• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.92-97
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• 2012

Purpose: The reparability of rotator cuff tears is very important to establish the indication of the surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears. We reviewed the factors that effect to reparability of rotator cuff tears, and considered about the surgical indication of rotator cuff tears. Materials and Methods: The reparability was considered by the surgical reparability and the postoperative healing potentials of rotator cuff. The natural history of rotator cuff tear gives us the information to make decision about the surgical treatment or the conservative treatment. Results: There are 3 general categories of factors that help predict the healing potential of a rotator cuff tear. These include surgical technique, biology, and environmental issues. Surgeon can control the surgical technique by himself. The control of biology comes from careful operative indications by age, acute trauma history, chronicity, and tear size. And the control of environmental factor can give better outcomes by cessation of smoking and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Conclusion: A better understanding of the natural history and the reparability of rotator cuff tear will help us to estabilish the indication of surgical treatement of rotoator cuff tears, and lead to satisfactory clinical outcomes.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between the degree of torn rotator cuff as recorded by MRI and degenerative change of acromion and greater tuberosity of humerus determined by simple radiographs. Materials and Methods: Of the 518 cases included in this study, a group of 234 cases had a chronic rotator cuff tear and a control group of 284 cases had an intact rotator cuff in shoulder MRI. The degree of degenerative changes was classified according to the length of spur and morphological change of acromion and greater tuberosity through the true anteroposterior simple radiograph in supraspinatus outlet view. The degree of tear (partial-thickness or full-thickness tear) and the size of complete rotator cuff tear were analyzed according to the MRI findings of shoulder. The authors also evaluated the correlation between the degree and size of torn rotator cuff and the degenerative change of acromion and greater tuberosity. Results: There were significant differences in the size and extent of torn rotator cuff according to the age, sex and degenerative change of acromion and greater tuberosity of humerus (p<0.001). More degenerative changes of acromion and greater tuberosity in simple shoulder radiographs showed the increased degree and size of torn rotator cuff (p<0.001). In addition, the higher degree and larger size of torn rotator cuff were noted in older age subjects (p<0.001) and in the female group (p<0.001). Conclusion: More degenerative changes of acromion and greater tuberosity in simple shoulder radiographs showed the increased degree and size of torn rotator cuff. Therefore, if a high degree of degenerative change of the acromion and greater tuberosity on simple radiograph is noted, the possibility of degenerative rotator cuff tear should be considered. In addition, the age and sex could be associative factors for larger size of torn rotator cuff.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.167-174
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• 2010

Purpose: Anatomical repair of massive rotator cuff tear has been technically challenging because of medial retraction, muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration. Among several treatment options for massive rotator cuff tear, we reviewed rotator cuff repairs and investigated modalities for improvement of clinical outcomes, decreasing the re-tear rate, and increasing healing. Materials and Methods: Patient-related factors and rotator cuff-related factors were the two major groups of factors we considered when choosing a treatment plan. Results: Mobilization of a massive rotator cuff tear was increased by soft tissue release and by the interval slide technique. After meticulous soft tissue release, anatomical repair could be achieved. If the injury was not amenable to anatomical repair, alternative treatment options such as partial repair, the margin convergence technique and augmentation with a tenotomized biceps tendon were considered. Many reports of massive rotator cuff repair demonstrated satisfactory clinical outcomes, decreased pain, recovery of shoulder functions, and increases in muscle strength. However, the re-tear rate had been reported to be relatively high in long-term follow-up. Conclusion: Despite a high re-tear rate after massive rotator cuff repair, a better understanding of the pathogenesis, progression and clinical symptoms of massive rotator cuff tear and improved surgical materials and techniques will lead to satisfactory clinical outcomes.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.62-67
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find out the accuracy and usability of the three dimensional ultrasonography in measuring the size of the rotator cuff tear, especially before and after the injection of normal saline into the glenohumeral joint. Materials and Methods: 14 patients of rotator cuff tear who were diagnosed and operated from August 2007 to September 2008 were included in this study and authors compared the size of rotator cuff tear measured with three dimensional ultrasonography with the real size measured intraoperatively. In preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation, horizontal and longitudinal length of rotator cuff tear before and after injection of normal saline intraarticularly. During the arthroscopic operation the size of tear was measured by passing a Kirschner wire through a spinal needle and direct measure was performed in open surgery. Results: The average difference was 8 mm in horizontal and 1.9 mm in longitudinal length of tear without saline injection between ultrasonographic and intraoperative measure. The average difference was 4.1 mm in horizontal and 1.6 mm in longitudinal length of tear after the normal saline injection. Conclusion: In three dimensional ultrasonographic evaluation in rotator cuff tear, intraarticular normal saline injection would produce more accurate results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 2009

Purpose: This study evaluated the preoperative and postoperative radiologic findings of patients with complete repairs after massive rotator cuff tears along with the incidence of re-tear and the clinical outcomes. Materials and methods: This study evaluated 33 cases who had open complete repairs for massive rotator cuff tears and these patients were followed up for more than 24 months. The clinical evaluation was performed according to the shoulder joint function test of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and the degree of arthritis related to the massive rotator cuff tears was evaluated using the Hamada classification. Results: The ASES scores improved from 37.6 preoperatively to 85.6 postoperatively. The mean preoperative acromio-humeral interval (AHI) score was 6.5 mm, which increased to 9.3 mm immediately after surgery, and there was a decreased to 6.5 mm noted at the last follow up. The lower radiology stages of arthritis according to the classification showed better preoperative and postoperative results. Conclusion: An open complete repair as the surgical treatment for a massive rotator cuff tear showed satisfactory results for pain relief and an improvement in the shoulder joint function though re-tear after surgery.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.34-39
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• 2005

