Effectiveness of High Physical Activity after Rotator Cuff Repair / 대한스포츠의학회지

Purpose@#This study aims to determine the effectiveness of high physical activity (PA) on shoulder pain, functional recovery, and structural outcome in the early healing phase after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). @*Methods@#Forty-two patients were included in this study according to inclusion criteria. Subjects were classified into high PA (HPA) group (n=22) and low PA (LPA) group (n=20) according to the classification criteria. Differences between groups according to the PA level were analyzed by comparing visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES), and isokinetic strength before and 6 weeks, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Structural outcome was analyzed by evaluating magnetic resonance imaging performed 6 months after ARCR. @*Results@#VAS, ROM, and ASES were significantly higher in the HPA group at 6 weeks and 3 months after ARCR with a significant interaction effect between time and group (p＜ 0.05). The isokinetic muscle strength was significantly higher in the HPA group at 3 months after surgery with a significant interaction effect on forward flexion and external rotation strength (p＜ 0.05). There was no significant difference in extension and internal rotation strength. In the structural outcome of 6 months after surgery, the retear rate was lower in the HPA group with a significant trend (p＜ 0.05). @*Conclusion@#In this study, higher PA levels in the early healing phase after ARCR were found to result in faster pain relief and restoration of shoulder function. In addition, higher PA level was associated with lower retear rates in structural outcomes related to tendon healing.

Topographical measurement of the attachments of the central band of the interosseous membrane on interosseous crests of the radius and ulna

To suggest a reasonable isometric point based on the anatomical consistency of interosseous membrane (IOM) attachment in association with topographic characteristics of the interosseous crests, the footprints of the central band (CB) of the IOM on the radial and ulnar interosseous crests (RIC and UIC) were measured. Methods: We measured the distance from the CB footprints from each apex of both interosseous crests in 14 cadavers and the angles between the forearm axis of rotation (AOR) and the distal slopes of the RIC and UIC in 33 volunteers. Results: The CB footprints lay on the downslope of both interosseous crests with its upper margin on average 3-mm proximal from the RIC’s apex consistently in the radial length, showing normality (p>0.05), and on average 16-mm distal from the UIC’s apex on the ulna without satisfying normality (p0.05), and there was no side-to-side difference in both forearms (p<0.05). Conclusions: The CB attached to the downslope just distal to the RIC’s apex constrains the radius to the UIC that coincides with the AOR of the forearm circumduction, maintaining itself both isometrically and isotonically.

Scapular Dyskinesis Assessment with Low Dose Three-Dimensional Wing Computer Tomography after Anatomical Union of Clavicle Fracture / 대한스포츠의학회지

PURPOSE: Malunions after clavicle fractures are generally considered to cause scapular dyskinesis. This study aims to verify the incidence of scapular dyskinesis following anatomically reduced clavicle fracture and to verify the usefulness of low-dose three-dimensional (3D) scapular wing computed tomography (3D-scapula wing-CT) analysis.METHODS: Twenty-four patients with mid-clavicle fracture and four patients with distal clavicle fracture were recruited. After anatomical reduction and bony union, scapular dyskinesis was assessed by history taking and physical examination by two orthopedic doctors. The mean follow-up period for the assessment was 14.3±10.1 months. Low-dose 3D-scapular wing-CT analysis in prone position was performed with calculated effective dose 2.35 mSv, which means approximately 25% dose of conventional setting. Four observers evaluated five angles (upward rotation, internal rotation, anterior tilting, superior translation, protraction) from 3D-reconstructed images on both shoulders of a patient. Authors analyzed the results between injured to normal shoulder.RESULTS: Scapular dyskinesis or significant shortening of injured clavicle (mean clavicle length difference, − 1.77±6.36 mm) were not observed among the included 28 subjects. The difference values of the five angles between the fractured side and normal side showed no statistical significance (upward rotation: 1.51, p=0.13; superior translation: 0.89, p=0.327; anterior tilting: 1.7, p=0.096; protraction: 0.83, p=0.374; internal rotation: 0.98, p=0.406). As the interclass correlation coefficients of four observers was 0.988 (p=0.00), images from low-dose 3D-wing-CT are clear enough to assess scapular dyskinesis (interclass correlation coefficient, 0.996; p=0.00).CONCLUSION: It is important to make anatomical reduction and length restoration of clavicle fracture for preventing scapular dyskinesis. Low-dose 3D-scapular wing-CT is an effective tool for assessing scapular dyskinesis, which provides images of sufficient quality with little increase in morbidity from radiation hazard.

