• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.203-211
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• 2024

Background: Little is known about alterations of the rotator cuff (RC) macroscopic vasculature associated with medical conditions and/or habits that predispose a person to diseases of the peripheral microcirculation. The high frequency of cuff tear and re-tear in patients with diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, uncontrolled arterial hypertension, or metabolic syndrome may be due to tissue hypovascularity. Methods: The macroscopic vasculature of both the articular and bursal sides of the posterosuperior RC was evaluated arthroscopically in 107 patients (mean age, 58.2 years) with no RC tear. Patients were divided into three groups according to medical comorbidities and lifestyle factors (group I, none; group II, smokers and/or drinkers and one comorbidity; and group III, two or more comorbidities). Pulsating vessels originating from both the myotendinous and osteotendinous junctions were assessed as "clearly evident," "poorly evident," or "not evident." Results: Groups I, II, and III comprised 36, 45, and 26 patients, respectively. Within the myotendinous junction, vessels were visualized in 22 group I patients (61%), 25 group II patients (55%), and 6 group III patients (23%) (P=0.007). Pulsating arterial vessels originating from the osteotendinous junction were seen in 42%, 36%, and 0% of patients, respectively (P<0.001). Within the bursal side of the RC, a dense anastomotic network was visualized (either clearly or poorly) in 94% (34), 80% (36), and 35% (9) of patients, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusions: The macroscopic vasculature of the RC is influenced by pre-existing diseases and lifestyle factors, which may impair peripheral microcirculation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.212-218
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• 2024

Background: Rotator cuff tears commonly cause shoulder pain and functional impairment, prompting surgical intervention such as mini-open and arthroscopic methods, each with distinct benefits. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and complications of these two approaches. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 165 patients who underwent rotator cuff repair using either arthroscopic-assisted mini-open or full arthroscopic approaches. Patient demographics, tear characteristics, clinical outcomes, and complications were assessed, with statistical analyses conducted to discern differences between the groups. Results: Among the patients, 74 (53.2%) received the mini-open approach, while 65 (46.8%) underwent arthroscopic repair, with a mean follow-up of 19.91 months. The mini-open group exhibited significantly higher postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores compared to the arthroscopic group (P=0.002). Additionally, the mini-open group demonstrated a more significant improvement in ASES scores from preoperative to postoperative assessments (P=0.001). However, the arthroscopic method had a significantly longer operative time (P<0.001). Complications, including anchor placement issues, frozen shoulder, infection, and re-rupture, occurred in 17.3% of patients overall. Re-rupture rates were 13.5% for mini-open and 6.2% for full arthroscopic repair, with no significant difference between the two methods (P=0.317). Conclusions: Both the mini-open and arthroscopic methods yielded favorable clinical outcomes for rotator cuff tear treatment, but the mini-open group exhibited superior results. Surgeons should consider patient characteristics, tear attributes, and surgical expertise when selecting the appropriate technique.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2013

