Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow最新文献

In large posterosuperior rotator cuff tears, retear is more likely due to factors such as poor tendon quality, tendon loss, incomplete footprint coverage, and incomplete repair. To reduce the retear rate and promote healing, various strategies have been explored, including augmentation using a human acellular dermal matrix (HADM) allograft patch. However, the traditional patch augmentation with a suture-bridge configuration is complicated and time consuming. Another method to alleviate impingement between the repaired tendon and acromion, similar to the ballooning effect in the subacromial space, is the acromiograft technique. However, a thin acromion may lead to fractures, and such a graft is less likely to incorporate with the repaired tendon. To address these concerns, we developed a new technique that enhances healing through direct contact with the repaired tendon, alleviates impingement with a spacer effect, and simplifies the procedure while ensuring adequate medial coverage including the musculotendinous junction. This article describes our "patch cushioning technique" using an HADM allograft. The present report provides a purely technical description of the procedure.

Background: Cubital tunnel release (CuTR) relieves ulnar nerve compression; however, about 35% of patients who undergo this procedure develop persistent neuropathy and about 7% require revision. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) worsens ulnar neuropathy, whereas glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may be neuroprotective. We compared short- (90-day) and mid-term (2-year) CuTR outcomes in diabetic patients who did or did not receive perioperative GLP-1 RA treatment.

Methods: TriNetX identified adults (≥18 years) with T2DM who underwent primary CuTR during the period 2015-2023, and who underwent at least 2 years of follow-up. The experimental cohort had received an active GLP-1 RA prescription at surgery, while the controls had not. Exclusion criteria were T1DM, pancreatitis, multiple endocrine neoplasia 2, systemic steroids, end-stage renal disease, or prior major CuTR. Propensity-score matching (1:1) balanced demographics, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine, and comorbidities. Outcomes were captured using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes.

Results: After matching, 1,766 pairs of patients (mean age, 58 years; 46% female) were analyzed. At 90 days, fewer GLP-1 RA users had emergency-department visits than non-users (8.9% vs. 10.7%, P=0.048). Despite higher HbA1c at each timepoint, GLP-1 RA users showed a larger decline. At 2 years, GLP-1 RA exposure was associated with fewer reoperations (5.2% vs. 6.9%, P=0.028), less frequent neuropathy (23.4% vs. 30.4%, P<0.001), and fewer inpatient admissions (14.6% vs. 17.2%, P=0.030). Major medical complications did not differ in occurrence between the groups.

Conclusions: Perioperative GLP-1 RA therapy in diabetic patients undergoing CuTR correlated with fewer 90-day emergency visits and lower 2-year risks of revisional surgery and ICD-coded ulnar neuropathy (all-cause, non-adjudicated).. These findings support a potential protective role of GLP-1 RAs in this surgical population. Evidence: III.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of prolotherapy compared to control or placebo-based treatments.

Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Ovid, and Scopus was conducted up to April 2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed clinical studies comparing prolotherapy with control or placebo treatments and evaluating outcomes such as pain, function, and range of motion.

Results: Eight studies involving 431 participants met the inclusion criteria. Patient-reported outcomes, including pain visual analog scale and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, showed no statistically significant differences between prolotherapy and controls. Prolotherapy demonstrated a small but statistically significant improvement in shoulder abduction (mean difference, 7.08°; 95% CI, 2.49°-11.66°). Other range of motion measures, such as forward flexion, internal rotation, and external rotation, showed no significant differences. Radiographic outcomes, including tendon thickness and elasticity, suggested potential structural benefits but did not consistently translate to clinical improvements.

Conclusions: Prolotherapy is not superior to control treatments for rotator cuff tendinopathy. While it offers minor gains in shoulder abduction, its clinical benefits are limited. Level of evidence: III.

Background: Successful total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) relies on accurate placement of implants, which is difficult in the setting of bone loss or deformity. Technologies are becoming available to provide intraoperative assistance to better execute the preoperative plan. The purpose of this study was to compare patient outcomes following TSA utilizing either computer navigation or conventional techniques.

