Postarthroscopic Arthrofibrosis of the Shoulder

Patient-reported allergies are associated with increased rate of postoperative stiffness after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND

Several risk factors have been identified for the development of postoperative shoulder stiffness, and there has been increasing interest in orthopedic literature regarding patient-reported allergy (PRA) as an identifiable risk factor for adverse outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine whether PRAs are associated with subsequent rates of diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (AC) or return to the operating room for postoperative shoulder stiffness within 2 years after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).

METHODS

Current Procedural Terminology surgical billing codes were used to retrospectively identify patients who underwent ARCR at a single urban academic institution from January 2012 to December 2020 with minimum 2-year follow-up. Lysis of adhesions (LOA), manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), and AC of the shoulder were further queried within 2 years postoperatively for the ipsilateral shoulder. Patients were excluded if they had undergone ipsilateral MUA/LOA or received a diagnosis of AC before the index procedure. Demographic characteristics and medical comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypothyroidism) were extracted from electronic medical records. Baseline characteristics were compared between patients with and without PRAs. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association of the presence of PRAs overall, as well as the presence of 1, 2, or 3 or more PRAs, with subsequent MUA/LOA or diagnosis of AC within 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

Of 7057 patients identified in the study period, 6583 were eligible for the final analysis. The mean age was 56.6 ± 11.7 years, and the mean body mass index was 29.1 ± 5.6. Overall, 19.3% of patients (n = 1271) reported at least 1 allergy, and 7.1% (n = 469) had >1 PRA. A total of 44 patients (0.7%) underwent subsequent ipsilateral MUA/LOA within 2 years postoperatively, whereas 93 patients (1.4%) received a diagnosis of ipsilateral AC in the same time frame. PRAs were significantly associated with subsequent diagnosis of AC (odds ratio [OR]: 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45-3.92; P < .001), but not MUA/LOA (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.26-3.61; P = .133). Patients with 2 PRAs had greater odds of being diagnosed with AC than patients with 1 PRA (OR: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.14-5.99; P = .012). Although this association was nonsignificant for MUA/LOA, patients with 2 PRAs (OR: 2.67; 95% CI: 0.96-8.80; P = .059) demonstrated a similar statistical trend.

CONCLUSION

PRAs are associated with increased odds of receiving a diagnosis of AC within 2 years after ARCR but were not found to be associated with return to the operating room for postoperative stiffness.

Arthroscopic Management of Arthrofibrosis After Hemiarthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fracture Dislocation

Poor functional outcomes after hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures are common, yet revision surgery is relatively rare. Arthroscopic treatment for postoperative stiffness can be considered in the setting of functional limits to glenohumeral range of motion impacting activities of daily living after adequate conservative treatment with physical therapy and in the setting of healed, well-positioned tuberosities and humeral components. This Technical Note illustrates a stepwise approach to an arthroscopic lysis of adhesions and capsular release for the treatment of arthrofibrosis of the shoulder. The advantages of this technique include an alternative approach to entering the glenohumeral joint under direct subacromial visualization and a 2-posterior portal approach to the inferior and anteroinferior capsule, which can be challenging to achieve in the setting of severe postsurgical arthrofibrosis.

Hemoglobin A1c Levels >6.6% Are Associated With Higher Postoperative Complications After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Purpose

To investigate the relation between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and postoperative complications after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients with an isolated anterior cruciate ligament tear, preoperative diagnosis of diabetes, and documented HbA1c within 90 days of primary ACLR between 2000 and 2019. Data collected included demographic and surgical characteristics, 90-day medical complications, and subsequent surgeries on the ipsilateral knee. A receiver operating curve was constructed for each HbA1c level in relation to postoperative complications and the optimal cutoff identified via Youden's J statistic. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the relation between postoperative complications and age, sex, graft type, diabetes subtype, and HbA1c.

Results

Nineteen patients (7 females, 12 males) fulfilled inclusion criteria with preoperative HbA1c ranging from 5.5 to 10. Complications included septic knee (n = 1) and cyclops lesions requiring arthroscopic lysis (n = 3). Patients with HbA1c of 6.7% or higher were 25 times more likely to experience any postoperative complication (P = .04) and 16 times more likely to require lysis of adhesions (P = .08). On multivariable regression, HbA1c remained significantly associated with any complication (P = .005) and developing arthrofibrosis (P = .02) independent of age, sex, graft type, and diabetes subtype.

Conclusions

Diabetic patients undergoing primary ACLR with a preoperative HbA1c of 6.7% or higher were 25 times more likely to require repeat surgical intervention for a postoperative complication. These complications included arthrofibrosis and infection. Strict glycemic control may help minimize the risk of postoperative complications after ACLR.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

The incidence of adhesive capsulitis and COVID-19 pandemic effect

Background

There are multiple pieces of evidence in the literature that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a pronounced effect on physiological health. There is little existing literature that has studied the pandemic's impact on adhesive capsulitis (AC) incidence. This study aimed to compare the incidence of primary AC before and during the pandemic.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was done to establish the incidence of primary AC during the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 2020 to March 2021, the pandemic period, and from March 2019 to March 2020, the control period. During these periods, all patients diagnosed with primary AC were included. Patients were also categorized into three different treatment groups according to corticosteroid injection status (none, 1 injection, and 2 injections). The waiting time for the appointment was calculated as a possible confounding factor. Statistical analysis used the chi-square for categorical variables and the Student t test for continuous variables.

