Understanding overall shoulder function and health: the value of specific quantitative vs. qualitative shoulder range of motion on patient-reported outcome measures.

HYPOTHESIS AND BACKGROUND: It is known that, though widely used, shoulder range of motion (ROM) measurements are not standardized and have a high rate of intra- and interobserver differences. Particularly, the inconsistency in quantitative and qualitative measurements and their relationship to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) make shoulder health difficult to determine. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 147 patients who presented with a chief complaint of shoulder pain to the orthopedic sports medicine and shoulder clinic of a single fellowship-trained surgeon. Measured by 1 examiner, quantitative ROM measurements were taken with a goniometer and qualitative ROM measured by the anatomic level that the patient could reach. The following PROMs were used as well: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, Oxford Shoulder Score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System pain interference short form 6a (PROMIS 6a). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS using the Pearson correlation and 2-sample t test. The Benjamini-Hochberg correction was used to determine the P value at which statistical significance was reached to correct for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Qualitative internal rotation (IR) (the hand behind back reach test) and qualitative forward flexion (FF) correlated with all goniometer angle measurements and PROMs (both shoulder and general health scores). These qualitative measures proved to be an appropriate proxy for IR and FF goniometer measurements. Qualitative external rotation (ER) was not a good substitute for quantitative ER measurement. Quantitative ER correlated with all PROMs. As ROM increased when measured by quantitative ER, qualitative IR, and qualitative FF, shoulder and general health PROMs incrementally increased as well. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative IR measurement, the hand-behind-back reach test, is an adequate substitution for IR goniometer angle as well as a strong representation of global shoulder ROM, shoulder health, and general health while factoring in patient age. Qualitative FF measurement is also an appropriate proxy for quantitative FF and represents global shoulder and general health without factoring in age. Quantitative ER, via goniometer angle, is a better assessment of the shoulder than qualitative ER and is a representation of overall shoulder and general health. We recommend the use of quantitative ER, qualitative IR, and qualitative FF measurements to best understand a patient's overall shoulder health and its impact on their overall health.

To drain or not to drain: the association between residual intraperitoneal gas and post-laparoscopic shoulder pain for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Residual intra-peritoneal gas may be associated with post-laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP), which is a frequently and disturbance compliant after surgery. Herein, we aimed to examine whether expiring residual gas via a surgical drain reduces the frequency and intensity of PLSP in the first day after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 448 participants were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The incidence and severity of PLSP after surgery were recorded. Of these, the cumulative incidence of PLSP in the drain group was lower particularly at the 12th postoperative hour (18.3% vs. 27.6%; P = 0.022), 24th postoperative hour (28.8% vs. 38.1%; P = 0.039), and throughout the first postoperative day (P = 0.035). The drain group had less severe PLSP (crude Odds ratio, 0.66; P = .036). After adjustment using inverse probability of treatment weighting, the drain group also had a significant lower PLSP incidence (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.61, P < 0.001), and less severe PLSP (adjusted odds ratio = 0.56, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the maneuver about passive force to expel residual gas, surgical drain use, contributes to reduce the incidence and severity of PLSP, suggesting that to minimize residual gas at the end of surgery is useful to attenuate PLSP.

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to adapt the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) index specific to shoulder osteoarthritis into Turkish and to evaluate its validity and reliability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The WOOS index was translated and culturally adapted into Turkish, systematically. It was applied to a total of 68 patients (17 males, 51 females; mean age: 61.5±8.7 years; range, 45 to 80 years) with osteoarthritis of the shoulder treated conservatively. The reliability of the scale was checked through internal consistency and test-retest methods. Internal consistency was analyzed with Cronbach alpha value. Test-retest reliability was assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 25 patients. The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC), the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and the Society of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment (ASES) scores were used to conduct concurrent validity. RESULTS: The Cronbach alpha value of the scale was found to be excellent as 0.92 (p<0.001). The ICC value was also excellent as 0.97 (p<0.001). There was an excellent positive correlation with WORC (0.847; p<0.001) and a very good positive correlation with SPADI (0.788; p<0.001). It was also negatively very good to correlate with the ASES (-0.754; p<0.001). Additionally, subsections of WOOS had a good correlation with the corresponding subsections of WORC (0.779-0.664; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the WOOS index is a valid and reliable tool and is recommended for use in the assessment of patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder.

