The "glass shoulder": Patients' lived experiences of a traumatic shoulder dislocation - A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Anterior shoulder dislocations have a high recurrence rate, often necessitating stabilizing surgery, with residual long-term fear of reinjury. OBJECTIVES: To explore patients' experiences of anterior shoulder dislocations in relation to their lives, well-being, fear of reinjury, and future perspectives. DESIGN: Qualitative study. METHODS: We interviewed fourteen individuals (median age 27.5 yrs, range 21-40; two women) with traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocation within 5 years, with or without past stabilizing surgery. We analysed data using Interpretive Description. RESULTS: We constructed three main themes. (1) Downward wellness spiral: The injury shattered their lives, influencing their self-identity and -confidence. Sleep disturbances added to stress levels, loss, depression and grief. The re-injury risk could lead to social isolation. (2) Out of arm's reach: Recurrences led to frustration as the prior surgery and rehabilitation appeared to have been unsuccessful, having to start again. Support from healthcare providers and whanau/family was crucial to regain trust in the body. (3) Obligatory compromise: Over time, some individuals accepted the re-injury risk, learnt to heed warning signals, or compromised by avoiding specific social and recreational activities, changing their sports or to other roles in their preferred sport, and adapting work-related and daily tasks. CONCLUSION: Participants described in-depth socio-emotional responses following shoulder dislocations. Most participants described an ongoing interplay between fear and confidence in their shoulder. Healthcare provider support and professional relationship, on-going shoulder-related strengthening, and risk mitigation strategies were important to facilitate and maintain confidence and self-efficacy, and to re-consider and adjust the participant's goals when needed.

Translation and validation of a Hebrew version of the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index.

BACKGROUND: The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index (WOSI) is a questionnaire designed to measure health-related quality of life in patients with shoulder instability. The aim of the current study was to translate the WOSI into Hebrew and assess its psychometric properties. METHODS: The WOSI was translated into Hebrew according to World Health Organization guidelines. Twenty-five patients completed the WOSI and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire 2 weeks and 2 months after surgical shoulder stabilization. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α), criterion validity (Pearson's correlation coefficient with DASH), responsiveness, and floor and ceiling effects were assessed. RESULTS: Cronbach's α was 0.88-0.95 for total WOSI (range 0.68-0.95 for different sections). Strong correlation with DASH score (r = 0.76-0.84) indicated good criterion validity. Changes between baseline and follow-up for WOSI and DASH scores were moderately correlated (r = 0.68), suggesting moderate responsiveness. Some items demonstrated floor and ceiling effects, especially at baseline, but no floor or ceiling effects were observed for total WOSI or for the WOSI sections. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study demonstrate that the Hebrew version of the WOSI is a valid instrument that can be used to assess disability in patients with shoulder instability. Additional studies are warranted to assess its psychometric properties among various subpopulations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was pre-registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov website, registration number NCT02978365 .

Efficacy of a Preference-Based Decision Tool on Treatment Decisions for a First-Time Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Randomized Controlled Trial of At-Risk Patients.

BACKGROUND: First-time anterior shoulder dislocations (FTASD) provide an opportunity to examine the value of integrating stated-preference data with decision modeling to differentiate between patients whose preferred management strategy involves operative or nonoperative treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a FTASD decision tool intervention with individual preference measurement compared with a text-based control in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Two hundred respondents between 18 and 35 years of age at risk for experiencing an FTASD were enrolled from the orthopedic clinics and randomized to receive either an interactive decision tool intervention capable of eliciting patient preferences for treatment of an FTASD or a text-based control on shoulder dislocations and treatments. The primary outcome was preference for operative or nonoperative treatment choice. Secondary outcomes included the decisional conflict scale (DCS), stage of decision making, patient activation and engagement, awareness of preference sensitive decisions, knowledge retention, and instrument acceptability. RESULTS: One hundred respondents were randomized to the intervention and 100 to the control. A total of 154 men and 46 women with an average age of 23.6 years completed the survey. Participants in the intervention group made treatment decisions that aligned more closely with evidence-based recommendations than those in the control group ( P = 0.016). Secondary outcomes showed no difference between intervention and control, excluding several DCS subscales. DISCUSSION: An interactive, preference-based decision tool for treatment of FTASD affects patient decision making by guiding respondents toward treatment decisions that align more closely with evidence-based recommendations in the absence of a consultation with an orthopedic provider compared with a standard-of-care control tool. Additional study is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of this tool on treatment outcomes, patient adherence, and satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Upper extremity conversion disorder in children.

