Sanchez-Sotelo, J.

Purpose To evaluate the extent to which experienced reviewers can accurately discern between artificial intelligence (AI)–generated and original research abstracts published in the field of shoulder and elbow surgery and compare this with the performance of an AI detection tool. Methods Twenty‐five shoulder‐ and elbow‐related articles published in high‐impact journals in 2023 were randomly selected. ChatGPT was prompted with only the abstract title to create an AI‐generated version of each abstract. The resulting 50 abstracts were randomly distributed to and evaluated by 8 blinded peer reviewers with at least 5 years of experience. Reviewers were tasked with distinguishing between original and AI‐generated text. A Likert scale assessed reviewer confidence for each interpretation, and the primary reason guiding assessment of generated text was collected. AI output detector (0%‐100%) and plagiarism (0%‐100%) scores were evaluated using GPTZero. Results Reviewers correctly identified 62% of AI‐generated abstracts and misclassified 38% of original abstracts as being AI generated. GPTZero reported a significantly higher probability of AI output among generated abstracts (median, 56%; interquartile range [IQR], 51%‐77%) compared with original abstracts (median, 10%; IQR, 4%‐37%; P < .01). Generated abstracts scored significantly lower on the plagiarism detector (median, 7%; IQR, 5%‐14%) relative to original abstracts (median, 82%; IQR, 72%‐92%; P < .01). Correct identification of AI‐generated abstracts was predominately attributed to the presence of unrealistic data/values. The primary reason for misidentifying original abstracts as AI was attributed to writing style. Conclusions Experienced reviewers faced difficulties in distinguishing between human and AI‐generated research content within shoulder and elbow surgery. The presence of unrealistic data facilitated correct identification of AI abstracts, whereas misidentification of original abstracts was often ascribed to writing style. Clinical Relevance With rapidly increasing AI advancements, it is paramount that ethical standards of scientific reporting are upheld. It is therefore helpful to understand the ability of reviewers to identify AI‐generated content.

» The proximal humerus is a common location for primary bone tumors, and the goal of surgical care is to obtain a negative margin resection and subsequent reconstruction of the proximal humerus to allow for shoulder function. » The current evidence supports the use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty over hemiarthroplasty when reconstructing the proximal humerus after resection of a bone sarcoma if the axillary nerve can be preserved. » There is a lack of high-quality data comparing allograft prosthetic composite (APC) with endoprosthetic reconstruction of the proximal humerus. » Reverse APC should be performed using an allograft with donor rotator cuff to allow for soft-tissue repair of the donor and host rotator cuff, leading to improvements in shoulder motion compared with an endoprosthesis.

Purpose To compare the cost‐effectiveness of an initial trial of nonoperative treatment to that of early arthroscopic debridement for stable osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the capitellum. Methods A Markov Chain Monte Carlo probabilistic model was developed to evaluate the outcomes and costs of 1,000 simulated patients undergoing nonoperative management versus early arthroscopic debridement for stable OCD lesions of the capitellum. Health utility values, treatment success rates, and transition probabilities were derived from the published literature. Costs were determined on the basis of the typical patient undergoing each treatment strategy at our institution. Outcome measures included costs, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs), and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). Results Mean total costs resulting from nonoperative management and early arthroscopic debridement were $5,330 and $21,672, respectively. On average, early arthroscopic debridement produced an additional 0.64 QALYS, resulting in an ICER of $25,245/QALY, which falls well below the widely accepted $50,000 willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) threshold. Overall, early arthroscopic debridement was determined to be the preferred cost‐effective strategy in 69% of patients included in the microsimulation model. Conclusions Results of the Monte Carlo microsimulation and probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated early arthroscopic debridement to be a cost‐effective treatment strategy for the majority of stable OCD lesions of the capitellum. Although early arthroscopic debridement was associated with higher total costs, the increase in QALYS that resulted from early surgery was enough to justify the cost difference based on an ICER substantially below the $50,000 WTP threshold. Level of Evidence Level III, economic computer simulation model.

AimsThe scapula is a rare site for a primary bone tumour. Only a small number of series have studied patient outcomes after treatment. Previous studies have shown a high rate of recurrence, with functional outcomes determined by the preservation of the glenohumeral joint and deltoid. The purpose of the current study was to report the outcome of patients who had undergone tumour resection that included the scapula.MethodsWe reviewed 61 patients (37 male, 24 female; mean age 42 years (SD 19)) who had undergone resection of the scapula. The most common resection was type 2 (n = 34) according to the Tikhoff-Linberg classification, or type S1A (n = 35) on the Enneking classification.ResultsThe ten-year disease-specific survival was 76%. High tumour grade (hazard ratio (HR) 4.27; p = 0.016) and a total resection of the scapula (HR 3.84; p = 0.015) were associated with worse survival. The ten-year metastasis-free and local recurrence-free survivals were 82% and 86%, respectively. Total scapular resection (HR 6.29; p = 0.004) was associated with metastatic disease and positive margins were associated with local recurrence (HR 12.86; p = 0.001). At final follow-up, the mean shoulder forward elevation and external rotation were 79° (SD 62°) and 27° (SD 25°), respectively. The most recent functional outcomes evaluated included the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (76% (SD 17%)), the American Shoulder and Elbow Score (73% (SD 20%)), and the Simple Shoulder Test (7 (SD 3)). Preservation of the glenoid (p = 0.001) and scapular spine (p < 0.001) improved clinical outcomes; interestingly, preservation of the scapular spine without the glenoid improved outcomes (p < 0.001) compared to preservation of the glenoid alone (p = 0.05).ConclusionResection of the scapula is a major undertaking with an oncological outcome related to tumour grade, and a functional outcome associated with the status of the scapular spine and glenoid. Positive resection margins are associated with local recurrence.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1314–1320.

