Cementless surface replacement arthroplasty (CSRA) is an established treatment for glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Few studies however, evaluate its role in cuff tear arthopathy. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of CSRA for both glenohumeral osteoarthritis and cuff tear arthopathy. 42 CSRA with the Mark IV Copeland prosthesis were performed for glenohumeral osteoarthritis (n=21) or cuff tear arthopathy (n=21). Patients were assessed with Oxford and Constant scores, patient satisfaction, range of motion and radiologically with plain radiographs. Mean follow-up and age was 5.2 years and 74 years in both groups. Functional outcomes were significantly higher in OA compared with CTA with OSS improving from 18 to 37.5 and 15 to 26 in both groups respectively. Forward flexion improved from 60° to 126° and 42° to 74° in both groups. Three patients in the CTA group had a deficient subscapularis tendon, two of whom dislocated anteriorly. Humeral head resurfacing arthroplasty is a viable treatment option for glenohumeral osteoarthritis. In patients with CTA, functional gains are limited. We suggest CSRA should be considered in low demand patients where pain is the primary problem. Caution should be taken in patients with a deficient subscapularis due to the high risk of dislocation

Introduction and Objective. Only few studies have investigated the outcome of exercises in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) or rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), and furthermore often excluded patients with a severe degree of OA. Several studies including a Cochrane review have suggested the need for trials comparing shoulder arthroplasty to non-surgical treatments. Before initiation of such a trial, the feasibility of progressive shoulder exercises (PSE) in patients, who are eligible for shoulder arthroplasty should be investigated. The aim was to investigate whether 12 weeks of PSE is feasible in patients with OA or CTA eligible for shoulder arthroplasty. Moreover, to report changes in shoulder function and range of motion (ROM) following the exercise program. Materials and Methods. Eighteen patients (11 women, 14 OA), mean age 70 years (range 57–80), performed 12 weeks of PSE with 1 weekly physiotherapist-supervised and 2 weekly home-based sessions. Feasibility was measured by drop-out rate, adverse events, pain and adherence to PSE. Patients completed Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). Results. Two patients dropped out and no adverse events were observed. Sixteen patients (89%) had high adherence to the physiotherapist-supervised sessions. Acceptable pain levels were reported. WOOS improved mean 23 points (95%CI:13;33), and DASH improved mean 13 points (95%CI:6;19). Conclusions. PSE is feasible, safe and may improve shoulder pain, function and ROM in patients with OA or CTA eligible for shoulder arthroplasty. PSE is a feasible treatment that may be compared with arthroplasty in a RCT setting

Background. A challenge to obtaining proper glenoid placement in total shoulder arthroplasty is eccentric posterior bone loss and associated glenoid retroversion. This bone loss can lead to poor stability and perforation of the glenoid during arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the three dimensional morphology of the glenoid with associated bone loss for a spectrum of osteoarthritis patients using 3-D computed tomography imaging and simulation software. Methods. This study included 29 patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis treated with shoulder arthroplasty. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of preoperative CT images was performed using image analysis software. Glenoid bone loss was measured at ten, vertically equidistant axial planes along the glenoid surface at four distinct anterior-posterior points on each plane for a total of 40 measurements per glenoid. The glenoid images were also fitted with a modeled pegged glenoid implant to predict glenoid perforation. Results. The average bone loss was greatest posteriorly in the AP plane at the central axis of the glenoid in the SI plane. Walch A2 and B1 shoulders had bone loss more centrally located, while Walch B2 shoulders displayed more posterior and inferior bone loss. There was a significant difference in the overall average bone loss for patients with no predicted peg perforation compared to patients predicted to have peg perforation (p=0.37). Peg perforation was most common in Walch B2 shoulders, in the posterior direction, and involved the central and posterior-inferior peg. Discussion. These data demonstrate a clear, anatomical pattern of glenoid bone loss for different classes of glenohumeral arthritis. These findings can be used to develop various models of glenoid bone loss to guide surgeons, predict failures, and help develop better glenoid implant

Background

Rotator cuff atrophy evaluated with computed tomography scans has been associated with asymmetric glenoid wear and humeral head subluxation in glenohumeral arthritis. Magnetic resonance imaging has increased sensitivity for identifying rotator cuff pathology and has not been used to investigate this relationship. The purpose of this study was to use MRI to assess the association of rotator cuff muscle atrophy and glenoid morphology in primary glenohumeral arthritis.