Results

There were 69 patients diagnosed with primary AC out of 704 new referrals during the pandemic. One year earlier, a total of 73 patients were diagnosed with primary AC out of 1148 new referrals. Representing a relative increase of 3.5% (P = .086) in the incidence of primary AC. No significant differences were found between the control and the pandemic groups in regard to the distribution of patients per treatment group (P = .13), age (P = .49), sex (P = .21), laterality (P = .54), diabetic disease (P = .45), and thyroid disease (P = .62).

Conclusion

There was a nonstatistically significant increase in the incidence of primary AC during the COVID-19 pandemic. No other significant differences were found. Further research is still needed to evaluate the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and AC.

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors Have No Significant Relationship With Postoperative Arthrofibrosis After Shoulder Arthroscopy

Purpose

To determine the effect of perioperative angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) on postoperative arthrofibrosis, as defined by requiring manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) or new diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (AC) following arthroscopic shoulder procedures.

Methods

Patients were retrospectively identified using Current Procedural Terminology surgical billing codes to identify patients who underwent any shoulder arthroscopic procedure at a single urban academic institution from 2012 to 2020 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients were excluded if <30 years old at time of surgery, as these patients rarely use ARB and ACEi medications, or if they had pre-existing AC. Demographics, active medication prescriptions at the time of surgery, and medical comorbidities were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the effect of ARB/ACEi on subsequent MUA or AC by 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years.

Results

In total, 5,559 patients were included in the final analysis. A majority of the cohort (53.4%) underwent arthroscopic surgery between the ages of 50 to 69 years. Most patients were male (61.8%) and without obesity (67.3%). In total, 18.9% and 15.0% were taking an ARB or ACEi medication perioperatively, respectively. Within 2 years' postoperatively, 51 patients (0.9%) underwent subsequent ipsilateral MUA, and 174 patients (3.1%) developed AC. Patients taking ARBs had a 17.5% rate of postoperative arthrofibrosis within 2-years compared with 19.1% in those not on ARBs, although this difference was not significant (P = .58). Likewise, no significant difference was found between those taking ACEi versus not (15.0% vs 15.0%, P = .99). Individual generic ARB/ACEi subgroup analysis did not demonstrate any significant associations with rate of postoperative arthrofibrosis (P > .05).

Conclusions

ARBs or ACEi did not significantly affect the rate of postoperative arthrofibrosis following shoulder arthroscopy, however female sex, diabetes mellitus, and Black/African American race were associated with an increased rate of necessitating MUA or developing AC within 2 years postoperatively.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Factors Affecting Postoperative Rehabilitation Therapy Utilization After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: An Epidemiological Analysis

Background and objective Rotator cuff tear (RCT) is an orthopedic shoulder pathology commonly managed via arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) after the failure of conservative treatment options. Physical therapy (PT) after ARCR is an important component of patient recovery. Postoperative complications, such as postoperative shoulder stiffness (POSS), are frequent among these patients and place a significant burden on patients and clinicians. The purpose of this study is to analyze temporal PT utilization among patients after ARCR and its potential to improve patient outcomes and examine possible factors affecting postoperative complication rates. Methods An epidemiological study was performed by using a large de-identified national health research network (TriNetX) within the United States to search for patients with a diagnosis of partial or complete RCT and subsequent ARCR. Data were collected on patient demographics, number of postoperative PT visits, and PT visits distribution in the early postoperative period. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze factors that impacted the utilization of postoperative PT after ARCR. Results A total of 21,540 patients underwent ARCR with 11,312 receiving ARCR for partial RCT and 10,228 for complete RCT. Of all ARCR patients, 6,923 (32.1%) received postoperative PT within one year of ARCR. Patients with partial RCT had a greater number of PT visits (mean ±SD: 3.85 ± 8.33; min-max: 0-110; t = 15.2) compared to patients with complete RCT (2.90 ± 7.97; min-max: 0-125) after ARCR (p<0.001). Patients with ARCR for partial RCT also had more visits within the first 12 weeks after ARCR as compared to patients with ARCR for complete RCT (p<0.001). Female patients had more visits than male patients after ARCR, regardless of the RCT extent (p<0.001). Conclusion Partial RCT and female sex are associated with increased postoperative PT usage after ARCR. Postoperative PT utilization has high variability after ARCR, regardless of the RCT extent. More research is needed to further explore the impact of PT utilization on postoperative complications after ARCR.

Human Infrapatellar Fat Pad Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Inhibit Fibroblast Proliferation by Regulating MT2A to Reduce Knee Arthrofibrosis

Knee arthrofibrosis is one of the most serious complications of knee surgery; however, its pathogenesis is unclear, and current treatment methods have not achieved satisfactory results. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have good anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties, and studies have reported that human infrapatellar fat pad-derived MSCs (IPFSCs) have the advantages of strong proliferative and differentiating ability, ease of acquisition, and minimal harm to the donor. Increasing evidence has shown that MSCs function through their paracrine extracellular vesicles (EVs). Our study is aimed at exploring the effects of human IPFSC-derived EVs (IPFSC-EVs) on knee arthrofibrosis and the underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. In the in vivo study, injecting IPFSC-EVs into the knee joint cavity effectively reduced surgery-induced knee arthrofibrosis in rats. In the in vitro study, IPFSC-EVs were found to inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts in the inflammatory environment. Additionally, we screened a potential IPFSC-EV molecular target, metallothionein 2A (MT2A), using RNA sequencing. We found that silencing MT2A partially reversed the inhibitory effect of IPFSC-EVs on fibroblast proliferation in the inflammatory environment. In conclusion, IPFSC-EVs inhibit the progression of knee arthrofibrosis by regulating MT2A, which inhibits fibroblast proliferation in the inflammatory environment.