Which Risk Factors Are Associated with Pain and Patient-reported Function in Patients with a Rotator Cuff Tear?

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported measures guide physicians in clinical decision making and therefore it is critical to determine what clinical factors are associated with these scores. Psychological and physical factors are commonly studied separately in patients with rotator cuff tears to determine their influence on outcomes. It is well established that psychological distress and scapular motion change in the presence of a symptomatic rotator cuff tear. However, these factors have not been studied simultaneously in a clinical setting to determine their association with shoulder outcome scores. QUESTION/PURPOSE: After controlling for relevant confounding variables, what physical and psychological factors are associated with better (1) American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores for function, (2) ASES pain scores, and (3) total ASES scores? METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with a potential symptomatic rotator cuff tear were recruited and agreed to participate in this cross-sectional study. Of those, 85% (50 of 59) met eligibility criteria for a primary diagnosis of an MRI-confirmed symptomatic partial-thickness or full-thickness rotator cuff tear without a history of shoulder surgery. Demographics, rotator cuff tear size, arm flexion, and clinical scapular motion during active arm flexion were evaluated by experienced examiners using standardized procedures. Patients completed the ASES questionnaire and the Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcomes-Yellow Flag assessment form, which measures 11 different pain-related psychological distress symptoms. Three separate stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed for ASES pain, function, and total scores, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: This model found that ASES function scores were associated with four factors: older age, increased arm flexion, increased percentage of scapular external rotation during arm flexion, and increased scores for acceptance of chronic pain (adjusted r2 = 0.67; p = 0.01). Those four factors appear to explain 67% of the observed variance in ASES function scores in patients with rotator cuff tears. Furthermore, increased percentage of scapular external rotation during arm flexion and decreased fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity scores (adjusted r2 = 0.36; p < 0.01) were associated with better ASES pain scores. And finally, better ASES total scores were associated with four factors: increased arm flexion, increased percentage of scapular upward rotation, increased scapular external rotation during arm flexion, and decreased fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity scores (adjusted r2 = 0.65; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results favor adopting a comprehensive biopsychological clinical assessment for patients with rotator cuff tears that specifically includes humeral and scapular motion, fear-avoidance behaviors, and pain coping behaviors along with demographics. These particular physical and psychological variables were found to be associated with the ASES and, therefore, should be clinically examined simultaneously and targeted as part of a tailored treatment plan. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study.

Factors Associated With Symptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears: The Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Although rotator cuff tear is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, its etiology is poorly understood. We assessed factors associated with the presence of rotator cuff tears in a cohort of patients with shoulder pain. DESIGN: From February 2011 to July 2016, a longitudinal cohort of patients with shoulder pain was recruited. Patients completed a detailed questionnaire in addition to a magnetic resonance imaging scan and a clinical shoulder evaluation. The association of multiple factors associated with rotator cuff tears was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: In our cohort of 266 patients, 61.3% of patients had a rotator cuff tear. Older age (per 1 yr: odds ratio = 1.03, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.07), involvement of the dominant shoulder (odds ratio = 2.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.16-3.52), and a higher body mass index (per 1 kg/m2: odds ratio = 1.06, 95% confidence interval = 1.03-1.12) were independently associated with rotator cuff tears. Sex, depression, smoking status, shoulder use at work, hypertension, and diabetes were not significantly associated with rotator cuff tear. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of patients with shoulder pain, we identified older age, involvement of the dominant shoulder, and a higher body mass index to be independently associated with rotator cuff tear. The mechanism of how these factors possibly lead to rotator cuff tears needs further research. TO CLAIM CME CREDITS: Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME. CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Identify factors associated with an increased risk of developing rotator cuff tears in adults; (2) Describe the current epidemiological trends of rotator cuff tears in the United States; and (3) Discuss the pathophysiological role of aging in the development of nontraumatic rotator cuff tears. LEVEL: Advanced. ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Shoulder outcome scoring systems have substantial ceiling effects 2 years after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

