Background: In smaller studies, allograft-prosthetic composite (APC) has been used for proximal humerus bone loss with some success, although with notable complication risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to describe outcomes and complications after proximal humerus APC and how major APC complications are defined in the literature. Methods: A systematic review was performed per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane were queried for articles on APC for proximal humeral bone loss secondary to tumor, fracture, or failed arthroplasty. Primary outcomes included postoperative range of motion, outcome scores (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society [MSTS], Simple Shoulder Test [SST], American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], Constant, visual analog scale [VAS], and subjective shoulder value [SSV]), and complication incidence. We also described individual study definitions of APC malunion/nonunion, methods of postoperative evaluation, malunion/nonunion rates, allograft fracture/fragmentation rates, and mean union time, when available. Secondarily, we compared hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Results: Sixteen articles including 375 shoulders were evaluated (average age: 49 years, follow-up: 54 months). Fifty-seven percent of procedures were performed for tumors, 1% for proximal humerus trauma sequelae, and 42% for revision arthroplasty. Average postoperative forward elevation was 82° (69-94°), abduction 60° (30-90°), and external rotation 23° (17-28°). Average MSTS score was 82% (77%-87%), SST score 5.3 (4.5-6.1), ASES score 64 (54-74), Constant score 44 (38-50), VAS score 2.2 (1.7-2.7), and SSV 51 (45-58). There was a 51% complication rate with an 18% nonallograft surgical complication rate, 26% APC nonunion/malunion/resorption rate, and 10% APC fracture/fragmentation rate. Fifteen percent of nonunited APCs underwent secondary bone grafting; 3% required a new allograft; and overall revision rate was 12%. APC nonunion/malunion was defined in 2 of 16, malunion/nonunion rates in 14 of 16, fracture/fragmentation rates in 6 of 16, and mean union time (7 months) in 4 of 16 studies. Conclusion: APC reconstruction of the proximal humerus remains a treatment option, albeit with substantial complication rates. In addition, there is a need for APC literature to report institutional definitions of nonunion/malunion, postoperative evaluation, and time to union for a more standardized evaluation. Level of Evidence: Level IV ; systematic review. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Outcomes of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty with Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer for External Rotation Deficit
Background: Latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) has been purported to restore motion in patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) who have preoperative combined loss of forward elevation (FE) and external rotation (ER). This systematic review summarizes the available evidence for the functional outcomes and complications after RSA with LDT. Furthermore, the effect of implant design and whether a concomitant teres major transfer (TMT) was performed were studied. Methods: A systematic review was performed per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We queried PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to identify articles reporting on LDT with RSA to restore ER. Our primary outcomes were ER, FE, Constant score, and complication incidence. Secondarily, we reported postoperative internal rotation (IR) and compared ER, FE, and Constant score based on lateralized versus medialized global implant design and whether concomitant TMT was performed. Results: Nineteen studies were evaluated; functional outcomes were assessed in 16 articles reporting on 258 RSAs (123 LDT, 135 LDT-TMT). Surgical indication was most commonly cuff tear arthropathy and massive irreparable cuff tear. Mean ER was −12° preoperatively and 25° postoperatively, FE was 72° preoperatively and 141° postoperatively. Mean postoperative Constant score was 65. Of 138 patients (8 studies) describing IR, only 25% reported a mean postoperative IR ≥L3. Subanalysis comparing lateralized versus medialized implants and whether TMT was concomitantly performed demonstrated no significant difference in postoperative ER, FE, and Constant score, nor preoperative to postoperative improvement in ER and FE. The complication rate was 14.1% (of 291 shoulders from 16 studies), including tear in the tendon transfer (n = 3), revision tendon repair (n = 1), nerve-related complication (n = 9), and dislocation (n = 9). Conclusions: RSA with LDT is a reliable option to restore motion, with a comparable complication rate with standard RSA. The use of medialized versus lateralized implants and whether the TM was concomitantly transferred may not influence clinical outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Techniques for Decreasing Bacterial Load for Open Shoulder Surgery
» Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 5% has been shown to reduce Cutibacterium acnes load on the skin. BPO 5% with miconazole nitrate (MN) 2% may be beneficial, whereas BPO 5% with clindamycin cream 1% to 1.2% does not seem to have additive effects when compared with BPO 5% alone. Chlorhexidine gluconate solutions reduce the total bacterial load on the skin, but do not seem to have a significant effect on C. acnes . » ChloraPrep seems to be the best surgical skin preparation to decrease overall positive skin cultures. Preincisional hydrogen peroxide 3% application has been shown to be a cost-effective practice to inhibit growth of C. acnes . Vancomycin powder before deltopectoral interval closure has antimicrobial effects against C. acnes and is a cost-effective practice. Finally, Bactisure surgical lavage is protective against the formation of biofilms. » IV cefazolin has been shown to be more effective for shoulder arthroplasty infection prophylaxis than antibiotic alternatives such as vancomycin. Thus, patients with a questionable history of penicillin allergy should undergo additional testing. » For shoulder surgery infection prophylaxis, we recommend the use of BPO 5% cream for 5 days preoperatively with chlorhexidine wipes the night before and the morning of surgery. IV cefazolin should be administered perioperatively, and patients with a questionable history of penicillin allergy should be tested. Surgeons should consider preincisional application of hydrogen peroxide 3% for 5 minutes, followed by standard ChloraPrep preparation. Normal saline should be used for preclosure lavage. Finally, application of vancomycin powder deep to the deltopectoral interval closure should be considered.