Methods: This retrospective review included 180 Primary Exactech TSA cases with a minimum 2-year follow-up. There were 40 anatomic (12 non-navigated, 28 navigated) and 140 reverse (80 non-navigated; 60 navigated) TSA procedures. Patient groups were similar in age, sex, side involved, and prior surgery. Patient-reported outcome measures, complications, revisions, and reoperations were assessed and compared between non-navigated and conventional groups.

Results: Of available patients, the navigated anatomic cohort had statistically significant improvements compared to the non-navigated cohort in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Oxford, and pain scores. For the navigated reverse cohort, significant improvements were seen in Oxford score. In multivariate analysis, all outcomes favored the navigated cohorts, with ASES, Oxford, and patient function scores reaching statistical significance. Complications occurred more frequently in the non-navigated reverse cohort. Revisions and/or reoperations were more frequent in non-navigated shoulders.

Conclusions: The use of computer navigation in TSA may be associated with decreased complication rates and improved patient outcomes, a benefit to surgeons and their patients. However, the lack of radiographic assessment is a limitation, and as with all new technology, further research with longer follow-up is needed to fully define the role of navigation in TSA. Level of evidence: III.

Background: Pre-osteoarthritic posterior subluxation of the humeral head (PPSHH), also referred to as a Walch B0 glenoid, is characterized by pathologic posterior subluxation of the humeral head without degenerative bony changes on plain radiographs. The purpose of this study was to describe the imaging findings of PPSHH and to assess the relationship between glenoid retroversion and HH subluxation.

Methods: This was a retrospective case series of patients with symptomatic PPSHH. Retroversion was measured on magnetic resonance imaging based on both Friedman's line and the scapular axis line. HH subluxation was measured based on the glenohumeral index (GHI) and the scapulohumeral index (SHI). The relationship between retroversion and HH subluxation was evaluated. The difference in glenoid cartilage thickness between the anterior and posterior aspects of the glenoid was compared.

Results: Eight patients were included (mean age, 34.0±4.7 years). Mean retroversion was 17.2°±5.8° based on Friedman's line and 14.0°±5.6° based on scapular axis line. Mean HH subluxation was 63.7%±6.2% based on GHI and 77.5%±9.9% based on SHI. Cartilage thickness was less in the posterior glenoid compared to anterior glenoid, and all patients had selective chondral wear on the posterior glenoid with a posterior labral tear. There was a direct relationship between the degree of glenoid retroversion and HH subluxation.

Conclusions: PPSHH is characterized by posterior glenoid chondral thinning and posterior labral tears in the setting of HH subluxation without erosive osseous changes. This pathology can present with varying degrees of retroversion and HH subluxation, and increasing retroversion is associated with more severe subluxation. Level of evidence: IV.

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a challenging disorder defined by persistent shoulder pain and progressively reduced joint motion. Despite its clinical significance, the underlying pathophysiology remains incompletely understood, posing challenges to optimal management. This review examines current treatment strategies, encompassing conservative approaches as well as procedural options. Evidence comparing the outcomes, complications, and recovery profiles of these techniques is critically analyzed to guide decision-making based on patient-specific factors and disease stage. Furthermore, recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms of FS and the potential for novel therapeutic approaches are discussed. This comprehensive review underscores the importance of tailored treatment strategies and calls for further high-quality research to address persistent knowledge gaps in managing FS.

Background: This systematic review evaluates the clinical outcomes of two distinct, arthroscopic techniques for the surgical repair of massive rotator cuff tears; lower trapezius tendon (LTT) transfer and muscle advancement (MA).

Methods: Eleven studies, involving 433 patients, selected based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, were analyzed.