Background

Total shoulder arthroplasty is technically demanding in regards to implantation of the glenoid component, especially in the setting of increased glenoid deformity and posterior glenoid wear. Augmented glenoid implants are an important and innovative option; however, there is little evidence accessible to surgeons to guide in the selection of the appropriate size augmented glenoid.

Purpose: The glenoid status is a crucial aspect of planning for shoulder replacements. This study revisits the classification proposed by Walch et al and discusses its value to orthopedic surgeons in terms of reproducibility and reliability.

Method: Three evaluators viewed one hundred-sixteen (116) shoulder CT-scans with primary glenohumeral arthritis and classified glenoid wear according to Walch classification two times. The validation study was done for three sets of data: Set I: the complete classification: A1, A2, B1, B2, C. Set II: regrouping with main categories: A,B,C. Set III: regrouping categories according to glenoid facet morphology; Normal concavity: A1, A2, B1; Biconcave glenoid: B2; Retroverted glenoid: C.

Results: Intra-observer Kappa values for Observer 1, 2, and 3 averaged 0.866 (0.899, 0.927, 0.773) for Set I; for Set II, the values averaged 0.915 (0.955, 0.975, 0.814); and for Set III, the values averaged 0.874 (0.897, 0.948, 0.777), all excellent values. Inter-observer reliability values for Set I averaged 0.621 (0.776, 0.512, 0.574), indicating good agreement; for Set II, the values averaged 0.759 (0.880, 0.713, 0.685), indicating excellent inter-observer agreement; and for Set III, the average was 0.642 (0.825, 0.519, 0.581), indicating good inter-observer agreement.

Conclusion: A clarification of the Walch et al classification of the osteoarthritic glenoid was necessary, especially with regards to the wordings of categories B2 and C. When used properly, it is a reliable and valuable tool for orthopedic surgeons of all levels of experience in the evaluation of the osteoarthritic glenohumeral joint.

Objectives: The aim of this study was a clinical and radiological evaluation of 68 shoulders operated with the Delta reverse-ball-and-socket total shoulder prosthesis by the senior author with a mean follow-up of 42 months.

Methods: This is a retrospective study in one consecutive series of 68 shoulders, operated by the senior author, which were clinically assessed using the Constant score for pain, Constant Shoulder Score, Oxford Shoulder Score, UCLA Shoulder rating scale, DASH Score, Rowe Score for Instability and Oxford Instability Score. Radiological evaluation was graded by the classification according to Nerot et al. and complications were analysed according to Goslings and Gouma. Patients were evaluated before surgery and at a mean clinical follow-up of 42 months.

Results: There was a significant improvement in all clinical and stability scores. On the average, the Constant score for pain increased from 4.62 to 11.08 points (p< 0.05); the Constant Shoulder Score from 32.65 to 60.31 (p> 0.05); the Oxford Shoulder Score increased from 32.65 to 60.31 (p< 0.05) and the UCLA Shoulder rating scale increased from 15.08 to 27.42 (p< 0.05). The evaluation of stability showed an increase from 49.42 to 80.19 points in the Rowe Score for Instability and from 22.04 to 37.62 in the Oxford Instability score (p< 0.05). According to the Nerot classification, 65 percent of patients were graded as “0”, 20 percent as “1”, 3 percent as “2”, 6 percent as “3” and 6 percent as “4”. Eight complications occurred in terms of a nerve lesion which was graded according to Goslings and Gouma as “1” once, loosening of the humeral stem which was graded as “2” three times and loosening or fracture of the glenoid component which was graded as “2” in five times. At mean follow-up of 42 months, one patient of this series had died of decrepitude which was graded as “4” and one patient was lost of follow-up.

