Eighth Cervical Nerve Root Block During Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block Decreases Pain Caused by Posterior Portal Placement but Increases Horner Syndrome in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the intensity of pain on posterior portal placement between a C5-C7 root block (conventional interscalene brachial plexus block [ISBPB]) and a C5-C8 root block in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. METHODS: In this prospective, single-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial, patients were randomized to receive either a C5-C7 root block (C5-C7 group, n = 37) or a C5-C8 root block (C5-C8 group, n = 36) with 25 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine. The primary outcome was the pain intensity on posterior portal placement, which was graded as 0 (no pain), 1 (mild pain), or 2 (severe pain). The secondary outcomes were the bilateral pupil diameters measured 30 minutes after ISBPB placement; the incidence of Horner syndrome, defined as a difference in pupil diameter (ipsilateral - contralateral) of less than -0.5 mm; the onset of postoperative pain; and the postoperative numerical rating pain score, where 0 and 10 represent no pain and the worst pain imaginable, respectively. RESULTS: Fewer patients reported mild or severe pain on posterior portal placement in the C5-C8 group than in the C5-C7 group (9 of 36 [25.0%] vs 24 of 37 [64.9%], P = .003). Less pain on posterior portal placement was reported in the C5-C8 group than in the C5-C7 group (median [interquartile range], 0 [0-0.75] vs 1 [0-1]; median difference [95% confidence interval], 1 [0-1]; P = .001). The incidence of Horner syndrome was higher in the C5-C8 group than in the C5-C7 group (33 of 36 [91.7%] vs 22 of 37 [59.5%], P = .001). No significant differences in postoperative numerical rating pain scores and onset of postoperative pain were found between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: A C5-C8 root block during an ISBPB reduces the pain intensity on posterior portal placement. However, it increases the incidence of Horner syndrome with no improvement in postoperative pain compared with the conventional ISBPB (C5-C7 root block). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Assessment of the changes in cardiac sympathetic nervous activity using the pupil size changes measured in seated patients whose stellate ganglion is blocked by interscalene brachial plexus block.

BACKGROUND: As a side effect of interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB), stellate ganglion block (SGB) causes reductions in pupil size (Horner's syndrome) and cardiac sympathetic nervous activity (CSNA). Reduced CSNA is associated with hemodynamic instability when patients are seated. Therefore, instantaneous measurements of CSNA are important in seated patients presenting with Horner's syndrome. However, there are no effective tools to measure real-time CSNA intraoperatively. To evaluate the usefulness of pupillometry in measuring CSNA, we investigated the relationship between pupil size and CSNA. METHODS: Forty-two patients undergoing right arthroscopic shoulder surgery under ISBPB were analyzed. Pupil diameters were measured at 30 Hz for 2 s using a portable pupillometer. Bilateral pupil diameters and CSNA (natural-log-transformed low-frequency power [0.04-0.15 Hz] of heart rate variability [lnLF]) were measured before ISBPB (pre-ISBPB) and 15 min after transition to the sitting position following ISBPB (post-sitting). Changes in the pupil diameter ([right pupil diameter for post-sitting - left pupil diameter for post-sitting] - [right pupil diameter for pre-ISBPB - left pupil diameter for pre-ISBPB]) and CSNA (lnLF for post-sitting - lnLF for pre-ISBPB) were calculated. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (97.6%) developed Horner's syndrome. Right pupil diameter and lnLF significantly decreased upon transition to sitting after ISBPB. In the linear regression model (R2 =0.242, P=0.001), a one-unit decrease (1 mm) in the extent of changes in the pupil diameter reduced the extent of changes in lnLF by 0.659 ln(ms2/Hz) (95% CI [0.090, 1.228]). CONCLUSIONS: Pupillometry is a useful tool to measure changes in CSNA after the transition to sitting following ISBPB.

