Keywords
arthroplasty, replacement - shoulder - tomography - radiography, digital - prosthesis failure
Introduction
Shoulder arthroplasty is recognized as an efficient treatment for degenerative conditions of this joint, leading to satisfactory outcomes.[1]
[2]
[3]
[4] Consequently, the number of primary shoulder replacements has risen significantly.[5]
[6] Forty-seven thousand shoulder arthroplasties were performed in 2008 in the USA, approximately two and a half times the 19,000 performed in 1998.[6] Jain and Yamaguchi[5] observed an increase in the number of primary shoulder replacements in the USA from 52,397 to 67,184 between 2009 and 2011. The most common indication was osteoarthritis.[5]
[7]
Satisfactory results may be obtained with hemiarthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA),[8]
[9] but the latter is associated with better outcomes in terms of general health, recovery of function, patient satisfaction, and pain relief.[10]
[11] In addition, hemiarthroplasty is associated with a higher reoperation rate due to progressive erosion of the glenoid.[10] Even so, TSA is not free of complications, and surgeons must concern themselves with glenoid component loosening, which is the most common cause of reoperation following this procedure.[12] Throckmorton et al[2] found no clinical or radiological difference in the outcomes of TSA with the use of pegged and keeled glenoid components, but most other studies have shown that the peg variant is associated with better radiological outcomes[10] and lower reoperation rates.[13] The medial surface of the glenoid component also deserves attention. Convex-backed implants have led to more favorable outcomes than have flat-backed components, and metal-backed components have been reported to increase the risk of complications from loosening and disconnection between the metallic base and the polyethylene surface.[10]
In 2001, Wirth et al.[14] used a canine model to test a newly designed polyethylene glenoid component (Anchor Peg [DePuy Synthes; Warsaw, IN, USA]) composed of minimally cemented peripheral pegs surrounding a long central press-fit peg with radial flanges. The spaces between the central peg's flanges are filled with bone graft removed from the resected humeral head, promoting integration and interdigitation between the peg and the native bone.[15] This form of fixation may be more effective and longer lasting, avoiding loosening and early TSA failure.[14] Subsequent studies have shown encouraging results with this component design.[3]
[15]
The objective of this study was to evaluate osteointegration between the strands of the central peg of the minimally cemented glenoid component using computed tomography (CT) and roentgenograms. Secondary objectives were to identify the distribution of radiolucent areas and compare them with the obtained clinical results.
Materials and Methods
Patients, Study Design, and Ethical Considerations
Twenty-three patients underwent TSA using the Anchor Peg (DePuy Synthes) glenoid component between July 2008 and August 2013. This retrospective, transversal, and interventional study was devised between September 2014 and March 2015. After approval was obtained from the institution's ethics committee, 23 patients were contacted and summoned for clinical and radiographical evaluation. Six patients could not be reached (one was deceased, two could not be found, and three lived in other states). The sample, thus, comprised 19 shoulders in 17 patients (5 male and 12 female) with a mean age of 65 (range, 42–80) years.
The inclusion criteria were primary or secondary osteoarthritis, having performed TSA using an Anchor Peg Glenoid (DePuy Synthes), and minimum follow-up period of 24 months. Patients with associated rotator cuff tears and those undergoing hemiarthroplasty or receiving other models of shoulder prosthesis were excluded.
Surgical Technique
All patients were operated on under general anesthesia and a brachial plexus block while in the “beach chair” position. The affected upper limb was scrubbed and draped in a way that allowed free mobilization during surgery. The deltopectoral approach was used in all cases. Initially, the tendon of the long head of the biceps was identified, and tenodesis was performed by suture to the pectoralis major tendon. After subscapularis tendon peeling, the humeral head was exposed and osteotomized using an intramedullary guide. After preparation of the humeral diaphysis, the glenoid was exposed, and anterior, inferior, and superior capsulotomy was performed. Circumferential excision of the labrum aided identification of the exact limits of the articular rim. The center of the glenoid was then identified for the insertion of a guide wire and posterior drilling of the central hole ([Fig. 1A]). A circular ream was then used to remove the cartilage, with care taken to avoid damage to the subchondral bone ([Fig. 1B]). Eccentric reaming was performed in cases in which correction of the glenoid version was necessary, usually with the removal of more bone anteriorly than posteriorly. Using the appropriate guide, the three peripheral holes were drilled ([Fig. 1C]). After adequate control of bleeding, bone cement was inserted into these holes using a syringe. Bone graft removed from the head was inserted between the flanges of the central peg of the polyethylene glenoid component ([Fig. 1D]), which was then inserted ([Fig. 1E]). Direct pressure was applied with a glenoid pusher to ensure the achievement of a perfect fit to the reamed glenoid surface. On the humeral side, the metallic cementless stem and head were then inserted into the reamed canal. The subscapularis tendon was then repaired with Orthocord transosseous non-absorbable sutures (DePuy Synthes). Soft-tissue balance is then tested by performing stability tests and measuring anterior and posterior translation.