BACKGROUND: Conversion disorder in children presents a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The condition is frequently associated with unnecessary diagnostic tests, treatments, and cost. The purpose of this study was to report a series of children with upper extremity conversion disorder to raise awareness for this uncommon condition and to assist with its diagnosis and management. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 4 pediatric patients with upper extremity conversion disorder at a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2015 to 2017. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, including psychiatric history, clinical findings, diagnostic studies, treatment, and cost of care. RESULTS: Patients presented with upper extremity muscle stiffness, unremitting dysmorphic muscle spasms, weakness, pain, very limited shoulder range of motion, and complaints of recurrent shoulder dislocations. All patients had been evaluated by multiple specialists and had an extensive prior diagnostic workup that was inconclusive. Two patients had a history of prior psychiatric illness and suicidal ideation, and all patients expressed despair and depression. All patients had normal physical examination findings under anesthesia. Two patients with muscle stiffness were treated with botulism injections and improved their shoulder range of motion. The average total charge for care since presentation was $42,729. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion disorder should be considered in patients with an extensive prior diagnostic workup, deficits inconsistent with anatomic patterns or imaging findings, and a history of prior psychiatric illness. Examination under anesthesia is a successful diagnostic approach in children with suspected conversion disorder.

Patients' expectations of shoulder instability repair.

PURPOSE: To analyze and compare patient expectations of primary and revision shoulder stabilization and to assess the factors associated with patients' expectations. METHODS: Pre-operative patient expectations after shoulder instability repair were prospectively assessed using a self-designed questionnaire. The survey included questions on the expected level and type of return to sports, instability, pain, risk of osteoarthritis, and overall shoulder condition. RESULTS: One-hundred and forty-five patients (99 primary; 46 revision repair) were included. A return to sport at the same level with slight to no restrictions was expected in 95%, a return to high-risk activities in 34%, to moderate in 58%, and to low-risk activities in 9%. No pain [instability] independent of the activity level was expected by 71% [79%] and occasional pain [instability] during contact and overhead activities by 25% [19%]. 61% expected to have no risk of glenohumeral osteoarthritis, 37% a slight, and 2% a significant risk. The overall expectation for the post-operative shoulder was indicated to be normal or nearly normal in 99% of patients. The revision group did not differ from the primary repair group in any variable. High pre-operative sport performance was positively correlated with post-operative sport expectations. The number of dislocations, the duration of instability, and the subjective instability level were negatively correlated with return to sport expectations. CONCLUSION: Patient expectations for primary and revision shoulder instability repair are high. Realistic patient expectations regarding the surgical procedure are necessary to avoid low patient satisfaction, especially in pre-operatively highly active and demanding athletes. The surgeon must not solely base the treatment on the pathology and possible risk factors for failure but should also take the individual expectation of the patient into account. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Luxación glenohumeral posterior traumática no detectada / Undetected traumatic posterior glenohumeral dislocation

Resumen: Introducción: La luxación glenohumeral (LGH) es frecuente, pero la luxación glenohumeral posterior traumática (LGHPT) es rara. Su diagnóstico es un reto, puede omitirse o pasar inadvertida; en ello influye un sinnúmero de factores, como una evaluación radiológica inadecuada y ausencia de signos-síntomas característicos. Se reporta una omisión diagnóstica de 60-79% y confirmación diagnóstica con una demora desde 24 horas hasta un año. Objetivo: Transmitir experiencia previa para proporcionar herramientas que ayuden a evitar omisión diagnóstica en la LGHPT. Reporte de casos: Caso 1. Masculino, 34 años. Diagnóstico tardío de LGHPT izquierda en la cuarta semana. Hill-Sachs inversa < 25%. Reducción cerrada (DePalma), inmovilización por cuatro semanas. Seguimiento a la semana 20. Recuperación funcional buena (UCLA = 32). Caso 2. Masculino, 32 años. Diagnóstico tardío de LGHPT izquierda en el octavo mes. Hill-Sachs inversa de 25%. Reducción abierta (McLaughlin-Neer), inmovilización por cuatro semanas. Seguimiento postquirúrgico a ocho meses. Recuperación funcional buena (UCLA = 29). Discusión: El diagnóstico de LGHPT es difícil por su poca frecuencia. Para evitar retraso en el diagnóstico e inadecuada atención, debe considerarse siempre una evaluación inicial que tome en cuenta la posición del brazo, el mecanismo de lesión; en la exploración física, el brazo en rotacion interna y poco dolor, déficit funcional para la rotación externa, flexión y abducción.

