MCID is increasingly used as a measure of patients' improvement. However, MCID does not yet adequately capture the clinical importance of patients' improvement.

The MCID is increasingly used as a measure of patients' improvement. However, the MCID does not yet adequately capture the clinical importance of patients' improvement.

Background In shoulder arthroplasty, cerclage fixation techniques are used to stabilize osteotomies, fractures, and allografts. Fixation techniques including cerclage with metal and polymer cables have been described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate suture cerclage fixation of the humeral shaft during shoulder arthroplasty. Materials and methods Shoulder arthroplasty cases performed from 2012-2017 by 3 fellowship-trained shoulder arthroplasty surgeons were reviewed. Cases in which suture cerclage was used for osteotomy, fracture, or allograft fixation were identified. Demographic data, indications, implant types, fixation techniques, and complications were reviewed. Postoperative radiographs were analyzed for union, component loosening, and loss of fixation. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Results A total of 27 patients (3 primary and 24 revision cases) with a mean age of 69.6 years (range, 28-88 years) were available for follow-up at a mean of 12.6 months (range, 0.8-42.3 months) postoperatively. Humeral osteotomy alone was performed in 15 cases. Allograft alone was used in 1 case. Both allograft and osteotomy were used in 6 cases. Complications occurred in 3 patients (11%), comprising 1 postoperative periprosthetic fracture and 2 prosthetic joint infections; all required further surgery. Radiographs at final follow-up showed healing of all osteotomies and fractures. No hardware failure or implant loosening occurred. The mean postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores were significantly improved (α = .05) compared with preoperative scores, from 21.4 to 44.5 ( P = .002) and from 26.7 to 74.1 ( P < .001), respectively. Conclusion Suture cerclage is safe and effective for humeral fixation in shoulder arthroplasty.

Summary: Radial head fractures are common injuries comprising 1/3 of the fractures about the elbow. As a secondary valgus stabilizer of the elbow, radial head fractures can compromise elbow stability leading to long-term pain, dysfunction, and degenerative change. Furthermore, radial head fractures can be accompanied by associated injuries including ligamentous lesions that can further exacerbate elbow instability, leading to long-term sequelae. As fixation principles and technology have evolved, so has the ability to render surgical treatment for these fractures. In general, minimally displaced and some displaced fractures may be treated nonoperatively with early motion. Fractures with a block to rotation and displaced fragments with 3 or fewer fragments may be treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Comminuted fractures or those with greater than 3 fragments may be successfully treated with radial head replacement. Associated elbow instability will also influence treatment decisions.

Results: 86 of the 91 patients randomized into the FAITH-2 pilot study were deemed eligible. There were no significant differences in patient-reported function or HRQL between the treatment groups at 12 months post-fracture. At the 6-and 9-month assessments, a potential benefit in hip function was seen in the cancellous screw group. In all treatment groups, participants reported lower function and HRQL at 12 months post-fracture as compared to their pre-injury assessment.Conclusions: Few differences were found in function and HRQL among the treatment groups in the FAITH-2 pilot study. Despite modern implants and vitamin D supplementation, neither function nor HRQL returns to baseline in this population. Additional effort s to improve the outcomes of these challenging injuries are still needed.