TM-backed glenoids demonstrated high rates of metallic debris formation around the implant site, raising concerns about longevity. More recent data suggest that metallic debris formation may be less prevalent than previously reported and that the implants may have positive long-term outcomes regardless of debris. The goal of our study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes at mid-term follow-up of TSA using a TM-backed glenoid implant placed with full backside support using an inset technique. We hypothesized that our clinical and radiographic outcomes would be good using this technique., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 39 patients who underwent 41 TSA procedures with a Zimmer Biomet TM-backed glenoid component performed by a single surgeon between January 2010 and March 2016. After exclusions for death unrelated to surgery and loss to follow-up, 35 patients (37 shoulders) with minimum 2-year clinical follow-up were included in the study. The glenoids were all placed in an inset fashion with full backside support. Clinical, patient-reported, and radiographic outcomes were analyzed., Results: The average follow-up period was 7.2 years (range, 2-11 years). At final follow-up, average shoulder elevation was 153° ± 22° and average external rotation was 53° ± 12°. The average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 86.8 ± 19.0, and the average visual analog scale score was 1.3 ± 2.4. Metallic debris was found in 9 shoulders (27%), and radiolucency was observed around the glenoid components in 13 shoulders (39%) on the final postoperative radiographs. Metallic debris and radiolucency findings were low in severity, with average grades of 0.32 (standard deviation, 0.54) and 0.39 (standard deviation, 0.50), respectively. There were no reoperations., Conclusion: This study of 37 shoulders undergoing TSA with a TM-backed glenoid demonstrated 100% implant survivorship at an average follow-up of 7 years. Clinical outcomes were excellent despite the occurrence of some metallic debris formation. The findings suggest that a TM-backed glenoid component implanted in an inset fashion to achieve full backside support can provide good clinical and patient-reported outcomes in TSA patients at mid-term follow-up and suggest that continued consideration of the role of TM-backed glenoids and the optimal technique for implantation may be warranted., (Copyright © 2021 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Treating recurrent anterior shoulder instability in participants in collision sports, patients with capsulolabral defects, and patients with bipolar bone loss remains challenging. The study purpose was to investigate the effect of long head of the biceps transfer (LHBT) on load-to-dislocation biomechanics in a repetitive serial shoulder dislocation cadaveric model comparing LHBT with the Latarjet and Bankart procedures-the first-line treatment methods for chronic traumatic anterior shoulder instability with and without anterior glenoid bone loss, respectively., Methods: In this controlled laboratory study, 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders with different conditions were dislocated in sequence using a custom test frame. The muscle loading configuration simulated the arm in the apprehension position, and biceps loads of 20 N and 40 N were used for the static glenohumeral position analysis to evaluate the sling effect. Sequential experimental conditions consisted of the intact state, second and third dislocations, chronic instability, Bankart repair, first LHBT, subcritical glenoid bone loss, second LHBT, and Latarjet procedure., Results: The pectoralis major and joint reaction loads to dislocation sequentially decreased with serial dislocations in all specimens, with the lowest value in the subcritical glenoid bone defect condition. In the setting of chronic instability, the pectoralis load to dislocation was significantly higher with the Bankart repair (P = .031) and LHBT (P < .001), at 71% and 85% of the intact value, respectively. Direct comparison of the pectoralis load to dislocation favored LHBT over Bankart repair (P = .015). In the subcritical defect scenario, LHBT did not significantly increase the load to dislocate, and the Latarjet procedure demonstrated a higher load to dislocate than LHBT (P < .001). All 3 surgical procedures tested significantly increased the angle of horizontal abduction at the time of dislocation and restored the glenohumeral position to closer to the intact state. Doubling the biceps load leveraged the sling effect, pulling the humeral head farther posterior-superiorly, but this was not enough to