Lifestyle factors and subacromial impingement syndrome of the shoulder: potential associations in finnish participants.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence has indicated the associations between subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) of shoulder and lifestyle factors. However, whether unhealthy lifestyle factors causally increase SIS risk is not determined. This study aims to evaluate whether lifestyle factors are the risk factors of SIS. METHODS: A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was designed to evaluate the effect of 11 lifestyle factors on SIS risk. Causality was determined using the inverse-variance weighted method to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and establish a 95% confidence interval (CI). Weighted median method, MR-Egger method and MR-PRESSO method were conducted as sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Four lifestyle factors were identified causally associated with an increased risk of SIS using the IVW method: insomnia (OR: 1.66 95% CI 1.38, 2.00; P = 8.86 × 10- 8), short sleep duration (OR: 1.53 95% CI 1.14, 2.05: P = 0.0043), mobile phone usage (OR: 4.65, 95% CI 1.59, 13.64; P = 0.0051), and heavy manual or physical work (OR: 4.24, 95% CI 2.17, 8.26; P = 2.20 × 10- 5). Another causal but weak association was found between smoking initiation on SIS (OR: 1.17, 95% CI 1.01, 1.35; P = 3.50 × 10- 2). Alcohol, coffee consumption, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration and computer usage were not found to be causally associated with an increased risk of SIS. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the MR estimates were robust and no heterogeneity and pleiotropy were identified in these MR analyses. CONCLUSION: Sleep habits and shoulder usage were identified as causal factors for SIS. This evidence supports the development of strategies aimed at improving sleep behaviors and optimizing shoulder usage patterns as effective measures to prevent SIS.

Terminology and diagnostic criteria used in studies investigating patients with subacromial pain syndrome from 1972 to 2019: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: There is no recognised terminology, nor diagnostic criteria, for patients with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). This is likely to cause heterogeneity across patient populations. This could be a driver of misconceptions and misinterpretations of scientific results. We aimed to map the literature regarding terminology and diagnostic criteria used in studies investigating SAPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic databases were searched from inception to June 2020. Original peer-reviewed studies investigating SAPS (also known as subacromial impingement or rotator cuff tendinopathy/impingement/syndrome) were eligible for inclusion. Studies containing secondary analyses, reviews, pilot studies and studies with less than 10 participants were excluded. RESULTS: 11 056 records were identified. 902 were retrieved for full-text screening. 535 were included. 27 unique terms were identified. Mechanistic terms containing 'impingement' are used less than before, while SAPS is used increasingly. For diagnoses, combinations of Hawkin's, Neer's, Jobe's, painful arc, injection test and isometric shoulder strength tests were the most often used, though this varied considerably across studies. 146 different test combinations were identified. 9% of the studies included patients with full-thickness supraspinatus tears and 46% did not. CONCLUSION: The terminology varied considerably across studies and time. The diagnostic criteria were often based on a cluster of physical examination tests. Imaging was primarily used to exclude other pathologies but was not used consistently. Patients with full-thickness supraspinatus tears were most often excluded. In summary, studies investigating SAPS are heterogeneous to an extent that makes it difficult, and often impossible, to compare studies.

Clinical tests accuracy in diagnosing subacromial impingement syndrome: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the clinical diagnostic tests of subacromial impingement syndrome. METHODS: The systematic review comprised search on PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases. For prospective cohort studies published in peer-reviewed English-language journals without any time limit, at least fully describing one clinical test. Only studies with free full text available were included. Data extracted included sensitivity and specificity for each clinical test, and variations were sorted out by the 3 reviewers by discussion. RESULTS: Of the 4137 studies identified, 2951(71.3%) were on PubMed, 119(2.9%) PEDro, 5(0.1%) Cochrane Library and 1062(25.7%) Google Scholar. After screening out all the studies that did not match the detailed inclusion criterion, 3(0.07%) studies were selected for review; 1(33.3%) each done in Spain, Turkey and France. Overall, there were 181 aged 15-82 years; 85(47%) males and 96(53%) females. Supraspinatus palpation test had a sensitivity of 92%, while the modified Neer test had specificity of 95.56% in terms of ruling out subacromial impingement syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Supraspinatus palpation and modified Neer tests were found to be the most effective in the diagnosis of subacromial impingement syndrome.

