• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.50-57
• /
• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tendon healing of arthroscopic repair in full-thickness supraspinatus tears. We evaluate the effectiveness of the arthroscopic repair of full-thickness supraspinatus tears by assessing functional improvement. Materials and Methods: Thirty consecutive full-thickness supraspinatus tears were repaired arthroscopically in 19 patients with a one row of anchor and 11 patients with two rows of anchors. Patients ranged in age from 51 to 79 years (average 63 years). Average follow-up was 16 month (range, 12 to 28 months). To evaluate the effectiveness of the arthroscopic repair of full-thickness supraspinatus tears by assessing functional improvement, we calculate the Constant, ASES, UCLA scores. The 30 patients had either an MR Arthrogram (25 cases) or an MRI (5 cases), performed between 5 months and 20 months (mean 10 months) after surgery. Results: The cuff was healed in 21/30 cases (70%) and partially torn in 3 cases (10%) after the arthroscopic repair of full-thickness supraspinatus tear. Although the supraspinatus tendon was totally torn to the tuberosity in 6 cases(20%) after the arthroscopic repair, the size of the tear was smaller than the initial in 5 cases. The Constant score improved from an average of $55.7{\pm}7.1$ points preoperatively to $77.7{\pm}9.7$ points at the last follow-up (p<0.001), and the average ASES score improved from $39.2{\pm}7.4\;to\;72.4{\pm}12.6$ (p<0.001), and the average UCLA score improved from $17.9{\pm}2.2\;to\;26.8{\pm}5.0$ (p<0.001). Strength of elevation was significantly better $(7.1kgs{\pm}2.4)$ in the shoulders with a healed tendon that in those with an total or partial re-tear tendon $(4.5kgs{\pm}1.0)$ (p<0.05). Factors adversely affecting tendon healing were increasing age, Only 41.7% of the repairs completely healed in patients over 65 years (p<0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair of isolated full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus leads to completely healing in 70% of the cases. Total or partial re-tear of the repaired rotator cuff is associated with a decreased strength. Older patients had significantly lower healing rates.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.91-98
• /
• 2012

Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome and identify prognosis of retear patients in patients aged 65 years or over undergoing surgical repair for a large to massive full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Materials and Methods: From 1995 September to 2010 March, 147 patients aged 65years or over (40 male, 107 female, with an average age of 69.6) undergoing surgical repair for large to massive full thickness rotator cuff tear (large 67 cases, massive 80 cases). For functional evaluation, preoperative and postoperative 1 year range of motion and muscle power checked. For subjective evaluation, American shoulder and elbow surgeons score and Constant score were checked. For anatomical evaluation, 87 patients were checked shoulder MRI at the time of the postoperative 1 year. Results: ASES score improved from to 50.4 to 88.9, Constant score improved from 47.1 to 75.2. Supraspinatus power improved from 51.1% to 80.8%, external rotator muscle power improved from 64.5% to 83.1%. Forward elevation improved from 117.4 degrees to 153 degrees, external rotation improved from 23.6 degrees to 41.8 degrees. Follow up MRI showed re-tear in 23%, all re-tear patients were from massive tear except one patient. All re-tear patients showed improved clinical outcomes, but supraspinatus and external rotator muscle power were not improved. Conclusions: Patients aged 65 years or over undergoing surgical repair for a large to massive full-thickness rotator cuff tear showed successful outcomes over 90 percent. Re-tear patients also showed successful clinical outcomes. In elderly patients with large to massive full thickness rotator cuff tear, aggressive surgical repair leads good clinical outcomes.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.150-158
• /
• 2009

Purpose: With the better understanding of cuff function, partial repair or "force couple repair" for treating massive irreparable rotator cuff tear has gained some popularity. However, there were few reports on the results of partial repair. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcome of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears who received arthroscopic force-couple repair or partial repair. Materials and Methods: From June 2005 to Feb 2008, arthroscopic partial repairs were performed for 16 irreparable rotator cuff tears among the 101 large to massive rotator cuff tears that were operated on. Clinical and radiographic evaluation were done at the final follow-up. Results: There were 7 men and 9 women with a mean age of 66.6 years. The mean follow-up period was 27.3 month (range: 15-46). The pain VAS improved from 4.4 ($\pm2.50$) to 2.1 ($\pm2.26$) and the functional VAS improved from 46.9 ($\pm16.64$) to 70.0 ($\pm22.80$). The ASES score improved from 39.0 ($\pm10.80$) to 80.3 ($\pm16.78$) and the KSS score was 81.9 ($\pm16.74$) at the final follow-up. The acromio-humeral distance was 6.6 cm ($\pm1.74$) preoperatively and 6.2 cm ($\pm1.69$) postoperatively without significant change (p=0.3874). The degenerative changes had no statistically progressed (p=0.2663). Conclusion: Partial repair for massive rotator cuff injury patients showed improvement in the clinical score without progression of arthritic change at a mean of 2.3 years follow-up.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.152-158
• /
• 2014