Histological changes and neural elements in the subacromial bursa on patients with rotator cuff tear: Pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the neural elements of the subacromial bursa (SAB) in rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with rotator cuff tears were recruited, and their visual analog scale (VAS) score, duration of symptoms, and range of motion (ROM), including flexion, external rotation, and internal rotation were evaluated. Tear size was measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The SAB specimens obtained during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were studied using routine hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry (S-100 protein and PGP 9.5 protein). The SAB specimen for the control group was obtained from 2 fresh cadavers and 2 patients with acute humeral shaft fracture. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied to assess the difference between histological findings of the rotator cuff tear group and control group. The correlation between the histological findings and clinical features was evaluated using the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean duration of symptom was 10.2 ± 6.4 months. The preoperative average VAS score was 2.9 ± 1.2. The degrees of preoperative ROM in forward flexion and external and internal rotations were 143.8 ± 19.5, 49.5 ± 23.1, and -4.3 ± 4.2, respectively. The tear was 2.0 ± 0.9 cm. For histological findings, the number of neural elements per low power field in the rotator cuff tear group was significantly less than the control group in both immunohistochemical stainings (S-100: 0.5 ± 0.7 vs 2.8 ± 0.5, p < .01; PGP 9.5: 0.4 ± 0.7 vs 3.5 ± 0.6, p < .01). During the correlation analysis, the number of neural elements in the PGP 9.5 staining was negatively correlated with the ROM in forward flexion and external rotation. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that chronic rotator cuff tears may induce degeneration of neural elements in SAB.

Effects of C8 nerve root block during interscalene brachial plexus block on anesthesia of the posterior shoulder in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery: study protocol for a prospective randomized parallel-group controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A classical approach to produce interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) consistently spares the posterior aspect of the shoulder and ulnar sides of the elbow, forearm, and hand, which are innervated by the lower trunk of the brachial plexus (C8-T1). As an alternative to the classical approach, a caudal approach to ISBPB successfully produces anesthesia of the ulnar sides of the elbow, forearm, and hand. However, its beneficial effects on anesthesia in the posterior aspect of the shoulder have not been investigated. In addition, the C8 nerve root is not routinely selectively blocked during ISBPB. Therefore, we will compare the C5 to C7 and C5 to C8 nerve root blocks during a caudal approach to ISBPB to assess the clinical benefit of C8 nerve blocks for the surgical anesthesia of the posterior aspect of the shoulder. METHODS/DESIGN: In this prospective parallel-group single-blind randomized controlled trial, 74 patients scheduled to undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery under ISBPB are randomly allocated to receive the C5 to C7 or C5 to C8 nerve root block at a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is pain intensity, which is rated as 0 (no pain), 1 (mild pain), or 2 (severe pain), during the introduction of a posterior portal into the glenohumeral joint. The secondary outcomes are (1) the extent of the ipsilateral sensory, motor, hemidiaphragmatic, and stellate ganglion blockade, (2) changes in the results of a pulmonary function test, (3) incidence of complications related to ISBPB, (4) postoperative numerical pain rating scale scores, (5) patients' satisfaction with the ISBPB, (6) dose and frequency of analgesic use, and (7) incidence of conversion to general anesthesia. DISCUSSION: This study is the first to evaluate the beneficial effects of the C8 nerve root block during ISBPB, which has rarely been performed due to the technical challenge in visualizing and blocking the C8 nerve root. It is expected that a C8 nerve root block performed during ISBPB will provide sufficient surgical anesthesia of the posterior aspect of the shoulder, which cannot be achieved by a classical approach to ISBPB. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClicnicalTrials.gov, NCT03487874 . Registered on 4 April 2018.

Posteromedial Elbow Dislocations without Relevant Osseous Lesions: Clinical Characteristics, Soft-Tissue Injury Patterns, Treatments, and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although simple posterolateral or posterior elbow dislocations are relatively common and usually stable after closed reduction, simple posteromedial dislocations are extremely rare and poorly characterized. We investigated the clinical characteristics, soft-tissue injury patterns, treatments, and outcomes of a series of posteromedial elbow dislocations without relevant osseous lesions. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 20 cases of simple posteromedial elbow dislocations without relevant osseous lesions that were treated at 7 fellowship training hospitals during a 10-year period. Soft-tissue injury patterns in 15 cases were investigated with use of magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical outcomes were evaluated after an average of 56.1 months (range, 24 to 93 months) with use of the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Quick-DASH (an abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]) score. Complications were also evaluated. RESULTS: On magnetic resonance imaging, significant tears of the lateral collateral ligament complex and common extensor group were observed in all cases. Seventeen cases (85%) required surgical treatment for acute instability. Fourteen cases underwent only lateral complex repair and 3 underwent repair of both the medial and lateral complexes. At the time of the latest follow-up, the mean MEPS and Quick-DASH scores were 85.8 ± 15.0 and 10.5 ± 16.3, respectively. Seventeen patients (85%) had a satisfactory clinical outcome. Complications following treatment included 4 patients with heterotopic ossification; 2 of these patients also experienced posttraumatic elbow stiffness, which was treated with arthrolysis at 8 and 18 months after the initial operation. CONCLUSIONS: Posteromedial elbow dislocations without relevant osseous lesions are associated with a more severe soft-tissue injury, especially to the lateral complex, resulting in a high rate of surgical treatment. With careful post-reduction evaluation, either operative or nonoperative treatment provided satisfactory clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Distal clavicle fractures: A new classification system.

