Does the Relationship Between Preoperative Function and Achievement of Clinically Important Benchmarks of Success After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Depend on Outcome Assessment Design?

Background: A variety of clinically important benchmarks of success (CIBS) have been defined for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) to quantify success. However, it is unclear how the preoperative status of the patient influences their likelihood of achieving each CIBS.

Questions/purposes: (1) What proportion of patients achieve commonly used CIBS after TSA? (2) Is there a relationship between a patients' preoperative function and their probability of achieving different CIBS? (3) Does there exist preoperative ranges for each outcome measure that are associated with greater achievement of CIBS?

Methods: We retrospectively queried a multicenter shoulder arthroplasty database for primary anatomic TSA (aTSA) and reverse TSA (rTSA).

Is The "Sling Effect" of the Conjoint Tendon in Latarjet Procedures Real? A Systematic Review and Descriptive Synthesis of Controlled Laboratory and Comparative Clinical Studies.

Background: The Latarjet procedure is considered the gold standard for treating patients with anterior shoulder instability in the presence of critical glenoid bone loss. Proponents of the Latarjet contend that its efficacy is in-part attributable to the "sling effect" of the conjoint tendon; however, recent studies have demonstrated similar restoration of anterior stability in patients undergoing free bone block (FBB) procedures. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the biomechanical and clinical evidence for the sling effect.

Influence of Humeral Component Cement and Bone Grafting on Greater Tuberosity Healing and Functional Outcomes After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is increasingly used in the treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) with reliable clinical improvement. However, the preferred techniques for humeral stem fixation are varied and may be influenced by patient and injury characteristics, including bone quality and fracture pattern. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to determine the effect of humeral component cementing and bone grafting on tuberosity healing rates and functional outcomes after RSA for PHFs.

Predictors of Internal Rotation-Dependent Activities of Daily Living Performance and Favorable Satisfaction Despite Loss of Objective Internal Rotation After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Introduction: Previous research has determined that objective and subjective internal rotation (IR) may be discordant. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of patient-reported ability to perform IR-dependent activities of daily living (IRADLs) and favorable patient satisfaction after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) despite the loss of objective IR.

Methods: A single, institutional, shoulder arthroplasty database was queried for patients undergoing primary RSA with a minimum 2-year follow-up.

Clinical Outcomes of Bilateral Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients who underwent bilateral total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) at a single institution. Secondarily, we evaluated the influence of the time interval between successive TSAs on clinical outcomes of the second TSA.

Methods: A single-institution shoulder arthroplasty database was reviewed for patients undergoing bilateral primary anatomic TSA (aTSA) or reverse TSA (rTSA) between 2000 and 2022.

Does Tranexamic Acid Improve Early Postoperative Shoulder Motion After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty?

Purpose: Although the hematologic benefits of tranexamic acid (TXA) have been thoroughly evaluated, an additional value demonstrated in knee arthroplasty and rotator cuff repair is improved early postoperative range of motion (ROM). This study aims to evaluate whether TXA given during total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) confers improved early postoperative ROM or pain.

Methods: We did retrospective review of 653 TSAs (223 anatomic TSA [aTSA] and 430 reverse TSA [rTSA]) performed in 596 patients at a single institution from 2007 to 2022.

Pain Relief Survivorship: A Comparison of Exactech Equinoxe Anatomic and Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Primary Osteoarthritis.

Background: Pain-relief plays a major deterministic role when assessing postoperative patient satisfaction; however, whether anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) provides the most durable pain-relief has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the durability of pain-relief after aTSA compared to rTSA in patients undergoing surgery for rotator cuff-intact glenohumeral osteoarthritis (RCI-GHOA).

Methods: A retrospective review of a multicenter shoulder arthroplasty database (Exactech Equinoxe) was performed.

Characteristics of rehabilitation protocols following operative treatment of terrible triad elbow injuries and the influence of early motion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: As no consensus exists on the optimal postoperative rehabilitation protocol in terrible triad injuries, we sought to characterize the reported protocols and relate them to postoperative range of motion (ROM) measures and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).

Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to identify articles on the operative treatment of terrible triad injuries reporting postoperative rehabilitation protocols were included. Included studies were descriptively summarized.

Defining the tipping point for revision reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: This study sought to characterize the tipping point values (the functional scores that patients deem dysfunctional enough to warrant surgery) for patients undergoing first revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA).