Return to work after subacromial decompression, diagnostic arthroscopy, or exercise therapy for shoulder impingement: a randomised, placebo-surgery controlled FIMPACT clinical trial with five-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic subacromial decompression is one of the most commonly performed shoulder surgeries in the world. It is performed to treat patients with suspected shoulder impingement syndrome, i.e., subacromial pain syndrome. Only few studies have specifically assessed return-to-work rates after subacromial decompression surgery. All existing evidence comes from open, unblinded study designs and this lack of blinding introduces the potential for bias. We assessed return to work and its predictors in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome in a secondary analysis of a placebo-surgery controlled trial. METHODS: One hundred eighty-four patients in a randomised trial had undergone arthroscopic subacromial decompression (n = 57), diagnostic arthroscopy, a placebo surgical intervention, (n = 59), or exercise therapy (n = 68). We assessed return to work, defined as having returned to work for at least two follow-up visits by the primary 24-month time point, work status at 24 and 60 months, and trajectories of return to work per follow-up time point. Patients and outcome assessors were blinded to the assignment regarding the arthroscopic subacromial decompression vs. diagnostic arthroscopy comparison. We assessed the treatment effect on the full analysis set as the difference between the groups in return-to-work rates and work status at 24 months and at 60 months using Chi-square test and the predictors of return to work with logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: There was no difference in the trajectories of return to work between the study groups. By 24 months, 50 of 57 patients (88%) had returned to work in the arthroscopic subacromial decompression group, while the respective figures were 52 of 59 (88%) in the diagnostic arthroscopy group and 61 of 68 (90%) in the exercise therapy group. No clinically relevant predictors of return to work were found. The proportion of patients at work was 80% (147/184) at 24 months and 73% (124/184) at 60 months, with no difference between the treatment groups (p-values 0.842 and 0.943, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic subacromial decompression provided no benefit over diagnostic arthroscopy or exercise therapy on return to work in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. We did not find clinically relevant predictors of return to work either. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00428870 .

Exposure-response relationships between cumulative occupational shoulder exposures and different diagnoses related to surgery for subacromial impingement syndrome.

PURPOSE: The aim was to examine associations between cumulative occupational shoulder exposures and different diagnoses related to surgery for subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). METHODS: We re-analysed data from a previous register-based cohort study of the Danish working population (2,374,403 persons) with follow-up 2003-2008. The outcomes were eight different SIS-related diagnosis codes (M19, M75.1-5, and M75.8-9) in combination with SIS-related surgery codes. Occupational shoulder exposures were estimated by combining occupational codes with an expert-rated job exposure matrix. Cumulative exposure estimates were calculated for 10-year time windows and expressed as exposure-years. We used a logistic regression technique equivalent to discrete survival analysis. RESULTS: Exposure-response relationships were found between most occupational shoulder exposures and the different SIS-related diagnosis codes. For arm-elevation-years, M19, M75.1, and M75.4 reached maximum adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) of 2.0-2.4, while the maximum ORadj for M75.3 was 1.6; we found intermediate values for the remaining diagnoses. The relationships were almost similar for repetition-years and shoulder-load-years. For force-years, maximum ORadj of 1.7-1.9 was seen for M19, M75.1, and M75.4, while M75.3 reached a maximum ORadj of 1.3. For HAV-years, M19, M75.1, and M75.4 reached maximum ORadj of 1.5-1.7, while M75.3 reached a maximum ORadj of 1.1. CONCLUSION: We found associations between all occupational shoulder exposures and the eight different SIS-related diagnoses; exposure-response relationships were found for most diagnoses. The highest risks were seen for M19 (acromioclavicular osteoarthritis), M75.1 (rotator cuff syndrome), and M75.4 (impingement syndrome), and the lowest for M75.3 (calcific tendinitis).

Changes in clinical measures and tissue adaptations in collegiate swimmers across a competitive season.