overcome the effect of a 20% subcritical glenoid bone defect., Conclusions: In a serial dislocation model, LHBT effectively stabilized the glenohumeral joint in a simulated chronic instability scenario, increasing the pectoralis major load-to-dislocate and glenohumeral joint reaction force components at the time of dislocation and restoring relative glenohumeral positioning to close to the intact state. The Latarjet procedure outperformed LHBT in stabilizing shoulders in the 20% subcritical glenoid bone defect condition., (Copyright © 2021 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: We aimed to describe the demographic and professional backgrounds of current shoulder and elbow fellowship directors., Methods: The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) 2021 to 2022 Fellowship Directory was reviewed to identify the 31 ASES-recognized US fellowship programs. Demographic and other data were obtained through an electronic survey and publicly available online resources from February 28, 2021, to March 5, 2021., Results: Of the 31 fellowship directors, 97% (30) identified as male and 74% (23) as White, the mean age was 53 ± 7 years, and the mean Scopus h-index was 24.2 ± 13. Almost all (95%) held ASES committee leadership appointments in at least one committee. The mean time from completion of most recent fellowship to fellowship director appointment was 7.3 ± 6 years. About two-thirds of fellowship directors trained at one of five fellowship programs: Columbia University (n = 7), California Pacific Orthopaedics (n = 4), Washington University in St. Louis (n = 3), Mayo Clinic (n = 3), and Hospital for Special Surgery (n = 2)., Discussion: ASES fellowship directors share similar demographic and professional characteristics with high levels of research productivity and involvement in orthopaedic societies. There is a lack of diversity in shoulder and elbow fellowship directors, highlighting a need for priority consideration of this disparity by leaders in the field., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

Introduction: There is little biomechanical evidence to support the traditional guideline that 45° represents acceptable proximal humerus deformity. We evaluated glenohumeral contact pressure (GP) and area, subacromial contact pressure, and joint abduction to assess biomechanical changes with different proximal humerus deformities., Methods: Fifteen fresh-frozen cadaver shoulders were used. Intact specimens were tested on a custom dynamic shoulder frame. Subsequently, a surgical neck fracture was made in each specimen and fixed using a custom dual hinge plate for fixation of 15°, 30°, and 45° deformities in varus, valgus, antecurvatum, retrocurvatum, and combined varus-antecurvatum and valgus-retrocurvatum. Specimens were then retested., Results: Compared with the intact state, GP was markedly lower with all levels of varus and varus-antecurvatum deformity. Valgus and combined valgus-retrocurvatum deformity of 45° led to notable increases in GP compared with the intact state. Varus deformities of 30° and 45° caused significant increases in subacromial pressures and limited abduction markedly from 60° to 54.2° and 44.6° (P < 0.001)., Discussion: Varus and antecurvatum proximal humerus deformities as small as 15° were associated with notable alterations in glenohumeral joint mechanics. With valgus and retrocurvatum deformity, statistically significant joint alterations occurred only at higher deformity levels., (Copyright © 2020 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

Purpose: To investigate the effect of a dermal allograft superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) on kinematics and joint pressure biomechanics immediately after simulated superior irreparable rotator cuff tear., Methods: This controlled laboratory study tested 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders using a custom test frame. Balanced loading configuration centered the humeral head on the glenoid, and unbalanced load created a force pulling the head toward the acromion. Experimental conditions included the intact rotator cuff, irreparable supraspinatus tear (ISST), and dermal allograft SCR. A digital sensor measured glenohumeral and subacromial contact pressure maps, and a microscribe measured the acromion-humeral distance., Results: Glenohumeral contact pressure of ISST was 175% (295 ± 44 kPa; P = .018) of the intact rotator cuff value (169 ± 10 kPa) at 0° in the balanced condition and 176% (P = .048) of intact at 30°. SCR decreased glenohumeral contact pressure to 110% (185 ± 27 kPa; P = .044) of intact at 0° and to 95% (P = .034) at 30°. Unbalanced