Is exercise therapy the right treatment for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain? Uncertainties, theory, and practice.

BACKGROUND: Exercise therapy is a popular non-surgical treatment to help manage individuals with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) and is recommended in all clinical practice guidelines. Due to modest effect sizes, low quality evidence, uncertainty relating to efficacy, and mechanism(s) of benefit, exercise as a therapeutic intervention has been the subject of increasing scrutiny. AIMS: The aim of this critical review is to lay out where the purported uncertainties of exercise for RCRSP exist by exploring the relevant quantitative and qualitative literature. We conclude by offering theoretical and practical considerations to help reduce the uncertainty of delivering exercise therapy in a clinical environment. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Uncertainty underpins much of the theory and practice of delivering exercise therapy for individuals with RCRSP. Nonetheless, exercise is an often-valued treatment by individuals with RCRSP, when provided within an appropriate clinical context. We encourage clinicians to use a shared decision-making paradigm and embrace a pluralistic model when prescribing therapeutic exercise. This may take the form of using exercise experiments to trial different exercise approaches, adjusting, and adapting the exercise type, load, and context based on the individual's symptom irritability, preferences, and goals. CONCLUSION: We contend that providing exercise therapy should remain a principal treatment option for helping individuals with RCRSP. Limitations notwithstanding, exercise therapy is relatively low cost, accessible, and often valued by individuals with RCRSP. The uncertainty surrounding exercise therapy requires ongoing research and emphasis could be directed towards investigating causal mechanisms to better understand how exercise may benefit an individual with RCRSP.

[Frozen Shoulder - a short review for the practice].

INTRODUCTION: The Frozen Shoulder is a frequently encountered pathology in clinical practice. This condition often coexists with various comorbidities and is characterized by severe pain and a significantly restricted motion of the affected shoulder. A limited passive external rotation with the arm in adduction, with no signs of any other pathology that could explain the finding, such as shoulder osteoarthritis or an undetected posterior dislocation, is pathognomonic. The course of the disease typically spans over one to two years and is usually self-limiting. In the vast majority of cases, this condition can be managed conservatively. Keywords: shoulder, shoulder stiffness, shoulder pain, conservative therapy.

Effectiveness of a high-intensity laser for improving hemiplegic shoulder dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial.

Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a common complication that occurs after stroke and has been reported in up to 84% of hemiplegic patients. One of the recommended treatment options for shoulder pain is high-intensity laser therapy (HILT). This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy on pain, function and hand grip strength in patients with hemiplegic shoulder dysfunction. Forty-four hemiplegic patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (study group, n = 22) received 3 HILT sessions a week for three weeks in combination with three sessions of therapeutic exercise per week for three weeks, and Group 2 (control group, n = 22) received a conventional exercise program for HSP three times a week for three weeks. Shoulder pain was evaluated using the McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ), the functional outcome of the shoulder was evaluated with the University of California-Los Angeles functional scale (UCLA), and handgrip strength was evaluated with a hydraulic hand dynamometer. The increase in the UCLA scores and the decrease in the MPQ scores after treatment were significant in the study group (p < 0.001) as well as in the control group (p < 0.05) in comparison with the pretreatment between-group comparison. Additionally, the increase in hand grip strength was significant in both groups after treatment (p < 0.001). The study group showed significant improvement over the control group with respect to the UCLA score, handgrip strength, and MPQ score (p < 0.001). HILT combined with therapeutic exercise provides greater improvement than therapeutic exercise alone in terms of hemiplegic shoulder pain, dysfunction, and handgrip strength.

Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation for preventing shoulder subluxation after stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder subluxation caused by paralysis after stroke is a serious issue affecting shoulder pain and functional prognosis. However, its preventive treatment has not been fully investigated. AIM: To investigate the effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) on the prevention of shoulder subluxation. DESIGN: A single-center, parallel-group, prospective randomized, open-blinded, end-point study. SETTING: Convalescent rehabilitation ward. POPULATION: We included 50 inpatients in the convalescent rehabilitation ward with post-stroke, having upper limb paralysis, and the acromio-humeral interval (AHI) was within 1/2 finger-breadth. METHODS: A blinded computer-based allocation system was used to randomly assign patients into two groups: 1) conventional rehabilitation plus rPMS therapy (rPMS group, N=25); and 2) conventional rehabilitation alone (control group, N=25). Blinded assessors evaluated the patients before the intervention (T0), 6 weeks after (T1), and 12 weeks after (T2). The primary outcome was the change in AHIs from T0 to T1 between the groups. In contrast, the secondary outcomes were shoulder pain, spasticity, active range of motion, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment upper extremity (FMA-UE) score. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients in the rPMS group and 24 in the control group completed T1, whereas 16 in the rPMS group and 11 in the control group completed T2. The change in AHI was significantly lower in the rPMS group than in the control group ([95% CI, -5.15 to -0.390], P=0.023). Within-group analysis showed that AHI in the rPMS group did not change significantly, whereas it increased in the control group (P=0.004). There were no significant differences between T1 and T2 within or between the groups. Moreover, AHI did not show differences in patients with severe impairment but decreased in the rPMS group in patients with mild impairment (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The rPMS may be a new modality for preventing shoulder subluxation. The association between motor impairment and the sustained effect needs to be further examined. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Applying rPMS to the muscles of the paralyzed shoulder after a stroke may prevent shoulder subluxation.

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.

Corrugator Muscle Activity Associated with Pressure Pain in Adults with Neck/Shoulder Pain.

Background and Objectives: No studies have reported corrugator muscle activity associated with pain in people with pain. This study aimed to develop an objective pain assessment method using corrugator muscle activity with pressure pain stimulation to the skeletal muscle. Methods: Participants were 20 adults (a mean ± SD age of 22.0 ± 3.1 years) with chronic neck/shoulder pain. Surface electromyography (sEMG) of corrugator muscle activity at rest (baseline) and without and with pressure pain stimulation applied to the most painful tender point in the shoulder was recorded. Participants evaluated the intensity of the neck/shoulder pain and the sensory and affective components of pain with pressure stimulation using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The percentages of integrated sEMG (% corrugator activity) without and with pressure pain stimulation to the baseline integrated sEMG were compared, and the relationships between the % corrugator activity and the sensory and affective components of pain VAS scores were evaluated. Results: Without pressure stimulation, an increase in corrugator muscle activity due to chronic neck/shoulder pain was not observed. The % corrugator activity with pressure pain stimulation was significantly higher than that without stimulation (p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation between corrugator muscle activity and the affective components of pain VAS scores with pressure stimulation was found (ρ = 0.465, p = 0.039) and a tendency of positive correlation was found for the sensory component of pain VAS scores (ρ = 0.423, p = 0.063). Conclusions: The increase in corrugator muscle activity with pressure pain stimulation to the tender point in adults with chronic neck/shoulder pain was observed, although increased corrugator muscle activity resulting from the chronic neck/shoulder pain was not. These findings suggest that corrugator muscle activity with pressure pain stimulation can be a useful objective indication for tender point sensitivity assessment in the skeletal muscle with pain.

[Can a fall onto the shoulder (direct impact) cause a rotator cuff tear?] / Kann ein Sturz auf die Schulter (Direktanprall) einen Riss der Rotatorenmanschette verursachen?

The question of whether a fall directly onto the shoulder can cause a rotator cuff tear has occupied doctors (and courts) for many years. Experts who rely on the medical insurance literature usually reject the causality of the incident. There are no scientific studies on this. The report below describes a typical case in which a fall directly onto the shoulder caused a massive rotator cuff tear.

To allow or avoid pain during shoulder rehabilitation exercises for patients with chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy-Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (the PASE trial).