IFN-α-2b Reduces Postoperative Arthrofibrosis in Rats by Inhibiting Fibroblast Proliferation and Migration through STAT1/p21 Signaling Pathway

Objective

To investigate the effect of IFN-α-2b in preventing postoperative arthrofibrosis in rats, its antiproliferation effect on fibroblasts in vitro, and its molecular mechanism.

Methods

The rat model of arthrofibrosis was established and treated with different concentrations of drugs. Knee specimens were collected for histological and immunohistochemical staining to observe the effect of IFN-α-2b on arthrofibrosis in rats. The biological information was further mined according to the database data, and the possible regulatory mechanism of IFN-α-2b on fibroblasts was analyzed. The inhibitory effect of IFN-α-2b on fibroblast proliferation and migration in vitro was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), immunofluorescence analysis, cell cycle test, EdU assay, wound healing test, and Transwell method, and the analysis results were verified by Western blotting method.

Results

The test results of rat knee joint specimens showed that IFN-α-2b significantly inhibited the degree of fibrosis after knee joint surgery, the number of fibroblasts in the operation area was less than that of the control group, and the expression of collagen and proliferation-related proteins decreased. In vitro experimental results show that IFN-α-2b can inhibit the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. According to the results of database analysis, it is suggested that the STAT1/P21 pathway may be involved, and it has been verified and confirmed by Western blotting and other related methods.

Conclusion

IFN-α-2b can reduce surgery-induced arthrofibrosis by inhibiting fibroblast proliferation and migration, which may be related to the regulation of STAT1/p21 signaling pathway.

Malpractice against shoulder surgeons: what the data say

BACKGROUND

Thousands of orthopedic surgeons in the United State face medical malpractice claims annually; however, little is known regarding the common causes for litigation against shoulder surgeons. In addition, the current analysis does not take into consideration how surgical frequency affects the litigation likelihood. The purpose of our investigation was to identify the most common causes of litigation against shoulder surgeons in the United States adjusting for surgical frequency.

METHODS

The VerdictSearch database was used using the search terms "medical malpractice," "shoulder," and "NOT cancer." Results were queried, and all studies pertaining to orthopedic shoulder surgery included. Data gathered included cause of lawsuit, indemnity paid, type of surgery performed, results of the cases, verdict or settlement, and, if applicable, technical error. A query of a multisurgeon institutional database was conducted to determine how frequently surgeries were performed. Then the frequency of litigation was adjusted by the procedure frequency to determine which surgery has the greatest likelihood to be litigated relative to rotator cuff surgery.

RESULTS

Forty-five cases were included in our study. After adjusting for the procedure frequency, the most likely procedure to be litigated, relative to rotator cuff repair, was manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), 251 times more likely to be litigated, and washout/lavage procedures, 17 times more likely to be litigated. Injection and total shoulder arthroplasty were 23 and 14 times less likely to be litigated relative to rotator cuff repair, respectively. In addition, the average age of the patients was 47 years, and 53% of the cases involved a male plaintiff. The most commonly litigated procedures were rotator cuff repair (42%), MUA (13%), and humeral open reduction and internal fixation (9%). The most commonly cited symptoms for litigation against shoulder surgeons were pain (60%) and loss of range of motion (40%). Of the 45 cases, 44% ended in physician loss, with the average indemnity paid via verdict being $1,118,714 vs. $416,875 for settlement.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies that MUA and lavage/washout procedures are much more likely to be litigated relative to rotator cuff repair. Rotator cuff repair is actually one of the least likely procedures to be litigated. Furthermore, settlement may represent a method of decreasing the indemnity paid for malpractice cases for which surgeons are implicated.

Efficacy of high-intensity home mechanical stretch therapy for treatment of shoulder stiffness: a retrospective review

Background

Shoulder stiffness resulting in motion loss can be caused by numerous conditions, the most common of which is adhesive capsulitis. Surgical intervention is often necessary when conservative methods fail. High-intensity stretch (HIS) treatment may be able to provide increased motion gains while avoiding the cost and complications of surgery.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to review data from patients who were prescribed a HIS device to recover their shoulder motion to determine the efficacy of the device. The hypotheses were that patients would achieve significant range of motion (ROM) gains and that ROM would increase to a level at which patients would be able to avoid a motion loss surgery and perform activities of daily living.

Methods

Clinical notes were reviewed for patients whose progress plateaued after 4 weeks of therapy and were subsequently prescribed the HIS device after failing to meet their treatment goals. ROM data were recorded for external rotation, abduction, forward flexion, and internal rotation. Pre- and post-treatment ROM data were compared using t-tests.