Conclusions: We summarize, that there were significant advantages identified in terms of the Constant score for pain, all clinical scores and the instability scores. Radiological analyses showed 85 percent of patients without or with a small notch only. On the other hand, the rate of complications should be taken into account. We conclude that shoulder arthroplasty with the Delta prosthesis shows significant benefits in terms of less shoulder pain, a higher stability and a gain of range of motion but on the other hand, we emphasize that this treatment remains a salvage procedure in the elderly only.

Purpose of the study: There are few reports onlong-term outcome after Bankart procedure. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of recurrent dislocation, the clinical results and the incidence of glenohumeral osteoarthritis after a minimum 10-year follow-up. Material and methods: Ninety-seven Bankart procedures were performed in 97 patients between 1972 and 1986 for treatment of anterior shoulder instability with recurrent dislocations. We retrospectively reviewed 74 patients and obtained 64 complete radioclinical evaluations for an average follow-up of 16 years. Clinical evaluation was based on the G. Walch and the Duplay group score but for easier comparisons, we also calculated the Rowe et al. score. Radiographical evaluation was established on the Samilson and Prieto classification but real glenohumeral osteoarthritis with joint narrowing was noted independently as grade four. We also studied the contralateral shoulder. Results: At last follow-up, 7 shoulders (9.5%) had recurrent dislocation, but two of them occurred subsequent to severe trauma over 18 months. Most patients (95%) were satisfied or very satisfied. Six patients (8.1%) had persistent apprehension but in some it was not due to anterior apprehension. According to the Duplay score (or the Rowe score), 25 shoulders (44.6%) had an excellent result (35/61.4%) 16 (28.6%) a good result (7/12.3%), 11 (19.7%) a fair result (11.19.3) and 4 (5.4%) a poor result (4/7%). Operated shoulders were pain free for 75% and painful for forced movements only for 25%. External rotation at 90° of abduction was reduced by 8.7 ± 15.7°. There was no limitation of internal rotation. Patients returned to preoperative sports activities at the same level for 70.9% and at a lower level for 12.7%. According to the Samilson classification, 7 (13%) of the shoulders had grade 2 and 2 (3.7%) had grade 3 glenohumeral osteoarthritis. We found 4 cases (7.4%) of real glenohumeral osteoarthritis (grade four) and 2 of these patients had contralateral osteoarthritis of a non unstable shoulder. There was no perioperative complication. Discussion: In our hands the Bankart procedure is appeared as a safe procedure with a low rate of glenohumeral osteoarthritis and a high rate of patient satisfaction

Aims. To report early (two-year) postoperative findings from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating disease-specific quality of life (QOL), clinical, patient-reported, and radiological outcomes in patients undergoing a total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with a second-generation uncemented trabecular metal (TM) glenoid versus a cemented polyethylene glenoid (POLY) component. Methods. Five fellowship-trained surgeons from three centres participated. Patients aged between 18 and 79 years with a primary diagnosis of glenohumeral osteoarthritis were screened for eligibility. Patients were randomized intraoperatively to either a TM or POLY glenoid component. Study intervals were: baseline, six weeks, six-, 12-, and 24 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder QOL score. Radiological images were reviewed for metal debris. Mixed effects repeated measures analysis of variance for within and between group comparisons were performed. Results. A total of 93 patients were randomized (46 TM; 47 POLY). No significant or clinically important differences were found with patient-reported outcomes at 24-month follow-up. Regarding the glenoid components, there were no complications or revision surgeries in either group. Grade 1 metal debris was observed in three (6.5%) patients with TM glenoids at 24 months but outcomes were not negatively impacted. Conclusion. Early results from this RCT showed no differences in disease-specific QOL, radiographs, complication rates, or shoulder function between uncemented second-generation TM and cemented POLY glenoids at 24 months postoperatively. Revision surgeries and reoperations were reported in both groups, but none attributed to glenoid implant failure. At 24 months postoperatively, Grade 1 metal debris was found in 6.5% of patients with a TM glenoid but did not negatively influence patient-reported outcomes. Longer-term follow-up is needed and is underway. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(9):728–736

In reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), a high complication rate is noted in the international literature (24.7%), and limited local literature is available. The complications in our developing health system, with high HIV, tuberculosis and metabolic syndrome prevalence may be different from that in developed health systems where the literature largely emanates from. The aim of this study is to describe the complications and complication rate following RSA in a South African cohort. An analytical, cross-sectional study was done where all patients’ who received RSA over an 11 year period at a tertiary hospital were evaluated. One-hundred-and-twenty-six primary RSA patients met the inclusion criteria and a detailed retrospective evaluation of their demographics, clinical variables and complication associated with their shoulder arthroplasty were assessed. All fracture, revision and tumour resection arthroplasties were excluded, and a minimum of 6 months follow up was required. A primary RSA complication rate of 19.0% (24/126) was noted, with the most complications occurring after 90 days at 54.2% (13/24). Instability was the predominant delayed complication at 61.5% (8/13) and sepsis being the most common in the early days at 45.5% (5/11). Haematoma formation, hardware failure and axillary nerve injury were also noted at 4.2% each (1/24). Keeping in mind the immense difference in socioeconomical status and patient demographics in a third world country the RSA complication rate in this study correlates with the known international consensus. This also proves that RSA is still a suitable option for rotator cuff arthropathy and glenohumeral osteoarthritis even in an economically constrained environment like South Africa

Reverse Total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) was initially introduced to treat rotator cuff arthropathy. With proven successful long-term outcomes, it has gained a noteworthy surge in popularity with its indications consequently being extended to treating various traumatic glenohumeral diseases. Several countries holding national registries remain a guide to the use the prosthesis, however a notable lack of epidemiological data still exists. More so in South Africa where the spectrum of joint disease related to communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis may influence indications and patient demographics. By analysing the epidemiology of patients who underwent RTSA at our institution, we aimed to outline the local disease spectrum, the patients afflicted and indications for surgery. A retrospective review of all patients operated within the sports unit between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2022 was conducted. An analysis of the epidemiological data pertaining to patient demographics, diagnosis, indications for surgery and complications were recorded. Included in the review were 58 patients who underwent primary RTSA over the 4-year period. There were 41 females and 17 male patients, age <55 years (n= 14) >55 years (n=44). The indications included 23 rotator cuff arthropathy (40%), 12 primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) (20%), 10 avascular necrosis (AVN) humeral head (17%), 7 inflammatory OA (12%), 4 chronic shoulder dislocation (7%) and 2 sequalae of proximal humerus fractures (4%). The study revealed RTSA being performed in patients older than 55 years of age, the main pathologies included rotator cuff arthropathy and primary OA, however AVN and shoulder dislocations secondary to trauma contributed significantly to the total tally of surgeries undertaken. This highlights the disease burden of developing countries contributing to patients presenting for RTSA

Purpose of the study: Posterior shoulder instability is a rare condition. Several surgical treatments have been proposed. Material and methods: This was a retrospective series of 21 posterior bone block procedures performed between 1984 and 2001 and analyzed with mean follow-up of six years. Fifteen patients (n=16) had experienced one or more episodes of posterior dislocation. Thirteen patients were athletes and five had traumatic subluxation with chronic posterior instability. Voluntary recurrent dislocations were not observed in these patients. Male gender predominated (n=19 men, 1 woman). Mean age at surgery was 24.8 years (range 17–40). The dominant side was involved in 12 patients (57%). The Constant and Duplay scores were noted as were the pre- and postoperative x-ray findings. There were ten glenoid fractures, two glenoid impactions, ten anterior humeral notches. Mean retroversion, measured on the scans (n=17) was 9.6° (range 0–21°). Results: All patients (n=20) were satisfied or very satisfied. At last follow-up, the mean Constant score was 93.3 (range 80–103) and the mean Duplay score (n=21) 85.6 (40–100); 68.2% of patients (n=15) resumed sports activities at the same level. Failure was noted in three patients, one with recurrent posterior dislocation and two with major apprehension. For two patients, glenohumeral osteoarthritis developed postoperatively. Discussion: Most of the series in the literature have reported results for patients with recurrent posterior subluxations and not for traumatic posterior dislocation, the much more uncommon entity presented here. The rate of bony lesions was high in our series compared with former series in the literature. These results can be explained by two facts. The first that this was a group of recurrent posterior dislocations and second that the analysis of the osteoarticular lesions was made on plain x-rays and/or CT scans. For the two cases of glenohumeral osteoarthritis which developed postoperatively, the position of the bone block does not appear to be involved. Conclusion: The posterior bone block remains the treatment of choice for recurrent posterior dislocation. The risk of developing osteoarthritis appears to be low but a longer follow-up would be necessary for confirmation

