Transarterial Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: Midterm Outcomes on Function and Pain Relief.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and potential effectiveness of transarterial embolization for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study analyzed consecutive adult patients with adhesive capsulitis referred for embolization between January 2018 and May 2023 after a poor response to treatment (symptoms and limitation of motion in ≥2 axes; ≤120° flexion, ≤50° external rotation and/or internal rotation with the shoulder abducted 90°) persisting for >3 months after having completed ≥6 weeks of analgesics and physical therapy. Different types of pain and mobility were measured before embolization and 1, 3, and 6 months after embolization. Overall upper limb function (Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) and patient satisfaction were measured before and 6 months after embolization. Long-term follow-up comprised telephone interviews and clinical history reviews. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients (12 [60%] women; median age, 50.7; interquartile ranges [IQR], 45‒55 years) were included; 6 (30%) had diabetes and 15 (75%) were off work. Median duration of symptoms before embolization was 39.4 weeks (IQR, 28‒49 weeks), and median duration of rehabilitation therapy was 12.8 weeks (IQR, 8‒16 weeks). Six months after embolization, significant improvements were observed in nocturnal pain (P = .003), pain on moving (P = .001), external rotation (P < .001), internal rotation (P < .001), active flexion (P < .001), passive flexion (P = .03), active abduction (P < .001), passive abduction (P < .001), and overall function (P < .001). Despite objective improvements, patient satisfaction was nearly unchanged. Only 1 patient experienced a mild adverse event. CONCLUSION: Transarterial embolization is safe and potentially effective in treating adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder refractory to conventional treatment. Clinical improvements were maintained in the mid to long term.

Active gas aspiration in reducing pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is a common issue following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This meta-analysis aimed to determine if active gas aspiration is more effective than passive gas aspiration in reducing postoperative pain and analgesic requirements. METHODOLOGY: The study conducted a systematic search of various databases, including Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) via Ovid. It also searched trial registries and reference lists of included studies, with no date restrictions but limited to English language, up to December 21, 2022. The study included all randomized clinical trials that had documented elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure and reported at least one relevant outcome. Articles that included subdiaphragmatic drain, intraperitoneal normal saline infusion, or pulmonary recruitment maneuver were excluded from the analysis. Two reviewers independently and in duplicate assessed the eligibility of studies and extracted data. The study reported findings according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The risk of bias of the included trials was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. The study used a random-effects model to pool data. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 5 randomized clinical trials with 367 participants and found that active gas aspiration resulted in significantly lower residual gas volume and total analgesia requirements compared to passive gas aspiration. Active gas aspiration also led to significantly lower shoulder pain scores at 24 h postoperatively. However, no significant differences were observed in hospital stay duration or abdominal pain scores. CONCLUSION: The study found that active gas aspiration can be effective in reducing postoperative shoulder pain and analgesic requirements after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which has important implications for patient care and healthcare costs. Importantly, this intervention does not impose any additional time or financial burden. However, further research is needed to evaluate its impact on other laparoscopic procedures.

Shoulder terminal sensory articular nerve radiofrequency ablation for nonsurgical refractory shoulder pain due to rotator cuff pathology and osteoarthritis: a technical note.

BACKGROUND: Given the high prevalence of chronic shoulder pain and encouraging early results of terminal sensory articular branch radiofrequency ablation to treat shoulder pain, research is warranted to refine the procedural technique on the basis of updated neuroanatomic knowledge with the goal of further improving patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We describe an updated radiofrequency ablation protocol that accounts for varied locations of the terminal sensory articular branches of the suprascapular, axillary, subscapular, and lateral pectoral nerves within individual patients. DESIGN: Technical note. METHODS: Cadaveric studies delineating the sensory innervation of the shoulder joint were reviewed, and a more comprehensive radiofrequency ablation protocol is proposed relative to historical descriptions. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed radiofrequency ablation protocol, which is based on neuroanatomic dissections of the shoulder joint, will provide a safe means of more complete sensory denervation and potentially improve clinical outcomes compared with historical descriptions, the efficacy of the new protocol must be confirmed in prospective studies.