PURPOSE: Previous studies show no difference in clinical outcomes between patients with healed and structurally failed rotator cuff repairs. The objective of this study was to assess ceiling effects when reporting surgical outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using four of the currently most popular clinical shoulder outcome scoring systems. METHODS: Ninety-two patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were examined. The simple shoulder test (SST), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale, and Constant-Murley shoulder score were completed 2 years postoperatively. Demographic data of the subjects were analysed using descriptive statistics. The ceiling effects in the outcome data assessed for each scale were estimated based on two previously reported definitions. RESULTS: The number of patients with the maximum possible score was 31 (33.7%) with the SST, 26 (28.3%) with the ASES score, 28 (30.4%) with the UCLA scale, and 18 (19.6%) with the Constant-Murley score. The standardised distance of the outcome data assessed by the SST, ASES score, UCLA scale, and Constant-Murley scores were 0.92, 0.97, 0.96, and 1.18, respectively. CONCLUSION: The SST, ASES score, and UCLA scale evaluated at 2 years postoperatively have substantial ceiling effects showing that the proportion of patients with the maximum possible score is > 20%, and the standardised distance is < 1.0. Researchers should be aware of possible biases due to ceiling effects when interpreting the results of studies investigating the surgical outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. It could increase the likelihood of a type II error. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Peritendinous and Intrabursal Corticosteroid Injections on Shoulder Tendon Elasticity: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate whether the shoulder tendons changed their elasticity after ultrasound-guided peritendinous or intrabursal corticosteroid injections. DESIGN: Post hoc secondary analysis of a double-blinded, randomized controlled study with 3 months of follow-up. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (N=60). INTERVENTIONS: Patients with unilateral shoulder pain were randomly assigned to receive standard ultrasound-guided subacromial or dual-target corticosteroid injections. The supraspinatus tendons were exposed to 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide in the formal group, whereas the long head of the biceps brachii tendons (LHBT) and supraspinatus tendons were individually infiltrated by 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide in the latter group. Patients' bilateral shoulders were divided into group 1 (n=30, receiving standard subacromial injections), group 2 (n=30, receiving dual-target injections), and group 3 (n=60, without injections). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Strain ratio of LHBT and supraspinatus tendons using ultrasound elastography. RESULTS: The repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed no intragroup difference of the strain ratio of the LHBT (P=.412 for group 1, P=.936 for group 2, P=.131 for group 3) and supraspinatus tendon (P=.309 for group 1, P=.067 for group 2, P=.860 for group 3) across the 3 time points. Treating group 3 as the reference, the linear mixed model revealed no significant changes in tendon elasticity after either the standard subacromial injection (P=.205 for the LHBT and P=.529 for the supraspinatus tendon) or the dual-target injection (P=.961 for the LHBT and P=.831 for the supraspinatus tendon). CONCLUSIONS: Elasticity of the LHBT and supraspinatus tendons is unlikely to change after a single dose of peritendinous or intrabursal corticosteroid injections. Future studies with a shorter follow-up interval are needed to validate whether corticosteroid injections can cause transient changes of the tendon's elasticity.

Non-neoplastic Disease Outside the Spine-Genicular Artery Embolization and Adhesive Capsulitis Embolization.

Initial research into the treatment of pain secondary to knee osteoarthritis and shoulder adhesive capsulitis with embolization have yielded promising results. With further investigation, embolization may become a mainstay of treatment for pain from these two conditions.

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

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

Shoulder pain and scapular dyskinesis associated with lower trapezius dysplasia - A case report.

BACKGROUND: Scapular dyskinesis (SD) has been associated with shoulder soft-tissue tightness as well scapular muscle strength and/or activation deficits. Inadequate development of the trapezius muscle (trapezius dysplasia) is a relatively rare condition inconsistently associated with shoulder dysfunction. CASE DESCRIPTION: a 24-year old male complaining of left scapular area pain associated with SD and scapular muscle weakness was noted to present with a smaller ipsilateral lower trapezius (LT). Further inquiry including electromyography, rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) and magnetic resonance imaging ruled out nerve palsy and demonstrated a hypoplastic left LT. This led to a greater emphasis on serratus anterior (SA) training along with the addition of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the LT. OUTCOMES: Following 12 sessions over a 5-month period the patient reported no pain or functional deficits, and was able to resume all recreational activities. The patient's subjective shoulder value increased from 55% to 80%, and LT strength was markedly improved. DISCUSSION: Scapular muscle dysplasia may represent a less recognized cause of SD. A more thorough inspection of scapular muscle shape and orientation, possibly augmented by RUSI may be indicated in patients presenting with SD. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is a potentially useful modality for addressing scapular muscle activation and strength deficits and future research into its efficacy under these circumstances may be warranted.

COVID-19 reveals Brugada pattern in an adolescent patient.