Partial thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) are now a well-established clinical entity, yrt there is no consensus in regards to surgical management. Recommended treatment varies widely from simple debridement of the torn tendon to subacromial decompression to excision of the degenerative tendon and repair. Surgery may be performed using an open, arthroscopically assisted (miniopen), or entirely arthroscopic procedure. The advantages and disadvantages of open and arthroscopic procedures may lie in the balance between precision and morbidity. Visualization of both the articular and bursal surfaces is mandatory to determine the level of rotator cuff disease and formulate a treatment strategy. Because these tear often are secondary finding, recognition of the primary pathology is critical. Treatment of the primary problem usually remedies the partial tear. However, when there is significant PTRCT, an arthroscopic or open repair of the diseased tendon will give the most consistent results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.64-71
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• 2010

Purpose: To evaluate pathologic patterns and outcomes of treatment of a biceps tendon lesion associated with a rotator cuff tear. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 92 patients (i) who underwent surgery for a cuff tear, (ii) for whom the biceps lesion could be observed retrospectively, and (iii) had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The pathology of biceps tendon was classified into 4 types: tenosynovitis, fraying or hypertrophy, tear, and instability. All but the 4 with massive cuff tears were repaired. The biceps lesions were treated with debridement in 30, tenotomy in 10, tenodesis in 8, and recentering in 4. UCLA scoring was used for clinical results. Results: Seventy patients had a biceps lesion, 19 tenosynovitis, 22 fraying or hypertrophy, 21 a tear, and 8 instability. A biceps lesion was observed in 63% of cases of cuff tears below the medium size, and in 88% of cases with cuff tears above the large size. UCLA scores according to the pathology of the biceps lesion were 29.6 in the absence of a biceps lesion, and 28.3 in its presence. UCLA scores in patients with tenotomy or tenodesis for associated biceps tendon lesions were 28.2. Conclusion: There is a greater incidence and severity of a biceps lesion with a larger cuff tear. Therefore, the cause of a biceps lesion might be related to the cause of the cuff tear. Among the several options of treatment for biceps lesion, tenotomy or tenodesis may be particularly effective in providing pain relief.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.119-125
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• 2009

The primary purposes of revision repair for a failed rotator cuff repair are a relief of pain and functional improvement. Therefore, revision repair is most proper in patients with the functional deficit accompanied with the shoulder weakness as well as the persistent pain. The important factor that is considered in revision repair is a quality of torn cuff. Especially, Care must be taken to ensure that the revision repair is possible, considering the size of tendon defect, atrophy of the muscle, fatty infiltration and extent of the retraction of tendon. Revision repair of a failed rotator cuff repair is more difficult, and the functional results are less satisfactory than those of primary repair, because excessive bursal scarring and tendon retraction may be exhibited, a large or massive tear is often detected, tear has usually been present for a long time, and a quality of muscle-tendon may be poor. So, we discuss our experiences related to revision repair after a failed cuff repair that has been recently introduced through the articles.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2007

Purpose: To investigate the validity of positive signs of supraspinatus test. Materials and Methods: The empty can test and full can test were performed on 200 shoulders which were diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging or surgical findings as full thickness tear, partial thickness tear and no tear. Presence of pain, weakness, pain or weakness, and both pain and weakness were recorded as positive signs separately. The two tests with positive signs were compared and analyzed. Results: Pain and weakness were severity-dependent, and the empty-can test had a higher incidence of pain. The sensitivities of the two supraspinatus tests in all positive signs were higher when including partial-thickness tears in the tear group; however, their specificities were higher when excluding partial-thickness tears. The sensitivities of an empty-can test in 'pain', 'pain or weakness', 'both pain and weakness' were higher than those of the full-can test, otherwise, the specificity of the full-can test for 'pain' and 'pain or weakness' were higher. Concordance rate between 'pain or weakness' and 'pain' was the highest in all categorization. Conclusion: Both empty can and full can test were valuable for detecting torn rotator cuff.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.61-67
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• 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic factors affecting poor functional outcomes in patients with retear after rotator cuff repair. Materials and Methods: From January 2013 to December 2018, among 631 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff tear, 42 patients, who could be followed-up for more than one year and showed a retear of the repaired cuff on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were collected retrospectively. The preoperative demographic data, range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, fatty degeneration, and tear progression on postoperative MRI, as well as other factors that could affect the clinical outcomes, were analyzed. Patients who scored <80 points on the ASES score were allocated to the poor function group. The risk factors for poor clinical outcomes were compared with the group with ASES scores of 80 or above. Results: The postoperative functional results in the group with retear (n=42) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair showed significant improvement. Univariate analysis revealed the preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score and tear progression to have associations with a poor shoulder function. In addition, subscapularis repair was found to be associated with a good shoulder function. The preoperative VAS score and tear progression except for subscapularis repair were independent factors associated with poor clinical outcomes according to multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: In patients with retear after rotator cuff repair, the preoperative VAS and tear progression in postoperative MRI are factors predicting a poor functional outcome.