BACKGROUND: Competitive swimmers incur shoulder pain and injury. Physical characteristics such as shoulder range of motion (ROM) and endurance and tissue adaptations such as posterior capsule thickness (PCT) may be risk factors in addition to high training volume. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: 1) To identify the most provocative special test and prevalence of positive special tests for shoulder impingement tests in a group of collegiate swimmers, (2) to assess shoulder pain and disability, internal rotation (IR) and external rotation, and horizontal adduction (HADD) ROM and posterior shoulder endurance longitudinally over a competitive collegiate season, and (3) determine if there is a relationship between swimming yardage, supraspinatus tendon organization, and PCT. METHODS: Thirty Division III swimmers were tested poolside at the beginning (T1), middle (T2), and end (T3) of their season. Dependent variables included pain and disability, shoulder ROM, Posterior Shoulder Endurance Test (PSET) value, and PCT. Analyses of variance with follow-up t tests compared measures over time, and Pearson correlation coefficients were performed. RESULTS: Despite increased swimming yardage, disability was reduced from T1 to T3 (P = .003). There was a reduction in bilateral IR and HADD ROM from T1 to T3. PSET values increased on the right from T1 to T3 (P = .014). There was a significant positive correlation between swimming yardage at T1 and T2 and PCT at T3 (P = .034, P = .028). CONCLUSION: A loss of shoulder IR and HADD was observed across the season concurrent with less swimming-related disability, which may indicate a favorable adaptation. Improved PSET scores over the season is consistent with prior research linking endurance and less pain and disability.

Anatomical variations of the acromial and coracoid process: clinical relevance.

PURPOSE: The acromial and coracoid process morphology is of clinical relevance due to associations with functional limitations and shoulder pathology. Our objective was to describe the anatomical characteristics of the acromial and coracoid process using computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Descriptive, observational, transversal and retrospective study. A total of 155 CT of patients without shoulder pathology, of both genders, and indistinct age were evaluated and grouped by age: Group 1 < 25 years; group 2 25-40 years; group 3 > 40 years. The following parameters were evaluated: Acromial type (AcT), vertical coracoid distance (VCD), acromial tilt (AT), acromial projection (AP), critical shoulder angle (CSA), type of the subcoracoid outlet (TSO), and the area of the subcoracoid outlet (ASO). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between men and women for VCD (14.44 ± 4.79 vs. 11.76 ± 4.00 mm; p < 0.001) and AP (3.66 ± 4.71 vs. 1.62 ± 4.99 mm; p < 0.05) as well as between age groups 1 and 3 for AT (35.08 ± 11.53 vs. 28.41 ± 6.60; p < 0.05) and ASO (398.99 ± 153.91 vs. 255.56 ± 124.58 mm2; p < 0.001). An unexpected high ASO variation was identified with 11% of S-shaped acromion and 1.3% clock-shaped TSO. CONCLUSION: The age group between 25-40 years had the most uniform distribution of data. There is a high morphological variability present in an asymptomatic population, which should be considered in the clinical assessment such as shoulder impingement syndrome.

Effect of shoulder stability exercises on hand grip strength in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.

Background: Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is the second most common musculoskeletal condition that causes shoulder pain in the general population. Shoulder girdle muscle imbalance and posterior capsule tightness have been implicated as contributing factors. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of shoulder stability exercises (SSEs) on hand grip strength in patients with unilateral SIS. Methods: A total of 16 patients with a mean age of 32 ± 9.3 years diagnosed with stage II unilateral SIS participated in this study. A standardized SSE programme was conducted in the clinic under the direct 1-to-1 supervision of a physical therapist thrice weekly for 4 weeks for a total of 12 sessions on the affected and non-affected shoulders. The effect of the SSE programme on isometric hand grip strength was analysed. Results: A significant difference (p = .016) was observed in the hand grip strength of the affected shoulder side before and after the intervention, but no significant difference (p = 1.0) was found in the hand grip strength of the non-affected shoulder side post-intervention. Conclusion: The reduction in isometric hand grip strength of the affected shoulder side compared to that of the non-affected shoulder side in the same subject before the intervention shows that SIS significantly affects the hand grip strength of the affected side. SSEs significantly affect the isometric hand grip strength of SIS patients.