A diagnosis of Brugada pattern in paediatric or adolescent patients is rare. COVID-19 is characterised by fevers and a pro-inflammatory state, which may serve as inciting factors for Brugada pattern. Recently described in two adult patients, we report the first case of Brugada pattern in an adolescent with COVID-19.

You're the Flight Surgeon.

Warneke J, Pavelites J. You're the flight surgeon: tularemia. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(5):379-381.

Clinical Examination and Self-Reported Upper Extremity Impairments in Patients with Long-Standing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

AIM: The aims of the current study were (1) to determine the prevalence of upper extremity impairments (UEIs) in patients with type 1 diabetes by clinical investigation; (2) to investigate if self-reported impairments were concordant with clinical findings and if key questions could be identified; and (3) to investigate if answers to our self-reported questionnaire regarding UEIs are reliable. METHODS: Patients with type 1 diabetes were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study of clinical and self-reported (12 items) UEIs in adjunction to ordinary scheduled clinical visit. Before the visit, a questionnaire on UEIs was filled in twice (test-retest) followed by clinical testing at the planned visit. RESULTS: In total, 69 patients aged 45 ± 14 years and with diabetes duration 26 ± 15 were included in the study. In the clinical examination, two-thirds (65%) of the patients showed one or more UEI, with failure to perform hand against back as the most common clinical finding (40%) followed by positive Phalen's test (27%), Tinel's test (26%), and Prayer's sign (24%). UEIs observed by clinical examination were often bilateral, and multiple impairments often coexisted. Self-reported shoulder stiffness was associated with impaired shoulder mobility and with Prayer's sign. Self-reported reduced hand strength was associated to lower grip force, Prayer's sign, trigger finger, fibrosis string structures, and reduced thenar strength as well as reduced shoulder mobility. In addition, self-reporting previous surgery of carpal tunnel and trigger finger was associated with several clinical UEIs including shoulder, hand, and finger. The test-retest of the questionnaire showed a high agreement of 80-98% for reported shoulder, hand, and finger impairments. CONCLUSION: UEIs are common in type 1 diabetes. Self-reported shoulder stiffness and reduced hand strength might be used to capture patients with UEIs in need of clinical investigation and enhanced preventive and therapeutic strategies, as well as rehabilitative interventions.

Minimal clinically important differences in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Simple Shoulder Test, and visual analog scale pain scores after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for different patient outcome scores have been reported for various shoulder diseases, including shoulder arthroplasty and the nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the MCID for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and a visual analog scale (VAS) measuring pain, after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: A total of 202 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were retrospectively reviewed. ASES, SST, and VAS pain scores were collected preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. The MCID was then calculated via a 4-question anchor-based method. RESULTS: The MCID results for the ASES, SST, and VAS pain scores were 27.1, 4.3, and 2.4, respectively. Age at time of surgery, sex, anteroposterior tear size, and worker's compensation status were not associated with MCID values (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The MCID values determined in the current study are higher than those previously identified for the nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff disease using the same anchor questions. Use of these higher values should be considered when evaluating improvements of individual patients after rotator cuff repair, to determine comparative effectiveness of various rotator cuff repair techniques and to determine sample sizes for prospective comparative trials of rotator cuff repair methods.

