EFORT Open Rev. 2025 Sep 4;10(9):686-694. doi: 10.1530/EOR-2024-0218.

ABSTRACT

The results of our survey conducted among the members of the European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and the Elbow is presented in this article. The two most important features of frozen shoulder are movement restriction and pain. Frozen shoulder is considered secondary if it occurs after surgery or trauma. Corticosteroid injections are recommended as the first choice of pharmacological therapy. Patient education and physical therapy are the first choice of non-surgical therapy. The rate of remaining symptoms was observed in less than 20% of patients.

PMID:40905931 | PMC:PMC12412373 | DOI:10.1530/EOR-2024-0218

EFORT Open Rev. 2025 Sep 4;10(9):660-670. doi: 10.1530/EOR-2024-0139.

ABSTRACT

Rotator cuff tears are prevalent, affecting 20% of the general population, with massive tears accounting for 40% of these cases. Massive tears, those larger than 5 cm or involving several tendons, pose substantial clinical problems, including poorer surgical outcomes and increased recurrence rates. Multiple classification systems offer varied definitions, complicating treatment strategies. The irreparability of these tears, exacerbated by conditions such as tendon atrophy and advanced imaging abnormalities, can further complicate management. Surgical options include superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and tendon transfers. SCR, which involves attaching a graft to the superior glenoid and greater tuberosity, has shown promise in individuals with intact subscapularis tendons and minimal arthritis. Graft alternatives include fascia lata (FL) autografts, human dermal allografts, and long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) autografts. Each graft type has distinct advantages and disadvantages, with FL autografts providing greater results despite donor site morbidity. Tendon transfers, such as latissimus dorsi and lower trapezius transfers, offer alternative treatments, especially for younger, more active individuals. This review thoroughly reviews different therapeutic options, emphasizing the most recent evidence and clinical outcomes to help guide the best management of massive posterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff injuries.

PMID:40905927 | PMC:PMC12412289 | DOI:10.1530/EOR-2024-0139

EFORT Open Rev. 2025 Sep 4;10(9):718-725. doi: 10.1530/EOR-2024-0191.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: While the incidence of acetabular fractures keeps rising among our older patient population, age-specific rehabilitation guidelines are lacking. Post-surgery weight-bearing is often restricted for 8-12 weeks to avoid secondary fixation failure. However, non- or restricted weight-bearing commonly results in atrophy, and older patients are at additional risk of long-term mobility and functionality loss. Therefore, if the risk of secondary fracture failure proves to be lower than currently believed, early or permissive weight-bearing might actually be the preferred treatment choice to advance fracture healing and decrease recovery time. This study aims to review the current literature on early weight-bearing outcomes of acetabular fractures in older adults.

METHODS: A systematic search of two databases was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies reported on early weight-bearing outcomes of older patients after surgical management. Data were showed in tables alongside a narrative synthesis. Critical appraisal and risk-of-bias tools assessed the study quality.

RESULTS: Six studies were included with a retrospective or observational design, with a total of 147 patients averaging 64 years old. The majority of studies discussed early weight-bearing protocols after percutaneous fixation (PF), with heterogeneity in terminology across protocols.

CONCLUSIONS: Albeit limited and low in evidence, the included studies suggest that early weight-bearing might be a possible alternative for non- or minimally displaced fractures and displaced fractures after PF and open reduction internal fixation, respectively. When risk assessments and functional outcomes are appropriately investigated, early weight-bearing may help patients, especially older adults, avoid suffering and prolonged rehabilitation periods.

PMID:40905923 | PMC:PMC12412364 | DOI:10.1530/EOR-2024-0191

EFORT Open Rev. 2025 Sep 4;10(9):709-717. doi: 10.1530/EOR-2024-0164.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigates the 1-year mortality of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) in patients categorized under this system and treated with surgery or conservative methods, aiming to assess the algorithm's effectiveness.

METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for English studies on the 1-year mortality of FFP, with no publication date restrictions. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled 1-year mortality rates were calculated using random-effects models. In addition, if applicable, odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were employed. PRISMA guidelines were followed for reporting, and the study was registered with PROSPERO.

RESULTS: Analysis of 22 studies encompassing 3,265 patients with FFP revealed a concerning overall 1-year mortality rate of 15.5%. Mortality varied by fracture type, with FFP IV having the lowest rate (7.5%) and FFP III having the highest (17.0%). All studies concurred on conservative treatment for FFP I. For other fracture types, mortality rates differed between conservative and surgical approaches. Conservative treatment resulted in rates of 14.9, 21.8, and 5.1% for FFP II, III, and IV, respectively. Conversely, surgical treatment yielded mortality rates of 16.8, 19.5, and 24.2% for FFP II, III, and IV, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Fragility fractures of the pelvis have high mortality, especially in FFP III. Conservative treatment may be suitable for FFP I, while surgery might be better for FFP III. The rarity of FFP IV fractures limits conclusions, and FFP II fractures lack a clear treatment consensus. Further research is needed to optimize management for these fracture types.