Abstract: Introduction: Glenohumeral dislocation (GHD) is frequent, but traumatic posterior glenohumeral dislocation (TPGHD) is rare, with an incidence of 1-4% of all GHD. The diagnosis is a challenge: sometimes, it can be omitted due to incorrect diagnosis, absence of consideration in the differential diagnosis, suboptimal radiographic evaluation and an absence of characteristic signs and symptoms; missed diagnosis reaches 60-79% and the diagnosis can delay from 24 hours to a year. Objective: To transmit previous experiences to provide support for better diagnosing TPGHD, favoring appropriate attention. Case reports: Case 1. 34-year-old male. Delayed diagnosis of left TPGHD in the 4th week. Reverse Hill-Sachs < 25%. Closed reduction, immobilization for four weeks. Follow-up at week 20, good functional recovery (UCLA = 32). Case 2. 32-year-old male. Eight months with undiagnosed left TPGHD. Reverse Hill-Sachs 25%. Open reduction, immobilization for four weeks. Eight-month post-surgical follow-up. Good functional recovery (UCLA = 29). Discussion: The diagnosis of TPGHD is difficult because of its lack of frequency. Even with delayed diagnosis-treatment, evolution can be favorable provided that the reverse Hill-Sachs injury is 25% or minor. To avoid a delayed diagnosis and inadequate attention, we must always consider the injury mechanism, physical examination with the arm fixed in internal rotation, clinical suspicion in functional deficit for external rotation, flexion and abduction, radiographic studies including true AP and scapula lateral (Y view).

Design and Testing of the Degree of Shoulder Involvement in Sports (DOSIS) Scale.

BACKGROUND: For athletes affected by shoulder problems, the most important expectation is to resume sporting activities. The ability to return to sport is related to several parameters, including the type and level of sport played. By focusing on these parameters, the Degree of Shoulder Involvement in Sports (DOSIS) scale allows for a better assessment of the involvement of the shoulder in sports. PURPOSE: To design the DOSIS scale and test its psychometric features. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The DOSIS scale was developed as a patient self-administered scale by the Sport Committee of SIGASCOT (Società Italiana del Ginocchio Artroscopia Sport Cartilagine Tecnologie Ortopediche) to score sports activity based on 3 parameters: (1) type of sport, (2) frequency with which the sport is played, and (3) level at which the sport is played. In a subsequent phase, the psychometric features of the DOSIS scale were measured in a cohort of 85 patients who were affected by recurrent anterior shoulder instability and who underwent an open Bristow-Latarjet procedure or an arthroscopic Bankart repair. The content validity, criterion validity, construct validity, responsiveness, and test-retest reliability were measured and compared with the psychometric features of the Tegner activity scale. RESULTS: Neither the DOSIS nor the Tegner activity scale showed floor or ceiling effects, but the DOSIS scale had a different distribution of scores, with a tendency toward a higher percentage of patients with high scores. The test-retest reliability analysis of the DOSIS scale revealed excellent intraobserver reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96). Regarding the construct validity, 3 of the 4 hypotheses that we tested were significant. The DOSIS scale showed good criterion validity when compared with the Tegner activity scale (ρ = 0.3, P = .003), and the effect size between the preoperative and postoperative DOSIS scale was 1.1. CONCLUSION: The DOSIS scale showed acceptable psychometric features and seems to be a valid instrument for shoulder assessment in athletes.