Management of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Overhead Athletes

Ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the elbow are frequent among overhead athletes. The incidence of ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions (UCLRs) in high-level players has increased dramatically over the past decade, but the optimal technique of UCLR is controversial. Surgeons need to manage the patients' expectations appropriately when considering the mode of treatment. This article reviews current studies on the management of ulnar collateral ligament injuries, particularly in overhead athletes.

Comparison of Two Arthroscopic Coracoplasty Approaches in Subscapularis Tears

BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported the results of arthroscopic coracoplasty concomitantly conducted with subscapularis tear. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine and compare the outcomes of arthroscopic subscapularis repair after arthroscopic coracoplasty using either the subacromial approach or rotator interval approach. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 51 patients who underwent coracoplasty with subscapularis repair. The patients were grouped according to whether the subacromial approach group (24 patients) or rotator interval approach group (27 patients) was used during coracoplasty. Preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale scores, American shoulder and elbow surgeons scores, Korean shoulder scores, and range of motion (ROM) were assessed. Assessment of repaired rotator cuff tendon integrity was performed at 1 year after surgery using either magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography. RESULTS: At final follow-up, overall functional scores and ROM improved significantly in both groups when compared with preoperative values (p>0.05). The re-tear rates were not significantly different between groups; however, the rotator interval approach group showed a significant increase in ROM compared with that in the subacromial approach group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic coracoplasty conducted concomitantly with subscapularis repair can provide a satisfactory outcome. There were no significant differences between the two approach groups regarding final functional scores and re-tear rates. However, the rotator interval approach group showed a greater increase in ROM at final follow-up, especially in external rotation.

The Methods for Foot Function Index and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score Measurement: A Comparison between Paper-and-Pencil Method and Electronic Method / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) is used to quantify the subjective state of patients before and after the treatment. The electronic method was recently developed and used for the completion of PROM, in addition to the conventional paper and pencil method. This study identified whether the results of Foot Function Index (FFI) and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) using the paper and pencil method was different from those using the electronic method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2016 and August 2016, 42 patients who were admitted to the Seoul Foot and Ankle Center two days before surgery were included for evaluation. The mean age was 46 years (range, 21~72 years). There were 29 males and 13 females. To use the electronic method, the PADAS software (PADAS, Seoul, Korea) was implemented using a touch pad. The primary trial of FFI and FAOS was performed using either the paper-and-pencil method or the electronic method. At 24 hours after the primary test, a secondary trial of FFI and FAOS was performed using the other method. Then, we identified the reliability of FFI and FAOS between the two methods by calculating the intraclass coefficient. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients underwent the first trial using the paper-and-pencil method, and 20 patients underwent the first trial using the electronic method. Of the 42 patients, 8 patients were excluded from this study and only 34 patients were included in this study. The reliability of FFI was excellent with an intraclass coefficient of 0.957, and the reliability of FAOS was also excellent with an intraclass coefficient of 0.840. CONCLUSION: The paper-and-pencil method and the electronic method have the same result for the completion of FFI and FAOS in this study. Therefore, it is commonly considered that the completion of FFI and FAOS using the electronic method can be applied in practice.

Comparison of Two Arthroscopic Coracoplasty Approaches in Subscapularis Tears

BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported the results of arthroscopic coracoplasty concomitantly conducted with subscapularis tear. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine and compare the outcomes of arthroscopic subscapularis repair after arthroscopic coracoplasty using either the subacromial approach or rotator interval approach. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 51 patients who underwent coracoplasty with subscapularis repair. The patients were grouped according to whether the subacromial approach group (24 patients) or rotator interval approach group (27 patients) was used during coracoplasty. Preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale scores, American shoulder and elbow surgeons scores, Korean shoulder scores, and range of motion (ROM) were assessed. Assessment of repaired rotator cuff tendon integrity was performed at 1 year after surgery using either magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography. RESULTS: At final follow-up, overall functional scores and ROM improved significantly in both groups when compared with preoperative values (p>0.05). The re-tear rates were not significantly different between groups; however, the rotator interval approach group showed a significant increase in ROM compared with that in the subacromial approach group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic coracoplasty conducted concomitantly with subscapularis repair can provide a satisfactory outcome. There were no significant differences between the two approach groups regarding final functional scores and re-tear rates. However, the rotator interval approach group showed a greater increase in ROM at final follow-up, especially in external rotation.

