Reliability of the measurement of glenoid bone defect in anterior shoulder instability / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#The size of the glenoid bone defect is an important index in selecting the appropriate treatment for anterior shoulder instability. However, the reliability of glenoid bone defect measurement is controversial. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the reliabilities of measurements of the glenoid bone defect on computed tomography and to explore the predisposing factors leading to inconsistency of these measurements.@*Methods@#The study population comprised 69 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation in Peking University Fourth School of Clinical Medicine from March 2016 to January 2017. The glenoid bone defect was measured by three surgeons on 'self-confirmed’ and 'designated’ 3-D en-face views, and repeated after an interval of 3 months. Measurements included the ratio of the defect area to the best-fit circle area, and the ratio of the defect width to the diameter of the best-fit circle. The inter- and intra-observer reliabilities of the measurements were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The maximum absolute inter- and intra-observer differences and the cumulative percentages of cases with inter- and intraobserver differences greater than these respective levels were calculated.@*Results@#Almost all linear defect values were bigger than the areal defect values. The inter-observer ICCs for the areal defect were 0.557 and 0.513 in the 'self-confirmed’ group and 0.549 and 0.431 in the 'designated’ group. The inter-observer reliabilities for the linear defect were moderate or fair in the 'self-confirmed’ group (ICC = 0.446, 0.374) and 'designated’ group (ICC = 0.402, 0.327). The ICCs for intra-observer measurements were higher than those for inter-observer measurements. The respective maximum interand intra-observer absolute differences were 13.9% and 13.2% in the 'self-confirmed’ group, and 15.8% and 9.8% in the 'designated’ group.@*Conclusions@#The areal measurement of the glenoid bone defect is more reliable than the linear measurement. The reliability of the glenoid defect areal measurement is moderate or worse, suggesting that a more accurate and objective measurement method is needed in both en-face view and best-fit circle determination. Subjective factors affecting the glenoid bone loss measurement should be minimized.

Reliability of the measurement of glenoid bone defect in anterior shoulder instability / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The size of the glenoid bone defect is an important index in selecting the appropriate treatment for anterior shoulder instability. However, the reliability of glenoid bone defect measurement is controversial. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the reliabilities of measurements of the glenoid bone defect on computed tomography and to explore the predisposing factors leading to inconsistency of these measurements.@*METHODS@#The study population comprised 69 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation in Peking University Fourth School of Clinical Medicine from March 2016 to January 2017. The glenoid bone defect was measured by three surgeons on 'self-confirmed' and 'designated' 3-D en-face views, and repeated after an interval of 3 months. Measurements included the ratio of the defect area to the best-fit circle area, and the ratio of the defect width to the diameter of the best-fit circle. The inter- and intra-observer reliabilities of the measurements were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The maximum absolute inter- and intra-observer differences and the cumulative percentages of cases with inter- and intra-observer differences greater than these respective levels were calculated.@*RESULTS@#Almost all linear defect values were bigger than the areal defect values. The inter-observer ICCs for the areal defect were 0.557 and 0.513 in the 'self-confirmed' group and 0.549 and 0.431 in the 'designated' group. The inter-observer reliabilities for the linear defect were moderate or fair in the 'self-confirmed' group (ICC = 0.446, 0.374) and 'designated' group (ICC = 0.402, 0.327). The ICCs for intra-observer measurements were higher than those for inter-observer measurements. The respective maximum inter- and intra-observer absolute differences were 13.9% and 13.2% in the 'self-confirmed' group, and 15.8% and 9.8% in the 'designated' group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The areal measurement of the glenoid bone defect is more reliable than the linear measurement. The reliability of the glenoid defect areal measurement is moderate or worse, suggesting that a more accurate and objective measurement method is needed in both en-face view and best-fit circle determination. Subjective factors affecting the glenoid bone loss measurement should be minimized.