[Arthroscopic stabilisation of the shoulder. Risk factors for its failure]. / Proc selhávají artroskopické stabilizacní operace na ramenn??m kloubu.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Shoulder instability adversely affects the quality of life and restricts the functional capacity of the upper extremity involved. Today stabilisation surgery is almost always performed arthroscopically. The aim of this study was to present our experience with arthroscopic stabilisation of the shoulder and to identify risk factors responsible for its failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The group of 110 patients with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder, who were treated between January 2007 and December 2010, consisted of 19 women and 91 men with an average age of 27 years (range, 14 to 56) at the time of surgery. Patients who had a concomitant tear of the rotator cuff or of the long head tendon of the biceps were excluded from the study. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. The patients were evaluated for signs of clinical instability. Function was evaluated using WOSI, Constant-Murley and Rowe-Zarins. Statistical methods were used to assess factors leading to failed arthroscopic stabilisation. RESULTS: At final follow-up, 17 patients (17 shoulders, 15.3%) had re-dislocation or subluxation of the joint treated. Age over 20 years reduced the probability of re-dislocation (odds ratio, OR=0.87; p=0.021) while the finding of an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion increased the risk of re-dislocation (OR=5.53; p=0.0028). The presence of a bony Bankart lesion had only a marginal effect on the probability of re-dislocation (p=0.0512). In stable shoulders the average pre-operative values improved to the final follow-up values as follows: WOSI index, 53.65 ± 5.6 to 94.8 ± 5.2 (p<0.0001); Constant-Murley score, 78.9 ± 6.1 to 95.6 ± 4.4 (p<0.0001); and Rowe-Zarins score, 53.3 ± 6.7 to 92.9 ± 7.8 (p<0.0001). No peri-operative complication was recorded. DISCUSSION: Our study confirmed the role of 3D CT examination before arthroscopic stabilisation of the shoulder joint. The exact identification of bone injury and its extent is of prognostic importance. At the same time special attention should be paid to surgical and post-operative tactics in patients operated on before their 20 years of age. On the other hand, no risks were found to be associated with gender, sports activities, the number of previous dislocations, types of anchors, suture material or knot tying. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic stabilisation of the shoulder significantly relieves pain and improves shoulder function in 85% of the patients with anterior shoulder dislocation. The risk that this stabilisation surgery will fail increases with lower age of the patient and the presence of an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion.

The posterior bone block procedure in posterior shoulder instability: a long-term follow-up study.

We present the long-term outcome, at a median of 18 years (12.8 to 23.5) of open posterior bone block stabilisation for recurrent posterior instability of the shoulder in a heterogenous group of 11 patients previously reported on in 2001 at a median follow-up of six years. We found that five (45%) would not have chosen the operation again, and that four (36%) had further posterior dislocation. Clinical outcome was significantly worse after 18 years than after six years of follow-up (median Rowe score of 60 versus 90 (p = 0.027)). The median Western Ontario Shoulder Index was 60% (37% to 100%) at 18 years' follow-up, which is a moderate score. At the time of surgery four (36%) had glenohumeral radiological osteoarthritis, which was present in all after 18 years. This study showed poor long-term results of the posterior bone block procedure for posterior instability and a high rate of glenohumeral osteoarthritis although three patients with post-traumatic instability were pleased with the result of their operations.

Increased mortality after anterior shoulder dislocation: 255 patients aged 12-40 years followed for 25 years.

BACKGROUND: No data exist regarding mortality rate in young patients with a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation. A cohort of 255 patients aged 12-40 years had a primary anterior shoulder dislocation during the years 1978 and 1979. After 10 years, 9 of the patients had died--which is a high figure for this cohort of patients. The question thus arose as to whether these patients had an increased mortality rate. In this study we have examined the mortality rate in these patients 25 years after the primary dislocation, relative to that of the Swedish population in general. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 1978 and 1979, 255 patients aged 12-40 years (257 shoulders) with first-time anterior shoulder dislocation were treated with or without immobilization. During 2003 and 2004, a follow-up of all patients who were alive was undertaken and the certificates of causes of death of 27 deceased patients were also analyzed. RESULTS: The mortality rate (SMR) for the patients in this study was more than double that of the general Swedish population (p<0.001). A higher proportion of the deceased patients had etiology other than sports-related activity as a cause of their initial dislocation (p=0.04). 11 of the 27 who were deceased had died from injury or intoxication (S00-T98, ICD10), which was more than expected relative to the causes of death for the general Swedish population in 2003 and 2004 (p<0.001) INTERPRETATION: The doubled mortality rate in our cohort of patients is most probably explained by the inclusion of a disproportionate number of patients with alcoholic behavior, which may affect the long-term outcome in trauma series.