Arthroscopic Excision of Intra-articular Osteochondroma of the Elbow: A Case Report

Osteochondromas are one of the most common benign bone tumors usually involving extraarticular metaphysis of long bone. Solitary intra-articular osteochondroma arising from the elbow joint has rarely been reported. We present a case of 23-year-old female who had pain and limited motion of the left elbow as a result of intraarticular osteochondroma of the distal humerus. Arthroscopic excision of the osteochondroma yielded complete relief of symptoms. Absence of recurrence was confirmed radiographically at two years after surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of osteochondroma of the elbow successfully treated arthroscopically.

Correlation between Subscapularis Tears and the Outcomes of Physical Tests and Isokinetic Muscle Strength Tests

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the type of subscapularis tendon tears diagnosed during arthroscopy and the outcomes of physical tests and of isokinetic muscle strength tests. METHODS: We preoperatively evaluated physical outcomes and isokinetic muscle strength of 60 consecutive patients who underwent an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and/or subacromial decompression. We divided the patients into five groups according to the type of subscapularis tear, which we classified using Lafosse classification system during diagnostic arthroscopic surgery. RESULTS: When we performed a trend analysis between the outcomes of the physical tests and the severity of subscapularis tendon tear, we found that both the incidence of positive sign of the collective physical tests and that of individual physical tests increased significantly as the severity of the subscapularis tear increased (p<0.001). Similarly, the deficit in isokinetic muscle strength showed a tendency to increase as the severity of subscapularis tear increased, but this positive correlation was statistically significant in only the deficit between those with Lafosse type II tears and those with Lafosse type III tears. CONCLUSIONS: Although no single diagnostic test surpasses above others in predicting the severity of a subscapularis tear, our study implies that, as a collective unit of tests, the total incidence of the positive rate of the physical tests and the extent of isokinetic strength deficit may correlate with severity of subscapularis tears.

Arthroscopic Excision of Intra-articular Osteochondroma of the Elbow: A Case Report

Osteochondromas are one of the most common benign bone tumors usually involving extraarticular metaphysis of long bone. Solitary intra-articular osteochondroma arising from the elbow joint has rarely been reported. We present a case of 23-year-old female who had pain and limited motion of the left elbow as a result of intraarticular osteochondroma of the distal humerus. Arthroscopic excision of the osteochondroma yielded complete relief of symptoms. Absence of recurrence was confirmed radiographically at two years after surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of osteochondroma of the elbow successfully treated arthroscopically.

Correlation between Subscapularis Tears and the Outcomes of Physical Tests and Isokinetic Muscle Strength Tests

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the type of subscapularis tendon tears diagnosed during arthroscopy and the outcomes of physical tests and of isokinetic muscle strength tests. METHODS: We preoperatively evaluated physical outcomes and isokinetic muscle strength of 60 consecutive patients who underwent an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and/or subacromial decompression. We divided the patients into five groups according to the type of subscapularis tear, which we classified using Lafosse classification system during diagnostic arthroscopic surgery. RESULTS: When we performed a trend analysis between the outcomes of the physical tests and the severity of subscapularis tendon tear, we found that both the incidence of positive sign of the collective physical tests and that of individual physical tests increased significantly as the severity of the subscapularis tear increased (p<0.001). Similarly, the deficit in isokinetic muscle strength showed a tendency to increase as the severity of subscapularis tear increased, but this positive correlation was statistically significant in only the deficit between those with Lafosse type II tears and those with Lafosse type III tears. CONCLUSIONS: Although no single diagnostic test surpasses above others in predicting the severity of a subscapularis tear, our study implies that, as a collective unit of tests, the total incidence of the positive rate of the physical tests and the extent of isokinetic strength deficit may correlate with severity of subscapularis tears.

Infected Nonunion of Clavicle Shaft after Operation: A Case Report

The infected nonunion of clavicle with bone defect is an uncommon complication following clavicle shaft fracture. There were a few reports regarding treatment of the infected nonunion after clavicle fracture. We report on a case of infected clavicle nonunion successfully treated with autologous bone graft and dual plate fixation.

Fibrin Clot Delivery System for Meniscal Repair

As meniscal preservation particularly in younger active individuals with a symptomatic meniscal tear remains the preferred treatment option, various methods have been suggested to increase healing and success rates after meniscal repair. The recent increase in clinical use of platelet rich plasma has contributed to the increased use of fibrin clot, which virtually has the same healing property. However, despite the relative ease of acquisition and preparation of fibrin clots, delivering it to the desired target area arthroscopically is challenging. Therefore, we report with a pertinent literature review a novel method of planting a fibrin clot to the desired area of meniscal tear arthroscopically using our delivery system to enhance healing.

