• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.87-99
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• 2013

Objectives : The objective of this study is to find out the method and effects of fire needling on frozen shoulder in China. Methods : We searched journals using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) and PubMed. The keywords were a combination of "fire needling", "fire needle", "burning acupuncture", "frozen shoulder", "adhesive capsulitis", "periarthritis". Results : There were 23 studies finally selected, 7 were case control studies and 16 were case series studies. There were 9 out of 14 main meridians and 31 kinds of acupoints. The most frequently adopted meridians were LI, SI and TE. The most frequently used acupoints were $LI_{15}$, $SI_9$ and $TE_{14}$. Adjacent points were used more often than distant points. They usually heated the needle before insertion and needle retention was mostly not done. 7 case control studies showed that fire needling reported better results than the filiform needle or electro-acupuncture treatment. 15 case series studies reported a significant improvement in fire needling on frozen shoulder patients. Conclusions : There have been many studies regarding fire needling on frozen shoulder in China. Further studies should be required and these can be applied to clinical practices in Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2007

Purpose: To evaluate any combined rotator cuff pathologies in adhesive capsulitis patients with magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) or ultrasonography (USG), and to see any differences in findings between MRA and USG. Materials and Methods: From June to December 2005, 80 consecutive patients with adhesive capsulitis were prospectively evaluated with either MRA or USG. Two groups were randomly assigned for examination. Evaluation were focused on any combined rotator cuff pathologies especially supraspinatus tendon. Results: Small (less than 1 cm) full-thickness SSP tendon tear were seen in 6 patients (MRA 4, USG 2, 8%) and partial-thickness SSP tendon tears in 21 (MRA 12, USG 9, 26%). In addition, supraspinatus tendinopathy were seen in 15 patients (MRA 7, USG 8, 19%). Overall, various SSP pathologies were reported in 42 patients (53%) of the study objects (MRA 23, 68% and USG 19, 41%). Subscapularis tendon partial tears were reported in 9 patients (MRA 6, USG 3, 11%). There were no statistical differences of the findings between MRA and USG in detecting rotator cuff pathologies (p>0.5). Conclusion: Nearly one half of the adhesive capsulitis patients showed various supraspinatus tendon pathology in MRA or USG. Although MRA group showed slight higher percentage of associated rotator cuff pathology than USG group (without statistical significance), this could be attributed to better resolution capacity of MRA than USG.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical results and prove the effectiveness of arthroscopic capsular release in refractory adhesive capsulitis of shoulder. Materials and Methods: We preformed arthroscopic capsular refractory adhesive capsulitis that not responded by stretching execies for above 1 year. 21 cases were followed above 1 year and average follow up 3 years 1 months (1${\sim}$5 years). We checked VAS of pain, ADL of function. UCLA score which were evaluated at preoperation, postoperation 6 months, 1 years and last follow up period, and compared with each other at last follow up. Results: The VAS score improved average preoperative score 8 to average postoperative score1, the ADL score improved average preoperative score 7 to average postoperative score 26, the UCLA score improved average preoperative score 8 to average postoperative score 34. Forward elevation improved average preoperative 75 degrees to average postoperative 175 degrees, external rotatiion at side improved average preoperative 4 degrees to average postoperative 52 degrees, abduction improved average Preoperative 60 degrees to average postoperative 170 degrees, internal rotation at posterior improved preoperative thigh-lumbar 3 spinous process to postoperative 7th thoracic spinous process~9th thoracic spinous process. Conclusion: Arthroscopic capsular release in refractory adhesive capsulitis that non responsive to stretching exercise for above 1 year were effective treatment method.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.109-119
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• 2014

Objectives : The aim of this study is to observe clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of inpatients admitted to a Korean medicine hospital for shoulder pain based on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) findings. Methods : 28 patients with MRI data were included. Data on MRI findings, duration of pain, and treatment effects were collected. To measure treatment outcomes, verbal numerical rating scale(VNRS), range of motion(ROM), and a clinical condition grading system were used. Results : 1. The patient population was 75.0 % female and 39.3 %(n=11) belonged to the 51~60-year-old age group. In the under 40 population, 1 or less MRI findings were found. 2. As for the type of disorder, 82.1 % of the patients were diagnosed with 'Supraspinatus lesion', 39.3 % with 'subacromial-subdeltoid(SA-SA) bursitis', and 28.6 % with 'Adhesive capsulitis' 3. Numerous correlations could be made between duration of pain and MRI findings. 'rotator cuff full thickness tear' was more prevalent in acute shoulder pain patients, and 'Adhesive capsulitis' in chronic patients. 4. VNRS and ROM at the time of discharge had significantly improved as compared to VNRS and ROM at the time of admission. 5. As for correlation between MRI findings and clinical condition grade, patients diagnosed with 'rotator cuff partial tear' reported to be in 'good' condition or better whereas those with 'rotator cuff full thickness tear' reported to be in 'fair' condition or worse. Conclusions : Patients admitted to a Korean Medicine hospital for shoulder pain had varying degrees of severity as shown on MRI. Almost all lesions responded well to Korean medicine treatment.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.169-175
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• 2018