INTRODUCTION: Existing various classification systems for distal clavicle fractures have low interobserver and intraobserver reliability and provide limited information for treatment decision. The objective of this study was to determine interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the new classification system and the associated treatment choice for distal clavicle fractures. HYPOTHESIS: The new classification system has good reliability. METHODS: Eight observers including 4 experienced shoulder specialists and 4 orthopedic fellows independently reviewed routine plain radiographs of 74 patients with distal clavicle fractures. They were asked to determine the fracture type according to the new classification system and the treatment choice for each case through web-based survey. Images from each case were randomly presented to the observers in 2 rounds 4 weeks apart. Reliability was assessed on the basis of Fleiss κ values. RESULTS: Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the classification system were moderate (κ=0.434) and substantial (κ=0.644), respectively. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the treatment choice were moderate (κ=0.593) and substantial (κ=0.698), respectively. There were no significant differences in the level of reliability between experienced shoulder specialists and orthopedic fellows for any κ values (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated moderate interobserver and substantial intraobserver reliability of the new classification system and the associated treatment choice for distal clavicle fractures. We believe that our novel classification system will help physicians to choose treatment and implants. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Cohort study, Diagnosis study.

High-mobility group box 1 is responsible for monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammation in human U937 macrophages.

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was originally identified as a highly conserved non-histone DNA-binding factor and demonstrated to be a potent mediator in inflammatory diseases. We performed this study to investigate the role of HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of uric acid-induced inflammation in human U937 macrophages. To simulate uric acid-induced inflammation, human U937 macrophages were treated with monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. In addition to determining the effects of MSU crystal treatment on expression of various genes and proteins, cells were transfected with interfering RNA (siRNA) for HMGB1, or caspase-1 and then treated with MSU. Expression of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-18, HMGB1, and caspase-1 was detected in human U937 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in gout patients and healthy controls by western blot analysis or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Transcript expression of IL-1ß, IL-18, caspase-1, HMGB1 in PBMCs was significantly higher in active gout patients than inactive gout patients and healthy controls. The protein levels of these molecules were significantly increased by stimulation of U937 cells with 0.2 mg/ml MSU crystals. Stimulation of U937 cells with MSU crystals induced translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and its extracellular release. U937 cells transfected with caspase-1 siRNA had significantly lower HMGB1 expression in the cytoplasm and supernatant than non-transfected cells. Antioxidants, such as N-acetyl-l-cysteine and quercetin, markedly inhibited the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation of HMGB1 and its release into the extracellular milieu. In conclusion, HMGB1, regulated by the enzymatic activity of caspase-1, is a crucial mediator in uric acid-induced inflammation.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Results according to Glenosphere Position in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Short-term Follow-up Study.

