This purpose of this study was to quantify the surgical learning curve and provide guidelines to surgeons interested in teaching and performing reverse shoulder replacement. Sixty-two consecutive primary reverse shoulder replacements performed by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Using data from consecutive cases, surgical time was plotted against patient case order, and the linear regression slope was calculated. Case length slope analysis demonstrated a significantly negative slope with the first 18 cases, which subsequently leveled thereafter. The number of cases needed to arrive at this flat slope was defined as the proficiency point.The proficiency point was then verified using the measurable variables of baseplate screw number and glenosphere overhang by dividing the series into 2 groups: Group A included patients who had surgery prior to the proficiency point, and group B included patients who had surgery after the proficiency point. In group A, only 33% (6/18) had all 4 glenoid baseplate screws placed as compared to 66% (29/44) in group B (P=.02). Glenosphere overhang increased from a mean of 1.02 mm (+/-1.29 mm) in group A to 2.58 mm (+/-1.89 mm) in group B (P=.003).A learning curve of approximately 18 cases was found in this series based on the technical aspects of performing reverse shoulder replacement. This curve is likely even longer for lower volume shoulder surgeons. We recommend specialized training prior to performing this procedure.
Background Cyanoacrylate-based, microbial sealant is an adhesive skin barrier designed to prevent bacterial contamination in surgical wounds. This type of adhesive barrier could have use in decreasing the incidence of positive cultures and subsequent infection in shoulder arthroplasty. Questions/purposes We therefore evaluated whether cyanoacrylate microbial sealant reduced the positive intraoperative culture rates in revision shoulder arthroplasty. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients who underwent revision shoulder arthroplasties. Intraoperative aerobic and anaerobic deep tissue culture results taken during the revisions were compared. Cultures were taken of the deep synovial tissue lining the prosthesis. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent standard preparations with adhesive, iodine-barrier drapes (Group SP) and those who had placement of cyanoacrylate microbial sealant in addition to the standard prep (Group MS). Results The prevalence of cases with positive cultures was 18% (seven of 40) in Group SP compared with 7% (one of 15) in Group MS. The prevalence of positive, anaerobic Propionibacterium acnes cultures was 13% in Group SP compared with 7% in Group MS. The prevalence of infections confirmed at revision surgery was 8% in Group SP versus 0% in Group MS. Conclusions Our observations suggest application of a cyanoacrylate microbial sealant may reduce the prevalence of positive cultures and thereby subsequent infections in revision shoulder arthroplasties.
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