Fig. 1 Deltopectoral approach in a left shoulder showing: (A) glenoid central hole; (B) glenoid reaming; (C) positioning of the drilling guide to make peripheral holes; (D) autologous bone graft between central peg fins; (E) final aspect of implanted glenoid component.
Clinical Evaluation
All patients underwent clinical evaluation, including an interview and specific physical examination of the shoulder. They were asked about eventual symptoms and the capacity to perform daily activities. Physical examination was performed to evaluate muscle trophism, active and passive ranges of motion, and strength. Shoulder function was classified according to the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scale.[16]
Radiological Evaluation
Simple roentgenograms were taken in the anteroposterior, outlet, and axillary views. Computed tomography was performed in all patients as part of the institution's protocol using a Brilliance 64 scanner (Philips Medical Systems, Cleveland, OH, USA), with axial plane acquisitions with the patient in dorsal decubitus and 1 to 2-mm thick reconstruction in the sagittal and coronal planes.
Two observers (a radiologist with vast experience in the musculoskeletal field and a fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeon, with more than ten years in practice) evaluated the images separately and reached consensus on the results recorded for each case. On both image types, the presence, location, and extension of radiolucent lines in the glenoid compartment was assessed, as suggested by Vidil et al.[3] The spaces between the flanges of the central peg were examined to determine the presence of bone trabeculae suggesting ingrowth. An implant was considered to be totally integrated when bone trabeculae were found in all spaces ([Fig. 2]), partially integrated when ingrowth was observed in only some spaces ([Fig. 3]), and non-integrated when no trabecula was observed ([Fig. 4]).
Fig. 2 Computed tomography images showing complete osteointegration of the central peg. Note the presence of bone in all spaces between the fins of the central peg (arrows), in coronal (A) and axial (B) views.
Fig. 3 Coronal computed tomography image of a left shoulder showing partial osteointegration of the central peg. Note the presence of bone in some spaces between the fins of the central peg (arrow).
Fig. 4 Coronal computed tomography image of a right shoulder showing the absence of osteointegration of the central peg. No bone is seen between the fins of the central peg (arrow).
Statistical Analysis
The data was stored and analyzed with the SPSS Statistics for Windows 20.0. software (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, USA). A Freeman-Halton extension of the Fisher exact test was applied to evaluate the distribution of radiolucent lines among the different areas of the glenoid component. And a Spearman test was used to identify correlations between the presence of these lines on radiologic exams and the clinical results measured mainly by the UCLA shoulder score.
Results
The data obtained in the present study are shown in [Table 1]. Osteointegration of the central peg was observed in 58% of cases; it was partial in 16% and total in 42% of cases. The remaining 42% of cases showed no osteointegration.
Table 1
Patient
|
Sex
|
Age (years)
|
Dominant limb
|
OA etiology
|
Follow-up (months)
|
OI
|
RL
|
Vidil zone of RL
|
UCLA score
|
1
|
M
|
73
|
No
|
Primary
|
57
|
Absent
|
Y
|
5
|
34
|
2
|
F
|
75
|
No
|
Primary
|
46
|
Complete
|
N
|
0
|
29
|
3
|
F
|
78
|
No
|
Primary
|
13
|
Complete
|
Y
|
5
|
32
|
4
|
F
|
76
|
Yes
|
Primary
|
45
|
Partial
|
Y
|
5
|
32
|
5
|
F
|
80
|
Yes
|
Primary
|
14
|
Complete
|
N
|
0
|
22
|
6
|
M
|
42
|
Yes
|
Primary
|
16
|
Partial
|
Y
|
5
|
25
|
7
|
F
|
59
|
Yes
|
Primary
|
12
|
Absent
|
N
|
0
|
33
|
8
|
F
|
59
|
No
|
Primary
|
48
|
Complete
|
N
|
0
|
34
|
9
|
F
|
58
|
No
|
Secondary
|
27
|
Complete
|
N
|
0
|
25
|
10
|
F
|
64
|
No
|
Primary
|
55
|
Absent
|
N
|
0
|
28
|
11
|
F
|
73
|
Yes
|
Primary
|
68
|
Absent
|
Y
|
8
|
28
|
12
|
F
|
70
|
Yes
|
Primary
|
27
|
Complete
|
N
|
0
|
30
|
13
|
F
|
70
|
No
|
Primary
|
48
|
Absent
|
Y
|
5
|
31
|
14
|
F
|
59
|
Yes
|
Primary
|
53
|
Absent
|
Y
|
5
|
32
|
15
|
M
|
51
|
No
|
Secondary
|
55
|
Complete
|
Y
|
4
|
17
|
16
|
F
|
77
|
Yes
|
Primary
|
71
|
Absent
|
Y
|
5
|
32
|
17
|
M
|
60
|
No
|
Secondary
|
35
|
Partial
|
N
|
0
|
32
|
18
|
F
|
67
|
Yes
|
Secondary
|
17
|
Complete
|
N
|
0
|
28
|
19
|
M
|
53
|
Yes
|
Primary
|
19
|
Absent
|
Y
|
5
|
27
|
Radiolucent lines were found in 10 (52%) cases, in areas 4, 5, and 8 ([Table 1]). Area 5, around the central peg, was the most common site of radiolucent lines (p = 0.008). The lines were longer than 1.5 mm in only one case. They were more common in cases without osteointegration of the central peg, although this difference was not significant.