Electromyographic analysis of shoulder girdle muscle activation while performing a forehand topspin in elite table tennis athletes with and without shoulder impingement syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder impingement syndrome is considered to be associated with an altered muscular activity, which is related to strategy changes in the movement plan. The present study aimed to investigate the differences in timing and intensity of activity of shoulder girdle muscles while performing a forehand topspin loop between elite table tennis players with and without shoulder impingement syndrome. The timing and activity amplitude of these shoulder girdle muscles have not been evaluated in other studies in table tennis elite athletes. METHODS: Activation timing and activity levels of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior, anterior deltoid, supraspinatus, and biceps brachii muscles were measured in 30 table tennis players (Premier League tournament level or higher) with shoulder impingement syndrome and compared with 30 same-level healthy players while performing the forehand topspin loop. RESULTS: The results indicated that the activity levels of the serratus anterior (P = .007) and supraspinatus (P = .001) muscles significantly decreased; however, the activity level of the upper trapezius significantly increased in the impingement compared with the healthy group (P = .009). The serratus anterior (P = .001) was activated significantly later, but the upper trapezius (P = .004) was activated significantly earlier in the impingement group. CONCLUSION: Results of the present study support the theory that the activation and sequence of recruiting of the shoulder muscles are altered in people with impingement symptoms, suggesting that impingement syndrome may be associated with disturbed timing and activity level of shoulder girdle muscles.

Appropriate care for orthopedic patients: effect of implementation of the Clinical Practice Guideline for Diagnosis and Treatment of Subacromial Pain Syndrome in the Netherlands.

Background and purpose - The multidisciplinary Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) was created in 2012 by the Dutch Orthopedic Association. In brief, it stated that SAPS should preferably be treated nonoperatively. We evaluated the effect of the implementation of the guideline on the number of shoulder surgeries for SAPS in the Netherlands (17 million inhabitants). Patients and methods - An observational study was conducted with the use of aggregated data from the national database of the Dutch Health Authority from 2012 to 2016. Information was collected on patients referred to and seen at orthopedic departments. Data from the following Diagnoses Related Groupings were analyzed: 1450 (tendinitis supraspinatus) and 1460 (rotator cuff tear). Results - In 2016 fewer patients were diagnosed with tendinitis supraspinatus than in 2012-a decrease from 49,491 to 44,662 (10%). Of the patients diagnosed with tendinitis, 14% were treated surgically in 2012; this number dropped to 9% by 2016. More patients with a rotator cuff tear were diagnosed in 2016 than in 2012, an increase from 17,793 to 23,389 (32%), fewer were treated surgically: 30% in 2012, compared with 25% in 2016. Interpretation - After introducing the multidisciplinary Clinical Practice Guideline "Diagnosis and treatment of subacromial pain syndrome," a decrease in shoulder surgeries for related diagnoses was observed in the Netherlands. The introduction and dissemination of this guideline seems to have contributed to the implementation of more appropriate health care and prevention of unnecessary surgeries.

Shoulder Injuries in the Overhead-Throwing Athlete: Epidemiology, Mechanisms of Injury, and Imaging Findings.

The unparalleled velocity achieved by overhead throwers subjects the shoulder to extreme forces, resulting in both adaptive changes and pathologic findings that can be detected at imaging. A key biomechanical principle of throwing is achieving maximum external rotation, which initially leads to adaptive changes that may result in a pathologic cascade of injuries. In addition to the well-established concepts of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit and internal impingement, osseous and soft-tissue injuries of the shoulder unique to overhead athletes are illustrated. The epidemiology and biomechanics of throwing injuries are reviewed, and examples from the authors' institutional experience with competitive, collegiate, and professional baseball players are provided to demonstrate the constellation of unique imaging findings seen in overhead throwing athletes. Given the widespread popularity of baseball, and other sports relying on overhead throwing motions at all playing levels from recreational to professional, it is important for radiologists in various practice settings to be familiar with the special mechanisms, locations, and types of shoulder injuries seen in the overhead throwing population. © RSNA, 2018.

Agreement of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and Clinical Assessment of Shoulder Impairment in Manual Wheelchair Users With Various Duration of Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVES: To determine (1) agreement of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) findings of shoulder pathology and related shoulder special test results in individuals with varied durations of manual wheelchair (MWC) use after spinal cord injury (SCI); and (2) whether shoulder musculoskeletal impairments, per MSK-US and clinical examination, differed in individuals with SCI and varying durations of MWC use. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING: Laboratory setting. PARTICIPANTS: Adult volunteers (N=23) with SCI who used an MWC for community mobility. Individuals were stratified into 3 groups based on duration of MWC use: <5 years, 5 to 15 years, and >15 years. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Special tests for shoulder impingement and bicipital tendonitis were performed. Bilateral shoulder MSK-US was performed, with the Ultrasound Shoulder Pathology Rating Scale (USPRS) quantifying biceps tendon, supraspinatus tendon, and greater tuberosity cortical surface impairments. RESULTS: No agreement was found between MSK-US and related special tests. Special tests failed to identify impairment in 33.3% to 100% of those identified on MSK-US. The total USPRS score was highest in those with >15 years' MWC use. A higher proportion of dynamic impingement (supraspinatus and biceps) was found in those with >15 years' MWC use, with other MSK-US items having moderate effect sizes among duration-use groups. CONCLUSIONS: MSK-US identified shoulder impairments more frequently than commonly used special tests. A significant increase in the presence of MSK-US shoulder impairments was identified in the longest-duration group. This was not the case for special tests or pain. MSK-US is an easily administered, low-cost, noninvasive method for determining shoulder impairments and should be used in routine screening of individuals who use an MWC after SCI.