ISST contact pressure was 146% (365 ± 23 kPa; P = .009) of intact (250 ± 24 kPa) at 0° and 122% (P = .045) at 60°. SCR decreased contact pressures to 110% (274 ± 21 kPa; P = .039) of intact at 0° and to 89% (P = .003) at 60°. ISST increased superior migration of the humeral head, decreasing the acromion-humeral distance by 3.0 ± 0.6 mm (P = .006) in the unbalanced condition at 0°. SCR increased the acromion-humeral distance to a value similar to that of the intact cuff (P = .003). SCR significantly lowered subacromial pressures in the unbalanced condition., Conclusions: In an irreparable supraspinatus tear model, the dermal allograft SCR showed competency in stabilizing the glenohumeral joint, decreasing glenohumeral and subacromial contact pressures, and increasing the acromion-humeral distance., (Copyright © 2021 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Current standard total shoulder arthroplasty glenoid implants allow for high levels of glenohumeral mismatch and associated high levels of humeral head translation to improve range of motion and reduce rim stresses on the glenoid. However, high levels of glenohumeral mismatch could also increase glenoid edge loading, eccentric wear, and rotator cuff strain. A zoned-conformity glenoid may be able to reduce the forces on the rotator cuff and glenoid. We compared rotator cuff strain and glenohumeral translation between a standard glenoid (SG) with moderate glenohumeral mismatch and a zoned-conformity glenoid (conforming glenoid [CG]) that limits mismatch. We hypothesized that the CG would have lower levels of strain on the rotator cuff and lower levels of humeral head translation compared with the SG., Methods: Eight fresh frozen cadaveric shoulders, aged 72 years (range, 67-76 years), were used in this biomechanical study. The specimens were first tested in the intact state. We cycled them 3 times from 0° to 60° of abduction and measured the superiorly-inferiorly and anteriorly-posteriorly directed forces at the joint, compressive forces applied to the glenoid, and humeral head translation. The specimens were then implanted with a standard press-fit humeral component and a polyethylene glenoid with 3 peripherally cemented pegs and a central press-fit peg. Testing was repeated. Finally, the SG was removed, the CG was implanted, and each specimen was tested a third time., Results: The average superiorly directed force at the glenohumeral joint was significantly lower in the intact and CG groups (18.1 ± 18.6 N and 19.8 ± 16.2 N, respectively) than in the SG group (29.3 ± 21.9 N, P = .024). The maximum force directed against the glenoid was also significantly lower in the CG group (87.6 ± 11.7 N) than in the SG (96.0 ± 7.3 N) and intact (98.9 ± 16.5 N) groups (P = .035). No difference was observed in humeral head translation in the anterior-posterior plane from 0° to 60° of abduction (P = .998) or in the superior-inferior plane (P = .999)., Conclusion: A zoned-conformity glenoid was associated with similar humeral head translation but significantly lower superior forces against the rotator cuff and a significantly lower maximum force against the glenoid compared with an SG implant. These biomechanical findings suggest that a zoned-conformity implant warrants further study in the effort to maintain humeral head translation while reducing rotator cuff and glenoid forces for successful outcomes of total shoulder arthroplasty., (Copyright © 2021 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Hypothesis and Background: Complex glenoid bone loss and deformity present a challenge for the shoulder arthroplasty surgeon. Eccentric reaming, bone grafting, augmented glenoid components, and salvage hemiarthroplasty are common strategies for managing these patients. The glenoid vault reconstruction system (VRS; Zimmer-Biomet) is a novel solution for both primary and revision arthroplasty using a custom glenoid baseplate. We hypothesized that patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with VRS would have acceptable short-term outcomes and complication rates., Methods: Patients who underwent RSA with VRS for severe glenoid deformity or bone loss by one of 4 board-certified, fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons at 3 academic tertiary referral centers between September 2015 and November 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Patient data were obtained via medical record review and telephone questionnaires. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), Penn Shoulder Scores, and range of motion (ROM) measurements were obtained pre- and postoperatively. Radiographs were reviewed at final follow-up for evidence of component loosening or hardware failure. Any complication was documented. Outcomes were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with P <. 