A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Various Shoulder Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) covering the management of common shoulder disorders. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of CPGs on specific shoulder disorders was conducted up to August 2022 in relevant databases. STUDY SELECTION: Twenty-six CPGs on rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy, RC tear, calcific tendinitis, adhesive capsulitis, glenohumeral (GH) instability, GH osteoarthritis, or acromioclavicular disorders published from January 2008 onward were screened and included. DATA EXTRACTION: CPGs methodological quality was assessed with the AGREE II checklist. All recommendations from CPGs were extracted and categorized by shoulder disorder and care components (evaluation, diagnostic imaging, medical, rehabilitation, and surgical treatments). After semantic analysis of the terminology, recommendations for each shoulder disorders were classified by 2 reviewers into "recommended," "may be recommended," or "not recommended." Disagreements were resolved by discussion until reviewers reached consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS: Only 12 CPGs (46%) were of high quality with major limitations related to the applicability and editorial independence of the guidelines. The initial evaluation of shoulder pain should include patient's history, subjective evaluation focused on red flags, and clinical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging is usually not recommended to manage early shoulder pain, and recommendations for X-rays are conflicting. Acetaminophen, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and rehabilitation including exercises were recommended or may be recommended to treat all shoulder pain disorders. Guidelines on surgical management recommendations differed; for example, 6 CPGs reported that acromioplasty was recommended or may be recommended in chronic RC tendinopathy, whereas 4 CPGs did not recommend it. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations vary for diagnostic imaging, conservative vs surgical treatment to manage shoulder pain, although several care components are consensual. The development of evidence-based, rigorous CPGs with a valid methodology and transparent reporting is warranted to improve overall shoulder pain care.

Effectiveness of Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Sham Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the 3-month effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) in the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). DESIGN: Planned analysis of a randomized controlled trial with 4- and 12-week follow-ups. SETTING: Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic, treatment unit. PARTICIPANTS: Of the 250 individuals screened for eligibility, participants with a diagnosis of SIS (N=80) were randomized to intervention or control groups. INTERVENTION: The first group received PEMF + exercise and the second group received sham PEMF + exercise 5 days a week for a total of 20 sessions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Constant Murley Score (CMS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Short Form-36 (SF-36) Quality of Life Questionnaire, and shoulder muscle strength measurement with an isokinetic dynamometer. Evaluations were performed before treatment (T0), after treatment (T1), and 12th week (T2). RESULTS: Evaluation at T1 and T2 showed improvement in most parameters in both groups compared with baseline. In the comparison between the 2 groups at T1 and T2, more improvement was found in the PEMF group in most parameters. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, PEMF was found to be superior to sham PEMF in terms of pain, ROM, functionality, and quality of life at the first and third months.

The comparative effectiveness of combined hydrodilatation/corticosteroid procedure with two different quantities for adhesive capsulitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of injecting various amounts of fluid into the shoulder joints for capsule distension in patients with adhesive capsulitis. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient clinic of a tertiary care centre. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-four patients with adhesive capsulitis underwent a baseline (time0), 6 weeks (time1), and 12 weeks (time2) follow-up after hydrodilitation. INTERVENTION: Group 1 (n = 42) received 20 ml of lidocaine, steroid, and saline hydrodilatation via posterior glenohumeral recess, while Group 2 (n = 42) received 10 ml of lidocaine, steroid, and saline hydrodilitation. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome was the visual analogue scale for pain. The secondary outcomes were shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) and ROM of the shoulder. RESULTS: There was a significant reduce in VAS scores for pain, SPADI scores, and increased shoulder ROM in both groups over time; however, the group-by-time interactions for any of the outcomes between groups were not significant except VAS pain in motion. Post-hoc pairwise analysis of the marginal effect of time and group showed that the significant difference of VAS in motion is due to time effect: time1 vs time0 (95% CI -4.09 to -2.68), time2 vs time0 (-4.21 to -2.77), and time2 vs time1 (-0.83 to 0.63), without between-group difference: group 1 vs group 2 (-0.38 to 0.59). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests hydrodilatation achieved an optimal effect at time1 for patients with adhesive capsulitis in both groups, and adding more saline offers additional benefits in flexion and external roatation until time2.

