No abstract

Aims Existing literature indicates that inferiorly inclined glenoid baseplates following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) produce better outcomes compared to superiorly inclined baseplates. We aim to compare clinical outcomes for RSAs with superiorly and neutrally/inferiorly inclined lateralized glenospheres. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 154 consecutive patients undergoing RSA between July 2015 and July 2017 by one single-fellowship trained surgeon (AJ). Two raters (KAM and MVS) independently measured glenoid inclination in preoperative and minimum two year follow-up radiographs (anteroposterior/Grashey) using the RSA angle. Inclination was then compared to patient-reported outcomes, range of motion (ROM), and independently assessed degree of scapular notching and staging of heterotopic ossification at two year follow-up. Results Median postoperative inclination for each group was found to be -3.6° (interquartile range (IQR) -2.1 to -6.9) and 6.0° (3.2° to 10.1°) for the neutrally/inferiorly and superiorly inclined cohorts, respectively. Preoperative inclination was highly associated with postoperative inclination (p = 0.004). When comparing superiorly and neutrally/inferiorly inclined glenospheres, there were no differences in heterotopic ossification (p = 0.606), scapular notching (p = 0.367), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (p = 0.419), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (p = 0.417), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score (p = 0.290), forward elevation (p = 0.161), external rotation (p = 0.537), or internal rotation (p = 0.656). Conclusion Compared to neutral and inferior inclination, up to 6° ± 3° of superior glenoid baseplate inclination on a lateralized RSA design produces no differences in postoperative ROM or patient-reported outcomes, and produces similar levels of scapular notching and heterotopic ossification. Additionally, the degree of preoperative inclination represents an important factor in surgical decision-making as it is strongly associated with postoperative inclination. It is important to note that the findings of this study are only reflective of lateralized RSA prostheses. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):360–365.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort. Objectives: Allocating cost is challenging with traditional hospital accounting. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) is an efficient method to accurately assign cost. We sought to characterize the variation in direct total hospital cost (THC) among both lumbar fusion approaches and surgeons. Methods: Patients were treated with single-level anterior interbody (ALIF), lateral interbody (LLIF), transforaminal interbody (TLIF), instrumented posterolateral (PLF) or in-situ fusion (ISF) for degenerative disease. Process maps were developed for preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care. THC was composed of implant, medication, other supply, and personnel costs. Linear regression and descriptive statistics were used to analyze THC variation. Results: A total of 696 patients underwent surgery by 8 surgeons. Approximately 50% of THC variation was associated with procedure choice while patient characteristics explained 10%. Implants (including biologics) accounted for 45% of cost. With reference to PLF, THC ranged from 0.6x (ISF) to 1.7x (LLIF). Implant cost ranged from 2.5x reference (LLIF) to 0.1x (ISF). There was a 1.7x difference between the highest THC surgeon and the lowest. The fusion type with the highest THC variation was TLIF. The surgeon with the highest TLIF THC was 1.5x more expensive than the surgeon with the lowest. Conclusions: Surgeon-based choices have the greatest effect on THC variation and represent the largest opportunities for cost savings. Primary single-level lumbar fusion THC is driven primarily by fusion type. Implants, including biologics, account for nearly half this cost. Future work should incorporate outcomes data to characterize the differential value conferred by higher THC fusions.

Background US Food and Drug Administration Investigation Device Exemption studies and academic journals emphasize the importance of two-year follow-up data in reporting outcomes of total shoulder arthroplasty, but there is limited data evaluating appropriate follow-up length. We aim to evaluate change in postoperative outcomes and complications between one and two years following anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasties. Methods We retrospectively identified 250 patients who underwent anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasties between 2013 and 2016 from a single surgeon arthroplasty registry. Patients without both one- and two-year follow-up data were excluded. We compared American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Visual Analog Scale for pain, and goniometer-measured range of motion. Results Patient-reported outcome measurements ( p > 0.05) did not change between one and two years postoperatively following both reverse ( n = 146) and anatomic ( n = 104) total shoulder arthroplasties. Range of motion increased slightly ( p < 0.05), but this change was not clinically relevant. There were no additional complications. Discussion Minimum two-year clinical follow-up may not be necessary for future shoulder arthroplasty Investigation Device Exemption and other peer-reviewed investigations. Patient-reported outcomes (ASES and pain score) and range of motion plateau at one year postoperatively without additional complications. One-year follow-up is an acceptable minimum follow-up length. Level of evidence Level III—retrospective analysis.

No abstract