Introduction. Osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint leads to global degeneration of the shoulder and often results in humeral or glenoid osteophytes. It is established that the axillary neurovascular bundle is in close proximity to the glenohumeral capsule. Similar to other compressive neuropathies, osteophytic impingement of the axillary nerve could result in axillary nerve symptoms. The purpose of this study was to compare the proximity of the axillary neurovascular bundle to the inferior humerus in shoulders to determine distance of the neurovascular bundle as the osteophyte (goat's beard) of glenohumeral osteoarthritis develops. Methods. In this IRB approved study, preoperative MRI's of 98 shoulders (89 patients) with primary osteoarthritis (OA group) were compared to 91 shoulders (86 patients) with anterior instability (Control group). For MRI measurements (mm) two coronal-oblique T1 or proton density weighted images were selected for each patient located at 5 and 6 o'clock position of the glenoid in the parasagittal plane. Humeral head diameter to standardize the glenohumeral measurements, size of the spurs, and 6 measurements between osseus structures and axillary neurovascular bundle were obtained on each image using a calibrated measurement system (Stryker Office PACS Power Viewer). Level of significance was set at p>.05. Results. Since results were both significant at 5 and 6 o'clock, for clarity we will only give the results at 6 o'clock. Humeral head osteophytes were present in 52% (51/86) of arthritic patients with an average size of 9.90 mm (range 0–24.31). Distance between humeral head or inferior osteophyte and neurovascular bundle was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the OA group, 19.74 mm (range 2.80–35.12) compared to the control group 23.8 mm (14.25–31.89). If we compare the same distance between the Control group, OA group with a spur and OA group without a spur, the difference is only significant between the Control group and OA with spur. (p<0.05) In non-arthritic patients, the neurovascular bundle was closest to the inferior glenoid rim in all patients (91/91). By contrast, the neurovascular bundle was closest to the humeral head in 26.5% (26/98) of arthritic patients. Among these 26 patients, a large humeral head osteophyte was present in 96% (25/26). The neurovascular bundle distance and humeral head osteophyte size were inversely correlated (r=−0.45 at 5 o'clock, r=−0.546 at 6 o'clock) in the arthritic group (p<0.05). Discussion. The axillary neurovascular bundle was significantly closer to the osseous structures (humerus) in arthritic patients compared to non-arthritic patients (p<0.05). The neurovascular bundle was significantly closer to the bone when there was a humeral osteophyte, and the distance was inversely proportional to humeral osteophyte size (p<0.05). This study indicates humeral osteophytes are capable of encroaching on the axillary nerve. Axillary nerve entrapment may be a contributing and treatable factor of pain in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis

Aims. Controversy about the use of an anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) in young arthritic patients relates to which is the ideal form of fixation for the glenoid component: cemented or cementless. This study aimed to evaluate implant survival of aTSA when used in patients aged < 60 years with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA), and to compare the survival of cemented all-polyethylene and cementless metal-backed glenoid components. Materials and Methods. A total of 69 consecutive aTSAs were performed in 67 patients aged < 60 years with primary glenohumeral OA. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 54 years (35 to 60). Of these aTSAs, 46 were undertaken using a cemented polyethylene component and 23 were undertaken using a cementless metal-backed component. The age, gender, preoperative function, mobility, premorbid glenoid erosion, and length of follow-up were comparable in the two groups. The patients were reviewed clinically and radiographically at a mean of 10.3 years (5 to 12, . sd. 26) postoperatively. Kaplan–Meier survivorship analysis was performed with revision as the endpoint. Results. A total of 26 shoulders (38%) underwent revision surgery: ten (22%) in the polyethylene group and 16 (70%) in the metal-backed group (p < 0.0001). At 12 years’ follow-up, the rate of implant survival was 74% (. sd.  0.09) for polyethylene components and 24% (. sd.  0.10) for metal-backed components (p < 0.0002). Glenoid loosening or failure was the indication for revision in the polyethylene group, whereas polyethylene wear with metal-on-metal contact, instability, and insufficiency of the rotator cuff were the indications for revision in the metal-backed group. Preoperative posterior subluxation of the humeral head with a biconcave/retroverted glenoid (Walch B2) had an adverse effect on the survival of a metal-backed component. Conclusion. The survival of a cemented polyethylene glenoid component is three times higher than that of a cementless metal-backed glenoid component ten years after aTSA in patients aged < 60 years with primary glenohumeral OA. Patients with a biconcave (B2) glenoid have the highest risk of failure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:485–92

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with glenoid bone grafting has become a common option for the management of significant glenoid bone loss and deformity associated with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Despite the increasing utilization of this technique, our understanding of the rates of bone graft union, complications and outcomes are limited. The objectives of this systematic review are to determine 1) the overall rate of bone graft union, 2) the rate of union stratified by graft type and technique, 3) the reoperation and complication rates, and 4) functional outcomes, including range of motion (ROM) and functional outcome scores following RSA with glenoid bone grafting. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases was completed for studies reporting outcomes following RSA with glenoid bone grafting. Inclusion criteria included clinical studies with greater than 10 patients, and minimum follow up of one year. Studies were screened independently by two reviewers and quality assessment was performed using the MINORs criteria. Pooled and frequency-weighted means and standard deviations were calculated where applicable. Overall, 15 studies were included, including nine retrospective case series (level IV), four retrospective cohort studies (level III), one prospective cohort study (level II) and one randomized control trial (level I). The entire cohort consisted of 555 patients with a mean age of 71.9±2.1 years and 70 percent female. The mean follow-up was 33.8±9.4 months. Across all procedures, 84.9% (N=471) were primary arthroplasties, and 15.1% (N=84) were revisions. The overall graft union rate was 89.2%, but was higher at 96.1% among studies that used autograft bone (9 studies, N=308). When stratified by technique, bone graft for the purposes of lateralization resulted in a 100% union rate (4 studies, N=139), while eccentric bone grafts used in asymmetric bone loss resulted in a lower union rate of 84.9% (10 studies, N=345). The overall revision rate was 6.5%, and was lowest following primary cases at 1.8% (11 studies, N=393). The pooled mean scapular notching rate was 20.1% (12 studies, N=497). Excluding notching, the pooled mean complication rate was 21.5% for all cases and 13% for primary cases (11 studies, N=393). When reported, there was significant improvement in post-operative ROM in all planes. There was also improvement in functional outcome scores, whereby the frequency-weighted mean Constant score increased from 25.9 to 67.2 (8 studies, N=319), ASES score increased from 34.7 to 75.2 (4 studies, N=142), and SST score increased from 2.1 to 7.6 (5 studies, N=196) at final follow up. This review demonstrates that glenoid bone grafting with RSA results in good mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes. Union rate appears to depend highly on graft type and technique, whereby the highest union rates were seen following the use of autograft bone for the purposes of lateralization. Interestingly, the union rate of autograft bone for the purposes of augmentation in eccentric bone loss is considerably lower and its impact on the long-term survivorship of the implant remains unknown