Methods: This study was a retrospective review of a prospectively collected single-institution database of patients undergoing first revision rTSA between August 2015 and December 2019. Tipping point evaluation utilized preoperative scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), raw and normalized Constant, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) scores, and active range of motion including abduction, forward elevation (FE), external rotation (ER), and internal rotation score (IR) prior to elective revision rTSA.

A reproducible method for evaluating the degree and direction of overstuffing of the humeral head component in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: Improper sizing of the humeral head component in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) can overstuff the joint, potentially compromising outcomes. The purpose of this study was to validate a novel method of evaluating glenohumeral joint overstuffing in which superoinferior and mediolateral overstuffing can be evaluated independently relative to the native humeral anatomy.

Methods: We identified 25 patients who underwent ATSA and the best Grashey radiograph taken within 1 year of follow-up was assessed using our proposed technique.

Outcomes of revision versus re-revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: A case-control-matched cohort study.

Background: The increasing incidence of reverse total shoulder arthroplasties (RTSA) has led to an increase in revision surgery. We aimed to compare patients undergoing re-revision RTSA to a matched cohort undergoing first-revision RTSA.

Methods: A retrospective review of all revision RTSAs was performed at a single institution.

Reverse Allograft Prosthetic-Composite Versus Endoprosthesis Reconstruction for Massive Proximal Humerus Bone Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes and Complications.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to compare the clinical outcomes after proximal humerus reconstruction with a reverse allograft-prosthetic composite (APC) versus reverse endoprosthesis.

Methods: Per PRISMA guidelines, we queried PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to identify articles reporting clinical outcomes of reverse APC or reverse endoprosthesis reconstruction of the proximal humerus for massive bone loss secondary to tumor, fracture, or failed arthroplasty. We compared postoperative range of motion, outcome scores, and the incidence of complications and revision surgery.

Survivorship and clinical outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with large glenoid defects using the stilting technique and a baseplate with central ingrowth cage and peripheral locking screws.

Background: Stilting is a novel technique used in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with significant glenoid bone loss. This technique utilizes peripheral locking screws placed behind an unseated portion of the baseplate to transmit forces from the baseplate to the cortical surface of the glenoid, without the need for bone grafting. The stilted screw, once locked, provides a fixed angle point of support for this unseated aspect of a baseplate.

The effect of tuberosity healing on functional outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis compared clinical outcome measures in patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for proximal humerus fracture (PHF) with healed versus non-healed greater tuberosity (GT).

Methods: We performed a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines querying PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane for studies that stratified results by the GT healing status. Studies that did not attempt to repair the GT were excluded.

Mitigating the Risk of Instability After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Critical Analysis Review of Patient and Surgical Factors.

» Instability and dislocation after reverse shoulder arthroplasty may occur in up to 31% of patients. » Clinical risk factors for instability include younger age, male sex, increased body mass index, preoperative diagnosis of proximal humerus fracture or rotator cuff pathology, history of instability of the native shoulder or after surgery, and a medical history of Parkinson's disease. » Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and decreased proximity to the coracoid may also be at greater risk.

Does preoperative forward elevation weakness affect clinical outcomes in anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis and intact rotator cuff?

Background: This study sought to determine if preoperative forward elevation (FE) weakness affects outcomes of anatomic (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for patients with rotator cuff-intact glenohumeral osteoarthritis (RCI-GHOA).

Methods: A retrospective review of a single institution's prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty database was performed between 2007 and 2020, including 333 aTSAs and 155 rTSAs for primary RCI-GHOA with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Defining preoperative weakness as FE strength ≤4.

Clinical outcomes of over-the-top subscapularis repair in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: Biomechanical research demonstrates increased subscapularis abduction range of motion (ROM) when the tendon's upper two-thirds is repaired over-the-top of the center of rotation during reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). This study compares the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing RSA with over-the-top subscapularis repair (OTTR) to patients without repair.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 97 consecutive RSAs with either OTTR of the subscapularis (N = 75) or no repair (N = 22).

Challenging the Concept of Statistical Fragility: Is There Any Value Added?

Today, well-designed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are considered the pinnacle of clinical research, and they inform many practices in orthopaedics. When designing these studies, researchers conduct a power analysis, which allows researchers to strike a balance between (1) enrolling enough patients to detect a clinically important treatment effect (i.e.