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy is the most reported shoulder disorder in the general population with highest prevalence in overhead athletes and adult working-age population. A growing body of evidence support exercise therapy as an effective intervention, but to date there are no prospective randomized controlled trials addressing pain as an intervention variable. METHODS: A single-site, prospective, pragmatic, assessor-blinded randomized controlled superiority trial. Eighty-four patients aged 18-55 years with chronic (symptom duration over 3 months) RC tendinopathy are randomized 1:1 to receive shoulder exercise during which pain is either allowed or avoided. The intervention period lasts 26 weeks. During that period, participants in both groups are offered 8 individual on-site sessions with an assigned sports physiotherapist. Participants perform home exercises and are provided with a pain and exercise logbook and asked to report completed home-based exercise sessions and reasons for not completing sessions (pain or other reasons). Patients are also asked to report load and the number of sets and repetitions per sets for each exercise session. The logbooks are collected continuously throughout the intervention period. The primary and secondary outcomes are obtained at baseline, 6 weeks, 26 weeks, and 1 year after baseline. The primary outcome is patient-reported pain and disability using the Shoulder PAin and Disability Index (SPADI). Secondary outcomes are patient-reported pain and disability using Disability Arm Shoulder and Hand short-form (Quick DASH), and shoulder pain using Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Objective outcomes are shoulder range of motion, isometric shoulder muscle strength, pain sensitivity, working ability, and structural changes in the supraspinatus tendon and muscle using ultrasound. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will contribute knowledge about the treatment strategies for patients with RC tendinopathy and help physiotherapists in clinical decision-making. This is the first randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of allowing pain versus avoiding pain during shoulder exercises in patients with chronic RC tendinopathy. If tolerating pain during and after exercise proves to be effective, it will potentially expand our understanding of "exercising into pain" for this patient group, as there is currently no consensus. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05124769. Registered on August 11, 2021.

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.

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.

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.

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.

High frequency neuronavigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in post-stroke shoulder pain: A double-blinded, randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of 5Hz neuronavigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the affected primary motor cortex (M1) on pain, the effect of pain on activities of daily living, disability, mood, neurophysiological parameters and passive shoulder joint range of motion in patients with post-stroke shoulder pain. DESIGN: Twenty two patients were randomized into an experimental group (rTMS, n=7) who received daily rTMS 5Hz 1000 pulses, five times/week for three weeks (15 sessions) to the affected M1 and a control group (n=11) who received sham stimulation. Outcome measures were Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire (Quick DASH), Hospital Depression Anxiety Scale (HADS), joint range of motion (ROM) measurements, neurophysiological parameters. Selected outcome measures were performed before treatment (T0), after the 5th session (T1) of rTMS treatment, after the 10th session (T2), after the 15th session (T3), and four weeks after the end of the treatment (T4). In the analysis of the outcomes, within-group comparisons were performed by using the Wilcoxon or Friedman test and between-group comparisons were performed by using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between and within groups in terms of change- and followup scores in the NRS measurements (p>0.05). BPI scale was found to be lower in rTMS group at T0 and T3 (p= 0.010). Quick-DASH scores at T4 were found to be significantly lower in rTMS group (p= 0.032). However, no difference was found within each group over time (p>0.05) and there was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of change scores (T3-T0 and T4-T0) (p>0.05) for BPI and Quick-DASH. In rTMS group, there was a statistically significant difference in shoulder external rotation at T3 compared to the baseline (T0) (p=0.039). However, the magnitude of external rotation change (T3-T0) with the treatment was comparable in the groups. No statistically significant change occurred in both treatment groups in other range of motion measurements. CONCLUSION: High frequency neuronavigated rTMS to the affected M1 did not show any significant beneficial effect on pain, activities of daily living, disability, anxiety and depression, neurophysiological measurements and passive ROM over sham stimulation.

The effect of arthroscopic coracoplasty on subscapularis strength in cases of subcoracoid impingement in the absence of subscapularis tear.

Subcoracoid impingement leads to anterior shoulder pain, and arthroscopic subcoracoid decompression (coracoplasty) is the preferred treatment in recalcitrant cases. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of coracoplasty on the severity of anterior shoulder pain and the strength of the subscapularis muscle and to correlate it with the preoperative and postoperative coracohumeral distance (CHD) (t:transverse, s:sagittal). Sixteen patients without any subscapularis tendon tears who underwent arthroscopic subcoracoid decompression and rotator cuff repair with 2 years follow-up were included. Preoperative and postoperative 2-year assessments of function and pain were performed using the modified Kennedy-Hawkins test, power grading of various subscapularis muscle tests, and ASES scores. Preoperative and postoperative coracohumeral distance (tCHD, sCHD) and coracoid overlap (CO) were measured using MRIs before and after surgery. The Mean Hawkins pain score and coracoid overlap were decreased. The strength scores for subscapularis strength testing, ASES score, maximum degree of internal rotation, and coracohumeral distance increased (P < .05). Changes in belly press strength were negatively correlated with postoperative tCHD (r = -0.6, P = .04) and postoperative sCHD (r = -0.7, P = .008). A significant increase in the internal rotation range of the shoulder, subscapularis strength, and relief of anterior shoulder pain was observed. However, this increase was inversely proportional to the postoperative CHD, indicating the mechanical effect of the coracoid on subscapularis strength.

