Association of the Posterior Acromion Extension with Glenoid Retroversion: A CT Study in Normal and Osteoarthritic Shoulders

Posterior eccentric glenoid wear is associated with higher complication rates after shoulder arthroplasty. The recently reported association between the acromion shape and glenoid retroversion in both normal and osteoarthritic shoulders remains controversial. The three-dimensional coordinates of the angulus acromialis (AA) and acromioclavicular joint were examined in the scapular coordinate system. Four acromion angles were defined from these two acromion landmarks: the acromion posterior angle (APA), acromion tilt angle (ATA), acromion length angle (ALA), and acromion axial tilt angle (AXA). Shoulder computed tomography scans of 112 normal scapulae and 125 patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis were analyzed with simple and stepwise multiple linear regressions between all morphological acromion parameters and glenoid retroversion. In normal scapulae, the glenoid retroversion angle was most strongly correlated with the posterior extension of the AA (R2 = 0.48, p < 0.0001), which can be conveniently characterized by the APA. Combining the APA with the ALA and ATA helped slightly improve the correlation (R2 = 0.55, p < 0.0001), but adding the AXA did not. In osteoarthritic scapulae, a critical APA > 15 degrees was found to best identify glenoids with a critical retroversion angle > 8 degrees. The APA is more strongly associated with the glenoid retroversion angle in normal than primary osteoarthritic scapulae.

Indications and outcomes of glenoid osteotomy for posterior shoulder instability: a systematic review

Background There is limited evidence examining glenoid osteotomy as a treatment for posterior shoulder instability. Methods A search of Medline, Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted from the date of origin to 28th November 2019. Nine out of 3,408 retrieved studies met the inclusion criteria and quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies tool. Results In 356 shoulders, the main indication for osteotomy was excessive glenoid retroversion (greater than or equal to approximately −10°). The mean preoperative glenoid version was −15° (range, −35° to −5°). Post-operatively, the mean glenoid version was −6° (range, −28° to 13°) and an average correction of 10° (range, −1° to 30°) was observed. Range of motion increased significantly in most studies and all standardized outcome scores (Rowe, Constant–Murley, Oxford instability, Japan Shoulder Society Shoulder Instability Scoring and mean shoulder value) improved significantly with high rates of patient satisfaction (85%). A high complication rate (34%, n = 120) was reported post-surgery, with frequent cases of persistent instability (20%, n = 68) and fractures (e.g., glenoid neck and acromion) (4%, n = 12). However, the revision rate was low (0.6%, n = 2). Conclusion Glenoid osteotomy is an appropriate treatment for posterior shoulder instability secondary to excessive glenoid retroversion. However, the high rate of persistent instability should be considered when making treatment decisions. Level of Evidence: Systematic review; Level 4

The Influence of Glenoid Retroversion on Posterior Shoulder Instability: A Cadaveric Study (214)

Objectives: Increased glenoid retroversion has been associated with an increased risk of posterior glenohumeral instability. Normal mean glenoid version is between 0-7° of retroversion depending on the population and measurement method. Retroversion can range above 20°, notably in patients with glenoid dysplasia. Increased glenoid retroversion has also been proposed as a risk factor for failure after primary soft tissue repair. Arthroscopic repair is the most common surgical treatment; however, this does not address cases of increased glenoid retroversion. What has not been identified is the degree of glenoid retroversion associated with recurrent instability or failed repair. The goal of our work is to (1) measure how resistance to posterior translation changes as retroversion increases, (2) examine if labral tear results in a greater decrease to resistance at increasing degrees of retroversion, and (3) to determine the degree of retroversion at which labral repair fails to restore the resistance of the intact, neutral version state. Methods: Eight fresh frozen cadaveric shoulder specimens (age 50-64, 4 male) were prepared, maintaining bone and capsulolabral tissue. The scapula and humerus were potted using quick-set polyurethane. CT scans were obtained to establish a scapular 3D coordinate system relative to the potting. Specimens were mounted on a 6 degree of freedom musculoskeletal simulation robotic arm (KUKA KR 6 R700, Augsburg, Germany) and referenced to the coordinate system. The humeral head was centered on the glenoid using a 50N compressive force, and the humerus was translated posterior-inferiorly (30° inferior to the midline) at 1mm/sec in neutral rotation for 10mm. The shoulder was positioned in 30° of abduction and 30° of flexion, based on prior protocol. Custom simVITRO (Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, US) labview-based control software measured peak resistance at 0° of version and then in 5° increments of retroversion until the specimen dislocated, up to 30° of retroversion. Version was adjusted through use of a multiplanar vice. A posterior labral tear was created from the 2 to 6 o’clock position on a left shoulder, and the same testing parameters were performed. Vertical mattress sutures using 4 independent bone tunnels were used to repair the labrum and the same version iterations were tested. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the peak resistance to translation for each degree of version in the intact, cut and repaired states. The maximum likelihood estimators of the model were adjusted for any model misspecification using classical sandwich estimation. Post hoc pairwise comparisons between conditions were conducted via orthogonal contrasts. The Holm-test was used to calculate adjusted p-values and confidence intervals. Statistical significance was established at the P<0.05 level and all interval estimates were calculated for 95% confidence. Results: The mean peak resistance for the intact labral state decreased significantly for each interval increase in retroversion when the humerus was translated posterior-inferiorly (Figure 1). On average, a 1° increase in retroversion correlated with a 3.5% decrease in resistance to translation. Dislocation with an intact labrum without any posterior force occurred at a mean of 22.7° (range 15-30°) of retroversion. After labral tear, resistance forces to posterior-inferior translation decreased but not significantly from the intact state. However, the percent change of resistance force decreased 41% at 25° of retroversion; this was notably higher than the percent change at 0-15° of retroversion (range 2.7-6.5% decrease) but was not statistically significant (Figure 2). Compared to the intact state at 0° version, there was a 45% and 81% decrease in resistance after labral repair at 20° and 25° of retroversion, respectively (p=0.04 and p=0.004). Conclusions: Glenoid retroversion has a significant effect on resistance to posterior humeral head translation, with each degree increase accounting for 3.5% of resistance to translation. Cutting the labrum at 0-15° of retroversion does not have a significant effect on resistance to posterior inferior humeral translation; however, at 25° of retroversion cutting the labrum results in a 41% decrease in resistance. Similarly, labral repair at 20-25° of retroversion does not recreate peak resistance values of the intact state at 0-5° of retroversion. These findings point to the bony anatomy (retroversion) playing a larger role in preventing posterior instability than the labrum. It also provides evidence that the labrum plays a more significant role in stability at higher degrees of retroversion, and labral repair in patients with >20° of retroversion may be subjected to a relatively greater percentage of force than those at lesser degrees of retroversion.