Efficacy of combined ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation with hyaluronic acid and physical therapy in patients with adhesive capsulitis: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of combining ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation with hyaluronic acid and physical therapy compared with physical therapy alone in patients with adhesive capsulitis. DESIGN: A prospective, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Single medical centre. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with adhesive capsulitis (N = 62) were divided into group A: ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation with hyaluronic acid + physical therapy (N = 31) and group B: physical therapy alone (N = 31). INTERVENTIONS: Group A received three doses of ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation with hyaluronic acid-based injectates (20 mL in total). Both groups underwent structured physical therapy. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was Constant score, while secondary outcomes included Shoulder Pain and Disability Index score, numerical rating scale (at rest, night, and during motion), 36-item Short Form Health Survey, and range of motion of the shoulder. All measurements were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks post-injection. RESULTS: At week 12, the Constant scores were 68.29 ± 14.55 and 62.77 ± 14.44 for groups A and B, respectively. There was a greater reduction in the Constant score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and numerical rating scale between the baseline and 6 weeks and between the baseline and 12 weeks in group A (Constant score: p < 0.05, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index: p < 0.01, and numerical rating scale: p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation with hyaluronic acid in conjunction with physical therapy provides additional benefits compared to physical therapy alone for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis at up to 12 weeks. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02708706.

Differences in Glenohumeral Joint Contact Forces Between Recovery Hand Patterns During Wheelchair Propulsion With and Without Shoulder Muscle Weakness: A Simulation Study.

The majority of manual wheelchair users (MWCU) develop shoulder pain or injuries, which is often caused by impingement. Because propulsion mechanics are influenced by the recovery hand pattern used, the pattern may affect shoulder loading and susceptibility to injury. Shoulder muscle weakness is also correlated with shoulder pain, but how shoulder loading changes with specific muscle group weakness is unknown. Musculoskeletal modeling and simulation were used to compare glenohumeral joint contact forces (GJCFs) across hand patterns and determine how GJCFs vary when primary shoulder muscle groups are weakened. Experimental data were analyzed to classify individuals into four hand pattern groups. A representative musculoskeletal model was then developed for each group and simulations generated to portray baseline strength and six muscle weakness conditions. Three-dimensional GJCF peaks and impulses were compared across hand patterns and muscle weakness conditions. The semicircular pattern consistently had lower shear (anterior-posterior and superior-inferior) GJCFs compared to other patterns. The double-loop pattern had the highest superior GJCFs, while the single-loop pattern had the highest anterior and posterior GJCFs. These results suggest that using the semicircular pattern may be less susceptible to shoulder injuries such as subacromial impingement. Weakening the internal rotators and external rotators resulted in the greatest increases in shear GJCFs and decreases in compressive GJCF, likely due to decreased force from rotator cuff muscles. These findings suggest that strengthening specific muscle groups, especially the rotator cuff, is critical for decreasing the risk of shoulder overuse injuries.

Impact of Surgical Positioning on the Occurrence of Postoperative Ipilateral Shoulder Pain After Lung Resection by Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the ipsilateral arm position on ipsilateral shoulder pain after lung cancer resection by video-assisted thoracic surgery. DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A single academic center study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery pulmonary resection for cancer at the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec from May 2020 to May 2022 were included. INTERVENTIONS: Patients randomly were assigned with a 1:1 ratio to a supported or suspended ipsilateral arm position. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ipsilateral shoulder pain incidence, pain score, and opioid use were recorded in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) on postoperative days 1 and 2. One hundred thirty-three patients were randomized, 67 in the suspended-arm group and 66 in the supported-arm group. Of the patients, 31% reported ipsilateral shoulder pain in the PACU with no difference between groups (19/67 [28.4%] v 22/66 patients (33.3%), p = 0.5767). There was no significant difference between the pain score in the PACU (3 [0-6] v 4 [0-6], p = 0.9055) at postoperative day 1 (4 [2-6] v 3 [2-5], p = 0.4113) and at postoperative day 2 (2 [0-5] v 2 [1-4], p = 0.9508). Ipsilateral shoulder pain score decreased rapidly on postoperative day 2. There was no statistical difference in opioid and gabapentinoid use between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ipsilateral arm position seems to have no impact on ipsilateral shoulder pain.