Results

Significant ROM gains were seen in all planes of motion (p < 0.001). Patients gained an average of 29.9° in external rotation with a last recorded rotation of 59.2°. In abduction, patients gained 40.5° with a last recorded abduction of 123.3°. In forward flexion, patients gained 30.3° with a last recorded flexion of 138.7°. In internal rotation, patients gained 15.2° with a last recorded rotation of 57.6°. These last recorded ranges of motion were sufficient to perform nearly all activities of daily living.

Conclusions

The HIS device was effective in treating patients with shoulder motion loss as demonstrated by the significant ROM gains in all planes of motion. The ability for a patient to recover lost motion quickly without surgery is of great value to quality of life and in healthcare cost savings. We believe this high-intensity stretch device should be considered for use by patients who are at risk for a motion loss surgery.

Treatment of arthrofibrosis and stiffness after total knee arthroplasty: an updated review of the literature

PURPOSE

There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for stiffness following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). With the increased utilization of value-based models, it is important to determine the most effective treatments that will reduce the need for further intervention and additional expenditure. A systematic review was performed to compare the outcomes of manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA), arthroscopic lysis of adhesions (aLOA), and revision TKA (rTKA) for arthrofibrosis and stiffness following TKA.

METHODS

PubMed and MEDLINE databases were reviewed for articles published through October 2020. Studies were included if they reported patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following MUA, aLOA, or rTKA. The primary endpoint was PROMs, while secondary outcomes included range of motion and the percentage of patients who pursued further treatment for stiffness.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies were included: 21 on rTKA, 7 on aLOA, and 14 on MUA. The mean or median post-operative arc ROM was > 90° in 6/20 (30%) rTKA, 5/7 (71%) aLOA, and 7/10 (70%) MUA studies. Post-operative Knee Society (KSS) clinical and functional scores were the greatest in patients who underwent MUA and aLOA. As many as 43% of rTKA patients required further care compared to 25% of aLOA and 17% of MUA patients.

CONCLUSION

Stiffness following TKA remains a challenging condition to treat. Nonetheless, current evidence suggests that patients who undergo rTKA have poorer clinical outcomes and a greater need for further treatment compared to patients who undergo MUA or aLOA.

Arthrofibrosis Nightmares: Prevention and Management Strategies

Arthrofibrosis (AF) is an exaggerated immune response to a proinflammatory insult leading to pathologic periarticular fibrosis and symptomatic joint stiffness. The knee, elbow, and shoulder are particularly susceptible to AF, often in the setting of trauma, surgery, or adhesive capsulitis. Prevention through early physiotherapeutic interventions and anti-inflammatory medications remain fundamental to avoiding motion loss. Reliable nonoperative modalities exist and outcomes are improved when etiology, joint involved, and level of dysfunction are considered in the clinical decision making process. Surgical procedures should be reserved for cases recalcitrant to nonoperative measures. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current understanding of AF pathophysiology, identify common risk factors, describe prevention strategies, and outline both nonoperative and surgical treatment options. This manuscript will focus specifically on sterile AF of the knee, elbow, and shoulder.

The Relationship of Staged, Bilateral Arthroscopic Primary Rotator Cuff Repair Timing and Postoperative Complications

BACKGROUND

Although previous studies have reported acceptable clinical outcomes after simultaneous, single-stage bilateral and staged bilateral rotator cuff repair (RCR), few studies have been adequately powered to compare postoperative complication rates at various time intervals between procedures.

PURPOSE

To examine the relationship between the timing of bilateral arthroscopic RCR and complications.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiology study.

METHODS

Patients from the Medicare data set within the PearlDiver database who underwent bilateral RCR between 2005 and 2014 were identified. These patients were then stratified by time between surgeries into cohorts: (1) single stage, (2) <3 months, (3) 3 to 6 months, (4) 6 to 9 months, (5) 9 months to 1 year, and (6) 1 to 2 years. Surgical and medical complications of these cohorts were compared with those of a control cohort of patients who underwent bilateral RCR >2 years apart using a regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 11,079 patients who underwent bilateral RCR were identified. Patients who underwent single-stage bilateral arthroscopic RCR experienced higher rates of revision RCR (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; P < .0001), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) (OR, 2.47; P < .0001), and postoperative infection (OR, 2.18; P = .007) in addition to higher rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (OR, 1.78; P = .031) and emergency department visits (OR, 1.51; P = .002) compared with the control group. Patients who underwent bilateral RCR with a <3-month interval had higher rates of revision surgery (OR, 1.56; P = .003), RTSA (OR, 1.89; P = .002), and lysis of adhesions (OR, 2.31; P < .0001) in addition to increased rates of VTE (OR, 1.92; P = .015) and emergency department visits (OR, 1.62; P < .0001) compared with the control group. There were no differences in any surgical or medical complications when surgeries were staged by ≥3 months compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

Patients with Medicare undergoing single-stage and staged bilateral RCR who had the second repair within 3 months had significantly higher rates of multiple medical and surgical complications compared with patients waiting >2 years between procedures.