Degenerative Changes of Adjacent Segment Following Cervical Anterior fusion: Correlation with Preoperative MRI Findings of Adjacent Disc / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed the preoperative and postoperative radiographs of patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. OBJECTIVES: We wanted to determine whether the preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings of the levels adjacent to the level of fusion correlated with the postoperative degenerative changes seen on X-ray after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Anterior cervical fusion causes acceleration of the degenerative changes at the levels below or above the fused segment. These changes may be accelerated if preoperative MRI shows degenerative changes at the levels adjacent to the segment to be fused. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients (forty-four adjacent levels) who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion from January 1998 to August 2002 (average follow up: 2 years and 6 months, range: 2 to 4 years) were enrolled in this study. Preoperatively, all the patients had no degenerative changes at adjacent levels on the plain radiographs, but they had at least one adjacent level with degenerative findings on MRI. The patients were grouped according to the findings of the adjacent levels seen on MRI: low signal changes on the T2 weighted image (group A), disc bulging on the sagittal and axial images (group B), annular tear seen on the axial image (group C), osteophyte formation (group D), and no abnormalities (group E). RESULTS: Out of 44 cases of 22 patients, 14 cases (31.8%) showed degenerative changes. 2 out of 7 in group A, 6 out of 11 in group B, 3 out of 4 in group C, 2 out of 3 in group D and 1 out of 19 in group E showed degenerative changes on X-rays at the final follow up. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that abnormalities on the levels adjacent to the level to be fused, as seen on preoperative MRI, predispose these levels to degenerative changes postoperatively.

Results of Ludloff Osteotomy in Hallux Valgus / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of Ludloff osteotomy for treatment of hallux valgus with regard to patient satisfaction and clinical and radiological results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 43 feet of 28 patients underwent Ludloff osteotomy between January 2003 and August 2003. 21 patients (32 feet) who were available for follow up for more than one year were enrolled in this study. Average follow up period was 16 months. All patients were female and the average age was 51 years ranging 28 years to 72 years. Patient satisfaction was assessed and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) was used for subjective outcome, AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) score and presence of metatarsalgia were used for clinical outcome, and hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle were used for radiological outcome assessment. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction regarding cosmesis was excellent in 6 cases, good in 21 cases, fair in 4 cases and poor in 1 case. VAS was improved from preoperative 6 points to postoperative 2 points and AOFAS score was improved from preoperative 53 points to postoperative 82 points. Metatarsalgia was observed in 18 cases preoperatively and 9 cases postoperatively. HVA and IMA were 35.8 and 15.2 degrees preoperatively, 12.5 and 6.6 degrees at 3 months follow up, and 13.2 and 7.1 degrees at last follow up respectively. At the last follow up, loss of angle of correction for HVA was 0.7 degrees and for IMA was 0.5 degrees. CONCLUSION: Ludloff osteotomy is an appropriate surgery of moderate to severe hallux valgus.

Results of Ludloff Osteotomy in Hallux Valgus / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of Ludloff osteotomy for treatment of hallux valgus with regard to patient satisfaction and clinical and radiological results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 43 feet of 28 patients underwent Ludloff osteotomy between January 2003 and August 2003. 21 patients (32 feet) who were available for follow up for more than one year were enrolled in this study. Average follow up period was 16 months. All patients were female and the average age was 51 years ranging 28 years to 72 years. Patient satisfaction was assessed and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) was used for subjective outcome, AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) score and presence of metatarsalgia were used for clinical outcome, and hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle were used for radiological outcome assessment. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction regarding cosmesis was excellent in 6 cases, good in 21 cases, fair in 4 cases and poor in 1 case. VAS was improved from preoperative 6 points to postoperative 2 points and AOFAS score was improved from preoperative 53 points to postoperative 82 points. Metatarsalgia was observed in 18 cases preoperatively and 9 cases postoperatively. HVA and IMA were 35.8 and 15.2 degrees preoperatively, 12.5 and 6.6 degrees at 3 months follow up, and 13.2 and 7.1 degrees at last follow up respectively. At the last follow up, loss of angle of correction for HVA was 0.7 degrees and for IMA was 0.5 degrees. CONCLUSION: Ludloff osteotomy is an appropriate surgery of moderate to severe hallux valgus.