The Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management Procedure for Treatment of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis

Authors:

Peter J Millett, Marilee P Horan, Andrew T Pennock, Daniel Rios

Abstract:

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the surgical outcomes of 29 active patients (30 shoulders) with end-stage, symptomatic glenohumeral arthritis undergoing the comprehensive arthroscopic management (CAM) procedure.

Methods:

In this institutional review board-approved study, patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) underwent the CAM procedure, a joint-preserving arthroscopic treatment. All subjects were candidates for shoulder arthroplasty. The CAM procedure involves the combination of glenohumeral chondroplasty; removal of loose bodies if present; humeral osteoplasty and osteophyte resection (goat’s beard deformity); anterior, posterior, and inferior capsular release; subacromial decompression; axillary nerve neurolysis; and biceps tenodesis. Outcome measures included pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) score, and satisfaction. For survivorship analysis, failure was defined as progression to shoulder arthroplasty.

Results:

The mean age was 52 years (range, 33 to 68 years), and there were 23 men and 6 women. Of the 30 shoulders, 6 progressed to an arthroplasty at a mean of 1.9 years (range, 0.9 to 3.4 years). Patients with less than 2.0 mm of joint space on radiographs were more likely to undergo arthroplasty (P = .037). For shoulders that did not progress to arthroplasty (n = 24), the mean follow-up was 2.6 years (range, 2.1 to 4.7 years). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores significantly improved from 58 points (SE, 2.4) to 83 points (SE, 3.3) (P < .001), and pain levels decreased with activities of daily living, work, recreation, and sleep (P < .05). The median patient satisfaction rating was 9 (range, 3 to 10). Survivorship analysis showed a 92% survival rate at 1 year and 85% at 2 years. Patients with larger osteophytes had greater improvement in postoperative range of motion but were less satisfied (r = 0.479, P = .038).

Conclusions:

The CAM procedure reduced pain, improved function, and provided reasonable short-term durability for our cohort of young, active patients with advanced shoulder OA and may serve as a joint-preserving alternative to arthroplasty. Patients with less than 2 mm of joint space had a significantly higher failure rate. The CAM procedure is a viable surgical option in young, active patients with advanced OA, showing survivorship of 85% at 2 years.

For the complete study: The Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management Procedure for Treatment of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!