The Prognosis of Arthrofibroses: Prevalence, Clinical Shortcomings, and Future Prospects

Fibrosis is the dysregulated biosynthesis of connective tissue that results from persistent infection, high serum cholesterol, surgery, trauma, or prolonged joint immobilization. As a disease that impacts connective tissue, it is prevalent across the body and disrupts normal extracellular and tissue organization. Ultimately, fibrosis impairs the tissue structural, mechanical, or biochemical function. This review describes the clinical landscape of joint fibrosis, that is, arthrofibrosis, including the risk factors and causes, as well as current clinical treatments and their shortcomings. Because treating arthrofibrosis remains an unmet clinical challenge, we present several animal models used for exploration of the physiopathology of arthrofibrosis and summarize their use for testing novel treatments. We then discuss therapeutics for the prevention or treatment of arthrofibrosis that are in preclinical development and in ongoing clinical trials. We conclude with recent findings from molecular biological studies of arthrofibroses that shed insight on future areas of research for improved treatments.

Mechanisms involved in the arthrofibrosis formation and treatments following bone fracture

Arthrofibrosis is a common complication for patients with bone fracture following external and internal fixation. In this review, we summarize the related factors and significant pathways for joint adhesion following fracture surgery. Moreover, the different types of treatments and related preventive measures are also discussed. Many factors related to the development and treatment of arthrofibrosis are discussed in this review in order to provide possible clues for the prospective targets to develop new medication or treatments for preventing or reducing the joint adhesion following orthopedic surgery.

Substance P and fibrotic diseases

Substance P (SP) is an undecapeptide encoding the tachykinin 1 (TAC1) gene and belongs to the tachykinin family. SP is widely distributed in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. SP is also produced by nonneuronal cells, such as inflammatory cells and endothelial cells. The biological activities of SP are mainly regulated through the high-affinity neurokinin 1 receptor (NK-1R). The SP/NK-1R system plays an important role in the molecular bases of many human pathophysiologic processes, such as pain, infectious and inflammatory diseases, and cancer. In addition, this system has been implicated in fibrotic diseases and processes such as wound healing, myocardial fibrosis, bowel fibrosis, myelofibrosis, renal fibrosis, and lung fibrosis. Recently, studies have shown that SP plays an important role in liver fibrosis and that NK-1R antagonists can inhibit the progression of fibrosis. NK-1R receptor antagonists could provide clinical solutions for fibrotic diseases. This review summarizes the structure and function of SP and its involvement in fibrotic diseases.

Intraarticular injection of relaxin-2 alleviates shoulder arthrofibrosis

Arthrofibrosis is a prevalent condition affecting greater than 5% of the general population and leads to a painful decrease in joint range of motion (ROM) and loss of independence due to pathologic accumulation of periarticular scar tissue. Current treatment options are limited in effectiveness and do not address the underlying cause of the condition: accumulation of fibrotic collagenous tissue. Herein, the naturally occurring peptide hormone relaxin-2 is administered for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) and to restore glenohumeral ROM in shoulder arthrofibrosis. Recombinant human relaxin-2 down-regulates type I collagen and α smooth muscle actin production and increases intracellular cAMP concentration in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes, consistent with a mechanism of extracellular matrix degradation and remodeling. Pharmacokinetic profiling of a bolus administration into the glenohumeral joint space reveals the brief systemic and intraarticular (IA) half-lives of relaxin-2: 0.96 h and 0.62 h, respectively. Furthermore, using an established, immobilization murine model of shoulder arthrofibrosis, multiple IA injections of human relaxin-2 significantly improve ROM, returning it to baseline measurements collected before limb immobilization. This is in contrast to single IA (sIA) or multiple i.v. (mIV) injections of relaxin-2 with which the ROM remains constrained. The histological hallmarks of contracture (e.g., fibrotic adhesions and reduced joint space) are absent in the animals treated with multiple IA injections of relaxin-2 compared with the untreated control and the sIA- and mIV-treated animals. As these findings show, local delivery of relaxin-2 is an innovative treatment of shoulder arthrofibrosis.

Patient-related Risk Factors for Postoperative Stiffness Requiring Surgical Intervention After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

INTRODUCTION

Risk factors for stiffness after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) have been limited to studies with small patient numbers. The objective is to determine patient-related risk factors for stiffness after RCR.

METHODS

The PearlDiver database was queried from 2007 to 2015 for patients undergoing isolated arthroscopic RCR. A multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis assessed for risk factors requiring a postoperative manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) or lysis of adhesions (LOA) within 9 months after RCR.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirty-two of 19,229 patients (1.2%) underwent a LOA and/or MUA within 9 months after arthroscopic RCR. Significant risk factors identified were age less than 50 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.9; P < 0.0001), female gender (OR, 2.0; P < 0.0001), diabetes mellitus (DM) type I (OR, 2.7; P < 0.0001), hypothyroidism (OR, 1.3; P = 0.020), and systemic lupus erythematosus (OR, 2.1; P = 0.004). However, tobacco use was associated with a 0.5 risk of developing stiffness (P < 0.0001).

DISCUSSION

Systemic lupus erythematosus, hypothyroidism, and DMI (but not DMII) in addition to young age and female gender were risk factors for LOA/MUA after arthroscopic RCR.

The effectiveness of prolotherapy on failed rotator cuff repair surgery

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of prolotherapy injections in the treatment of failed rotator cuff repair surgery.

Patients and methods

Between May 2014 and March 2016, a total of 15 patients (5 males, 10 females; mean age 49.4±10.7 years; range, 33 to 71 years) with failed rotator cuff repair surgery who had at least six months of complaints and were refractory to at least of three months of conservative methods were included. Ultrasound-guided prolotherapy injections were performed under aseptic conditions, and the patients were instructed to carry out a home-based exercise program. Clinical assessment of shoulder function was performed using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) Index, patient satisfaction and shoulder range of motion. All patients were examined at baseline, at Week 3, 6, and 12 and at the final follow-up visit.