05 considered significant., Results: Twelve shoulders (11 patients) were included with a mean age of 68 years; 7 were primary arthroplasties and 5 were revisions. At an average follow-up time of 30 months, median improvement in NPRS score was 7 points, SANE score 43%, ASES score 45 points, and Penn Shoulder Score 49 points. There were statistically significant improvements in median ROM measurements (forward elevation 20°, external rotation 40°, internal rotation 2 spinal levels). At final follow-up, all implants were radiographically stable without loosening. There were no complications., Discussion and Conclusion: This study demonstrates that RSA using the custom VRS glenoid implant is a safe and effective technique addressing complex glenoid deformity or bone loss in both primary and revision settings. At short-term follow-up, all patient-reported outcomes and ROM measures improved significantly, and there were no complications. Future work should determine mid- and long-term outcomes, preferably in a prospective manner with defined patient populations., (Copyright © 2020 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Since the advent of Paul Grammont medialized reverse shoulder prosthesis in the 1980s, shoulder surgeons have had a reliable option for treating glenohumeral joint disease in the rotator cuff-deficient shoulder. However, the prosthesis is not without complications, including scapular notching, instability, and limited rotational motion. Implants have been modified from the original design in an effort to reduce the risk of these complications. Increasing the offset, or lateralization, of the glenosphere may reduce the rate of scapular notching, reduce impingement, increase stability, and improve rotational motion. However, a more lateralized glenosphere could lead to baseplate loosening, decreased deltoid efficiency, and increased risk of acromial fracture. Increasing the offset on the humeral side, rather than the glenosphere side, may be able to reduce the rate of scapular notching and improve rotational motion without an increased risk of baseplate loosening. Humeral lateralization also improves tension of the rotator cuff and maintains good deltoid efficiency. However, humeral lateralization provides little stability benefit, and acromial fracture remains a risk. Ultimately, the surgeon must be familiar with the implants he or she is using and the options for both glenosphere and humeral lateralization to ensure that risks and benefits can be weighed for each patient., (Copyright © 2020 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

Purpose of Review: Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears present a treatment challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. There is no gold standard among numerous treatment options including nonoperative management, partial repair, debridement, superior capsular reconstruction, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. In recent years, yet another option, an implantable biodegradable subacromial balloon spacer has become available with promising early results., Recent Findings: Biomechanical studies have demonstrated that the balloon spacer effectively restores the normal humeral head position and glenohumeral joint mechanics. This device has been used in Europe since 2012 with promising clinical results. Most of the studies on this implantable balloon represent single surgeon uncontrolled case series with small numbers of patients, but they report improvements in pain and function following spacer placement, with the longest term studies reporting maintenance of improvements for up to 5 years. Certain studies have shown a benefit when the procedure is done in isolation as well as in combination with other arthroscopic procedures, such as partial rotator cuff repair. The balloon subacromial spacer is a promising new device that can be used in the treatment of patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. In our experience, patients without arthritis who have active forward elevation over 90 degrees and an intact subscapularis have the best chance of a good outcome. We recommend performing the procedure arthroscopically along with any other indicated procedures including debridement, partial repair, and biceps tenotomy or tenodesis. High-quality long-term studies are needed to better define the indications and outcomes of the implantable balloon spacer in the management of irreparable cuff tears.