Early outcomes of augmented glenoid components in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review

Background The objective was to evaluate the short-term clinical and radiological outcomes following augmented anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with posterior glenoid deficiency. Methods An electronic search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed identified studies reporting clinical and radiographic outcomes following augmented anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty among patients with posterior glenoid deficiency. Results Nine studies including 312 shoulders underwent anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty using an augmented glenoid implant between 2015 and 2020. A statistically significant improvement in range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant, University of California - Los Angeles and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores was demonstrated at mean follow-up of 37.1 months. Glenoid retroversion improved from 21.8° to 9.5°. At final follow-up, radiolucency was reported in 35.1% of shoulders. The 16° full-wedge augment led to higher and more severe radiographic lucency, while high peg perforation rates (44%) were observed among 5-mm augment stepped implants. The overall rate of complication was 2.6%. Rate of revision surgery was 1.9%. Conclusions Overall, early- to mid-term outcomes following augmented anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty for posterior glenoid deficiency demonstrate good to excellent overall clinical results. More radiographic and clinical failures were reported in larger full wedge (16°) augments and stepped augments (5 mm). Prospective studies examining mid- and long-term outcomes will help further elucidate safety and efficacy of these relatively new implants.

Muscle volume imbalance may be associated with static posterior humeral head subluxation

Background The transverse force couple (TFC) of the rotator cuff (subscapularis vs. infraspinatus and teres minor muscle) is an important dynamic stabilizer of the shoulder joint in the anterior-posterior direction. In patients with posterior static subluxation of the humeral head (PSSH), decentration of the humeral head posteriorly occurs, which is associated with premature arthritis. We hypothesize that not only pathologic glenoid retroversion but also chronic muscle volume imbalance in the transverse force couple leads to PSSH. Methods A retrospective analysis of the TFC muscle volumes of 9 patients with symptomatic, atraumatic PSSH, within 8 were treated with glenoid correction osteotomy, was conducted. The imaging data (CT) of 9 patients/10 shoulders of the full scapula and shoulder were analyzed, and the muscle volumes of the subscapularis (SSC), infraspinatus (ISP) and teres minor muscles (TMM) were measured by manually marking the muscle contours on transverse slices and calculating the volume from software. Furthermore, the glenoid retroversion and glenohumeral distance were measured. Results The mean glenoid retroversion was − 16° (− 7° to − 31°). The observed mean glenohumeral distance was 4.0 mm (0 to 6.8 mm). Our study population showed a significant muscle volume imbalance between the subscapularis muscle and the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles (192 vs. 170 ml; p = 0.005). There was no significant correlation between the subscapularis muscle volume and the glenohumeral distance (r = 0.068), (p = 0.872). Conclusion The muscle volume of the SSC in patients with PSSH was significantly higher than the muscle volume of the posterior force couple (ISP and TMM). This novel finding, albeit in a small series of patients, may support the theory that transverse force couple imbalance is associated with PSSH. Level of evidence Level 4 – Case series with no comparison group.