Do Different Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors Impair Rotator Cuff Healing in a Rabbit Model? / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The effect of selective and non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors on tendon healing was variable. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of non-selective COX inhibitor, ibuprofen and flurbiprofen axetil and selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib on the tendon healing process in a rabbit model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-six New Zealand rabbits were used as rotator cuff repair models. After surgery, they were divided randomly into four groups: ibuprofen (10 mg·kg-1·d-1), celecoxib (8 mg·kg-1·d-1), flurbiprofen axetil (2 mg·kg-1·d-1), and control group (blank group). All drugs were provided for 7 days. Rabbits in each group were sacrificed at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after tendon repair. Tendon biomechanical load failure tests were performed. The percentage of type I collagen on the bone tendon insertion was calculated by Picric acid Sirius red staining and image analysis. All data were compared among the four groups at the same time point. All data in each group were also compared across the different time points. Qualitative histological evaluation of the bone tendon insertion was also performed among groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The load to failure increased significantly with time in each group. There were significantly lower failure loads in the celecoxib group than in the control group at 3 weeks (0.533 vs. 0.700, P = 0.002), 6 weeks (0.607 vs. 0.763, P = 0.01), and 12 weeks (0.660 vs. 0.803, P = 0.002), and significantly lower percentage of type I collagen at 3 weeks (11.5% vs. 27.6%, P = 0.001), 6 weeks (40.5% vs. 66.3%, P = 0.005), and 12 weeks (59.5% vs. 86.3%, P = 0.001). Flurbiprofen axetil showed significant differences at 3 weeks (failure load: 0.600 vs. 0.700, P = 0.024; percentage of type I collagen: 15.6% vs. 27.6%, P = 0.001), but no significant differences at 6 and 12 weeks comparing with control group, whereas the ibuprofen groups did not show any significant difference at each time point.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can delay tendon healing in the early stage after rotator cuff repair. Compared with nonselective COX inhibitors, selective COX-2 inhibitors significantly impact tendon healing.</p>

Effect of Compound Tongfu Granule on Intestinal Permeability in Elderly Sepsis Patients / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Compound Tongtu Granule (CTG) on intestinal permeability in elderly sepsis patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty elderly sepsis patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group by randomized double blinded method, 40 in each group. On the basis of conventional antiseptic treatment program, patients in the experimental group took CTG, while those in the control group took placebos. The dosage for CTG or placebos was 14.3 g each package, one package each time, twice daily for 14 successive days. Patients' abdominal symptoms and signs, levels of serum inflammatory factors (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and procalcitonin), levels of plasma endotoxin, and the intestinal permeability (IP, represented by urinary lactulose/mannitol excretion rate) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 14-day treatment, patients in the experimental group had improved abdominal symptoms, increased frequency of defecation, significantly decreased levels of plasma endotoxin and IP, when compared with the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CTG could improve the intestinal barrier function in elderly sepsis patients.</p>

Preliminary histological and biomechanical study about the timing of surgical repair for acute rotator cuff tears in rabbits / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To establish the animal model of acute rotator cuff tear in rabbits, and study the effect of timing of surgical repair on healing of tendon-bone interface, formation and distribution of collagens in the supraspinatus tendon insertion and biomechanical properties of supraspinatus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Supraspinatus tenotomy was performed in the right shoulder of 90 skeletally matured male New Zealand white rabbits to establish the animal model of acute rotator cuff tear. The rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups : group of early repair, repaired at 1 week after tenotomy; group of late repair, repaired at 4 weeks after tenotomy; and group without repair, used as control. At 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after repair, healing of tendon-bone interface was observed by HE staining. Collagens were observed by Sirius Red F 3B (SR) in saturated carbazotic acid staining. The areas of type I and III collagens were measured by using imaging analysis software and the ratio of type I and III collagens were calculated. Failure loads of supraspinatus on both sides were measured. The percentage of failure loads of the surgical side was calculated and contralateral supraspinatus were uninjured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no obvious fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy in supraspinatus in all groups. At 8 weeks, the formation of a new enthesis of supraspinatus in groups of early and late repair were observed. In groups of early and late repair, the ratio of areas of type I and III collagens at 8 weeks (2.02 ± 0.77 and 2.06 ± 0.58) was larger than that at 2 weeks (1.10 ± 0.24 and 1.14 ± 0.50, t = 3.082, 3.655, P < 0.01). At 2, 4 and 8 weeks, the percentages of failure loads of the surgical side and uninjured contralateral supraspinatus in group of early repair(38% ± 11%, 66% ± 7%, 89% ± 4%) and group of late repair (41% ± 16%, 63% ± 7%, 89% ± 9%) were both higher than that in group without repair (14% ± 6%, 32% ± 4%, 56% ± 12%); the differences were all statistically significant (group of early repair: t = 3.311, 8.549, 5.719; group of late repair: t = 3.713, 8.063, 6.044; P < 0.01). The percentage of failure loads of the surgical side and uninjured contralateral supraspinatus at 8 weeks was higher than those at 4 weeks (t = 3.878 - 4.613, P < 0.01) and 2 weeks (t = 7.158 - 10.024, P < 0.01) in all groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Surgical repair within 4 weeks of acute rotator cuff tear lead to formation of a new enthesis of supraspinatus, improvement of both ratio of type I collagen in the supraspinatus tendon insertion and biomechanical properties of supraspinatus.</p>