Results

The intra-group comparison showed that the patients achieved significant improvements at all time points, compared to baseline as measured by VAS, SPADI, WORC index, and shoulder range of motion (p<0.001). Twelve patients (80%) reported excellent or good outcomes.

Conclusion

Our study results show that prolotherapy is effective in the treatment of patients with failed rotator cuff repair surgery with significant improvements in the shoulder functions and pain relief.

Astym® therapy: a systematic review

Soft tissue dysfunction can result from the degeneration of tissues as in the case of degenerative tendinopathy or from the build-up of problematic scar tissue, which can be the result of several aggravating factors, including overuse injuries, acute or chronic trauma, or as a result of surgery. This dysfunction often results in impaired movement, pain, and swelling of the affected area, which can lead to patient dissatisfaction and a lower quality of life. These soft tissue dysfunctions also have a marked economic impact. Although a number of traditional treatments attempt to address these issues, no optimal treatment choice has emerged. Traditional treatments are not always successful, can be invasive, and can consume many medical resources. A relatively new treatment approach, Astym therapy, is a potentially useful, non-invasive, more cost-effective option. This therapy was developed to address soft-tissue dysfunctions by stimulating the regeneration of soft tissues and the resorption of inappropriate scar tissue/fibrosis. It has been reported to help with the resorption and remodeling of abnormal tissue, thereby leading to improved motion, function and pain relief. The purpose of this analysis was to review the published literature related to Astym therapy on various musculoskeletal disorders. Specifically, we evaluated the effectiveness of this therapeutic method on disorders related to the: (I) knee; (II) upper extremity; (III) hamstring muscles; and (IV) ankle and Achilles tendon injuries.

Arthrofibrosis Associated With Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Arthrofibrosis is a debilitating postoperative complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It is one of the leading causes of hospital readmission and a predominant reason for TKA failure. The prevalence of arthrofibrosis will increase as the annual incidence of TKA in the United States rises into the millions.

METHODS

In a narrative review of the literature, the etiology, economic burden, treatment strategies, and future research directions of arthrofibrosis after TKA are examined.

RESULTS

Characterized by excessive proliferation of scar tissue during an impaired wound healing response, arthrofibrotic stiffness causes functional deficits in activities of daily living. Postoperative, supervised physiotherapy remains the first line of defense against the development of arthrofibrosis. Also, adjuncts to traditional physiotherapy such as splinting and augmented soft tissue mobilization can be beneficial. The effectiveness of rehabilitation on functional outcomes depends on the appropriate timing, intensity, and progression of the program, accounting for the patient's ability and level of pain. Invasive treatments such as manipulation under anesthesia, debridement, and revision arthroplasty improve range of motion, but can be traumatic and costly. Future studies investigating novel treatments, early diagnosis, and potential preoperative screening for risk of arthrofibrosis will help target those patients who will need additional attention and tailored rehabilitation to improve TKA outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Arthrofibrosis is a multi-faceted complication of TKA, and is difficult to treat without an early, tailored, comprehensive rehabilitation program. Understanding the risk factors for its development and the benefits and shortcomings of various interventions are essential to best restore mobility and function.

Incidence and prognostic factors for postoperative frozen shoulder after shoulder surgery: a prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Frozen shoulder is a potential complication after shoulder surgery. It is a clinical condition that is often associated with marked disability and can have a profound effect on the patient's quality of life. The incidence, etiology, pathology and prognostic factors of postoperative frozen shoulder after shoulder surgery are not known. The purpose of this explorative study was to determine the incidence of postoperative frozen shoulder after various operative shoulder procedures. A second aim was to identify prognostic factors for postoperative frozen shoulder after shoulder surgery.

METHODS

505 consecutive patients undergoing elective shoulder surgery were included in this prospective cohort study. Follow-up was 6 months after surgery. A prediction model was developed to identify prognostic factors for postoperative frozen shoulder after shoulder surgery using the TRIPOD guidelines. We nominated five potential predictors: gender, diabetes mellitus, type of physiotherapy, arthroscopic surgery and DASH score.

RESULTS

Frozen shoulder was identified in 11% of the patients after shoulder surgery and was more common in females (15%) than in males (8%). Frozen shoulder was encountered after all types of operative procedures. A prediction model based on four variables (diabetes mellitus, specialized shoulder physiotherapy, arthroscopic surgery and DASH score) discriminated reasonably well with an AUC of 0.712.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative frozen shoulder is a serious complication after shoulder surgery, with an incidence of 11%. Four prognostic factors were identified for postoperative frozen shoulder: diabetes mellitus, arthroscopic surgery, specialized shoulder physiotherapy and DASH score. The combination of these four variables provided a prediction rule for postoperative frozen shoulder with reasonable fit.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prospective cohort study.

