• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.293-298
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• 2010

Purpose: Since an injured elbow joint can disturb the activity of daily life by limiting motion, especially if the motion is restricted over 40 degree of flexion contracture and under 105 degree of further flexion, it is imperative to select the best method and the timing of treatment of the elbow stiffness. Therefore this review will discuss open surgical techniques for stiff elbows based on the literature. Materials and Methods: It is important to take sufficient clinical examination of the patient, including history taking. And, a surgeon should select appropriate procedure after accurately understanding about the status and cause of the stiff elbow with radiographic methods. Surgical methods include arthroscopic release open release, distraction arthroplasty, total elbow replacement and there are four approachs in the open release - anterior approach, medial "over the top" approach, limited lateral approach: column procedure, posterior extensile approach-. Results and Conclusion: Although at present the arthroscopic technique is emphasized for the treatment of elbow stiffness, a surgeon should know conventional open techniques.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the radiologic and clinical results of the arthroscopic coracoclavicular fixation of the acute acromioclavicular dislocation using $TightRope^{(R)}$ (Arthrex, Inc, Naples, FL). Materials and Methods: We performed the arthroscopic coracoclavicular fixation using $TightRope^{(R)}$ in twenty patients with the Rockwood type III or V acute acromioclavicular dislocation between February, 2009, and February, 2010. Mean follow-up was 13.4(range 8~22) months. Radiologic results were evaluated by comparing the distances between the clavicle and the coracoid process with those in the contralateral sides using the acromioclavicular stress radiographs. Clinical results were made according to the KSS(Korean Shoulder Scoring System), and the cosmetic satisfaction of the patient was assessed. Results: Radiologically, 18 cases showed excellent, 1 case showed good and 1 case showed fair results. Clinically, KSS was mean 98.5 (range 92~100) points and all cases revealed satisfactory cosmetic results. Because one case complained of skin tenderness and discomfort of palpation, we closed the knot with surrounding muscle & fascia. Then local wound infection occurred, so we treated it by incision and drainage under local anesthesia and antibiotic therapy for 2 weeks. Conclusion: Arthroscopic coracoclavicular fixation using $TightRope^{(R)}$ for treating the Rockwood type III or V acute acromioclavicular dislocation showed satisfactory radiologic and clinical results. It seems to be a good treatment method that has little postoperative complication, provides an early rehabilitation and an excellent cosmetic result, and does not require secondary operation for removal of metal implant.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.19-26
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of (a) a self stretching exercise (SSE) maintained below the level of pain with (b) physical therapy (PT) performed without pain limitation in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Methods: Forty-three subjects with frozen shoulder were recruited. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups - an experimental group (SSE group, $n_1=18$) and a control group (PT group, $n_2=25$). The duration of each intervention was five weeks. We assessed night pains, range of motion (ROM), and shoulder function. Results: Overall, subjects in both groups improved over five weeks (p<0.05). The change in the PT group was greater (p<0.05) Conclusion: SSE carried out under the pain threshold may be used to treat patients with adhesive capsulitis SSE can be prescribed with PT as part of a home program or of group management.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.124-131
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• 2004

Purpose: To validate and introduce the technique of the arthroscopic repair for the treatment of the Subscapulris tendon tear. Materials and Methods: From April 2003 to April 2004, Arthroscopic repairs were performed in 8 patient with subscapularis tendon tear. The mean follow-up period was 11months. two cases involved only subscaplaris tendon tear. Four cases were associated small sized posterosuperir. rotator cuff tear and two cases were in large size. The type of subscapularis tendon showed upper portion full-thickness tear in 6 cases, partial-thickness tear localized at articular surface in 1 case, complete tear in 1 case. The results were analyzed by using subjective satisfaction, inferior movenent of superior displaced humeral head, Constant-Murley functional scoring Results: Constant-Murley scoring was improved from 55 point preoperatively to 75 point postoperatively following 11 months. Mean score was 71 point except 2 cases of large superoposterior rotator cuff tear, Most humeral heads were distaracted postoperatively. The subjective result for the 8 shoulders were very satisfying in 5 cases, satisfying in 1 case and dissatisfying in 2 cases. Therefore satisfactory results were noted in 6 cases (75%) of this overall treatment group. Conclusion: The arthroscopic repair for the subscapularis tendon tear is thought to be available method, which could reduce severe complications following the weakness of deltoid muscle and postoperative pain. Especially Partial Subscapularis tear not associated with superoposterior rotator cuff tear including PASTA lesion was the sutable indication of the Arthroscopic repair.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.86-90
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• 2012