Neck and shoulder pain in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis 10 years after posterior spinal fusion.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the clinical significance of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) 10 years after posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and the relationship between radiographic parameters and NSP. METHODS: Of 72 patients who underwent PSF for thoracic AIS (Lenke 1 or 2) between 2000 and 2013, we included 52 (46 females; Lenke type 1 in 34 patients and type 2 in 18; mean age, 25.6 years) who underwent NSP evaluation using visual analog scale (VAS, 10 cm) 10 years postoperatively (follow-up rate, 72.2%). Correlation analyses were performed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r). RESULTS: The VAS for NSP was 2.6 cm in median and 3.4 cm in mean at 10 years. The VAS had significant negative correlations with several SRS-22 domain scores (rs = - 0.348 for pain, - 0.347 for function, - 0.308 for mental health, and - 0.372 for total) (p < 0.05). In addition, the VAS score was significantly correlated with cervical lordosis (CL) (rs = 0.296), lumbar lordosis (rs = - 0.299), and sacral slope (rs = 0.362) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, at the 10-year follow-up, CL was significantly negatively correlated with T1 slope (rs = - 0.763) and thoracic kyphosis (TK) (- 0.554 for T1-12 and - 0.344 for T5-12) (p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: NSP was associated with deterioration in SRS-22 scores, indicating that NSP is a clinically significant long-term issue in PSF for thoracic AIS. Restoring or maintaining the TK and T1 slopes, which are controllable factors during PSF, may improve cervical lordosis and alleviate NSP at 10-year follow-up.

Variations in 1-year Trajectories of Levels of Pain and Capability After Shoulder Arthroplasty Are Associated With Baseline Mental Health.