Clinical results after all arthroscopic reduction and fixation of bony Bankart lesion / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the shoulder function after arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation in patients with bony Bankart lesion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between May 2004 and May 2008, 45 patients with bony Bankart lesion who were treated with all arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation with metal anchors were included in this study. Among them 40 patients were male and 5 patients were female. The average age at the surgery was 27.6 years (16.5 - 50.1 years). The average duration of follow-up was 29.7 months (24.8 - 49.0 months). A history of recurrent dislocation of affected shoulder was found in all patients. Metal anchors were used to fix the bony Bankart lesion during the surgery. Hill-Sachs remplissage technique was used to treat the Engaging Hill-Sachs lesion. The preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score, Rowe score and the VAS score for instability were 84 ± 14, 95.1 ± 4.6, 39.4 ± 2.9 and 5 ± 3 respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No significant change was found regarding active forward elevation, external rotation and internal rotation after the surgery. The ASES score, Constant-Murley score, Rowe score and the VAS score of stability were 95 ± 7, 98.3 ± 2.2, 84.5 ± 22.0 and 1 ± 2, improved significantly higher after the surgery (P < 0.01). One subluxation and 3 redislocation were happened during follow-up. The overall failure rate was 8.9% (4/45).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>All arthroscopic reduction and fixation of bony Bankart lesion can achieve a good result.</p>

Complications of the locking plate for displaced proximal humeral fractures / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Although the locking plate has become popular for treating displaced proximal humeral fractures in recent years, the complications of this method are still underestimated. We tried to evaluate the factors that have an influence on the complications experienced after proximal humeral fractures fixed by locking plates and compare the results from patients having complications with those having no complications.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From September 2004 to September 2007, 92 out of 111 displaced proximal humeral fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate were available for follow-up, with an average time of 15.2 months (12 - 36 months). The range of motion, Visual Analog Score (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons' Form (ASES), Constant-Murley, University of California-Los Angles scoring system (UCLA) score, and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) for function evaluation was all recorded at the latest follow-up. The results from patients with complications were evaluated according to the indices listed above and compared with those patients without any complications.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 17 patients with complications, an 18.5% complication rate. Among them, the forward flexion, external rotation and internal rotation were 139.1° ± 24.3°, 24.1° ± 19.6°, and up to T10 level on average. The mean VAS score was 1.0 ± 1.1, the ASES score was 82.9 ± 13.8, the Constant 82.1 ± 11.8, the UCLA 28.5 ± 4.1 and the mean SST 9.5 on average. There was no significant difference of complication rate among different age, sex, and injured side, fresh or delayed fracture, combined with other injury or not groups. Compared with the group without complications, patients with complications showed significantly less external rotation and lower Constant-Murley and UCLA functional scores (P < 0.05). A significant difference in results was seen between patients with complications and those without complications.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The indication control and appropriate surgical technique were important while performing the locking plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures.</p>

Protective effect of compound tongfu granule on intestinal mucosal barrier in patients with cirrhosis of decompensation stage / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the intestinal mucosal barrier protective effect of herbal medicine Compound Tongfu Granule (CTG) in patients with liver cirrhosis of decompensation stage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty patients enrolled were randomly assigned to the control group (26 cases) and the CTG group (24 cases), and 30 healthy adults were set up as normal control. After 2-week treatment, the intestinal permeability (IP, represented by urinary lactulose/mannitol excretion rate), plasma endotoxin (EDT) level, and change of enteric bacteria (EB) in patients were observed before and after treatment, and compared with those in the normal control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before treatment, cirrhotic patients showed significantly higher levels of IP, EDT, and intestinal bacilli, but a lower amount of enteric bifidobacteria as compared with those the normal control. After 2-week treatment, levels of EDT and urinary excretion rate of lactulose in the CTG group were lowered more significantly than those in the control group (P < 0.05), while the amount of bifidobacteria in the CTG group increased accompanied with intestinal bacilli significantly lowered to near the levels in the normal control (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CTG can improve the intestinal barrier function, correct the intestinal bacteria disturbance, and significantly reduce the entero-derived endotoxemia in cirrhotic patients of decompensation stage.</p>