Background: Traditionally, the reconstruction of severe distal humeral bone loss at the time of revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has used allograft-prosthetic composites (APCs) stabilized with cerclage wires or cables. We have migrated to plate fixation when revision TEA using a humeral APC is performed. This study shows the outcomes of patients treated with a humeral APC with plate fixation during revision TEA. Methods: Between 2009 and 2019, 41 humeral APCs with plate fixation of distal humeral allograft to the native humerus were performed in the setting of revision TEA. There were 12 male patients (29%) and 29 female patients (71%), with a mean age of 63 years (range, 41 to 87 years). The mean allograft length was 12 cm. All elbows had a minimum follow-up of 2 years (mean follow-up, 3.3 years). Patients were evaluated for visual analog scale pain scores, range of motion, the ability to perform select activities of daily living, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Outcomes including reoperations, complications, and revisions were noted. The most recent radiographs were evaluated for union at the allograft-host interface, failure of the plate-and-screw construct, or component loosening. Results: The mean postoperative flexion was 124° (range, 60° to 150°) and the mean postoperative extension was 26° (range, 0° to 90°); the mean arc of motion was 99° (range, 30° to 150°). The mean MEPS was 58 points (range, 10 to 100 points). Two surgical procedures were complicated by neurologic deficits. The overall reoperation rate was 14 (34%) of 41. Of the 33 patients with complete radiographic follow-up, 12 (36%) had evidence of nonunion at the allograft-host interface with humeral component loosening, 1 (3%) had evidence of partial union, and 1 (3%) had ulnar stem loosening. Conclusions: Revision TEA with a humeral APC using compression plating was successful in approximately two-thirds of the elbows. Further refinement of surgical techniques is needed to improve union rates in these complex cases. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Purpose To develop a machine learning model capable of identifying subscapularis tears before surgery based on imaging and physical examination findings. Methods Between 2010 and 2020, 202 consecutive shoulders underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by a single surgeon. Patient demographics, physical examination findings (including range of motion, weakness with internal rotation, lift/push‐off test, belly press test, and bear hug test), and imaging (including direct and indirect signs of tearing, biceps status, fatty atrophy, cystic changes, and other similar findings) were included for model creation. Results Sixty percent of the shoulders had partial or full thickness tears of the subscapularis verified during surgery (83% of these were upper third). Using only preoperative imaging‐related parameters, the XGBoost model demonstrated excellent performance at predicting subscapularis tears (c‐statistic, 0.84; accuracy, 0.85; F1 score, 0.87). The top 5 features included direct signs related to the presence of tearing as evidenced on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (changes in tendon morphology and signal), as well as the quality of the MRI and biceps pathology. Conclusions In this study, machine learning was successful in predicting subscapularis tears by MRI alone in 85% of patients, and this accuracy did not decrease by isolating the model to the top features. The top five features included direct signs related to the presence of tearing as evidenced on MRI (changes in tendon morphology and signal), as well as the quality of the MRI and biceps pathology. Last, in advanced modeling, the addition of physical examination or patient characteristics did not make a significant difference in the predictive ability of this model. Level of Evidence Level III, diagnostic case‐control study.