What can be seen after rotator cuff repair: a brief review of diagnostic imaging findings

Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in the postoperative evaluation of the rotator cuff, as pain and disability may occur or persist after treatment. Postoperative imaging is therefore of paramount importance for clinicians before planning additional treatments. Multimodality imaging of the postoperative shoulder includes radiography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, MR arthrography, computed tomography (CT), CT arthrography, and ultrasound. Correct interpretation of imaging findings of the postoperative shoulder necessitates that the radiologist be familiar with the various treatment strategies, their possible complications and sources of failure, knowledge of normal and abnormal postoperative findings, and awareness of the advantages and weaknesses of the different imaging techniques. Imaging findings, however, should always be correlated with the clinical presentation because postoperative imaging abnormalities do not necessarily correlate with symptoms. This manuscript is a review of some of the most common treatment strategies for rotator cuff pathology, with a focus on expected postoperative imaging findings and postoperative complications.

Frequency of Shoulder Corticosteroid Injections for Pain and Stiffness After Shoulder Surgery and Their Potential to Enhance Outcomes with Physiotherapy: A Retrospective Study

Introduction

What is the rate of injecting patients with shoulder corticosteroid injections to alleviate excessive stiffness and pain within 6 months after shoulder surgery?

Methods

Retrospective 10-year review of a shoulder surgeon’s practice. Participants included 754 patients who had 945 non-arthroplasty shoulder surgeries. Outcome measures included the rate of injections, diagnoses, patient characteristics, and efficacy via questionnaire.

Results

Approximately one in five patients received a subacromial and/or glenohumeral corticosteroid injection. Over 95% of patients stated that the injections helped reduce shoulder pain and increased function 6 weeks post-injection. Twenty-two percent of cases (208/945) received glenohumeral and/or subacromial injections. The 208 injected cases had these diagnoses: rotator cuff tear (28% of injected patients), subacromial impingement (20%), glenohumeral instability (16%), subacromial impingement with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis (10%), adhesive capsulitis (7%), SLAP lesion (5%), biceps tendinopathy (3%), glenohumeral instability with subacromial impingement (3%), proximal humerus fracture (2%), calcific tendinitis (2%), and less common conditions (4%). Diagnoses among those with the highest rates of injected patients per diagnosis included: SLAP lesions (40%), calcific tendinitis (40%), adhesive capsulitis (29%), subacromial impingement (28%), proximal humerus fracture (24%), rotator cuff tear (19%), and glenohumeral instability (16%). Significant differences (p < 0.03) were found between patients who did and did not receive injections with respect to age (more likely younger patients with cuff tear) and sex (more likely female with subacromial impingement and instability) but not for diabetes or arthroscopic vs. open procedures.

Conclusion

This is the first study to establish the rates of postoperative shoulder corticosteroid injections within the first 6 months after various non-arthroplasty shoulder surgeries for patients with high pain/stiffness. These data will be useful for establishing guidelines for using corticosteroid injections along with physiotherapy.

Complications of rotator cuff surgery-the role of post-operative imaging in patient care

When pain or disability occurs after rotator cuff surgery, post-operative imaging is frequently performed. Post-operative complications and expected post-operative imaging findings in the shoulder are presented, with a focus on MRI, MR arthrography (MRA) and CT arthrography. MR and CT techniques are available to reduce image degradation secondary to surgical distortions of native anatomy and implant-related artefacts and to define complications after rotator cuff surgery. A useful approach to image the shoulder after surgery is the standard radiography, followed by MRI/MRA for patients with low "metal presence" and CT for patients who have a higher metal presence. However, for the assessment of patients who have undergone surgery for rotator cuff injuries, imaging findings should always be correlated with the clinical presentation because post-operative imaging abnormalities do not necessarily correlate with symptoms.

Postoperative stiff shoulder after open rotator cuff repair: a 3- to 20-year follow-up study

Background and Aims:

Stiffness after a rotator cuff tear is common. So is stiffness after an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. In the literature, however, postoperative restriction of passive range of motion after open rotator cuff repair in shoulders with free passive range of motion at surgery has seldom been recognized. We hypothesize that this postoperative stiffness is more frequent than recognized and slows the primary postoperative healing after a rotator cuff reconstruction. We wondered how common is postoperative restriction of both active and passive range of motion after open rotator cuff repair in shoulders with free passive preoperative range of motion, how it recovers, and whether this condition influences short- and long-term results of surgery. We also explored factors predicting postoperative shoulder stiffness.

Material and Methods:

We retrospectively identified 103 postoperative stiff shoulders among 416 consecutive open rotator cuff repairs, evaluating incidence and duration of stiffness, short-term clinical results and long-term range of motion, pain relief, shoulder strength, and functional results 3–20 (mean 8.7) years after surgery in 56 patients.

Results:

The incidence of postoperative shoulder stiffness was 20%. It delayed primary postoperative healing by 3–6 months and resolved during a mean 6.3 months postoperatively. External rotation resolved first, corresponding to that of the controls at 3 months; flexion and abduction took less than 1 year after surgery. The mean summarized range of motion (flexion + abduction + external rotation) increased as high as 93% of the controls’ range of motion by 6 months and 100% by 1 year. Flexion, abduction, and internal rotation improved to the level of the contralateral shoulders as did pain, strength, and function. Age at surgery and condition of the biceps tendon were related to postoperative stiffness.