Relationships between ascitic bacterial DNA and plasma endotoxin, gut flora and intestinal permeability in cirrhotic patients / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship of ascitic bacterial DNA and plasma endotoxin, intestinal permeability, gut flora in cirrhotic patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-five decompensated cirrhotic patients with ascites were included in the study. A paracentesis was performed for every patient at admission and ascites fluid was collected for bacterial DNA isolation and amplification, plus other routine studies and cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Plasma endotoxin, intestinal permeability, and gut flora were studied on the day following admission. Blood from the patients was obtained for routine hematologic, biochemical, and coagulation studies. Thirty healthy subjects were studied as normal controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No bacteria were found in the ascites cultures in the 55 patients, but bacterial DNA was found in 19 (34.55%). Compared with the bacterial DNA negative group, the bacterial DNA positive group showed a significantly lower level of PTA (t= -3.184, P=0.002), a higher Child-Pugh score (t=3.224, P=0.002) and a higher quantity of WBC in their ascitic fluid (t=4.088, P=0.001). Compared with normal controls, cirrhotic patients showed significantly higher levels of plasma endotoxin (t=13.705, P=0.000), lactulose/mannitol (L/M, t=28.568, P=0.000) in urine, and the quantity of enteric bacilli (t=2.912, P=0.005); the quantity of their intestinal bifidobacteria was significantly lower (t= -3.669, P=0.000). The variables correlative with the presence of bacterial DNA were the quantities of enteric bacilli (P=0.007) and PTA (P=0.011).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Intestinal bacterial overgrowth plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ascitic bacterial translocation (ABT) in cirrhotic patients. ABT is correlated with the degrees of the liver disease.</p>

Fixation of proximal humeral fracture with proximal humeral locking intramedullary nail / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the results of two-part surgical neck fractures of proximal humerus treated with locking intramedullary nail for proximal humerus, and to discuss the indication, surgical technique and the effectiveness.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of the 22 patients with two-part surgical neck fractures fixed with proximal humeral nail was retrospectively reviewed. The mean age was 57 years. X-ray film and visual analogue scale (VAS), American shoulder and elbow surgeon (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scoring system and simple shoulder test (SST) questionnaire were used to evaluate the patients' shoulder function recovery at final follow-up.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>All the patients were followed up with an average time of 13 months. All fractures united within 8 weeks postoperatively. No infection, avascular necrosis or complications which concerning with hardware was found during follow-up. The average active forward flexion was 147.8 degrees , the average external rotation was 45.5 degrees and the average internal rotation was T10. The mean VAS score was 1.5. The mean ASES score, Constant-Murley score, UCLA score and SST score were 81.2, 85.4, 29.9 and 9.5 respectively. Eighteen patients were rated as "excellent" or "good", while 4 others were rated "poor". All patients were satisfied with their results.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>With good indication control, meticulous intraoperative management and strict postoperative rehabilitation, close reduction and internal fixation with proximal humeral nail can be an effective method for the treatment of two-part surgical neck fracture.</p>

Clinical research on proximal humeral fractures treated by locking proximal humeral plate / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the indications and clinical results of displaced proximal humeral fractures treated by locking proximal humeral plate (LPHP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From September 2004 to March 2006, 75 patients which were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with LPHP were available to follow-up, with an average time of 17 months (12 - 30 months). There were 60 fresh fractures and 15 delayed fractures. The range of motion, muscle strength, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, American shoulder and elbow surgeon (ASES) score, Constant-Murley, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scoring system and simple shoulder test (SST) for function evaluation were all recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average forward flexion was (147.3 +/- 17.7) degrees , external rotation was (30.5 +/- 16.2) degrees and internal rotation was to T9. The mean ASES was 86.7 +/- 12.7, Constant-Murley was 87.4 +/- 10.5, UCLA was 30.1 +/- 4.2. The total good or excellent rate was 89.3%. Compare with fresh fractures, the delayed group showed significant less forward flexion and ASES (P = 0.021 and 0.036 respectively). In 9 patients with late complications, there were significant differences regarding ASES, UCLA scoring system and Constant-Murley compared with patients without any complication.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>With strict indication control and appropriate surgical technique, satisfactory results can be expected for the displaced proximal humeral fractures treated with locking proximal humeral plates.</p>