Results: MA significantly improves functional outcomes, demonstrated by higher Constant-Murley scores (mean difference: 26.26 vs. 18.31, P<0.001), University of California, Los Angeles shoulder scores (14.95 vs. 8.3, P<0.001), acromiohumeral distance (AHD; 1.94 mm vs. 0.40 mm, P<0.001), and greater abduction recovery (46.48° vs. 31.86°, P=0.030). However, visual analog scale score was better reduced in the LTT transfer groups (-3.69 vs. -2.33, P<0.001), with greater external rotation improvement (25.67° vs. 7.74°, P<0.001) and lower retear rates (11.89% vs. 19.42%, P=0.031). The complication profiles differed between techniques: LTT transfer carried a higher risk of graft rupture (2.64% vs. 0%, P=0.031), while arthroscopic MA was associated with increased postoperative stiffness (2.91% vs. 0%, P=0.011).

Conclusions: Arthroscopic MA is recommended for younger, active patients with mobile residual tissue to optimize abduction and AHD restoration. In contrast, LTT transfer is better suited for cases involving massive defects requiring dynamic stabilization and external rotation recovery. These findings emphasize the importance of individualized surgical planning that considers tear severity, tissue viability, and patient functional demands. Despite limitations stemming from retrospective study designs and clinical heterogeneity, this review highlights the distinct clinical advantages and appropriate indications for both techniques.

Background: Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) patch augmentation in rotator cuff repair reinforces the repaired tendon and provides additional structural support. This study aimed to compare outcomes based on rotator cuff tear size.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent ADM-augmented rotator cuff repair at two hospitals between April 2021 and April 2023. After excluding subjects with <2 years of follow-up or no magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months, patients were grouped based on tear size: ≤30 mm (group 1) and >30 mm (group 2). Outcomes were American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant-Murley score, University of California, Los Angeles score, pain visual analog scale score, and range of motion (ROM). Retear was defined based on Sugaya type 4-5 on 6-month MRI.

Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in postoperative clinical outcomes compared with preoperative outcomes, with no significant intergroup differences. ROM gains were limited overall, with significant increases only in group 1 for forward flexion and scaption. Stiffness occurred in 4.8% of group 1 and 17.9% of group 2 patients. Retear was found in 1 of 21 patients (4.8%) in group 1 and 7 of 28 (25.0%) in group 2.

Conclusions: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with ADM patch augmentation showed reduced retear rates and improved clinical outcomes across tear sizes. Postoperative ROM improvements were limited, and stiffness tended to occur more frequently in larger tears. Thus, the success of ADM patch augmentation depends on patient selection and appropriate graft application. Level of evidence: III.

Background: A cadaveric biomechanical study was used to analyze arm positions that could lead to increased risk of subscapularis tears due to subcoracoid impingement.

Methods: Six cadaveric shoulders (two male and four female; mean age, 68.4±2.3 years) were evaluated for subcoracoid external impingement using a custom shoulder testing system with a pressure-mapping sensor. The contact area and the mean and peak contact pressures between the subcoracoid arch and the subscapularis complex were measured. Eight arm positions were assessed, including 20° and 60° forward flexion (FF) and abduction (ABD) with maximal internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER).

Results: The overall incidence of subcoracoid impingement was 52.1% across all tests, with no contact observed at 20° ABD in the maximal IR position. Except for 20° ABD with maximal IR, the mean contact area significantly differed across the seven arm positions (P=0.009). However, mean and peak contact pressures did not show significant differences (P=0.188 and P=0.065, respectively). The highest mean contact pressure was recorded at 60° ABD with maximal ER (25.7±17.4 kPa), followed by 20° FF with maximal IR (23.2±12.5 kPa), 60° FF with maximal IR (18.2±8.3 kPa), and 60° ABD with maximal IR (18.3±12.0 kPa). The contact area and peak contact pressure exhibited similar trends to mean contact pressure.

Conclusions: This cadaveric study demonstrated increased subcoracoid arch contact when shoulders were at 20° and 60° FF with IR and at 60° ABD with both ER and IR. These findings suggest potential external subscapularis impingement in these positions, although not all comparisons were statistically significant. Level of evidence: Cadaveric biomechanical study.