BACKGROUND: In a previous biomechanical study, eccentric glenospheres with more inferior position of the center of rotation were shown to improve range of motion and reduce the incidence of scapular notching after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of RSA using an eccentric glenosphere to those using a concentric glenosphere and to determine the usefulness of the eccentric glenosphere. METHODS: From 2009 to 2015, we performed a retrospective review of 20 consecutive patients who underwent RSA using a deltopectoral approach. Nine patients underwent RSA using a concentric glenosphere (group A) while 11 had an eccentric glenosphere (group B). The average follow-up period was 13.9 months (range, 12 to 18 months). All glenoid components were placed with 15° of inferior tilt. Clinical results were assessed using the visual analog pain scale score (VAS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) score, the Korean shoulder scoring system (KSS), and the Constant score. On radiological evaluation, prosthesisscapular neck angle (PSNA), peg-glenoid rim distance (PGRD), scapular neck-inferior glenoshere rim distance (inferior glenoshpere overhang), acromion-greater tuberosity (AT) distance, glenoid-greater tuberosity (GT) distance, and severity of notching according to the Nerot-Sirveaux classification were assessed. RESULTS: The clinical results improved significantly in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. A significant intergroup difference was observed with regard to PGRD (24.8 ± 1.6 mm for group A vs. 22.2 ± 1.9 mm for group B; p = 0.002) and inferior glenosphere overhang (2.0 ± 1.7 mm for group A vs. 5.8 ± 1.6 mm for group B; p = 0.000). Seven of 9 patients in group A developed notching compared with 2 of 11 patients in group B (p = 0.022). The other radiological parameters such as inferior tilt and AT and GT distances were not significantly different between two groups. Complications such as loosening and scapular fractures did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: The eccentric glenosphere in RSA was more effective in reducing the rate of notching than the concentric glenosphere although clinical outcomes were not significantly different in the short-term follow-up.

Activation of dickkopf-1 and focal adhesion kinase pathway by tumour necrosis factor α induces enhanced migration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the roles of dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and integrin-related focal adhesion kinase (FAK) by TNF-α on the migration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in RA. METHODS: Wound scratch assays were performed to assess FLS migration. Western blotting was used to measure the levels of DKK-1, Wnt signalling molecules and FAK signalling molecules. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the expression levels of DKK-1, integrin αv, laminin, fibronectin, E-cadherin, MMP-8 and MMP-13. The concentrations of DKK-1, TNF-α and GSK-3ß were measured by ELISA. Genetic silencing of TNF-α was achieved by the transfection of small interfering RNA into cells. RESULTS: Migrating RA FLSs exhibited higher levels of DKK-1 and TNF-α expression compared with those in OA FLSs and/or stationary RA FLSs. Moreover, migrating FLSs exhibited significantly higher levels of FAK, p-JNK, paxillin and cdc42 expression, whereas the level of cytosolic ß-catenin was lower. WAY-262611, Wnt pathway agonist via inhibition of DKK-1, markedly inhibited cell migration of RA FLSs through the accumulation of cytosolic ß-catenin and suppression of FAK-related signalling pathways. TNF-α treatment to RA FLSs up-regulated expression of DKK-1, integrin αv, fibronectin, laminin and MMP-13. TNF-α stimulation also suppressed cytosolic ß-catenin and E-cadherin expression in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, TNF-α small interfering RNA-transfected migrating FLSs exhibited decreased activation of integrin-related FAK, paxillin, p-JNK and cdc42 signalling pathways. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the activation of DKK-1 and the integrin-related FAK signalling pathway stimulated by TNF-α induces the dissociation of ß-catenin/E-cadherin, thus promoting RA FLS migration.

Changes in heart rate variability after sitting following interscalene block.

PURPOSE: Hypotensive bradycardic events (HBEs) occur in 5-28% of patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the sitting position after an interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the sitting position following ISBPB on heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS: In this prospective case-control study, we evaluated 64 patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under ISBPB and 49 nonsurgical control subjects. HRV power spectral analysis parameters were measured (and natural log-transformed) before ISBPB and after changing to the sitting position. The patients experiencing HBEs were assigned to the HBE group, and the remaining patients were assigned to the non-HBE group. RESULTS: HBEs developed in 18 patients (28.1%). Changing from the supine position to the sitting position after ISBPB did not induce a significant increase in the natural log-transformed ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency power (lnLF/HF). A significant decrease in natural log-transformed high-frequency power (lnHF) was observed compared to the control group, who presented a significant increase in lnLF/HF and an insignificant change in lnHF. lnHF was found to be significantly higher in the HBE group compared to the non-HBE group. CONCLUSIONS: Sustained vagal activity with a failed shift in the sympathovagal balance toward sympathetic predominance in response to sitting after ISBPB is associated with the development of HBE.

Arthroscopic Changes of the Biceps Pulley in Rotator Cuff Tear and Its Clinical Significance in Relation to Treatment.