Usefulness of Diagnostic Ultrasound for Detection of Common Shoulder Abnormalities Prior to MRI.

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal pain in the general population and results in significant disability, quality of life impairment and financial burden to the health care system. This cross-sectional study was carried out among purposively selected 61 adult patients with shoulder pain and or limited range of motion in the Department of Radiology and Imaging, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from September 2018 to August 2020 to determine the usefulness of USG in detection of common shoulder abnormalities, as an initial imaging modality using MRI as reference standard. The majority of the patients 25(40.98%) were in age group of 51-60 years with mean age of 52.98±10.85 years. In the dectection of rotator cuff pathology, the overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of USG for any complete tear were 100.0% each, for any partial tear were 79.71%, 96.57% and 91.80%, for any rotator cuff tear were 83.33%, 96.25% and 91.80%, and for any tendinosis were 90.48%, 99.37% and 96.31% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of USG were 88.23%, 92.59% & 90.16% for long head of biceps tendon sheath effusion, 100.0% each for long head of biceps tendon dislocation, 71.11%, 87.50% and 75.41% for glenohumeral joint effusion, and 58.06%, 96.67% and 77.05% for bursal effusion respectively. From this study, it is concluded that high resolution USG showed high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy compared to MRI in detecting common shoulder abnormalities, and could be considered as the first line imaging modality in the evaluation of shoulder pain.

Effectiveness of non-surgical management in rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (the effect trial): protocol for a randomised clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT) involves calcific deposits in the rotator cuff. Non-surgical interventions such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy (US-PICT) are recommended for its early management. Exercise therapy (ET) has shown to be an effective intervention for people with rotator cuff tendinopathy, but it has not been formally tested in RCCT. The main objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of an ET programme with ESWT and US-PICT in people with RCCT. As a secondary aim, this study aims to describe the natural history of RCCT. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A randomised, single-blinded four-group clinical trial will be conducted. Adults from 30 to 75 years diagnosed with RCCT who accomplish eligibility criteria will be recruited. Participants (n=116) will be randomised into four groups: ET group will receive a 12-week rehabilitation programme; ESWT group will receive four sessions with 1 week rest between sessions during 1 month; US-PICT group will receive two sessions with 3 months of rest between sessions; and (actual) wait-and-see group will not receive any intervention during the 12-month follow-up. The primary outcome will be shoulder pain assessed with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months from baseline. The primary analysis will be performed at 12 months from baseline. Secondary outcomes will include pain, range of motion, patient satisfaction and imaging-related variables. Moreover, the following psychosocial questionnaires with their corresponding outcome measure will be assessed: Central Sensitization Inventory (symptoms related to central sensitization); Pain Catastrophizing Scale (pain catastrophizing); Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia 11 items (fear of movement); Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (fear avoidance behaviour); Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (anxiety and depression); Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (sleep quality); and the EuroQol-5D (quality of life). An intention-to-treat analysis will be performed to reduce the risk of bias using a worst-case and best-case scenario analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics committee approval for this study has been obtained (reference number: 1718862). The results of the main trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05478902.