Optimizing reverse shoulder arthroplasty component position in the setting of advanced arthritis with posterior glenoid erosion: a computer-enhanced range of motion analysis.

BACKGROUND: Our study purpose was to determine the optimal glenoid and humeral reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) component design and position in osteoarthritic shoulders with severe glenoid retroversion deformities. METHODS: Computed tomography scans from 10 subjects were analyzed with advanced software including RSA range of motion (ROM) analysis. Variables included glenoid component retroversion of 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20° and baseplate lateralization of 0, 5, and 10 mm. Humeral variables included 135°, 145°, and 155° angle of inclination (AOI) combined with variable humeral offset. RESULTS: Glenoid component lateralization had the greatest influence on ROM. In comparing each ROM direction among all lateralization options independently, there were significantly greater adduction, abduction, external rotation, extension, and flexion motions with progressively greater lateralization. Internal rotation motion was greater at 10 mm only. In analyzing the effects of glenoid version independently, no differences in adduction or abduction ROM were seen. With greater retroversion, decreased external rotation and extension motion was noted; however, greater internal rotation and flexion motion was seen with the exception of flexion at 10 mm of lateralization. For adduction, external rotation, and extension, a more valgus AOI resulted in less ROM at each progressively greater AOI independent of humeral lateralization. Internal rotation and flexion motions were greater with a more varus AOI but not significant between each inclination angle. Abduction ROM was maximized with a more valgus AOI. Humeral lateralization had no effect on ROM. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of RSA for advanced glenoid osteoarthritic deformities, optimal ROM is achieved with 10-mm baseplate lateralization and neutral to 5° of retroversion mated to a humeral implant with a varus (135°) inclination angle.

Redefining anterior shoulder impingement: a literature review.

Many different types of impingements have been described in the shoulder. Inasmuch as the term 'shoulder impingement' usually refers to subacromial impingement, anterior impingement usually refers to subcoracoid impingement. However, there are many different subtypes of anterior impingements in the shoulder, and awareness of their existence is critical as they vary in their nature and treatment. Recent advances in biomechanical research and arthroscopic exploration of the anterior structures of the shoulder have brought new insights on the various potential impingements, warranting a revision and update of the current definitions of anterior shoulder impingement. The purpose of this article is to propose a comprehensive review and classification of all different subtypes of anterior impingement in the shoulder, including newly described entities.