PMID:40905922 | PMC:PMC12412362 | DOI:10.1530/EOR-2024-0164

EFORT Open Rev. 2025 Sep 4;10(9):695-708. doi: 10.1530/EOR-2024-0216.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the comparative effectiveness of home-based and supervised rehabilitation protocols following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, with a focus on functional recovery and muscle strength.

METHODS: Registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024585478) and following PRISMA guidelines, we searched Web of Science, PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane. For the quality assessment, the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias (RoB) tool was used. Review Manager v5.4 was used for the analysis.

RESULTS: Twelve studies were included qualitatively, and seven quantitatively. Outcomes included subjective knee scores (Lysholm, Tegner, IKDC) and quadriceps/hamstring strength measures. Our findings indicated a 19% improvement in subjective knee scores for home-based protocols in some studies. However, for hamstring strength measures, the supervised protocol was superior (SMD = -0.48, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION: Overall, home-based rehabilitation outcomes were comparable to supervised programs in functional recovery. However, supervised approaches slightly enhanced muscle strength. Supervised rehabilitation is recommended to optimize strength, especially for athletes, though further research is needed to assess its impact on return to sport.

PMID:40905919 | PMC:PMC12412367 | DOI:10.1530/EOR-2024-0216

EFORT Open Rev. 2025 Sep 4;10(9):671-678. doi: 10.1530/EOR-2024-0067.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To conduct a meta-analysis of clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of arthroscopic and open surgery for the treatment of acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation using a suture button.

METHODS: The review process was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two independent reviewers conducted the literature searches based on preferred reporting items from systematic reviews and meta-analyses. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies comparing arthroscopic and open surgery for the treatment of acute high-grade ACJ dislocation using a suture button. Constant score, visual analog scale, coracoclavicular distance, acromioclavicular distance, operation time, and occurrence of complications were analyzed.

RESULTS: Five studies comprising a total of 198 patients were included in this study. The findings revealed that, in comparison to open fixation, arthroscopic fixation resulted in longer surgical durations. However, there were no significant differences between the two techniques in terms of constant score, visual analog scale, coracoclavicular distance, acromioclavicular distance, or the occurrence of complications.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on current evidence, arthroscopic fixation demonstrates comparable postoperative outcomes to open fixation, albeit with longer surgical durations. With ongoing technological advancements and refinement of surgical techniques, the efficiency and accessibility of arthroscopy are expected to improve, potentially solidifying its role as a superior choice in the future.

PMID:40905916 | PMC:PMC12412284 | DOI:10.1530/EOR-2024-0067

EFORT Open Rev. 2025 Sep 4;10(9):646-659. doi: 10.1530/EOR-2025-0071.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to comprehensively review the current research status and trends of joint replacement for arthritis patients worldwide.

METHODS: Literature related to joint replacement for arthritis patients from 2004 to 2024 was extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. A systematic qualitative and quantitative analysis of these publications was conducted. Visualization of results was achieved using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software.

RESULTS: In total, 14,349 publications met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were selected for further research. Keyword analysis revealed a clinical emphasis on optimizing surgical outcomes through advancements in total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, and patient-centered metrics. Emerging research hotspots since 2020 included precision techniques such as robotic-assisted surgery, strategies to address periprosthetic joint infection, and the role of psychological factors such as depression and patient satisfaction. Temporal trends highlighted evolving priorities, including personalized alignment protocols, where the burst intensities of kinematic alignment and mechanical alignment were 16.33 and 13.79, respectively, as well as functional recovery and complication prevention. Historical dominance of rheumatoid arthritis research has transitioned to broader exploration of osteoarthritis management and technological innovations in surgical precision.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed a marked transition from rheumatoid arthritis-focused studies to innovations in osteoarthritis management and precision surgical techniques. Clinically, these findings emphasize the need to integrate technological advancements with multidisciplinary frameworks to standardize infection control, optimize implant durability, and enhance rehabilitation outcomes. Future efforts should prioritize personalized alignment strategies, evidence-based infection control protocols, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation frameworks to improve long-term functional outcomes.

PMID:40905904 | PMC:PMC12412288 | DOI:10.1530/EOR-2025-0071