Background: A synthetic ligament (LockDown, Worcestershire, England) has become available to treat complete acromioclavicular dislocation with promising clinical results and potential benefit to avoid postoperative loss of reduction. We investigated the biomechanics of this synthetic ligament in a simulated immediate postoperative rehabilitation setting, hypothesizing that the synthetic ligament would demonstrate less superior coracoclavicular displacement to cyclic loading and higher ultimate load-to-failure values than a coracoclavicular suspensory construct., Methods: Seven matched-pair cadaveric shoulders (mean age at time of death, 79 years) were loaded cyclically and to failure. One specimen in each pair was randomly assigned to the synthetic ligament or coracoclavicular suspensory construct. Superiorly directed 70-N cyclic loading for 3000 cycles at 1.0 Hz was applied through the clavicle in a fixed scapula simulating physiologic states during immediate postoperative rehabilitation, followed by a load-to-failure test at 120 mm/min., Results: After 3000 cycles, the superior displacement of the clavicle in the synthetic ligament (9.2 ± 1.1 mm) was 225% greater than in the coracoclavicular suspensory construct (2.8 ± 0.4 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4, 8.3; P < .001). Average stiffness of the synthetic ligament (32.8 N/mm) was 60% lower than that of the coracoclavicular suspensory construct (81.9 N/mm, 95% CI 43.3, 54.9; P < .001). Ultimate load-to-failure of the synthetic ligament was 23% (95% CI 37.9, 301.5; P = .016) lower than the coracoclavicular suspensory construct (580.5 ± 85.1 N and 750.2 ± 135.5 N, respectively)., Conclusion: In a simulated immediate postoperative cadaveric model, the synthetic ligament demonstrated poorer biomechanics than the coracoclavicular suspensory construct. These findings suggest that a coracoclavicular suspensory construct may be preferable to a synthetic ligament if early rehabilitation is intended., (Copyright © 2019 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures enable quantitative and patient-centric assessment of orthopedic interventions; however, increased use of these forms has an associated burden for patients and practices. We examined the utility of a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) method to reduce the number of questions on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) instrument., Methods: A previously developed ASES CAT system was applied to the responses of 2763 patients who underwent shoulder evaluation and treatment and had answered all questions on the full ASES instrument. Analyses to assess the accuracy of the CAT score in replicating the full-form score included the mean and standard deviation of both groups of scores, frequency distributions of the 2 sets of scores and score differences, Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman assessment of patterns in score differences., Results: By tailoring questions according to prior responses, CAT reduced the question burden by 40%. The mean difference between CAT and full ASES scores was -0.14, and the scores were within 5 points in 95% of cases (a 12-point difference is considered the threshold for clinical significance) and were clustered around zero. The correlation coefficients were 0.99, and the frequency distributions of the CAT and full ASES scores were nearly identical. The differences between scores were independent of the overall score, and no significant bias for CAT scores was found in either a positive or negative direction., Conclusion: The ASES CAT system lessens respondent burden with a negligible effect on score integrity., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: A subacromial balloon spacer is an option to treat irreparable rotator cuff tears. We hypothesized that the balloon would restore glenohumeral contact pressure, the acromion-humeral interval, and deltoid load to intact values after a simulated irreparable supraspinatus tear in a cadaveric model., Methods: Fourteen cadaveric shoulders (mean age at the time of death, 67.9 years) were tested using a custom test frame. In this frame, glenohumeral contact pressure, the acromion-humeral interval, and deltoid load were measured using a digital sensor, a MicroScribe, and a spring scale, respectively. Test conditions included the intact shoulder, a small supraspinatus tear, supraspinatus repair, repair plus balloon, an irreparable supraspinatus tear (rotator cable-insufficient), and an irreparable tear plus balloon. Load was applied in a simulated neutral arm position (balanced) and active shoulder abduction (unbalanced)., Results: When the balloon was inflated over the irreparable supraspinatus tear in the balanced condition, glenohumeral contact pressure increased by 122% (p = 0.006) compared with that for the irreparable tear at 0° of abduction and by 94% (p = 0.046) at 60°. In the unbalanced condition, pressure decreased in the irreparable tear condition after the balloon was inflated, restoring pressure to close to that in the intact state. The balloon did not restore glenohumeral contact area to that in the intact shoulder in either the balanced or the unbalanced condition. The irreparable tear displaced the humeral head superiorly in the unbalanced condition, decreasing the acromion-humeral interval. The balloon moved the head inferiorly by a mean (and standard error of the mean) of 6.2 ± 1.3 mm (p < 0.001) at 0° of abduction, 4.4 ± 1.3 mm (p < 0.001) at 30°, and 3.0 ± 0.8 mm (p < 0.001) at 60°. The balloon increased the deltoid load after an irreparable tear by 8.2% (p = 0.022) at 0°, 12.6% (p = 0.002) at 30°, and 11.1% (p = 0.008) at 60°., Conclusions: In a cadaveric model of an irreparable supraspinatus tear, a balloon spacer restored intact-state glenohumeral contact pressures at most abduction angles, lowered the humeral head, and increased deltoid load at postoperative time 0., Clinical Relevance: This study supports further investigation of the balloon spacer in comparative clinical studies of surgical options for irreparable rotator cuff tears, with clinically relevant evaluation measures and observation periods.