BACKGROUND: There is variability in the trajectories of pain intensity and magnitude of incapability after shoulder arthroplasty. A better understanding of the degree to which variation in recovery trajectories relates to aspects of mental health can inform the development of comprehensive biopsychosocial care strategies. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Do pain intensities at baseline and the trajectories during recovery differ between groups when stratified by mental health composite summary score, arthroplasty type, and revision surgery? (2) Do magnitudes of capability at baseline and the trajectories during recovery differ between these groups? METHODS: We used a registry of 755 patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty by a single surgeon at a specialized urban orthopaedic hospital that recorded the mental component summary (MCS) score of the Veterans RAND 12, a measure of shoulder-specific comfort and capability (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score, which ranges from 0 to 100 points, with a score of 0 indicating worse capability and pain and 100 indicating better capability and pain and a minimum clinically important difference of 6.4), and the VAS for pain intensity (range 0 [representing no pain] to 10 [representing the worst pain possible], with a minimum clinically important difference of 1.4) preoperatively, 2 weeks postoperatively, and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Forty-nine percent (368 of 755) of the patients were men, with a mean age of 68 ± 8 years, and 77% (585) were treated with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). Unconditional linear and quadratic growth models were generated to identify the general shape of recovery for both outcomes (linear versus quadratic). We then constructed conditional growth models and curves for pain intensity and the magnitude of capability showing mean baseline scores and the rates of recovery that determine the trajectory, accounting for mental health (MCS) quartiles, primary or revision arthroplasty, and TSA or reverse TSA in separate models. Because pain intensity and capability showed quadratic trends, we created trajectories using the square of time. RESULTS: Patients in the worst two MCS quartiles had greater pain intensity at baseline than patients in the best quartile (difference in baseline for bottom quartile: 0.93 [95% CI 0.72 to 1.1]; p < 0.01; difference in baseline for next-worst quartile: 0.36 [95% CI 0.16 to 0.57]; p < 0.01). The rates of change in recovery from pain intensity were not different among groups (p > 0.10). Patients with revision surgery had greater baseline pain (difference: 1.1 [95% CI 0.7 to 1.5]; p < 0.01) but no difference in rates of recovery (difference: 0.031 [95% CI 0.035 to 0.097]; p = 0.36). There were no differences in baseline pain intensity and rates of recovery between patients with reverse TSA and those with TSA (baseline pain difference: -0.20 [95% CI -0.38 to -0.03]; p = 0.18; difference in rate of recovery: -0.005 [95% CI -0.035 to 0.025]; p = 0.74). Patients in the worst two MCS quartiles had worse baseline capability than patients in the best quartile (difference in baseline for bottom quartile: -8.9 [95% CI -10 to -7.4]; p < 0.001; difference in baseline for the next-worst quartile: -4.9 [95% CI -6.4 to -3.4]; p < 0.01), with no differences in rates of recovery (p > 0.10). Patients with revision surgery had lower baseline capability (difference in baseline: -13 [95% CI -15 to -9.7]; p < 0.01), with a slower rate of recovery (difference in rate of recovery: -0.56 [95% CI -1.0 to -0.079]; p = 0.021). There were no differences in baseline capability or rates of recovery between TSA and reverse TSA. CONCLUSION: The observation that preoperative and 1-year comfort and capability are associated with mental health factors and with similar recovery trajectories reminds us that assessment and treatment of mental health is best considered an integral aspect of musculoskeletal care. Future studies can address how prioritization of mental health in musculoskeletal care strategies might reduce variation in the 1-year outcomes of discretionary surgeries such as shoulder arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Arthroscopic capsular release is more effective in pain relief than conservative treatment in patients with frozen shoulder.

BACKGROUND: Frozen shoulder is a common medical condition, but the ideal therapeutic method is yet to be determined. Our aim was to analyze the pain-relieving effect of different treatment options used for the management of this disease. METHODS: Medical records of 59 patients (22 male, 37 female, average age: 55.5 years ±9.9) with early stage primary frozen shoulder were evaluated, their demographic data, physical examination, concomitant diseases and treatment specific data were registered. Life quality and the level of pain were assessed using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Different treatment modalities and their effect on pain relief were recorded. Any existing correlation between life quality, pain and demographic data, concomitant diseases or the therapeutic method used was investigated. RESULTS: The level of pain measured on NRS improved from 7.9 ± 1.6 to 1.9 ± 2.2. The most effective therapeutic method in terms of pain relief was surgery, followed by physiotherapy and intraarticular steroid injection (NRS score after treatment: 2 - p < 0.0001; 3.3 - p < 0.0001; 4.9 - p < 0.0001, respectively). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) did not reduce pain significantly. OSS improved from 24 to 43.6 and was not affected by the investigated variables, time to recovery was not influenced by the demographic data, the type of treatment or concomitant diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic capsular release, physiotherapy and intraarticular steroid injection outperformed physical therapy and NSAID treatment in terms of pain relief. Despite of slight but persistent post-therapeutic pain found in half of the cases, treatment was considered satisfactory by the patients. Nor patient specific neither therapy specific data had a significant effect on the course of the disease.