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) is a challenging clinical problem in young patients. Given the possibility of early glenoid component loosening in this population with total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and subsequent need for early revision, alternative treatment options are often recommended to provide pain relief and improved range of motion. While nonoperative modalities including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy focusing on rotator cuff strengthening and scapular stabilization may provide some symptomatic relief, young patients with glenohumeral OA often need surgery for improved outcomes. Joint preserving techniques, such as arthroscopic debridement with removal of loose bodies and capsular release, with or without biceps tenotomy or tenodesis, remains a viable nonarthroplasty option in these patients. Clinical studies evaluating the outcomes of arthroscopic debridement for glenohumeral OA in young patients have had favorable outcomes. Evidence suggests that earlier stages of glenohumeral OA have more favorable outcomes with arthroscopic debridement procedures, with worse outcomes being observed in patients with complete joint space loss and bipolar chondral lesions. More advanced arthroscopic options include inferior osteophyte excision and axillary neurolysis or microfracture of chondral lesions, both of which have demonstrated favorable early clinical outcomes. Patients with some preserved joint space and small osteophytes can avoid arthroplasty and have improved functional outcomes after arthroscopic debridement for glenohumeral OA. Caution should be advised when indicating this procedure for patients with large osteophytes, grade IV bipolar lesions, biconcave glenoids, and complete loss of joint space

Patients over 70 years old have subclinical or impending rotator cuff dysfunction, raising concern about TSA in this population. The purpose of this study is to examine whether reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) should be considered for the treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis in the presence of an intact rotator cuff (GHOA+IRC in patients older than 70 years of age. Twenty-five elderly (>70 years) patients at least one year status-post RTSA for GHOA+IRC were matched via age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, and whether the procedure involved the dominant extremity with 25 GHOA+IRC patients who received anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Standardised outcome measures, range of motion, and treatment costs were compared between the two groups. Treatment cost was assessed using implant and physical therapy costs as well as reimbursement. Patients who received RTSA for GHO+IRC had significantly lower pre-operative active forward elevation (AFE, 69° vs. 98°, p <0.001) and experienced a greater change in AFE (p=0.01), but had equivalent AFE at final follow-up (140° vs. 142°, p=0.71). Outcomes were otherwise equivalent between groups with no differences. In both those patients who underwent TSA and those that underwent RTSA, significant improvements between pre-operative and final follow-up were seen in all standardised outcome measures and in AFE (p<0.001 in all cases). RTSA provided these outcomes at a cost savings of $2,025 in Medicare reimbursement due to decreased physical therapy costs. In patients over the age of 70 with GHOA+IRC, RTSA provides similar improvement in clinical outcomes to TSA at a reduced cost while avoiding issues related to the potential for subclinical or impending rotator cuff dysfunction