Seventy-nine percent of cases underwent surgery because of primary osteoarthritis, and 21% underwent surgery because of secondary osteoarthritis, all due to trauma sequelae. Three of these cases had closed fractures and one was caused by a firearm. No significant association was found between fracture etiology and the presence of radiolucent lines, although radiolucent lines were absent in the four cases of secondary osteoarthritis.
According to the UCLA functional scale,[16] the results were satisfactory in 73.69% of cases, regular in 21%, and poor in one (5,3%) case ([Table 2]). No correlation was found between age, the duration of symptoms before surgery, or the presence of osteointegration or radiolucent lines and the clinical results according to the UCLA scale ([Table 3]). During the follow-up period, no patient presented any complication, related or unrelated to the surgery.
Table 2
UCLA score
|
Number of patients (%)
|
Excellent (34–35)
|
2 (10.53)
|
Good (28–33)
|
12 (63.16)
|
Fair (21–27)
|
4 (21.05)
|
Poor (< 20)
|
1 (5.26)
|
Table 3
|
|
Follow-up duration
|
UCLA score
|
Age
|
r
|
0.093
|
0.266
|
p
|
0.704
|
0.272
|
Follow-up duration
|
r
|
|
0.163
|
p
|
|
0.506
|
Discussion
Although humeral component survival rates remain high,[1] problems with the glenoid, many of which are difficult to solve, remain the main cause for revision TSA.[10]
[17] Bonnevialle et al.[18] demonstrated a high rate of loosening recurrence after revision TSA. In search of a more durable design, Wirth et al.[14] tested a new glenoid component composed of a central and three peripheral pegs in dogs. Only the peripheral pegs are cemented; the central peg is inserted under pressure, in the attempt to avoid the deleterious effects of cement on the glenoid bone stock[19] and increase fixation to the native bone, as the spaces between the central peg's flanges allow bony ingrowth.
Few studies analyzed the osteointegration of the Anchor Peg glenoid component in patients who have undergone TSA. Although ∼ 33,000 of these components have been implanted worldwide since 2011,[15] few studies have reported on the outcomes obtained. This fact corroborates the fact that only 5% of all shoulder arthroplasties are the object of scientific publication.[7]
The radiographic results described in studies of the cementless finned, central pegged glenoid component and other component designs are heterogeneous, with radiolucent lines reported in 0 to 94% of cases.[20] In a simple roentgenogram study of patients who received Anchor Peg components, Churchill et al.[21] reported osteointegration in 85% of cases and a 25% incidence of radiolucent lines. In contrast, Groh[22] reported osteointegration in 24 of 83 (29%) patients in another simple roentgenogram study. Arnold et al.[23] assessed CT images, as in the present study, and reported osteointegration in 23 of 35 (65%) cases and radiolucent lines in 11 (31%) cases. Wirth et al.[15] evaluated the presence of radiolucent lines around the glenoid component on simple roentgenograms and reported an incidence of 68% (30 of 44 cases). Vidil et al.[3] reported the presence of osteointegration in 21 of 26 (80%) operated cases, based on CT assessment. Wijeratna et al.[24] reported osteointegration in 68 out of 83 shoulders with the Anchor Peg glenoid and 78 patients had no radiolucent lines in CT scans. Kilian et al.[17] and Merolla et al.[25] reported lower rates of bone ingrowth, 25% and 23%, respectively. Progressive radiolucency lines were seen in 28 out of 30 glenoid components in the latter. In our study, osteointegration was observed in 11 of 19 (58%) patients; this rate is average among the previous studies.
