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Research Article|Articles in Press

Superior Capsular Reconstruction Partially Restores Native Glenohumeral Joint Loads In A Dynamic Biomechanical Shoulder Model

      Abstract

      Purpose

      To evaluate the effect of an irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear (PSRCT) on glenohumeral joint loads and to quantify improvement following superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) using an acellular dermal allograft.

      Methods

      Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested using a validated dynamic shoulder simulator. A pressure mapping sensor was placed between the humeral head and glenoid surface. Each specimen underwent the following conditions: (1) native, (2) irreparable PSRCT, (3) SCR using a 3mm-thick acellular dermal allograft. Glenohumeral abduction angle (gAA) and superior humeral head migration (SM) were measured using 3D motion tracking software. Cumulative deltoid force (cDF) and glenohumeral contact mechanics, including contact area (gCA) and contact pressure (gCP), were assessed at rest,15°,30°,45°, and maximum angle of glenohumeral abduction.

      Results

      The PSRCT resulted in a significant decrease of gAA along with an increase in SM, cDF, and gCP (P<.001, respectively). SCR did not restore native gAA (P<.001), however, SM was significantly reduced (P<.001). Further, SCR significantly reduced deltoid forces at 30° (P=.007) and 45° of abduction (P=.007) when compared to the PSRCT. SCR did not restore native cDF at 30°(P=.015), 45°(P<.001), and maximum angle (P<.001) of glenohumeral abduction. Compared to the PSRCT, SCR resulted in a significant decrease of gCP at 15°(P=.008), 30°(P=.002), and 45°(P=.006). However, SCR did not completely restore native gCP at 45° (P=.038) and maximum abduction angle (P=.014).

      Conclusion

      In this dynamic shoulder model, SCR only partially restored native glenohumeral joint loads. However, SCR significantly decreased glenohumeral contact pressure, cumulative deltoid forces, and superior migration, while increasing abduction motion, when compared to the posterosuperior rotator cuff tear.

      Clinical Relevance

      These observations raise concerns regarding the true joint preserving potential of SCR for an irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear, along with its ability to delay progression of cuff tear arthropathy and eventual conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty.
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