Occupational tasks associated with shoulder pain and upper extremity disability: a cross-sectional study in the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is a leading cause of disability. Occupations requiring high upper extremity demands may put workers at greater risk of shoulder injury and resulting pain. We examined associations of occupation with shoulder pain and upper extremity disability in the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project. METHODS: Work industry and occupational tasks for the longest job held were collected from participants. At follow-up ranging from 4-10 years later, participants were asked about shoulder symptoms (pain, aching, or stiffness occurring most days of 1 month in the last year) and given a 9-item, modified Disabilities Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire to categorize disability from 0-4 (none-worst). Logistic regression and cumulative logit regression models were used to estimate associations with prevalent shoulder symptoms and with worse disability category, respectively. Models were adjusted for cohort, age, sex, race, education and time to follow-up. Sex- and race-stratified associations were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 1560 included participants, mean age was 62 years (standard deviation ± 9 years); 32% were men, and 31% were Black. Compared to the managerial/professional industry, higher odds of both shoulder symptoms and worse upper extremity disability were seen for most industrial groups with physically demanding jobs, particularly the service industry. Work that often or always required lifting/moving > 10 lbs. was associated with higher odds of shoulder symptoms. Work that sometimes or always required heavy work while standing was associated with higher odds of shoulder symptoms, and this association was stronger among men and White workers. CONCLUSION: Physically demanding occupations were associated with increased occurrence of shoulder pain and disability. Mitigating specific physical work demands may reduce shoulder-related disability.

The clinical efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma on frozen shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the clinical efficacy (pain, function, quality of life) and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of frozen shoulder through meta-analysis, and provide evidence-based medical evidence for the effectiveness of PRP in the treatment of frozen shoulder. METHODS: A search was conducted on international databases (Pubmed, Web of science, Embase) and Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP) to search the clinical studies on the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in treating frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis/periarthritis/50 shoulder) and their corresponding references published from inception until January 2024. Thoroughly excluded literature not meeting the predetermined inclusion criteria, extracted relevant data from the literature, and input it into RevMan5.4 for meta-analysis. RESULTS: This study ultimately included 14 RCTs, with a total of 1024 patients. The results showed that PRP has significant advantages compared with control groups in VAS (mean difference (MD) =-0.38, 95% confidence interval(CI)(-0.73, -0.03), P = 0.03), UCLA (MD = 3.31, 95% CI (1.02,5.60),P = 0.005), DASH (MD = -4.94,95% CI (-9.34, -0.53),P = 0.03), SPADI (SPADI Total: MD =-16.87, 95% CI (-22.84, -10.91), P < 0.00001; SPADI Pain: MD =-5.38, 95% CI (-7.80, -2.97), P < 0.0001; SPADI Disability: MD =-11.00, 95% CI (-13.61,-8.39), P < 0.00001), and the active and passive Range of Motion (active flexion: MD = 12.70, 95% CI (7.44, 17.95), P < 0.00001; passive flexion: MD = 9.47, 95% CI(3.80, 15.14), P = 0.001; active extension: MD = 3.45, 95% CI(2.39, 4.50), P < 0.00001; active abduction: MD = 13.54, 95% CI(8.42, 18.67), P < 0.00001; passive abduction: MD = 14.26, 95% CI (5.97, 22.56), P = 0.0008; active internal rotation: MD = 5.16, 95% CI (1.84, 8.48), P = 0.002; passive internal rotation: MD = 3.65, 95% CI(1.15, 6.15), P = 0.004; active external rotation: MD = 10.50, 95% CI(5.47, 15.53), P < 0.0001; passive external rotation: MD = 6.00, 95% CI (1.82, 10.19), P = 0.005) except passive extension (MD = 2.25, 95% CI (-0.77, 5.28), P = 0.14). In terms of safety, most studies reported no adverse effects, and only one study reported common complications of joint puncture such as swelling and pain after treatment in both PRP and control groups. Previous studies have shown a risk of osteonecrosis caused by corticosteroids. Therefore, the safety of PRP treatment is more reliable. CONCLUSION: The results showed that PRP was more durable and safer than corticosteroids and other control groups in the treatment of frozen shoulder. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022359444, date of registration: 22-09-2022.