Purpose: We studied the need for distal clavicle resection by comparing rotator cuff tear patients who underwent non-surgical treatment with and without acromioclavicular joint pathology. Materials and Methods: 45 cases that had been under follow up care for at least 9 months after receiving rotator cuff repair in our hospital between Jan. 2005 and Jun. 2011 had been studied. Acromioclavicular joint pathology group and control group were classified by physical examination and MRI findings. The temporal changes in shoulder joint abduction, internal and external rotation strength, ASES and KSS score of the two groups were measured and analyzed. Results: The acromioclavicular joint pathology complicated rotator cuff injury group's strength measurements for abduction, internal rotation, external rotation were each 8.05 (${\pm}4.54$), 11.33 (${\pm}6.05$), 10.24 (${\pm}5.27$) preoperatively and improved to 13.26 (${\pm}5.50$), 17.51 (${\pm}6.80$), 15.60 (${\pm}5.37$) post operatively while the KSS score and ASES score were each 49.07 (${\pm}15.28$) and 48.65 (${\pm}13.27$) preoperatively, improving to 84.48 (${\pm}10.96$) and 84.65. (${\pm}9.86$). The measurements for the group without complicating acromioclavicular pathology are as follows. The strength for abduction, internal rotation, external rotation was each 6.42 (${\pm}3.11$), 7.59 (${\pm}4.81$) and 7.93 (${\pm}4.49$) preoperatively, improving to 15.85 (${\pm}7.35$), 19.18 (${\pm}9.14$), 16.95 (${\pm}5.70$) post operatively, while the KSS score and ASES score each went from 42.12 (${\pm}6.43$) and 41.37 (${\pm}7.42$) to 83.44 (${\pm}6.30$) and 83.17 (${\pm}7.01$) respectively. The measurements for the two groups, however, did not show a statistically significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusion: Analysis of the rotator cuff injury groups with and without AC joint pathology showed that both groups had improved strength, ASES and KSS scores with no statistical difference difference among the groups. As such, it thought that conservative treatment is an acceptable alternative to distal clavicle resection.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.14-22
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• 2004

Purpose: To evaluate a usefulness of the simple radiograph in the patients with chronic shoulder pain 50 years and older. Material and method: 1152 patients with chronic shoulder pain and 100 asymptomatic individuals were involved in this study. All patients were 50 years and older. We excluded patients who had a history of fracture or dislocation. Radiographic interpretation was performed on a shoulder AP view, an axillary view and a supraspinatus outlet view. For statistical analysis, a chi-square test was performed. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Abnormal radiologic findings were identified in 369(32%) out of 1152 patients with a shoulder pain: greater tuberosity sclerosis, acromial sclerosis, subacromial osteophytes are common abnormal radiologic findings. A rotator cuff tear or impingement syndrome was identified on a final diagnosis in 61(85.2%) out of the 76 patients with radiologic abnormalities in both greater tuberosity and acromion (p<0.05). Abnormal radiologic findings were identified in 18% of the asymptomatic individuals. Conclusion: Simple radiographic analysis is an important primary diagnostic tool in patients (50 years and old) with chronic shoulder pain.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.146-150
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• 2008

Scapulothoracic dissociation is a rare injury caused by blunt force or massive traction to the anterolateral shoulder girdle with disruption of scapulothoracic articulation. This injury is characterized by massive soft-tissue swelling of the shoulder with intact skin, lateralization of damaged scapular. It frequently is accompanied by various musculoskeletal injuries and neurovascular injuries. 33-year-old man sustained a scapulothoracic dissociation without fracture and Vascular injuries during arresting. We report diagnostic method, clinical finding and non-operative management with literatures.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.146-152
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• 2011