The objective of this study was to review clinical trials of pharmacopuncture treatment for Frozen Shoulder and to evaluate trends in this field. The literature search was performed using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and 5 Korean electronic databases. A combination of "pharmacopuncture," "acupoint injection," "Frozen Shoulder," "adhesive capsulitis," and "periarthritis of shoulder" search terms were used. A total of 9 studies were included in this review. The studies were classified into herbal extract-based (5 types) and animal-based (2 types) pharmacopuncture treatment of Frozen Shoulder. There were 14 different acupoints and Ashi points used in the 9 studies. The total volume of herbal extract-based pharmacopuncture injected was usually between 2 mL and 4 mL, and for animal-based pharmacopuncture it was 1 ml. In most studies of Frozen Shoulder, pain was reduced and function was significantly improved after pharmacopuncture treatment. These results demonstrate that pharmacopuncture alleviates pain and restores function in patients with Frozen Shoulder. Further studies must be conducted on pharmacopuncture for management of Frozen Shoulder.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.215-223
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• 2021

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection with an institution-based physical therapy (PT) program for adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A total of seventy diabetic patients with AC of the shoulder for <6 months were assigned to two groups: PRP group and PT group. In the PRP group, 35 patients were administered a single shot of PRP (4 mL) into the glenohumeral joint. In the PT group, 35 patients were given institution-based PT that included 10 30-minute sessions of planned PT over a 2-week period. After the interventions, all patients were prospectively followed for 12 weeks. Intensity of shoulder pain, function, and range of motion were assessed at baseline and then at 3, 6, and 12 weeks. Results: Thirty-three patients in the PRP group and 32 in the PT group completed the 12-week study. At 12 weeks, patients who received PRP injections showed greater improvement in shoulder pain (p<0.001) than those recruited to the PT group. In the range of motion and shoulder function activities, patients in the PRP group showed significant improvement compared with the institution-based PT group (p<0.001). No significant complications were reported from any groups. Conclusions: In a diabetic population, PRP injections significantly improved shoulder pain and function compared with an institution-based PT program for shoulder AC. Additionally, it is a safe and well-tolerated method for AC management for diabetic patients.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.129-139
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• 2022