BACKGROUND: In the case of rotator cuff tears, the biceps pulley can be stressed by the unstable biceps tendon, and this can subsequently affect the stability of the subscapularis tendon. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between normal variations and lesions of the biceps pulley that affect anterosuperior lesions in cases of rotator cuff tears. METHODS: From January 2002 through November 2010, we observed biceps pulley and associated anterosuperior lesions in 589 of 634 cases (93%) of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, including 72 cases (12.2%) of small tears, 219 cases (37.2%) of medium tears, 134 cases (22.8%) of large tears, and 164 cases (27.8%) of massive tears. We classified normal stretched biceps pulleys as type I, stretched biceps pulleys with mild changes as type II, those with a partial tear as type III, and torn pulleys as type IV. RESULTS: We were able to classify 589 cases of biceps pulleys as type I, II, III, or IV associated lesions in rotator cuff tears. Type I was seen in 91 cases (15.4%), type II in 216 cases (36.7%), type III in 157 cases (26.7%), and type IV in 101 cases (17.1%); unidentified cases numbered 24 (4.1%). Nearly three-quarters, 73.3%, of the cases (432/589) had associated anterosuperior lesions, and combined treatment for the associated lesions was administered in 29.2% (172/589) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Biceps pulley lesions with more than partial tears were identified in 48% of rotator cuff tear cases. The incidence and severity of pulley lesions were related to the rotator cuff tear size, the status of the long head of the biceps tendon and subscapularis tendon lesion, and the treatment methods.

Reliability of the classification and treatment of dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the classification and treatment of acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations and assessed the impact of adding 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) on the reliability of classification and treatment choice. METHODS: Ten surgeons independently reviewed plain radiographs and 3D CT in 28 cases with AC joint dislocation. Images from each case were randomly presented to the observers, with plain radiographs alone being presented first, followed by plain radiographs plus 3D CT 2 weeks later. Four weeks later, they repeated the same survey to evaluate intraobserver reliability. Reliability was assessed on the basis of Fleiss κ values. RESULTS: On the basis of plain radiographs alone, interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the Rockwood classification were fair (κ = .214) and moderate (κ = .474), respectively. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of treatment were both fair (κ = .213 and .399, respectively). On the basis of a combination of plain radiographs and 3D CT, interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the Rockwood classification were slight (κ = .177) and moderate (κ = .565), respectively. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of treatment were fair (κ = .253) and moderate (κ = .554), respectively. There were no significant differences in reliability between the two groups in terms of any κ values. CONCLUSION: This study suggests an overall lack of reliability of the Rockwood classification of AC joint dislocations and of decisions regarding their treatment. There is especially poor agreement between experienced shoulder surgeons. The addition of 3D CT did not improve reliability of classification and treatment of AC joint dislocations.

Functional outcomes and structural integrity after double-pulley suture bridge rotator cuff repair using serial ultrasonographic examination.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the integrity and functional outcomes of rotator cuff tear after performing the double-pulley suture bridge (DPSB) repair technique according to the tear size by using serial ultrasonographic examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 41 consecutive arthroscopic rotator repairs using the DPSB technique. The average follow-up was 28 months. We completed the serial ultrasonographic examinations and compared the results with the functional outcome using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Constant score, the Korean Shoulder Scoring (KSS) system, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score. RESULTS: The overall retear rate was 19.5% (8 of 41), comprising 50% (2 of 4) for massive tears, 18% (2 of 11) for large tears, 17% (4 of 23) for medium tears, and no failures for small tears (0 of 3). The retear rate was 17.6% (6 of 34) after complete repair and 28.6% (2 of 7) after repair with gap formation. Seventy-five percent (6 of 8) of retears were identified within 6 months after operation and 25% (2 of 8) were identified more than 1 year after repair. The functional outcomes of the intact group and the retear group according to the ASES score, the Constant score, the KSS, and the UCLA score were 96, 93, 94, and 33, and 90, 82, 87, and 31, respectively (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The overall retear rate after DPSB repair was 19.5% with 2 time periods of retear. The outcome improved independent of the tear size and the cuff integrity.

In vivo high-resolution synchrotron radiation imaging of collagen-induced arthritis in a rodent model.