Functional and Radiologic Outcomes of Degenerative Versus Traumatic Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears Involving the Supraspinatus Tendon.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is among the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures. Several factors-including age, sex, and tear severity-have been identified as predictors for outcome after repair. The influence of the tear etiology on functional and structural outcome remains controversial. PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of tear etiology (degenerative vs traumatic) on functional and structural outcomes in patients with supraspinatus tendon tears. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Patients undergoing ARCR from 19 centers were prospectively enrolled between June 2020 and November 2021. Full-thickness, nonmassive tears involving the supraspinatus tendon were included. Tears were classified as degenerative (chronic shoulder pain, no history of trauma) or traumatic (acute, traumatic onset, no previous shoulder pain). Range of motion, strength, the Subjective Shoulder Value, the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and the Constant-Murley Score (CMS) were assessed before (baseline) and 6 and 12 months after ARCR. The Subjective Shoulder Value and the OSS were also determined at the 24-month follow-up. Repair integrity after 12 months was documented, as well as additional surgeries up to the 24-month follow-up. Tear groups were compared using mixed models adjusted for potential confounding effects. RESULTS: From a cohort of 973 consecutive patients, 421 patients (degenerative tear, n = 230; traumatic tear, n = 191) met the inclusion criteria. The traumatic tear group had lower mean baseline OSS and CMS scores but significantly greater score changes 12 months after ARCR (OSS, 18 [SD, 8]; CMS, 34 [SD,18] vs degenerative: OSS, 15 [SD, 8]; CMS, 22 [SD, 15]) (P < .001) and significantly higher 12-month overall scores (OSS, 44 [SD, 5]; CMS, 79 [SD, 9] vs degenerative: OSS, 42 [SD, 7]; CMS, 76 [SD, 12]) (P≤ .006). At the 24-month follow-up, neither the OSS (degenerative, 44 [SD, 6]; traumatic, 45 [SD, 6]; P = .346) nor the rates of repair failure (degenerative, 14 [6.1%]; traumatic 12 [6.3%]; P = .934) and additional surgeries (7 [3%]; 7 [3.7%]; P = .723) differed between groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with degenerative and traumatic full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears who had ARCR show satisfactory short-term functional results. Although patients with traumatic tears have lower baseline functional scores, they rehabilitate over time and show comparable clinical results 1 year after ARCR. Similarly, degenerative and traumatic rotator cuff tears show comparable structural outcomes, which suggests that degenerated tendons retain healing potential.

High satisfaction rate and range of motion can be expected in frozen shoulder after awake manipulation with brachial plexus block.

BACKGROUND: Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a disease of the glenohumeral joint that is characterized by pain and both passive and active global stiffness with a slow and insidious onset. The disease can occur spontaneously (primary AC) or it can be secondary to other comorbidities, surgery, or trauma, such as fracture or dislocation. Multiple treatment approaches have been suggested: intra-articular steroid injection, physical therapy, manipulation under total anesthesia, and arthroscopic or open surgery. Shoulder manipulation under anesthesia is usually proposed to patients that suffer from severe AC and have already undergone several nonoperative treatments without benefit. Different techniques have been proposed. This study presents our manipulation technique and the clinical results we achieved after shoulder mobilization under brachial plexus block in patients with phase III primary AC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on a sample of 110 patients with phase III AC who were treated with this manipulation and followed up for 1 year. Patients underwent two assessments-before the procedure (T0) and 4 months after it (T1)-based on the Numerical Rating Scale, Simple Shoulder Test, and joint range of motion to assess shoulder pain, function, and joint articulation, respectively. Furthermore, the patients had to express their degree of satisfaction with the procedure and the results achieved. RESULTS: Positive and statistically significant results were recorded in terms of pain reduction (ΔNPRS = - 5.4; p < 0.01) and improved functionality (Simple Shoulder Test Δ = 5; p < 0.01). Passive range of motion was statistically significantly increased for each movement at T1. Large increases were observed in extrarotation range of motion (ROM): R1 (Δ = 77.5°) and R2 (Δ = 70°), whereas little improvements were observed in intrarotation ROM. Patients achieved satisfying functional and articular recovery in all cases. Complications that needed further treatment occurred in three cases: a brachial plexus injury, a glenoid flake fracture, and persistent pain and stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we proposed a standardized method of manipulation under brachial plexus block for patients affected by phase III adhesive capsulitis. The technique was applied among a large cohort of patients, who reported a high satisfaction rate and range-of-motion recovery after 4 months. This could represent an alternative treatment to surgery that has a shorter timeline and does not require patient hospitalization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.