Purpose: To describe the recent clinical results and complications of total elbow arthroplasty based on the literature review. Materials and Methods: The indications of total elbow arthroplasty include rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, anklylosed elbow, tumor resection which cannot recover elbow function by other reconstructive procedures, and comminuted distal humerus fracture in elderly patients. Complications are aspetic loosening, infection, prosthesis fracture, periprosthetic fracture, ulnar neuropathy, ectopic ossification, triceps insufficiency, dislocation, and bushing wear. Results and Conclusion: Mean 10 year survival rate following total elbow arthroplasty has been reported 85% on the basis of revision. The prognosis in patients with an inflammatory arthritis is reported to be best, and loosening rate in patients with a posttraumatic arthritis tends to be high. Complication rate is known to be higher than that of other joint arthroplasty. In particular, deep infection occurs in 3~5% of the patients. Total elbow arthroplasty provide satisfactory results when it is performed properly in selected patients who have an elbow joint with irreversible dysfunction and low level activities.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.90-95
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• 2008

Purpose: We wanted to assess the accuracy of ultrasound for detecting abnormality of the long head of the biceps tendon in patients with rotator cuff disorders. Materials and Methods: Between January 2006 and March 2007, we reviewed the arthroscopic findings of biceps tendons in 67 patients with rotator cuff disorder and who underwent ultrasonography pre-operatively. The patients' average age was 58 years and there were 41 males and 26 females. The statuses of the biceps tendons were described as 'normal', 'dislocation', 'subluxation', 'partial or complete tears', and 'tendinopathy'. We investigated the correspondence between the arthroscopic and ultrasonographic findings. Results: On ultrasonography, the biceps tendons were 'normal' in 37 patients and 'abnormal' in 30 patients. On arthroscopy, 5 biceps tendons turned out to have partial tears, which were 'normal' on ultrasonography. On the other hand, 8 biceps tendons were 'normal' which were 'abnormal' on ultrasonography. Three dislocations and 4 complete tears of biceps tendons were identified on arthroscopy, and all of them were detected by ultrasonography. Of the 20 cases of 'tendinopathy' seen on ultrasonography, 15 patients had partial tears and the remaining 5 patients were normal on arthroscopy. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is accurate for detecting some biceps pathologies, such as dislocation or complete tear, but it is not accurate for the detection of partial tear.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.50-58
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• 2007

Purpose: To report our experience with nine cases of pathologic synovial plica on radiohumeral joint which symptom of painful snapping elbow was improved by arthroscopic resection. Materials and Methods: Between 1999 and 2004, 43 cases of elbow arthroscopy were performed by one surgeon. Eight patients with nine cases showed pathologic synovial plica in conjunction with snapping or posterolateral elbow pain. The mean age of eight patients (man: 7, woman: 1) was 29 years (range $16{\sim}56$ years). All patients had a trial of conservative treatment at least six months (range $6{\sim}16$ months). The diagnosis was confirmed before surgery in six cases and at the time of surgery in three cases. Pain, snapping, and subjective results were evaluated at least 12 months in the average(range $12{\sim}24$). Results: All patients showed a hypertropic lateral synovial plica with local synovitis. Seven of them had an associated lesion of chondromalacia on radial head. One of them was associated with radiocapitellar arthritis and had a wrapping over the radial head. Six patients experienced improved posterolateral pain at the end of study (VAS<1). However, the other two patients had occasional pain with activity. One of them persisted with mechanical symptoms, which was treated with additional arthroscopic procedure. Conclusion: Synovial plica in elbow should be considered as an important entity of common elbow disease, especially when pain in the lateral aspect of the elbow with a snapping sensation during motion is featured in patients. The arthroscopic resection seems to be safe and efficient in the short and long term treatment of plica in the elbow joint.