In vivo microstructures of the affected feet of collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) mice were examined using a high-resolution synchrotron radiation (SR) X-ray refraction technique with a polychromatic beam issued from a bending magnet. The CIA models were obtained from six-week-old DBA/1J mice that were immunized with bovine type II collagen and grouped as grades 0-3 according to a clinical scoring for the severity of arthritis. An X-ray shadow of a specimen was converted into a visual image on the surface of a CdWO(4) scintillator that was magnified using a microscopic objective lens before being captured with a digital charge-coupled-device camera. Various changes in the joint microstructure, including cartilage destruction, periosteal born formation, articular bone thinning and erosion, marrow invasion by pannus progression, and widening joint space, were clearly identified at each level of arthritis severity with an equivalent pixel size of 2.7 microm. These high-resolution features of destruction in the CIA models have not previously been available from any other conventional imaging modalities except histological light microscopy. However, thickening of the synovial membrane was not resolved in composite images by the SR refraction imaging method. In conclusion, in vivo SR X-ray microscopic imaging may have potential as a diagnostic tool in small animals that does not require a histochemical preparation stage in examining microstructural changes in joints affected with arthritis. The findings from the SR images are comparable with standard histopathology findings.

The development and validation of an appraisal method for rotator cuff disorders: the Korean Shoulder Scoring System.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a disease-specific appraisal method for patients with rotator cuff disorders. The Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS) includes 5 domains totalling 100 points: function, 30 points; pain, 20; satisfaction, 10; range of motion, 20; and muscle power, consisting of strength, 10; and endurance, 10. METHOD: The KSS was used to evaluate clinical outcomes of 430 patients with rotator cuff disorder for a period of 6 months postoperatively. RESULT: The KSS had an acceptable level of internal consistency (alpha = 0.840). The KSS scores also correlated strongly with the Constant scores (r = 0.802), but less so with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (r = 0.602) and the University of California Los Angeles shoulder scores (r = 0.573). A large effect size (r = 1.234) and a standardized response mean (r = 1.317) for KSS were evident at 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The KSS is a useful measurement tool that combines subjective and objective evaluations for shoulder function related to rotator cuff disorders.

A novel PPARgamma agonist, KR62776, suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and activity by inhibiting MAP kinase pathways.

We investigated the effects of a novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) agonist, KR62776, on osteoclast differentiation and function, and on the underlying signaling pathways. KR62776 markedly suppressed differentiation into osteoclasts in various osteoclast model systems, including bone marrow mononuclear (BMM) cells and a co-culture of calvarial osteoblasts and BMM cells. KR62776 suppressed the activation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and the expression of genes associated with osteoclast differentiation, such as TRAP, dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), and osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR). Furthermore, KR62776 reduced resorption pit formation in osteoclasts, and down-regulated genes essential for osteoclast activity, such as Src and alphavbeta3 integrin. An analysis of a signaling pathway showed that KR62776 inhibited the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Together, these results demonstrate that KR62776 negatively affects osteoclast differentiation and activity by inhibiting the RANKL-induced activation of MAP kinases and NF-kappaB.

Arthroscopic management of septic arthritis of the shoulder joint.

BACKGROUND: Nineteen patients with septic arthritis of the glenohumeral joint were treated with a combination of arthroscopic irrigation and débridement and systemic antibiotics according to bacterial sensitivity. We retrospectively reviewed the series to determine the efficacy and safety of this treatment. METHODS: There were seventeen men and two women, with a mean age of fifty-nine years. Underlying medical disease was present in thirteen patients, with six of them having diabetes. The average duration of symptoms prior to the arthroscopic lavage was three weeks. Fifteen patients had had local injections into the shoulder joint. The arthroscopic staging of the infection was based on the modified criteria of Gächter. The functional outcome was evaluated with use of the UCLA scoring system. RESULTS: As determined at arthroscopy, one infection was classified as stage I; seven, as stage II; nine, as stage III; and two, as stage IV. Staphylococcus was the most common organism identified. The infection was eradicated completely with a single arthroscopic procedure in fourteen patients. The mean UCLA score at the time of the last follow-up was 26 points, with a mean score of 23.7 points for the eleven patients with a rotator cuff tear and 29 points for the eight with an intact rotator cuff. Patients who had had symptoms for no more than two weeks prior to the arthroscopic lavage had better results than those who had had symptoms for longer than two weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic débridement for the treatment of septic arthritis of the shoulder is safe and efficient, particularly in the early stages of the disease. Underlying medical diseases such as diabetes, prior injections, or a preexisting rotator cuff tear were seen in a high proportion of these patients.

Biceps pulley impingement.

We present three cases of a detached biceps pulley, which impinges on posterosuperior glenoid labrum.