Simulated computerized adaptive test for patients with shoulder impairments was efficient and produced valid measures of function.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To test unidimensionality and local independence of a set of shoulder functional status (SFS) items, develop a computerized adaptive test (CAT) of the items using a rating scale item response theory model (RSM), and compare discriminant validity of measures generated using all items (theta(IRT)) and measures generated using the simulated CAT (theta(CAT)). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We performed a secondary analysis of data collected prospectively during rehabilitation of 400 patients with shoulder impairments who completed 60 SFS items. RESULTS: Factor analytic techniques supported that the 42 SFS items formed a unidimensional scale and were locally independent. Except for five items, which were deleted, the RSM fit the data well. The remaining 37 SFS items were used to generate the CAT. On average, 6 items were needed to estimate precise measures of function using the SFS CAT, compared with all 37 SFS items. The theta(IRT) and theta(CAT) measures were highly correlated (r = .96) and resulted in similar classifications of patients. CONCLUSION: The simulated SFS CAT was efficient and produced precise, clinically relevant measures of functional status with good discriminating ability.

Voluntary scapulothoracic subluxation: a case report.

Dislocation of the scapula is a rare event, usually associated with massive trauma and injury. We report a case of a patient for whom dislocation was the sole presentation. The possibility of voluntary dislocation for secondary gain was suspected, but because of perceived progressive brachial plexus involvement, urgent closed reduction was undertaken and led to resolution of the neurologic symptoms. The patient returned 1 year later with similar complaints and findings, but declined another closed reduction attempt when offered only an interscalene regional block as pain relief. The diagnosis of voluntary dislocation should be considered in a patient presenting with superior and lateral migration of the scapula, without a history of trauma.

Questionnaire on the perceptions of patients about shoulder surgery.

We developed a 12-item questionnaire for completion by patients having shoulder operations other than stabilisation. A prospective study of 111 patients was undertaken before operation and at follow-up six months later. Each patient completed the new questionnaire and the SF36 form. Some filled in the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). An orthopaedic surgeon assessed the Constant shoulder score. The single score derived from the questionnaire had a high internal consistency. Reproducibility, examined by test-retest reliability, was found to be satisfactory. The validity of the questionnaire was established by obtaining significant correlations in the expected direction with the Constant score and the relevant scales of the SF36 and the HAQ. Sensitivity to change was assessed by analysing the differences between the preoperative scores and those at follow-up. Changes in scores were compared with the patients' responses to postoperative questions about their condition. The standardised effect size for the new questionnaire compared favourably with that for the SF36 and the HAQ. The new questionnaire was the most efficient in distinguishing patients who said that their shoulder was much better from all other patients. The shoulder questionnaire provides a measure of outcome for shoulder operations which is short, practical, reliable, valid and sensitive to clinically important changes.

Shoulder instability in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. An indication for surgical treatment?

In a 19-year-old female patient with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and bilateral multidirectional voluntary dislocations, multiple surgical attempts to achieve stability were ineffective. Joint laxity and hyperelastic tissue are underlying factors contributing to failure of stabilization. More importantly, voluntary dislocations often achieve secondary gain and need preoperative psychological evaluation.

Roentgenographic evaluation of suspected shoulder dislocation: a prospective study comparing the axillary view and the scapular 'Y' view.

This study compares the axillary and the scapular "Y" view in 75 consecutive patients with suspected shoulder dislocation who were evaluated according to a prospective protocol. In each patient, an AP, axillary, and scapular "Y" view was obtained. Evaluation was by the following criteria: accuracy of diagnosis; patient preference; ease of technique; and diagnosis of associated pathology. In 69 cases (92%), the scapular "Y" view and axillary view resulted in the same diagnosis. However, in six cases (8%), the axillary view failed to give the correct diagnosis when compared to the scapular "Y" view. Sixty-one patients (81%) preferred the scapular "Y" view to the axillary view because of less pain. Once the technician was adept with the scapular "Y" view, it was preferred and was considered easier to obtain than the axillary view. With the exception of the Hill-Sachs lesion, the axillary view and scapular "Y" view visualized associated pathology equally well. A new method to obtain the scapular "Y" view is described. The technique is easy to use, and routinely results in an accurate diagnosis with minimal patient discomfort.

Voluntary anterior dislocation of the shoulder: case study.

Anterior shoulder dislocation can be willfully produced by a subject through abnormal unbalanced muscle contraction at the shoulder joint. It may be associated with pathologic lesions at the shoulder. Treatment consists of vigorous shoulder strengthening exercises and/or surgery to increase anterior stability at the joint. For any treatment approach to be successful the subject must avoid dislocation of the shoulder. A psychologic component frequently associated with this condition is its use as a mechanism for attention, sympathy or defense--a factor that has a significant negative effect on response to treatment.