A significant relationship between personality traits and adhesive capsulitis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE We investigated the associations between adhesive capsulitis (AC) and a specific psychological profile. METHODS We assessed 72 patients with phase-II AC. In our study, 36 patients were affected by primary disease and 36 by secondary disease. The inclusion criteria were as follows: unilateral AC and pain in the shoulder for at least two months. The exclusion criteria were: psychiatric and neurological manifestations with a previous diagnosis and inability to comprehend the instruments. Outcomes were determined at 52 weeks. Shoulder pain severity was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale. We also measured the range of motion with a universal goniometer and the strength with the Medical Research Council. We assessed the personality traits of our patients with the Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. RESULTS Patients with primary AC needed more time to improve the symptomatology compared to the group with the secondary disease (p<0.01). Patients with primary AC complained of severe and lasting pain more frequently than patients with the secondary disease (p< 0.01). In patients with primary disease, the prevalence of perfectionism, low levels of novelty seeking, and high levels of harm avoidance were 88.2 and 86.2%, and 80.4, respectively, and below 20 percent in patients with secondary AC disease. CONCLUSION We found a significant correlation between primary AC and particular personality traits, indicating an interaction between psychological and somatic factors.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Investigar as associações entre a capsulite adesiva (CA) e um perfil psicológico específico. METODOLOGIA Foram avaliados 72 pacientes com CA fase II. Em nosso estudo, 36 pacientes foram afetados pela doença primária e 36 pela secundária. Os critérios de inclusão foram os seguintes: CA unilateral e dor no ombro durante por pelo menos dois meses. Os critérios de exclusão foram: manifestações neurológicas e psiquiátricas com um diagnóstico prévio e incapacidade de compreender os instrumentos de medição utilizados. Os resultados foram determinados após 52 semanas. A intensidade da dor no ombro foi avaliada usando a Escala Visual Analógica. Também medimos a amplitude de movimento com um goniômetro universal e a força com a escala do Conselho de Pesquisa Médica. Avaliamos os traços da personalidade dos nossos pacientes através do Inventário de Temperamento e Caráter de Cloninger e da Escala Multidimensional de Perfeccionismo. RESULTADOS Pacientes com CA primária precisaram de mais tempo para melhorar a sintomatologia quando comparados ao grupo secundário (p<0,01). Pacientes com CA primária apresentaram mais queixas de dor intensa e duradoura do que pacientes secundários (p< 0,01). Em pacientes com a doença primária, a prevalência de perfeccionismo, baixos níveis de procura por novidade, e altos níveis de prevenção de danos foram 88,2, 86,2% e 80,4, respectivamente, e abaixo de 20% em pacientes secundários. CONCLUSÃO Encontramos uma correlação significativa entre CA primária e traços de personalidade específicos, indicando uma interação entre fatores psicológicos e somáticos.

Effect of postoperative Trendelenburg position on shoulder pain after gynecological laparoscopic procedures: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has become a standard of care for many gynecological surgeries due to its lower morbidity, pain and cost compared to open techniques. Unfortunately, the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) to insufflate the abdomen is the main contributor to post-operative shoulder pain. METHODS: We aim to assess the effect of postoperative Trendelenburg position on shoulder pain after gynecological laparoscopic procedures. We hypothesize that maintaining the patient in Trendelenburg for 24 h postoperatively will significantly decrease postoperative shoulder pain and analgesic consumption. After obtaining written informed consent, 108 patients were prospectively randomized into two groups. In the control group, patients underwent standard gynecologic laparoscopic procedures; then after passive deflation of the pneumoperitoneum at the end of the surgery, the patients were placed in supine head up position in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and received our institution's common postoperative care. Patients in the intervention group were subjected to the same maneuver but were positioned in a Trendelenburg position (20 °) once fully awake and cooperative in the PACU and retained this position for the first 24 h. Numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to assess shoulder pain and nausea upon patient arrival to the PACU, at 4, 6, 12 (primary outcome) and 24 h postoperatively. Time to first rescue pain medication, total rescue pain medications and overall satisfaction with pain control were recorded. 101 patients were included in the final data analysis. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. NRS pain scores were significantly lower in the intervention group at 12 h compared to the control group (0 [0-1] versus 5 [1-4], p < 0.001), furthermore improvement in postoperative shoulder pain between time of arrival to PACU (time zero) and 12 h postoperatively was significantly higher in patients allocated to the experimental group compared to the control group. Pain scores were significantly lower in patients allocated to the experimental group versus the control group (0 [0-1] versus 5 [1-4], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Trendelenburg position is an easy non-pharmacologic intervention that is beneficial in reducing postoperative shoulder pain following gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, registration number NCT04129385,  date of registration: June 28, 2019.

Biopsychosocial Influences on Shoulder Pain: Analyzing the Temporal Ordering of Postoperative Recovery.