Relationship between the prosthesis scapular neck angle and clinical outcomes in reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Background Optimal glenosphere positioning in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) remains highly debated. We aimed to characterize the association between the prosthesis scapular neck angle (PSNA) and postoperative range of motion (ROM) and clinical outcome scores. Methods A retrospective review of 284 RSAs using a single design with minimum 2-year follow-up was performed. Glenosphere tilt was measured postoperatively using PSNA. ROM and functional outcome scores were assessed preoperatively and at latest follow-up. The PSNA was dichotomized to inferior or superior groups (>90° vs ≤ 90°, respectively) and stratified into quartiles; ROM and outcome score measures were compared between groups controlling for inferior glenosphere overhang. Results No range of PSNA was consistently associated with superior ROM, clinical outcome scores, or rates of complications including scapular notching. However, greater preoperative to postoperative improvement in active FE was found for superiorly (PSNA ≤ 90°) versus inferiorly tilted glenospheres (37° ± 33° vs 53° ± 35°, P = 0.005) and the greater improvement in active FE (57° ± 35°, P = 0.004) was further isolated to the first quartile (mean 85.1° ± 3.5°). Discussion A lack of variation in clinical outcomes based on PSNA suggests negligible short-term (median follow-up 3.1 years) clinical significance when glenosphere tilt falls within the distribution of this cohort (mean 92.6° ± 6.2°).
Articular Surface Failure of a Hybrid Anatomic Glenoid Component
Case: We present a case of a 71-year-old woman with history of left-sided shoulder arthritis who underwent standard total shoulder arthroplasty using a novel hybrid glenoid component. After 3 years, she sustained traumatic dissociation of the interface between the polyethylene face and central titanium post, a unique failure mechanism of the hybrid glenoid component. This was successfully corrected through conversation to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Follow-up after 2 years demonstrated marked improvement in pain and function. Conclusion: Hybrid glenoid components present a unique failure mechanism as compared to traditional glenoid loosening and can be effectively corrected with RSA.
Anatomic versus reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a mid-term follow-up comparison
Background Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty improves pain and function with a reported reoperation rate of approximately 1% per year. With improved glenoid fixation, reverse shoulder arthroplasty implants may outperform anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. We evaluate the functional outcomes and reoperation rate of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty versus reverse shoulder arthroplasty at a minimum eight-year follow-up or revision. Methods Between 2005 and 2010, 187 shoulders (137 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, 50 reverse shoulder arthroplasty) were retrospectively reviewed at a mean of 8.8 years. The mean age at surgery was 67 years. Females were more commonly treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Both groups had similar body mass index and comorbidities. Outcome measures evaluated included abduction, forward elevation, external rotation, internal rotation, Simple Shoulder Test, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Score, University of California Los Angeles Shoulder score, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. Results At follow-up, anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty demonstrated greater overhead range of motion and external rotation. All patient-reported outcomes remained similar between groups. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients were more likely to rate shoulders as much better or better after surgery (90% versus 67%, p = 0.004). Complications were observed in 24% of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties and 8% of reverse shoulder arthroplasties (p = 0.02). Reoperation was more common in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties (23% versus 4%, p = 0.003). Discussion At mid-to-long-term follow-up, reverse shoulder arthroplasties demonstrated significantly fewer complications and reoperations than anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties. Despite similar patient-reported outcomes, reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients were more likely to be satisfied with their shoulder.