Cadaveric study of the anatomical relationship between the greater tuberosity and prosthetic fin in humeral head replacement / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship of the greater tuberosity and the lateral fin of the prosthesis by using cadaveric research.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nine pairs of fresh-frozen upper extremity specimens (n = 18) were collected. Two-part anatomical neck fracture models were created by osteotomy along the anatomical neck. A standardized humeral head replacement procedure was carried out. The prosthesis was implanted in 20 degrees and 40 degrees of retroversion respectively, and the distance between the bicipital groove and lateral fin of the prosthesis was measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The lateral fins of prostheses in all specimens were located behind the bicipital groove. The average distances were 7.3 mm in 20 degrees retroversion and 4.0 mm in 40 degrees retroversion.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is better to fix the greater tuberosity over the lateral fin during humeral head replacement.</p>

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for the treatment of rotator cuff tear / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss and evaluate the surgical techniques of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and its clinical results.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2002 to May 2005, 44 out of 68 patients treated by arthroscopic rotator cuff repair had been reviewed with a mean post-operation time of 12 months. Of the 44 patients, 40 were available for follow-up, with a mean period of 20.6 (12 - 40) months. The mean age was 56 (30 - 81) years. According to Gerber classification, there were 8 partial tears, 27 small tears and 5 massive tears. No irreparable tear was included in this series. All tears were repaired under the scope, and metal suture anchor (Super-Revo, Linvatec) had been used in all patients. ASES score (American shoulder & elbow surgeons' score), Constant-Murley score and SST (simple shoulder test) questionnaire were adopted before operation and at the latest follow-up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The pre-operation and post-operation mean ASES score was 72.6 vs. 92.3 (P < 0.001), with the mean VAS score for pain 6.2 vs. 1.8 (P < 0.001), the mean forward flexion 74.5 degrees vs. 146.0 degrees (P < 0.001), and the mean external rotation 27.8 degrees vs. 38.3 degrees (P < 0.01). The excellent and good rate for post-operation ASES was 92.5%. The pre-operation and post-operation mean Constant-Murley score was 69.6 vs. 90.4 (P < 0.001), with an excellent and good rate of 90.0%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a successful treatment for rotator cuff tear. By the use of suture anchors, scope surgery shares the advantages of minimal morbidity, quick functional recovery and protection of deltoid muscle. With appropriate indication control, descent surgical skill and intense postoperative rehab, gratifying outcome can usually be anticipated.</p>

Biomechanical study of percutaneous pinning as the treatment of proximal humerus fractures / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the influence on fracture stability by different pin construct during percutaneous pinning for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen pairs (36) adult fresh-frozen humeri were match-paired and divided into 4 groups. Dual-energy bone density scan had been used in order to rule out the influence by different degrees of osteoporosis of the cadaver. Two-part surgical neck fracture model was carried out unanimously in all 36 humeri. Four terminal threaded pins (2.5 mm in diameter) were used in fixation for all specimen. Parallel type pinning (box type) were carried out in 2 groups and convergent type pinning (fan shape) in the other 2 groups. Instron5566 biomechanical tester was applied in determining both anti-shear and anti-torsion ultimate load of each specimen.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no statistical difference between parallel pin construct and convergent construct in regard of anti-shear resistance (P = 0.73). But by mean of anti-torsion resistance, the parallel construct had significant advantage over the convergent construct (P = 0.04).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>According to our biomechanical data, parallel pin construct seems to have better torsional stability. We suggest that parallel pin fixation should be applied whenever possible. Convergent pin construct should be considered when parallel construct is not possible or the distance between pins are too small (< 1 cm).</p>