Background: To investigate the effectiveness of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in treating irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Methods: Twenty-nine patients who underwent RTSA for the treatment of irreparable massive RCTs and completed follow-up for at least 1 year were selected. Their mean age was 69.7 years (range, 59-80 years). The mean follow-up was 17.7 months (range, 12-42 months). The shoulder range of motion was measured preoperatively and at final follow-up. The functional result was evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) score, and Korean Shoulder Society (KSS) score. Additionally, the shoulders were categorized into two groups depending on prior history of surgery and the clinical outcomes were analyzed between two groups. Results: Mean pain VAS improved, from $6.6{\pm}1.2$ to $2.7{\pm}0.9$ (p=0.001), and the mean functional VAS from $35.7{\pm}4.2$ to $73.3{\pm}5.4$ (p=0.006). The mean ASES score improved from $37.2{\pm}2.8$ to $75.0{\pm}3.8$ (p=0.012). The mean KSS improved from $36.5{\pm}7.2$ to $75.6{\pm}5.4$ (p=0.009), the mean forward elevation from $66.3{\pm}4.7$ to $135.6{\pm}8.4$ (p=0.0001), and the mean abduction from $45.2{\pm}4.2$ to $119.0{\pm}6.5o$ (p=0.0001). Internal rotation differed significantly from the first sacral to the third lumbar vertebrae (p=0.036). External rotation did not change significantly (p=0.076). There was also no statistically significant difference between groups (no previous operation versus none). Four complications occurred: one superficial infection, one with anterior dislocation, one acromial fracture, and one clavicle fracture. Conclusions: RTSA provides reliable pain relief and recovery of shoulder function in patients with massive irreparable RCTs in short-term follow-up.

• Journal of Korean Society of Transportation
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.182-191
• /
• 2015

The Korean government introduced an automated speed enforcement system (ASES), which uses traffic enforcement cameras, to counteract safety issues that are caused by speeding. As the information of the traffic enforcement camera locations is provided to the drivers via navigation systems and mobile applications in a timely manner, drivers can avoid enforcement by momentarily diminishing their speeds only near the camera locations. To prevent drivers' evasional behavior and improve the effectiveness of ASES, section control, which enforces speeding vehicles by measuring their average travel speeds over a stretch of road and checking against the speed limit, has been recently implemented. In this study, Section Speed Enforcement Zone and Comparison Zone are compared in terms of traffic stream characteristics under free flow conditions. To this end, loop detector data were obtained from the three study sites and analyzed. The study results demonstrated that drivers maintain their speeds below the speed limit over the enforcement section with a lower variance of speeds.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.189-195
• /
• 2006

Purpose: To analyze the result of the accurate open reduction of acromioclavicular (AC) joint and pin fixation, coracoclavicular (CC) screw fixation without CC ligament repair for AC joint injuries. Materials and Methods: Between January 2000 and December 2003, seventeen cases with at least one year follow-up among twenty-one cases underwent operation for AC-CC ligament injuries. A transverse incision approximately 5 cm in length was made over the clavicle, and the AC joint was reduced accurately. Under the image intensifier, a cannulated screw and washer were inserted for the CC ligament. Two Steinman pins were inserted for the AC joint and the AC ligament was repaired with nonabsorbable suture. Gentle passive range of motion was begun postoperative 2 weeks. The pins were removed at $6{\sim}8$ weeks and the screw was removed at $10{\sim}12$ weeks. The results were evaluated by a distance between AC and CC joints on plain films and ASES score at last follow-up. Results: At the last follow-up, there was no limitation of motion and average ASES score was 96($86{\sim}100$ points). There was no failure showing over 5 mm difference of distance compared to opposite side on the plain films. Seven cases had the skin damages and local infection due to pin migration and three cases showed the loosening of CC screw. Conclusion: We could have satisfactory results by accurate reduction of AC joint and simple pins and screw fixation for AC-CC ligament injuries.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2010