Measuring myofascial shear strain in chronic shoulder pain with ultrasound shear strain imaging: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Dysfunctional gliding of deep fascia and muscle layers forms the basis of myofascial pain and dysfunction, which can cause chronic shoulder pain. Ultrasound shear strain imaging may offer a non-invasive tool to quantitatively evaluate the extent of muscular dysfunctional gliding and its correlation with pain. This case study is the first to use ultrasound shear strain imaging to report the shear strain between the pectoralis major and minor muscles in shoulders with and without chronic pain. CASE PRESENTATION: The shear strain between the pectoralis major and minor muscles during shoulder rotation in a volunteer with chronic shoulder pain was measured with ultrasound shear strain imaging. The results show that the mean ± standard deviation shear strain was 0.40 ± 0.09 on the affected side, compared to 1.09 ± 0.18 on the unaffected side (p<0.05). The results suggest that myofascial dysfunction may cause the muscles to adhere together thereby reducing shear strain on the affected side. CONCLUSION: Our findings elucidate a potential pathophysiology of myofascial dysfunction in chronic shoulder pain and reveal the potential utility of ultrasound imaging to provide a useful biomarker for shear strain evaluation between the pectoralis major and minor muscles.

Editorial Commentary: Tuberoplasty Is a Reliable Option to Address Pain in Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears.

The massive irreparable rotator cuff tear remains a challenging condition for which there are many reported treatment options, including biceps tenotomy or tenodesis, subacromial decompression, cuff debridement, partial or augmented rotator cuff repair, bursal acromial reconstruction, balloon spacer placement, superior capsular reconstruction, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, and tendon transfer, among others. Optimally treating the condition relies on paying attention to several patient factors, including correctly identifying whether function loss is driven by pain or compromised shoulder kinematics. If pain is the primary limiting factor, then tuberoplasty, or "reversed subacromial decompression," seems to be a reliable option that can afford encouraging results in terms of pain and range of motion in correctly indicated individuals. It is important to note, however, that these results should not be expected in the patient with anterior-superior humeral escape or pseudoparalysis, in whom a kinematic-restoring option may be more appropriate. Considering a history of inconsistent terminology and definitions when it comes to defining massive tears, when they are irreparable, and when the patient has pseudoparesis versus pseudoparalysis, it is paramount to accurately describe patient factors, including preoperative function, in ongoing research.

Evaluation of intraoperative lidocaine on the prevention of postoperative shoulder pain in gynecologic laparoscopy: A prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

AIM: To assess the effectiveness of intraoperative lidocaine in reducing the incidence of post-laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP) after gynecologic laparoscopy. METHODS: Patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy were randomly divided into two groups: the lidocaine group, receiving an initial intravenous dose of lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg) before anesthesia induction, followed by a continuous infusion at 2 mg/kg/h, and the placebo group, receiving saline. The primary endpoint was the determination of PLSP incidence over a 72-h period post-surgery. Secondary endpoints included a comprehensive evaluation of pain intensity, as measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), for shoulder, abdominal, and incisional pain within a 72-hour period postoperatively. Additionally, the endpoints involved the assessment of Lofencodeine or Parexib Sodium usage frequency, incidence of nausea and vomiting, duration of anesthesia and surgical procedure, as well as the duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: Our study did not demonstrate any significant benefit in the incidence of PLSP during the postoperative period. PLSP occurred in 14 out of 41 patients (34.1%) in the lidocaine group, compared with 15 out of 41 patients (36.6%) in the placebo group (p = 0.817). Intravenous lidocaine reduced abdominal pain scores and decreased the need for postoperative analgesics within 72 h after surgery. No significant differences were found in incisional and shoulder pain intensity, nausea and vomiting rates, or hospitalization duration between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The infusion of lidocaine did not yield a reduction in the incidence or severity of PLSP in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy.

Rehabilitation of the painful shoulder.

Managing the painful shoulder in overhead athletes can be difficult because of a lack of time-loss injuries in overhead sports and focusing primarily on either pathoanatomic causes or movement impairments. Although managing the painful shoulder can be challenging, the combination of identifying pathoanatomic causes with movement impairments can provide a more focused rehabilitation approach directed at the causes of shoulder pain. Understanding the potential influence of scapular positioning as well as mobility and/or strength impairments on shoulder pain can help clinicians develop more directed rehabilitation programs. Furthermore, sports-specific methods such as long toss or the use of weighted balls for achieving physiological or performance-based gains have limited empirical evidence regarding their clinical and performance-based benefits, which may impede the rehabilitation process. Applying a comprehensive evaluation approach prior to and throughout the treatment process can assist clinicians with selecting the most appropriate treatment based on patient need. Reconsidering traditional treatments based on existing evidence may help refine the treatment process for overhead athletes with shoulder pain.