[Treatment of the Shoulder Impingement Syndrome with PRP Injection]. / Lécba impingement syndromu ramena pomocí injekce PRP.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the effects of new therapeutic procedures in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. The primary goal of the study was to confirm the hypothesis that the application of the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome will have a positive effect on both the subjective and objective evaluation of their condition. The clinical condition before and after the treatment was evaluated. The secondary goal was to compare the effect achieved by a series of 3 PRP injections and that achieved by treating the impingement syndrome with a standard single depot corticosteroid injection. MATERIAL AND METHODS The randomized prospective blinded study carried out in the period 2013-2015 included 25 patients (Group I), to whom 3 PRP injections were applied in the subacromial (SA) space at a 1-week interval at the outpatient department. The control group of 25 patients (Group II) was treated by a standard single depot corticosteroid injection applied in the SA space. The subjective and objective conditions were evaluated immediately before the treatment, at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after the administration of the injection. The evaluation comprised a physical examination, an evaluation using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form) and the Constant score. A part of the study was the statistical processing of the results. RESULTS Both the groups were comparable when assessing the mean age of patients as well as the share of both sexes in the groups; Group I with the mean age of 48.7 years (15 men and 10 women), Group II with the mean age of 50.1 years (16 men and 9 women), but also when assessing the baseline mean VAS score, Constant score and ASES score. In Group I, the baseline mean VAS score improved from 2.96 (range: 1-5; median: 3.0; SD: 0.77) to 2.0 (range: 1-3; median: 2.0; SD: 0.49) at 3 months after the administration and to the mean value of 1.16 (range: 0-2; median: 1.0; SO: 0.67) at 6 months after the last PRP injection. In Group II, the baseline mean VAS score improved from 3.12 (range: 2-5; median: 3.0; SD: 0.82) to the mean value of 2.16 (range: 1-4; median: 2.0; SD: 0.73) at 3 months after the administration of the depot corticosteroid injection and to 1.8 (range: 1-3; median: 2.0; SD: 0.57) at 6 months after the administration. In both the groups of patients, the p-value obtained by the Student s t-test was statistically significant (p < 0.05) when comparing the results of all the three scoring systems before the treatment and 6 months after the treatment. DISCUSSION Although the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders with the concentrate of a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a frequently used method, particularly in private medical practice, the scientific literature can offer just a very few studies studying in depth the use of this method of treatment in humane medicine. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of our study, the hypothesis can be accepted that the concentrate of platelet-rich plasma administered through a series of 3 injections applied in the subacromial space in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome has positive effects on the daily activities of patients as well as on the objective evaluation via the selected scoring systems. Key words:platelet-rich plasma, shoulder impingement syndrome.

Laser Acupuncture Treatment Improves Pain and Functional Status in Patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study.

Objective: The present study aims to determine the effect of laser acupuncture in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS). Design: Randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. Setting: Physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic. Subjects: A total 73 patients with SAIS were randomly assigned into a treatment group (n = 36) and a control group (n = 37). Methods: The treatment group received laser acupuncture, and the control group received sham laser acupuncture. Eleven acupuncture points (GB 21, LI 4, LI 11, LI 14, LI 15, LI 16, SI 9, SI 10, SI 11, TE 14, and TE 15) were irradiated using a gallium-aluminium-arsenide continuous wave diode-laser, with a wavelength of 850 nm and a power output of 100 mV. The laser acupuncture treatment at each acupuncture point was administered at 4 joules/cm 2 (total dose = 40 joules). All patients were also treated with a hot pack. The patients were assessed at baseline and after 15 sessions of laser treatment. Pain severity and doctor's and patient's global assessments were measured via visual analog scale (VAS). Range of motion (ROM) and functional status were measured using a digital inclinometer and the Shoulder Pain Disability Index, respectively. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in all parameters in the treatment group. All parameters of pain and functional status in the treatment group were significantly better than those in the control group at week 3. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the effect of laser acupuncture in SAIS. The positive results of the present study should lead to further laser acupuncture studies with combinations of different acupuncture points, at different wavelengths, and with long-term follow-up periods.

Physical examination tests of the shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test performance.

BACKGROUND: Physical examination tests of the shoulder (PETS) are clinical examination maneuvers designed to aid the assessment of shoulder complaints. Despite more than 180 PETS described in the literature, evidence of their validity and usefulness in diagnosing the shoulder is questioned. METHODS: This meta-analysis aims to use diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) to evaluate how much PETS shift overall probability and to rank the test performance of single PETS in order to aid the clinician's choice of which tests to use. This study adheres to the principles outlined in the Cochrane guidelines and the PRISMA statement. A fixed effect model was used to assess the overall diagnostic validity of PETS by pooling DOR for different PETS with similar biomechanical rationale when possible. Single PETS were assessed and ranked by DOR. Clinical performance was assessed by sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and likelihood ratio. RESULTS: Six thousand nine-hundred abstracts and 202 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility; 20 articles were eligible and data from 11 articles could be included in the meta-analysis. All PETS for SLAP (superior labral anterior posterior) lesions pooled gave a DOR of 1.38 [1.13, 1.69]. The Supraspinatus test for any full thickness rotator cuff tear obtained the highest DOR of 9.24 (sensitivity was 0.74, specificity 0.77). Compression-Rotation test obtained the highest DOR (6.36) among single PETS for SLAP lesions (sensitivity 0.43, specificity 0.89) and Hawkins test obtained the highest DOR (2.86) for impingement syndrome (sensitivity 0.58, specificity 0.67). No single PETS showed superior clinical test performance. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical performance of single PETS is limited. However, when the different PETS for SLAP lesions were pooled, we found a statistical significant change in post-test probability indicating an overall statistical validity. We suggest that clinicians choose their PETS among those with the highest pooled DOR and to assess validity to their own specific clinical settings, review the inclusion criteria of the included primary studies. We further propose that future studies on the validity of PETS use randomized research designs rather than the accuracy design relying less on well-established gold standard reference tests and efficient treatment options.