Background: Several therapeutic methods have been proposed for frozen shoulder syndrome. These include suprascapular nerve block, a simple and cost-effective technique that eliminates the need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy. Methods: This was a clinical trial that included patients with unilateral shoulder joint stiffness. Patients were divided into three groups: those treated with isolated physiotherapy for 12 weeks (PT group), those treated with a single dose intra-articular injection of corticosteroid together with physiotherapy (IACI group), and those treated with a suprascapular nerve block performed with a single indirect injection of 8-mL lidocaine HCL 1% and 2 mL (80 mg) methylprednisolone acetate together with physiotherapy (SSNB group). The variables assessed were age, sex, side of involvement, dominant limb, presence of diabetes, physical examination findings including erythema, swelling, and muscle wasting; palpation and movement findings; shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) score; and the visual analog scale (VAS) score pre-intervention and at 2-, 4-, 6-, and 12-week post-intervention. Results: Ninety-seven patients were included in this survey (34 cases in the PT group, 32 cases in the IACI group, and 31 cases in the SSNB group). Mean age was 48.55±11.06 years. Fifty-seven cases were female (58.8%) and 40 were male (41.2%). Sixty-eight patients had a history of diabetes (70.1%). VAS and SPADI scores and range of mototion degrees dramatically improved in all cases (p<0.001). Results were best in the SSNB group (p<0.001), and the IACI group showed better results than the PT group (p<0.001). Conclusions: Suprascapular nerve block is an effective therapy with long-term pain relief and increased mobility of the shoulder joint in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the accuracy and clinical outcome of ultrasound-guided glenohumeral joint steroid injection on adhesive capsulitis. Materials and Methods: Patients who were diagnosed as adhesive capsulitis by MRI and physical examination and did not improve their symptom with physical therapy and NSAIDS treatment more than 6 months were included in the study. Patients who showed any other shoulder pathology or history if trauma were excluded from the study. 33 patients including 15 males and 18 females were enrolled in the study, the average age being 55.1 (age 42~72). Cocktail of steroid, lidocaine, saline and contrast medium injected inside shoulder glenohumeral joint using novel approach (which we called acromioclavicular approach) under ultrasound guidance. Clinical outcome was measured through passive range of motion and VAS scoring system. Results: Based on radiographic findings, cases were classified according to the leakage of contrast medium; perfect confinement of contrast-medium inside the capsule, partial leakage of the medium and contrast-medium found at outside the joint. Total 25 cases (76%) out of 33 cases showed perfect confinement of contrast-medium inside the glenohumeral joint. Partial leakage was observed in 6 cases (18%), and contrast medium was observed outside of the glenohumeral joint in 2 cases (6%). Perfect-confinement group showed $111^{\circ}$($80{\sim}140^{\circ}$) of forward flexion and $48^{\circ}$($0{\sim}90^{\circ}$) of external rotation before injection, and improved to $134^{\circ}$($90{\sim}150^{\circ}$) of forward flexion and $70^{\circ}$($30{\sim}90^{\circ}$) of external rotation after injection (p<0.01). Partial leakage showed $120^{\circ}$($90{\sim}150^{\circ}$) of forward flexion and $70^{\circ}$($10{\sim}90^{\circ}$) of external rotation before injection, and improved to $139^{\circ}$($135{\sim}140^{\circ}$) of forward flexion and $78^{\circ}$($50{\sim}90^{\circ}$) of external rotation after injection (p<0.01). VAS score improved from 7.1 (score 3~9) to 2.6 (score 0~5) (p<0.01) in perfect confinement group, from 7.5 (score 7~9) to 3.3 (score 2~4) (p<0.01) in partial leakage group. Two group showed no significant difference. Conclusion: Accuracy of Acromioclavicular approach was 94% which is better than any other methods published so far. Partial leakage of the injection material did not show inferior result compared to perfect injection.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.68-75
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the motion of the shoulder joint dynamically through a depth sensor-based motion analysis system for the normal group and patients group with shoulder disease and to report the results along with a review of the relevant literature. Materials and Methods: Seventy subjects participated in the study and were categorized as follows: 30 subjects in the normal group and 40 subjects in the group of patients with shoulder disease. The patients with shoulder disease were subdivided into the following four disease groups: adhesive capsulitis, impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tear, and cuff tear arthropathy. Repeating abduction and adduction three times, the angle over time was measured using a depth sensor-based motion analysis system. The maximum abduction angle (θ_max), the maximum abduction angular velocity (ω_max), the maximum adduction angular velocity (ω_min), and the abduction/adduction time ratio (t_abd/t_add) were calculated. The above parameters in the 30 subjects in the normal group and 40 subjects in the patients group were compared. In addition, the 30 subjects in the normal group and each subgroup (10 patients each) according to the four disease groups, giving a total of five groups, were compared. Results: Compared to the normal group, the maximum abduction angle (θ_max), the maximum abduction angular velocity (ω_max), and the maximum adduction angular velocity (ω_min) were lower, and abduction/adduction time ratio (t_abd/t_add) was higher in the patients with shoulder disease. A comparison of the subdivided disease groups revealed a lower maximum abduction angle (θ_max) and the maximum abduction angular velocity (ω_max) in the adhesive capsulitis and cuff tear arthropathy groups than the normal group. In addition, the abduction/adduction time ratio (t_abd/t_add) was higher in the adhesive capsulitis group, rotator cuff tear group, and cuff tear arthropathy group than in the normal group. Conclusion: Through an evaluation of the shoulder joint using the depth sensor-based motion analysis system, it was possible to measure the range of motion, and the dynamic motion parameter, such as angular velocity. These results show that accurate evaluations of the function of the shoulder joint and an in-depth understanding of shoulder diseases are possible.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.121-132
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• 2009

Objectives : To evaluate the current status of East-West combination treatment in joint disorders. Methods : The medical records of patients who visited the Joints & Rheumatism Center at the Kyung Hee East-West Neo Medical Center from April 2006 to June 2009 were evaluated. The general characteristics of patients who underwent combination treatment, trend in number of cross-system referrals, and disorders and involved body regions of patients referred to the Eastern medical hospital from the Western medical hospital were initially assessed. 6 major disorders were found from the initial scanning. The trend in number of cross-hospital referrals, number of visits to the Eastern medical hospital, current status of combination treatment, treatment modality, and reason for cross-system referral was evaluated. Results : 1. 1510 patients were referred from the Eastern medical hospital to the Western medical hospital, and 1065 patients were referred from the Western medical hospital to the Eastern medical hospital. First visit patients reached a peak at the second quarter of 2007 and fourth quarter of 2006 respectively, and have steadily decreased from then on. Referrals of female patients were twice as common as male patient referrals. Patients in their sixth or seventh decade of life were most commonly referred, and more outpatients were referred compared to inpatients. 2. Patients with knee joint disorders were most commonly referred from the Western medical hospital to the Eastern medical hospital, followed by hip, shoulder, ankle, wrist, and elbow joint disorders. The most common disorders for each of the above regions in referred patients were knee osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis of the hip, adhesive capsulitis, and ankle strain and sprain. The generalized disorders rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis followed. 3. Patients referred to the Eastern hospital received approximately 3 to 10 Eastern medical treatment sessions. 45 percent remained on constant combination treatment, and 98 percent of referred patients received acupuncture treatment. Conclusions : In regard to the number of patients and duration of combination treatment, combination treatment was successfully performed for knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, while it was not so for avascular necrosis of the hip, adhesive capsulitis, and ankle strain and sprain. Further research on this subject is required.