Quantifying success after first revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: the minimal and substantial clinically important percentage of maximal possible improvement.

BACKGROUND: When patients require reoperation after primary shoulder arthroplasty, revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is most commonly performed. However, defining clinically important improvement in these patients is challenging because benchmarks have not been previously defined. Furthermore, although the minimal clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefit are commonly used to assess clinically relevant success, these metrics are limited by ceiling effects that may cause inaccurate estimates of patient success. Our purpose was to define the minimal and substantial clinically important percentage of maximal possible improvement (MCI-%MPI and SCI-%MPI) for commonly used pain and functional outcome scores after revision rTSA and to quantify the proportion of patients achieving clinically relevant success. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used a prospectively collected single-institution database of patients who underwent first revision rTSA between August 2015 and December 2019. Patients with a diagnosis of periprosthetic fracture or infection were excluded. Outcome scores included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), raw and normalized Constant, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. We used an anchor-based method to calculate the MCI-%MPI and SCI-%MPI. In addition, we calculated the MCI-%MPI using a distribution-based method for historical comparison. The proportions of patients achieving each threshold were assessed. The influence of sex, type of primary shoulder arthroplasty, and reason for revision rTSA were also assessed by calculating cohort-specific thresholds. RESULTS: Ninety-three revision rTSAs with minimum 2-year follow-up were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 67 years; 56% were female, and the average follow-up was 54 months. Revision rTSA was performed most commonly for failed anatomic TSA (n = 47), followed by hemiarthroplasty (n = 21), rTSA (n = 15), and humeral head resurfacing (n = 10). The indication for revision rTSA was most commonly glenoid loosening (n = 24), followed by rotator cuff failure (n = 23) and subluxation and unexplained pain (n = 11 for both). The anchor-based MCI-%MPI thresholds (% of patients achieving) were ASES = 33% (49%), raw Constant = 23% (64%), normalized Constant = 30% (61%), UCLA = 51% (53%), SST = 26% (68%), and SPADI = 29% (58%). The anchor-based SCI-%MPI thresholds (% of patients achieving) were ASES = 55% (31%), raw Constant = 41% (27%), normalized Constant = 52% (22%), UCLA = 66% (37%), SST = 74% (25%), and SPADI = 49% (34%). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to establish thresholds for the MCI-%MPI and SCI-%MPI at minimum 2 years after revision rTSA, providing physicians an evidence-based method to assess patient outcomes postoperatively.

Characteristics of subscapularis muscle strain in professional baseball players: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Subscapularis muscle strains can develop in professional baseball players, rendering the players unable to continue playing for a certain period. However, the characteristics of this injury are not well known. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the details of the injury and the postinjury course of subscapularis muscle strain in professional baseball players. METHODS: Of 191 players (83 fielders and 108 pitchers) who were members of a single Japanese professional baseball team between January 2013 and December 2022, 8 players (4.2%) had subscapularis muscle strain and were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis of muscle strain was made on the basis of shoulder pain and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The incidence of subscapularis muscle strain, the details of the site of the injury, and the time to return to play were examined. RESULTS: Subscapularis muscle strain occurred in 3 (3.6%) of 83 fielders and 5 (4.6%) of 108 pitchers, with no significant difference between fielders and pitchers. All players had injuries on the dominant side. Most injuries were located at the myotendinous junction and in the inferior half of the subscapularis muscle. The mean time to return to play was 55.3 ± 40.0 (range, 7-120) days. At a mean 22.7 months after the injury, there were no reinjured players. CONCLUSION: A subscapularis muscle strain is a rare injury among baseball players, but in players whose shoulder pain cannot be given a definite diagnosis, subscapularis muscle strain should be considered as a possible etiology.