Introduction. The degree of glenoid bone loss associated with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis can influence the type of glenoid implant selected and its placement in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The literature has demonstrated inaccurate glenoid component placement when using standard instruments and two-dimensional (2D) imaging without templating, particularly as the degree of glenoid deformity or bone loss worsens. Published results have demonstrated improved accuracy of implant placement when using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) imaging with implant templating and patient specific instrumentation (PSI). Accurate placement of the glenoid component in TSA is expected to decrease component malposition and better correct pathologic deformity in order to decrease the risk of component loosening and failure over time. Different types of PSI have been described. Some PSI use 3D printed single use disposable instrumentation, while others use adjustable and reusable-patient specific instrumentation (R-PSI). However, no studies have directly compared the accuracy of different types of PSI in shoulder arthroplasty. We combined our clinical experience and compare the accuracy of glenoid implant placement with five different types of instrumentation when using 3D CT imaging, preoperative planning and implant templating in a series of 173 patients undergoing primary TSA. Our hypothesis was that all PSI technologies would demonstrate equivalent accuracy of implant placement and that PSI would show the most benefit with more severe glenoid deformity. Discussion and Conclusions. We demonstrated no consistent differences in accuracy of 3D CT preoperative planning and templating with any type of PSI used. In Groups 1 and 2, standard instrumentation was used in a patient specific manner defined by the software and in Groups 3, 4, and 5 a patient specific instrument was used. In all groups, the two surgeons were very experienced with use of the 3D CT preoperative planning and templating software and all of the instrumentation prior to starting this study, as well as very experienced with shoulder arthroplasty. This is a strength of the study when defining the efficacy of the technology, but limits the generalizability of the findings when considering the effectiveness of the technology with surgeons that may not have as much experience with shoulder arthroplasty and/or the PSI technology. Conversely, it could be postulated that greater improvements in accuracy may be seen with the studied PSI technology, when compared to no 3D planning or PSI, with less experienced surgeons. There could also be differences between the PSI technologies when used by less experienced surgeons, either across all cases or based upon the severity of pathology. When the surgeon is part of the method, the effectiveness of the technology is equally dependent upon the surgeon using the technology. A broader study using different surgeons is required to test the effectiveness of this technology. Comparing the results of this study with published results in the literature, 3D CT imaging and implant templating with use of PSI results in more accurate placement of the glenoid implant when compared to 2D CT imaging without templating and use of standard instrumentation. In previous studies, this was most evident in patients with more severe bone deformity. We believe that 3D CT planning and templating provides the most value in defining the glenoid pathology, as well as in the selection of the optimal implant and its placement. However, it should be the judgment of the surgeon, based upon their experience, to select the instrumentation to best achieve the desired result

BACKGROUND:. Few studies have evaluated at a medium-term follow-up the use of semiconstrained reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis, massive rotator cuff tear, or cuff tear arthropathy excluding any other shoulder disease. Moreover, data on patients' quality of life after this surgery are lacking. METHODS:. In this prospective cohort study, 80 patients were evaluated after an RSA for either primary osteoarthritis, massive rotator cuff tear, or cuff tear arthropathy with the Constant-Murley score (CMS), ROM, and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). A radiologic assessment was performed pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS:. At a mean 5-year follow-up, the cumulative survival rate was 97.3% and significant improvements in the CMS and ROM were observed when compared with the baseline values. The CMS was 93.2% of the sex- and age-matched normal values. The postoperative SF-36 scores showed no significant differences compared with normative data. Younger patients and subjects with worse preoperative conditions achieved the greatest benefit after RSA. A 70% scapular notching rate was noted and the length of follow-up was found to be associated with the severity of scapular notching. CONCLUSIONS:. This study introduces new predictors for surgical outcomes, and it shows that patients who had undergone RSA a mean of 5 years earlier exhibit similar functionality and health-related quality of life with respect to healthy controls

Introduction. The treatment of glenohumeral arthritis in a young patient poses a significant challenge. Factors that affect decision making include higher activity levels, greater expectations, and concerns of implant longevity. Conflicting results have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study is to report on our results for resurfacing of the humeral head combined with a biologic glenoid resurfacing using a soft tissue allograft for the treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Methods. From 2003 to 2009 a retrospective multi-center review of 15 humeral and biologic glenoid resurfacing procedures with a mean age of 36.5 yrs. was performed. Indications for surgery included a diagnosis of glenohumeral arthritis non-responsive to conservative treatment. Exclusion criteria included major glenoid osseous deficiency, advanced rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic infection. Results. Mean follow-up of 57.1 months showed that on average active forward elevation improved from 126.8° to 136° and external rotation improved from 27.1° to 35.3°. The mean pre-operative and post-operative VAS score only improved from 7.9 to 5.1. Five (29%) patients were converted a total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) at an average of 24 months with no complications in the remaining patients. Discussion. The clinical outcome of humeral head resurfacing with soft tissue resurfacing of the glenoid has not yielded encouraging results, as both pain and function are not significantly improved. Due to the disappointing results of this procedure and high revision rate, it is no longer these authors primary treatment option for OA in the young. Determining the optimal treatment for osteoarthritis in the young patient is still being investigated