Humeral head replacement for the complex treatment of proximal humerus fractures / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate indication, technical key during surgery and early results of humeral head replacement for the treatment of complicated proximal humerus fractures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixteen patients who received humeral head replacement were reviewed with a mean follow-up period of 6.8 months. Of the 16 patients, 15 suffered acute fractures with the mean interval between injury and surgery being 8 days. 1 case was a malunion after ORIF 1 year ago. The mean age for these patients were 58.9 years. Trauma series X-rays were taken at post-operation 2-week, 6-week, 10-week, 16-week 6-month and the latest follow-up. SST (Simple Shoulder Test) questionnaire, ASES (American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon) score, Constant-Murley score and UCLA score had been adopted for evaluation at the latest follow-up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean ASES score was 89.1 (64 - 94); the mean VAS score was 2.7 (0 - 5); the mean forward flexion was 128.1 degrees (90 degrees - 150 degrees ), external rotation 35 degrees (30 degrees - 40 degrees ), internal rotation at T8-T9 level (L1-T6); the mean Constant-Murley score was 85.7 (53 - 95); the mean UCLA score was 30.4 (21 - 33); the mean number of questions for "yes" in SST questionnaire was 9.3 (7 - 11). The total satisfaction rate for pain relief was 93.8% (15/16), and functional recovery was 87.5% (14/16).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Through strict indication control, appropriate timing, meticulous surgical techniques and long intense rehabilitation, satisfactory results can be obtained in humeral head replacement for the treatment of complicated proximal humerus fractures. Our report is only a preliminary one on early results, and a long-term follow-up data is needed for further evaluation.</p>

Percutaneous pinning for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The indication, surgical techniques and results had been discussed through clinical analysis of percutaneous pinning for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-nine patients with 49 shoulders treated with percutaneous pinning had been reviewed with a mean follow-up period of 16.9 months. All were acute fractures, with a mean age of 40.4 years. There were 39 2-part surgical neck fractures, 6 impacted 2-part greater tuberosity fractures and 4 valgus-impaction 4-part fractures. SST (Simple Shoulder Test) questionnaire, ASES (American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon) score, Constant-Murley score and UCLA score had been adopted for final evaluation at the latest follow-up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean ASES score was 91.4, the mean VAS score was 1.7, the mean forward flexion was 146.7 degrees, external rotation 39.6 degrees, internal rotation at T(8)-T(9) level; the mean Constant-Murley score was 88.2; the mean UCLA score was 31.2; the mean number of questions for "yes" in SST questionnaire was 10.1. All fractures healed with a mean period of 8.8 weeks. No patient had been found for any evidence of humeral head necrosis at the latest follow-up The total satisfaction rate for pain relieve was 95.9% (47/49), and for functional recovery was 91.8% (45/49).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Most 2-part surgical neck fractures, impacted 2-part greater tuberosity fractures and 4-part valgus-impaction fractures are good indications for percutaneous pinning. With appropriate and intense rehabilitation, satisfactory results can be expected in percutaneous pinning for the treatment of certain types of proximal humerus fractures.</p>

Close needling for the treatment of calcifying tendinitis / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of close needling in the treatment of calcifying tendonitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventeen patients with calcifying tendonitis who had received close needling treatment were followed-up for 9.3 months on average. An 18-gauge or 16-gauge needle was used during needling. X-ray examination was given 4, 6, 8 and every 4 weeks after needling. SST (simple shoulder test) questionnaire, ASES (American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon) score, constant-Murley score and UCLA score were adopted for evaluation before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Calcium deposition disappeared within 4 - 20 weeks mean 9.4 weeks in 15 of the 17 patients after needling for 1 - 3 times. Average ASES score before treatment was 47.7 (34 - 59), forward elevation was 90 degrees (70 degrees - 100 degrees ), external rotation was 15 degrees (0 degrees - 30 degrees ), and internal rotation was L3-4 (L1-buttock). Average constant-Murley score before treatment was 44.6 (34 - 54), UCLA score was 11.6 (8 - 15), and numbers of questions for "yes" in SST questionnaire was 3.4 (2 - 5). After needling the average ASES score was 87.1 (72 - 91), forward elevation was 143.5 degrees (120 degrees - 160 degrees ), external rotation was 40 degrees (30 degrees - 50 degrees ), internal rotation was T(8)-T(9), constant-Murley score was 87.8 (64 - 94), UCLA score was 29.5 (19 - 33), and numbers of questions for "yes" in SST questionnaire was 9.1 (6 - 12). Significant difference was found between before and after needling (ASES: P < 0.01, forward elevation, external rotation and internal rotation: P < 0.01, constant-Murley: P < 0.01, UCLA: P < 0.01, SST: P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Close needling is an effective method for the treatment of calcifying tendonitis. Symptoms and disability are greatly relieved non-surgically in most of patients. Care should be taken in differential diagnosis of degenerative calcification in chronic rotator cuff disease.</p>