Healing rates after rotator cuff repair vary widely. New technologies seek to improve tendon to bone healing with the addition of platelet-rich plasma, stem cells, and biological and synthetic grafts. Platelet-rich plasma and mesenchymal stem cells are used to help create a favorable environment for tendon to bone healing, and grafts and scaffolds provide structural support for repair. The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma and stem cell products seems to be variable, with different products offering different levels of cytokine and growth factors. Scaffold material is also variable with a wide range of synthetic and biological grafts., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background/hypothesis: Suture anchor-based repair has been advocated for repair of distal triceps avulsion, but previous models have used an unequal number of sutures across the repair site. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in triceps tendon displacement between gold standard repair with transosseous cruciate bone tunnels and suture anchor repair with an equal number of sutures in the constructs., Methods: The triceps tendon footprint was measured in 20 cadaveric elbows (10 matched pairs), and a distal triceps tendon rupture was created. The specimens in each pair were randomly assigned to transosseous cruciate repair or knotless, double-row, anatomic footprint, suture anchor repair. Specimens underwent cyclic loading to 1500 cycles and then load to failure. Footprint uncoverage was measured at 1500 cycles. Data for medial and lateral triceps tendon displacement, footprint uncoverage, and failure load were obtained., Results: Triceps displacement did not differ significantly between the transosseous cruciate and the suture anchor repair group at 1500 cycles on the medial (3.6 ±  0.9 mm vs. 4.3 ± 1.6 mm [mean ± standard deviation], respectively; P = .27) and lateral side (3.1 ± 1.2 mm vs. 2.0 ± 1.2 mm, respectively; P = .06). No other differences were found between the constructs., Discussion/conclusion: Transosseous cruciate distal triceps repair and knotless double-row suture anchor repair using constructs with an equal number of sutures showed no significant difference in tendon displacement at 1500 loading cycles. These findings suggest that the biomechanical strength of an all-suture construct is not different from that of suture anchors for repair of distal triceps avulsions., (Copyright © 2018 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The fourth generation of humeral components currently are being used in anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. Anatomic shoulder arthroplasty implants have evolved to better re-create anatomy, improve fixation, preserve bone, and facilitate revision surgery. Most of the design changes for shoulder arthroplasty implants have centered on the humeral stem, with a transition to shorter, metaphyseal humeral stems. Many of these humeral component design changes may be beneficial; however, long-term studies are necessary to determine if the results of anatomic shoulder arthroplasty with the use of newer humeral components can match those of older humeral components.

The management of glenohumeral arthritis in young patients is a challenge given the higher demand for use of the arms, need for longer implant survivorship, and higher postoperative expectations in this patient population. Shoulder arthroplasty is an excellent treatment option for elderly patients with glenohumeral arthritis because this patient population does not have demands as high as those of younger patients with glenohumeral arthritis. Common causes of glenohumeral arthritis in young patients include chondrolysis, inflammatory arthropathies, chronic instability, osteonecrosis, glenoid dysplasia, and early-onset osteoarthritis. Options for the surgical management of glenohumeral arthritis in young patients include arthroscopic débridement with or without capsular release, biceps tenodesis, chondroplasty, and/or subacromial decompression; soft-tissue resurfacing; humeral head resurfacing; anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty; reverse total shoulder arthroplasty; and glenohumeral arthrodesis. Shoulder arthroplasty is the preferred treatment for young patients with glenohumeral arthritis; however, surgeons must counsel patients on treatment options, surgical goals, postoperative functional expectations, and the potential for future surgery to increase the likelihood of good outcomes.