Shoulder surgery is a primary intervention for shoulder pain, yet many individuals experience persistent postoperative pain. Previously, we found individuals categorized as having a high-risk phenotype (comprised of COMT variation and pain catastrophizing) had approximately double the chance of not reaching a 12-month pain recovery criterion. As a means to better understand the development of persistent postoperative shoulder pain, this study advanced our previous work by examining temporal ordering of postoperative shoulder recovery based on potential mediating factors, and expansion of outcomes to include movement-evoked pain and shoulder active range of motion. Before surgery, individuals were categorized as either high-risk (high pain catastrophizing, COMT-genotype linked to low enzyme activity [n = 41]) or low-risk (low pain catastrophizing, COMT-genotype linked to normal enzyme activity [n = 107]). We then compared potential mediating variables at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively 1) endogenous pain modulation defined by a conditioned pain modulation paradigm; and 2) and emotion factors such as anxiety, fear of movement, and depressive symptoms. At 3 months, the high-risk subgroup had higher fear and movement-evoked pain, and causal mediation analysis confirmed the direct effect of risk subgroup on 12-month movement evoked pain. However, baseline to 12-month change in depressive symptoms were found to mediate 53% of the total effect of risk subgroup on 12-month movement-evoked pain. This study introduces potential temporal components and relationships to the development of persistent postoperative shoulder pain, which future studies will confirm and assess for potential therapeutic targets. PERSPECTIVE: This study expands upon postoperative shoulder recovery measures to include movement-evoked pain and depressive symptoms, and provides preliminary indication of temporal ordering to postoperative shoulder recovery for a preidentified high-risk subgroup. Future studies will distinguish temporal components of shoulder surgery that may optimize treatment targets of postoperative recovery.

Scapula muscle exercises using the Neurac technique for a patient after radical dissection surgery: a case report.

Background: After radical neck dissection, spinal accessory nerve damage can result in scapular muscle weakness, which causes shoulder pain, dysfunction, and a limited range of motion (ROM); scapular muscle strengthening exercises are used to reduce these symptoms. This report focuses on the importance of trapezius and serratus anterior strength exercises to reduce symptoms after radical neck dissection. Case Description: The patient was a 30-year-old female who had received radical neck dissection 3 years previously. She complained of shoulder pain, dysfunction, and limited ROM during shoulder elevation. Outcome: She was successfully treated by increasing trapezius and serratus anterior strength and improving pain, function, and range of motion by applying the Neurac technique for 12 weeks. Further controlled studies are required to identify the generalizability of these findings.

Shoulder arthroplasty in patients with cerebral palsy: a matched cohort study to patients with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cerebral palsy (CP) often experience shoulder impairment via spasticity, muscle contractures, and joint instability. Currently, few studies investigate shoulder arthroplasty (SA) in patients with CP. This study reviewed the outcomes of both anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with CP. METHODS: Over a 30-year-period, 5 patients undergoing SA (2 TSA, 3 RSA) with a diagnosis of CP were identified. The cohort included 4 male patients with a mean age of 50.4 years (range, 44-58 years). CP patients were matched 1:2 based on age, sex, body mass index, and year of surgery with a group of patients undergoing SA for osteoarthritis (OA). RESULTS: Survival from implant revision for both TSA and RSA in CP was 100% at both 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Clinical complications were only observed in 2 patients after TSA, with 1 patient requiring revision at 14 years postoperatively. Collectively, there was no difference in the rate of complications and implant survival between patients with CP vs. OA. Prior to the surgical procedure, all CP patients had severe or moderate pain, with no moderate or severe pain postoperatively. Notable postoperative increases from preoperative baselines were noted in forward elevation (57°-106°), abduction (48°-84°), and external rotation (30°-64°). RSA had significantly improved postoperative abduction compared to TSA (97° vs. 64°, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: SA is a safe, durable procedure in patients with CP to clinically improve pain, function, and satisfaction. RSA was associated with better function and fewer complications than TSA.

The effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin A for treatment of upper limb impairments and dysfunctions in breast cancer survivors: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of a single Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) infiltration in the pectoralis major muscle, in addition to a standard physical therapy (PT) programme on upper limb impairments and dysfunctions after breast cancer treatment. METHODS: Fifty breast cancer patients with persistent pain 3 months after finishing treatment participated in a double-blinded randomised controlled trial. The intervention group received a single BTX-A infiltration. The control group received a placebo (saline) infiltration. Within one week after the infiltration, all patients attended an individual PT programme (12 sessions) during the first 3 months. Outcome parameters were active shoulder range of motion, upper limb strength, scapular statics and shoulder function. Measures were taken before the intervention, at 1, 3 (i.e. after the intervention) and 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: No differences between groups were found for all outcome parameters over the course of 6 months. However, overall beneficial effects of the PT for active forward flexion shoulder range of motion and shoulder function were found in both groups. CONCLUSION: A single Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) infiltration in the pectoralis major muscle, in addition to a PT programme cannot be recommended to treat upper limb impairments and dysfunctions after breast cancer treatment.