Purpose: To evaluate the results and complications of antegrade intramedullary interlocking nailing in humerus shaft fractures. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the clinical outcomes, radiologic results and complications in 47 patients with humerus shaft fracture treated with antegrade intramedullary interlocking nailing, and followed up until bony union. Bony union was confirmed by serial plain radiographs and the clinical outcomes were assessed according to the ASES scoring system. Results: Bony union was confirmed in 41 (87.2%) out of a total 47 patients, and the mean union period was 14.5 weeks. Major complications were as follows: 6 non-union, 3 delayed union, 2 intraoperative posterior cortex fracture in the distal humerus and 2 permanent shoulder pain, including 1 case of adhesive capsulitis. The clinical outcomes were as follows: 29 excellent, 11 good, 4 fair and 3 poor. Satisfactory outcomes were demonstrated in 40 patients (85.1%). Conclusion: Anterograde intramedullary interlocking nailing as treatment for humerus shaft fracture showed satisfactory bony union and clinical outcomes. It is considered an efficacious treatment, especially in patients with associated injury, such as multiple fractures and segmental fracture.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.209-216
• /
• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to compare treatment results of two different surgical techniques for chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations. Materials and Methods: Fifty consecutive patients diagnosed as chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations between January 1997 and June 2009 were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two different groups. Patients in the first group (n=20) were treated using a modified Weaver and Dunn method using a simple coracoacromial ligament transfer method. Patients in the other group (n=30) were treated with acromial bone-block transfer containing coracoacromial ligament. Mean follow-up times for the two groups were 13.1 and 14.9 months, respectively. Results: At 1 year postoperatively, mean coracoclavicular distance, the VAS score and the ASES score for the Weaver-Dunn method group; for the bone block transfer method group were 3.8 mm (-3 to 6 mm), 3.5 (1.0 to 7.0) and 91.1 (81.66 to 95); 3 mm (-2 to 6 mm), 4.2 (1.0 to 7.5) and 79.6 (31.66 to 95). There were no significant differences in radiologic (p=0.377) and functional (p=0.093) results between the two groups. Failures in the former and latter group were, respectively, two and one. Conclusion: The bone block transfer method shows a tendency to maintain coracoclavicular distance and appeared to yield similar results as the modified Weaver Dunn method.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.181-187
• /
• 2010

Purpose: To determine clinical results for arthroscopic repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear using a suture bridge technique. Materials and Methods: Between November, 2007 and October, 2008, we evaluated 90 cases of arthroscopic middle, large rotator tear cuff repair. The mean follow-up period was 15 months (range, 12-23 months). Forty-three cases had medium-sized tears; 47 cases had large-sized tears. At the preoperative stage and again at last follow-up, functional results were assessed by the KSS, ASES, UCLA and the PVAS (Pain visual analogue score). Results: Pain score improved from 2.56 preoperatively to 0.96 at final follow-up; movement scores improved from 6.94 to 1.70. At. final follow-up, the average UCLA score improved from 17.08 to 31.17 with 31 excellent (34%), 49 good (54%) and 10 poor results (12%). The final UCLA score was 31.47 in the group less than 60 years of age and 30.69 in the group over 61 years of age (p=0.344). The UCLA score was 31.23 in those with medium-sized tears and 31.11 in those with large-sized tears (p=0.924). The UCLA score was 31.10 in non-trauma patients and 31.23 in trauma patients (p=0.929). Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear using a suture bridge technique can produce excellent clinical results. These outcomes are not affected by age or trauma history.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.89-95
• /
• 2006

Purpose: Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears are many techniques that have been developed to improve the initial postoperative strength of the repair. There was a doubt that current arthroscopic cuff repairs using a single row of suture anchors reproduce insufficient area of the anatomic cuff insertion, and concerns about failure of fixation often lead surgeons to limit early motion. Newer technique of double-row repair in arthroscopic treatment may provide initial stronger fixation and more contact with bone at the repair site than single-row repair did. We studied the comparison between clinical outcomes of arthroscopic single- and double-row repair in cuff tears at 1year postoperatively. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 40 shoulders with single-row repair and 38 shoulders with double-row repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears between May 2002 and October 2004. Out of total 78 shoulders, 42 (54%) were male patients and 36 (46%) were female patients and the mean age at surgery was 56 years. All patients were diagnosed by physical examination and MRI. At 1year' follow-up after operation, we evaluated with the ASES and the Constant scoring system, and measured muscle power of abduction, internal and external rotation of the affected shoulder then compared with each other. Results: Mean ASES scores and Constant scores in double-row repair group improved more than single-row repair group significantly at 1year postoperatively. Muscle power of abduction and internal rotation, especially abduction power, improved more significantly in double-row repair group than in single-row repair. Conclusion: Arthroscopic double-row repair for the full thickness rotator cuff tear may be a superior technique, which showed better clinical outcomes and restoration of muscle power compared with single-row repair at relatively short period of postoperative follow-up. Restoration of footprint close to normal anatomy by double-row repair seems to play an important role in the recovery of muscle strength.