We believe that the variation in the reported incidence of radiolucent lines is due to several factors. Some studies involved the assessment of roentgenograms only,[15]
[21]
[22] whereas others used CT images.[3]
[23] Even among studies employing the same radiological method, different evaluation protocols may have been used. The susceptibility of imaging studies of the glenoid component to errors, especially when simple roentgenograms are assessed, is well documented; interpretation based on CT images is more accurate.[24]
[26]
[27] Another important factor is the duration of follow-up, as the prevalence of radiolucent lines is known to increase with time.[15] Finally, a single experienced surgeon performed all operations in some, but not all, studies. Lazarus et al.[20] reported better radiological results of glenoid component implantation performed by the most experienced surgeon, and this factor could contribute to the discrepancy among reports. The influence of the cementation technique on the incidence of radiolucent lines around the glenoid component has been described.[28]
[29] Thus, the application of a better cementation technique, usually by a more experienced surgeon, could prevent the appearance of these radiolucent signs. This factor may partially explain the absence of radiolucent lines in cases of secondary osteoarthritis in this study, although these cases are technically more demanding and adequate glenoid component positioning is more difficult to obtain than in cases of primary osteoarthritis. The senior surgeons at our institution performed these surgeries, a factor that we believe explains these results.
The exact implication of the presence of radiolucent lines around the glenoid component is not known. They occur in up to 94% of cases,[20] and their presence seems to have no effect on the clinical results.[1]
[21]
[24]
[25] In this study, we found no influence of this variable on the UCLA score. In addition, the definition of component loosening varies significantly among studies.[1]
[20]
[30] Most authors have considered the thickness of a radiolucent line and its extension along different regions of the component. In the present study, no patient fulfilled any criteria for component loosening. Only one patient presented a radiolucent line longer than 1.5 mm, which was located exclusively around the central peg. According to the UCLA scale, a good clinical result was obtained in this patient. Our study revealed poor correlation between clinical and radiographic findings, although a longer follow-up period may be necessary. Age, duration of symptoms, presence of osteointegration and radiolucent lines did not influence the clinical results. Similar findings were reported by Wijeratna et al.[24] However, a recent study showed that patients whose glenoid components had radiolucent lines demonstrated lower improvements of forward elevation and all patient-reported outcomes.[31]
Although the absence of osteointegration has not been proven to have clinical consequence,[24] the achievement of osteointegration in all patients is considered to be desirable. Using radiostereometric analysis, Nuttal et al.[32] evaluated the movement of the Anchor Peg glenoid component in 11 patients who underwent TSA. They divided the subjects into two groups according to the results: one group presented early component movement and no osteointegration at the 12-month follow-up evaluation, and the other group demonstrated no movement and evolved with osteointegration. Merolla et al.[25] showed that patients who had bone ingrowth to the central peg were less likely to have radiolucent lines. However, as also occurred in the present study, Churchill et al.[21] and Arnold et al.[23] found no relationship between osteointegration and clinical results, as measured by the Constant scale and simple shoulder test.
Although the present study has its strengths, it has several limitations. First, our sample was small, due in part to the strict and careful selection of patients for TSA at our institution, as well as the exclusion of procedures performed with other types of glenoid component. Another reason for the small sample is related to the worldwide trend toward the reduction of the ratio of anatomic to reverse shoulder arthroplasties performed,[5] which is reflected significantly at our institution. Another limitation is that postoperative roentgenograms and CT images were not readily available for all patients, preventing us from identifying all patients who presented radiolucent lines immediately after surgery, which would reflect an inadequate implantation of glenoid component.
To our knowledge, the present study is the first conducted in our country to compare clinical and radiographic results of patients who underwent TSA with the Anchor Peg Glenoid component. The use of CT images permitted more accurate analysis of osteointegration on the central peg, and identification of radiolucent lines. Another advantage was that surgeries were performed by surgeons with different levels of expertise. We believe that this factor favors reproducibility, in contrast to results obtained in other series, in which the most experienced surgeon of the group operated on all patients.[15]
[23] In addition, the same researcher evaluated all patients, reducing measurement bias. Finally, consensual analysis of the images by two professionals, one of whom was a radiologist with extensive experience in the musculoskeletal field, was a strong aspect of the study. We agree with Arnold et al.[23] that inter and intraobserver agreement evaluation is not needed, as Yian et al.[33] demonstrated excellent agreement rates in their study, especially with the use of CT.
Conclusion
Although central peg osteointegration was observed in slightly more than half of the cases, satisfactory clinical results were obtained in most patients who underwent TSA with a minimally cemented pegged glenoid component. Radiolucent lines around the glenoid component were also common but were not correlated with the clinical results.