Validation of Neck-Shaft Angle Correction After Cephalomedullary Nail Fixation
Objectives: To validate a neck-shaft angle (NSA) correction formula using the known angle between the medullary nail and lag screw of an indwelling cephalomedullary nail (CMN). Methods: Pertrochanteric femur fractures were created in 7 synthetic femurs and reconstructed with a CMN. Anteroposterior x-rays were taken with the proximal femur in 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees of internal/external rotation and 10 and 20 degrees of flexion with neutral rotation. The femoral NSA and the nail angle were measured on anteroposterior x-rays. The corrected NSA was obtained by multiplying the known nail angle by the quotient of the measured NSA over the measured nail angle. Results: With increasing degrees of internal or external rotation, the difference between the actual and the measured NSA increased. After correction using the known angle of the nail, the measured NSA was reduced to within 3 degrees of the actual NSA over all degrees of rotation. At neutral rotation, 15 degrees of external rotation, and 10 and 20 degrees of hip flexion, there was minimal difference between the actual NSA and the measured NSA, negating the effect of the correction formula. Conclusions: The measured NSA after CMN of intertrochanteric fractures is altered by hip rotation. This study validates the correction formula, which determines this difference by using the known angle between the lag screw and the nail.
Does the Angle of the Nail Matter for Pertrochanteric Fracture Reduction? Matching Nail Angle and Native Neck-Shaft Angle
Objectives: To determine whether fixation of pertrochanteric hip fractures with cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) with a neck-shaft angle (NSA) less than the native NSA affects reduction and lag screw cutout. Design: Retrospective comparative study. Setting: Level I trauma center. Patients/Participants: Patients treated with a CMN for unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures (OTA/AO 31-A2.2 and 31-A2.3) between 2005 and 2014. Intervention: CMN fixation. Main Outcome Measurement: NSA reduction and lag screw cutout. Results: Patients fixed with a nail angle less than their native NSA were less likely to have good reductions [17% vs. 60%, 95% confidence interval (CI), −63% to −18%; P = 0.0005], secondary to more varus reductions (41% vs. 10%, 95% CI, 9%–46%; P = 0.01) and more fractures with ≥4 mm of displacement (63% vs. 35%, 95% CI, 3%–49%; P = 0.03). The cutout was not associated with the use of a nail angle less than the native NSA (60% vs. 76%, 95% CI, −56% to 18%; P = 0.5), varus reductions (60% vs. 32%, 95% CI, −13% to 62%; P = 0.3), or poor reductions (20% vs. 17%, 95% CI, −24% to 44%; P = 1.0). Conclusions: The fixation of unstable pertrochanteric hip fractures with a nail angle less than the native NSA was associated with more varus reductions and fracture displacement but did not affect the lag screw cutout. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Orthopedic complications of linear morphea: Implications for early interdisciplinary care
AbstractLinear morphea of the limb primarily affects children, and extracutaneous manifestations are common. Orthopedic surgeons are often essential in the care of patients with linear morphea, yet there are few reports outlining specific orthopedic complications in this population. We sought to improve the understanding of orthopedic complications in linear morphea of the limb. Between 1999 and 2014, 51 children were evaluated for linear morphea of an extremity. Twenty‐six (51%) had documented orthopedic manifestations. Outcome measures included limb length discrepancy, angular malalignment, limb atrophy, and orthopedic surgical intervention. Joint contractures were most common, affecting 88% of patients, followed by limb atrophy, angular deformity, and limb length discrepancy; 14% required surgical intervention. Despite the use of systemic immunosuppressive therapy in many patients, approximately half of patients with linear morphea of an extremity have orthopedic disease. Early orthopedist involvement is crucial to improve limb alignment and preserve function.
Extraperiosteal Dual Plate Fixation of Acute Mid-Shaft Clavicle Fractures: A Technical Trick
Summary: Historically, surgical treatment of acute mid-shaft clavicle fractures has excellent outcomes with low rates of nonunion. More complex fracture patterns with significant comminution may limit the fixation that can be obtained with a single plate. The authors describe the surgical technique and case series of patients treated with extraperiosteal dual plating for acute mid-shaft clavicle fractures.