Background: Glenoid baseplate malpositioning during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty can contribute to perimeter impingement, dislocation, and loosening. Despite advances in preoperative planning, conventional instrumentation may lead to considerable inaccuracy in implant positioning unless patient-specific guides are used. Optical navigation has the potential to improve accuracy and precision when implanting a reverse shoulder arthroplasty baseplate. This systematic review aimed to analyze the most recent evidence on the accuracy and precision of glenoid baseplate positioning using intraoperative navigation and its potential impact on component selection and surgical time. Methods: We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. The PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were queried in July 2022 to identify all studies that compared navigation vs. conventional instrumentation for reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Data of deviation from the planned baseplate version and inclination, the use of standard or augmented glenoid components, and surgical time were extracted. Quantitative analysis from the included publications was performed using the inverse-variance approach and Mantel-Haenszel method. Results: Of the 2,048 records identified in the initial query, only 10 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, comprising 667 shoulders that underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The pooled mean difference (MD) of the deviation from the planned baseplate position for the clinical studies was −0.44 (95% confidence interval [CI], −3.26; p = 0.76; I 2 = 36%) for version and −8.75 (95% CI, −16.83 to −0.68; p = 0.02; I 2 = 83%) for inclination, both in favor of navigation. The odds ratio of selecting an augmented glenoid component after preoperative planning and navigation-assisted surgery was 8.09 (95% CI, 3.82-17.14; p < 0.00001; I 2 = 60%). The average surgical time was 12 minutes longer in the navigation group (MD 12.46, 95% CI, 5.20-19.72; p = 0.0008; I 2 = 71%). Conclusions: Preoperative planning integrated with computer-assisted navigation surgery seems to increase the accuracy and precision of glenoid baseplate inclination compared with the preoperatively planned placement during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The surgical time and proportion of augmented glenoid components significantly increase when using navigation. However, the clinical impact of these findings on improving prosthesis longevity, complications, and patient functional outcomes is still unknown. Level of Evidence: Level III , systematic review and meta-analysis. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Abstract Despite the development of various therapeutic options, surgical management of irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs) remains controversial. Recently, implantation of a biodegradable subacromial balloon spacer (InSpace, Stryker Corporation; Kalamazoo, MI) has gained considerable interest for the treatment of certain IRCTs. The reported outcome of balloon implantation has not been consistent, likely due to differing indications and technical approaches. The purpose of this article is to present a reproducible arthroscopic technique for implantation of a subacromial balloon and to review the literature published to date, regarding the efficacy and outcomes of this procedure. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.

Purpose To analyze the clinical outcomes of lower trapezius transfer (LTT) for patients with functionally irreparable rotator cuff tears (FIRCT) and summarize the available literature regarding complications and reoperations. Methods After registration in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO [CRD42022359277]), a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Inclusion criteria were English, full‐length, peer‐reviewed publications with a level of evidence IV or higher reporting on clinical outcomes of LTT for FIRCT. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus via Elsevier databases were searched. Clinical data, complications and revisions were systematically recorded. Results Seven studies with 159 patients were identified. The mean age range was 52 to 63 years, 70.4% of the patients included were male, and the mean follow‐up time ranged between 14 and 47 months. At final follow‐up, LTT lead to improvements in range of motion, with reported forward elevation (FE) and external rotation (ER) mean gains of 10° to 66° and 11° to 63°, respectively. ER lag was present before surgery in 78 patients and was reversed after LTT in all shoulders. Patient‐reported outcomes were improved at final follow‐up, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Society score, Shoulder Subjective Value and Visual Analogue Scale. The overall complication rate was 17.6%, and the most reported complication was posterior harvest site seroma/hematoma (6.3%). The most common reoperation was conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (5%) with an overall reoperation rate of 7.5%. Conclusions Lower trapezius transfer improves clinical outcomes in patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears with a rate of complications and reoperations comparable to other surgical alternatives in this group of patients. Increases in forward flexion and ER are to be expected, as well as a reversal of ER lag sign when present before surgery. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level III‐IV studies.

Purpose To evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and arthroscopy‐assisted lower trapezius tendon transfer (LTT) for posterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs). Methods Over an almost 6‐year period (October 2015 to March 2021), all patients who underwent IRCT surgery with a minimum 12‐month follow‐up period were identified. For patients with a substantial active external rotation (ER) deficit or lag sign, LTT was preferentially selected. Patient‐reported outcome scores included the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, strength score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score. Results We included 32 SCR patients and 72 LTT patients. Preoperatively, LTT patients had more advanced teres minor fatty infiltration (0.3 vs 1.1, P = .009), a higher global fatty infiltration index (1.5 vs 1.9, P = .035), and a higher presence of the ER lag sign (15.6% vs 48.6%, P < .001). At a mean follow‐up of 2.9 ± 1.3 years (range, 1.0‐6.3 years), no differences in patient‐reported outcome scores were observed. Postoperatively, SCR patients had a lower VAS score (0.3 vs 1.1, P = .017), higher forward elevation (FE) (156° vs 143°, P = .004), and higher FE strength (4.8 vs 4.5, P = .005) and showed greater improvements in the VAS score (6.8 vs 5.1, P = .009), FE (56° vs 31°, P = .004), and FE strength (1.0 vs 0.4, P < .001). LTT patients showed greater improvement in ER (17° vs 29°, P = .026). There was no statistically significant between‐cohort difference in complication rate (9.4% vs 12.5%, P = .645) or reoperation rate (3.1% vs 10%, P = .231). Conclusions With adequate selection criteria, both SCR and LTT provided improved clinical outcomes for posterosuperior IRCTs. Additionally, SCR led to better pain relief and restoration of FE whereas LTT provided more reliable improvement in ER. Level of Evidence Level III, treatment study with retrospective cohort comparison.