Conclusions:

Postoperative stiff shoulder after open rotator cuff repair is a common complication resolving in 6–12 months with good long-term results.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on surgical outcomes in sports medicine

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects a significant proportion of the patients evaluated and treated by orthopedic surgeons who specialize in sports medicine. Sports-medicine-related conditions associated with DM include tendinopathy, adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, and articular cartilage disease. This article reviews the current literature adressing the effect of DM on surgical outcomes in sports medicine. In general, patients with DM undergo operations more frequently and experience inferior surgical outcomes compared with patients without DM. Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased rates of complications from sports medicine procedures, such as infection, delayed healing, and failure of the operation. However, additional research is needed to determine the full impact of DM on patient outcomes in sports medicine. Surgeons should be cognizant of special considerations in the population of patients with DM and aim to tailor the surgical management of this growing patient population.

Arthroscopic treatment of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears

This study evaluated pre- and postoperative clinical and structural outcome data on anterosuperior rotator cuff tears involving the supraspinatus and subscapularis treated by arthroscopic methods. Between June 2006 and October 2007, a total of 155 consecutive patients underwent an arthroscopic repair for a supraspinatus or supraspinatus and infraspinatus (superior) rotator cuff tear. Of these, 44 (28%) were identified on preoperative imaging to have involvement of the subscapularis. Confirmation of subscapularis tears occurred during arthroscopic repair of the superior rotator cuff. If the subscapularis was found to be torn, it was documented, and an arthroscopic repair was performed. Postoperative clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed with the belly press and lift-off tests, range of motion, strength, pain score, Constant score, and either a magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram or a computed tomography arthrogram at an average of 15 months postoperatively. Failure was determined based on rotator cuff integrity on radiologic studies. Sixteen of the 44 anterosuperior rotator cuff tears identified on preoperative imaging were found to have a full-thickness subscapularis tear requiring repair on arthroscopic examination. On preoperative imaging, subscapularis tears were all either grade 1 or grade 2 (no complete grade 3 tears). Mean follow-up was 16.9 months (range, 13-24 months). Compared with preoperative values, significant postoperative improvements occurred in Constant scores, forward flexion, strength, and pain scores (P<.01). Patients also showed significant improvements in both the lift-off and belly press tests (P<.001). Mean postoperative patient satisfaction was 7.9 (range, 5-10) with 10 (59%) of 17 patients being extremely satisfied. Two of the 17 patients with an anterosuperior rotator cuff tear had confirmed retears of the supraspinatus (1 partial and 1 full-thickness) with no radiographic evidence of retear of any of the subscapularis repairs at most recent follow-up.

Adhesive capsulitis: review of imaging and treatment

Adhesive capsulitis is one of the most common conditions affecting the shoulder; however, early clinical diagnosis can be challenging. Treatment is most effective when commenced prior to the onset of capsular thickening and contracture; consequently, the role of imaging is increasing. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the typical imaging appearances of adhesive capsulitis and to examine some of the evidence regarding each of these imaging modalities. An evaluation of the various management options available to the clinician is also presented.

Management of the athlete with a failed shoulder instability procedure

The athlete with a failed instability procedure requires a thoughtful and systematic approach to achieve a good outcome. Goals of treatment should be defined and realistic expectations should be set. Revision stabilization has a high rate of recurrent instability, low rates of return to play, and low clinical outcome scores. Fundamental to successful revision surgery is choosing the correct procedure. The decision is straightforward in athletes with clear factors that predict recurrence (significant glenoid bone loss, engaging Hill-Sachs lesions) because only a bony procedure can restore the articular arc of the glenoid. Arthroscopic revision Bankart repair may be appropriate in those athletes who have an obvious Bankart tear and no bone loss after a traumatic reinjury. The challenge for the shoulder surgeon is identifying the best surgery for the athlete who does not have such clear-cut indications. Each factor that has the potential to lead to a poor outcome needs to be collected and calculated. Patient factors (age, laxity, type and level of sport), injury factors (mechanism of injury, capsulolabral injury, glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs lesion), and technical factors (previous surgery performed, integrity of repair, scarring) must be integrated into the treatment algorithm. Based on this collection of factors, the shoulder surgeon should be prepared to provide the athlete with the surgery that provides the best chance to return to playing sports and the lowest risk of recurrent instability.

Shoulder stiffness and rotator cuff repair

INTRODUCTION

Shoulder stiffness is a frequent complication of surgical repair of rotator cuff tears. Post-operative stiffness negatively affects surgical outcomes leading to a substantial comorbidity and to the failure of surgical treatment. Also, a stiff shoulder could commonly be concomitant with an rotator cuff tear (RCT).

SOURCES OF DATA

We performed a comprehensive search of CINAHL, Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, from inception of the database to 31 July 2011. Sixteen articles published in peer-reviewed journals were included in this comprehensive review.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

The management of shoulder stiffness is still controversial. The role of rehabilitation programs (standard versus early passive mobilization) after RCT repair on the development of stiffness is not clear, while the role of arthroscopic capsular release for post-operative stiffness is better defined, although a threshold of decreased the range of movement for which capsular release is advised has not been identified.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Several factors have been identified to predispose the development of shoulder stiffness. There is also evidence in favor of surgical management of RCTs even when accompanied by shoulder stiffness, and there are strong evidences that arthroscopic capsular release is reliable and effective in managing shoulder stiffness.

GROWING POINTS

The post-operative rehabilitation protocol remains controversial. We are still far from definitive guidelines for the management of pre- and post-operative stiffness, and prospective double-blinded randomized clinical trials are needed to obtain evidence allowing to establish a reliable and effective management plan for shoulder stiffness.