Glenohumeral and scapulothoracic strength impairments exists in patients with subacromial impingement, but these are not reflected in the shoulder pain and disability index.

BACKGROUND: Pain and loss of function are cardinal symptoms associated with Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS), while the presence and magnitude of deficits in strength and range of motion (ROM) are largely undescribed in non-athletic patients with SIS. Moreover, the relevance of impairments in strength and ROM to patient-reported shoulder function is not well described, even though testing of strength is recommended in clinical guidelines. The purpose of this study was, first, to investigate impairments in glenohumeral and scapulothoracic strength and in abduction and internal rotation ROM in patients with SIS. Secondly, to investigate the influence of these impairments on patient-reported shoulder function. METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on a consecutive cohort of 157 patients referred to specialist examination and diagnosed with shoulder impingement (SIS) using predefined validated diagnostic criteria. Prior to specialist examination, questionnaires regarding shoulder function (Shoulder Pain And Disability Index, SPADI) demographics and kinesiophobia (TSK-11) were collected, and shoulder strength and ROM was measured by trained testers, with the patient reporting pain levels during testing and for the last week. Impairments in strength (abduction, external-rotation, (protraction and horizontal-extension) and ROM (abduction and internal rotation) were investigated in patients with unilateral shoulder pain, using one-sample t-tests. SPADI total score (SPADI) and SPADI function score (SPADI-F), were chosen as dependent variables in multiple regressions to investigate the influence of impairments on patient-reported shoulder function. Independent variables of interest were; strength in abduction and external rotation, abduction ROM, pain-during-tests, pain-last-week and kinesiophobia. RESULTS: Significant impairments were found for all impairment tests, but most pronounced for glenohumeral strength and abduction ROM (29-33% deficits), and less for scapulothoracic strength and internal rotation ROM (8-18% deficits). Pain variables influenced SPADI and SPADI-F score to a high degree (R2 = 23.4-31.6%, p < 0.001), while strength and ROM did not. CONCLUSION: Substantial strength and ROM impairments were found in patients with SIS. Only pain significantly influenced patient-reported function, while impairments did not. As SPADI score does not reflect the substantial strength and ROM impairments in external rotation and abduction observed in patients with SIS, supplemental assessment of these impairments seems important.

Humeral version in reverse shoulder arthroplasty affects impingement in activities of daily living.

BACKGROUND: Impingement after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has been correlated with implant design and surgical techniques. Previous studies suggested that humeral retroversion can reduce impingement and increase external rotation range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to determine how humeral version affects impingement in activities of daily living (ADLs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single surgeon performed virtual RSA on 30 arthritic shoulders that were reconstructed from preoperative computed tomography scans. For each subject, the humeral component was placed into 5 versions: -40°,-20°, 0°, +20°, and +40° (- indicates retroversion, + indicates anteversion). Intra-articular and extra-articular impingement was calculated for 10 ADLs. Impingement-free ROM was also calculated for abduction, forward flexion, scapula plane elevation, and internal/external rotation (standardized tests). Risk of impingement for ADLs was assessed as the collective duration and frequency of impingement across all motions. Frequent impingement sites were identified. RESULTS: For the ADLs, 0° version showed the least amount of impingement. In contrast, 40° retroversion resulted in the largest ROM for the standardized tests (118° ± 19° abduction, 109° ± 16° forward flexion, 111° ± 10° scapula plane elevation, 140° ± 15° internal/external rotation). The site of impingement changed with version: retroversion increased the extra-articular impingement, and anteversion increased the contact between the inferior glenoid and the humeral cup. CONCLUSIONS: Humeral version can significantly affect impingement in RSA. Maximizing ROM in standardized tests may not reduce the risk of impingement during ADLs. Our results showed that an average 0° of version should be preferred, but the large variability among subjects suggested that optimum version may vary among individuals.