Purpose: To know if magnetic resonance image (MRI) re-examination is needed before surgery, we compared the pre-operative MRI recorded at different time points and the corresponding arthroscopic findings. Materials and Methods: Depending on the timing of evaluation, the MRI was classified into three groups: group A, MRI was taken 1 month before the surgery (44 cases, average 16 days); group B, 1-6 months before the surgery (41 cases, average 91 days); and group C, 6-12 months before the surgery (25 cases, average 230 days). The anterior to posterior tear size (length) and medial retraction size (width) of rotator cuff tear were measured for each group and they were compared with the actual arthroscopic findings. Results: Results of this study showed that arthroscopic rotator cuff tear length and width were larger than those of MRI. The difference of the rotator cuff tear size was 3.6(${\pm}1.2$) mm of length and 0.6(${\pm}0.4$) mm of width in group A, 4.2(${\pm}1.7$) mm and 2.4(${\pm}1.1$) mm in group B, and 4.5(${\pm}2.1$) mm and 3.0(${\pm}1.5$) mm in group C. There was a tendency of the larger size difference for longer pre-operative period, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The rotator cuff tear size did not show remarkable differences between pre-operative MRI taken within 1 year before surgery and the actual arthroscopy. It is concluded that additional MRI evaluation is not required within 1 year.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of treatment of humerus shaft simple fracture by minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique using locking compression plate (LCP). Materials and Methods: Six patients who were operated for humerus shaft simple fracture from August 2010 to May 2011 were enrolled for this study. We checked the cause of injury and the accompanying injuries and evaluated the operation time, the clinical and radiological period of union, postoperative range of motion of the shoulder and elbow joint, pain, activities in daily living, radiologic alignment, and other complications. Results: The clinical period of bone union was 7.2 weeks on average, and the radiologic period of bone union was 8 weeks on average. Follow-up period was more than 12 months in all cases. The angulation through postoperative alignment was 2.8 degrees in AP view and 2 degrees in lateral view. The postoperative range of motion was 167 degrees in forward flexion, 50 degrees in external rotation, and thoracic vertebra 12 level in internal rotation. The average value of visual analogue scale (VAS) was 1.2 and that of KSS was 91.3. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons' score (ASES) was 26.5 and the UCLA score was 31.5. Conclusion: MIPO technique for the humerus shaft simple fracture showed good functional and radiological outcomes and may be considered as one of the treatment options for humerus shaft simple fracture.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.63-72
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• 2013

In medical research, multivariate analysis, especially multiple regression analysis, is used to analyze the influence of multiple variables on the result. Multiple regression analysis should include variables in the model and the problem of multi-collinearity as there are many variables as well as the basic assumption of regression analysis. The multiple regression model is expressed as the coefficient of determination, $R^2$ and the influence of independent variables on result as a regression coefficient, ${\beta}$. Multiple regression analysis can be divided into multiple linear regression analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis, and Cox regression analysis according to the type of dependent variables (continuous variable, categorical variable (binary logit), and state variable, respectively), and the influence of variables on the result is evaluated by regression coefficient${\beta}$, odds ratio, and hazard ratio, respectively. The knowledge of multivariate analysis enables clinicians to analyze the result accurately and to design the further research efficiently.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.88-97
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes between arthroscopir repair and mini-open repair of medium and large rotator cuff tears in which arthroscopic repair was technically unsuccessful. We evaluated 76 patients of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, among them 42 patients had all-arthroscopic and 34 patients had mini-open salvage repairs. Patients who had acromioclavicular arthritis, subscapularis tear, or instability were excluded. There were 39 males and 37 females with mean age of 56 years (range,42 to 75 years). At a mean follow-up of 39 months (range, 24 to 64 months), the results of both groups were compared with regard to the UCLA and ASES shoulder rating scale s. Shoulder scores improved in all ratings in both groups (p > 0.05). Overall, sixty-six patients showed excellent or gr)of and ten patients showed fair or poor scores by the UCLA scale. Seventy-two patients satisfactorily returned to prior activity. Four showed unsatisfactory return. The range of motion, strength, and patient's satisfaction were improved postoperatively. There were no difference in shoulder scores, pain, and activity return between the arthroscopic and mini-open salvage groups (p > 0.05). However, Patients with larger size tear showed lower shoulder scores and less predictive recovery of the strength and function (p < 0.05). Postoperative pain was not different with respect to the size of the tear (p : 0.251). Arthroscopic repair of medium and large full-thickness rotator cuff tears had iln equal outcome to technically unsuccessful arthroscopic repairs, which were salvaged by conversion to a mini- open repair technique. Surgical outcome depended on the size of the tear, rather than the method of repair.

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

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.118-122
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• 2008

Purpose: We assessed the clinical results after the operative treatment of type 2 SLAP lesion with stiffness. Materials and Methods: 13 patients who had SLAP lesion with stiffness were treated with arthroscopic capsular release, SLAP repair and treatment of the associated lesion. The average follow-up period was above 12 months. Results: The postoperative mean VAS was scored 1.5 and the postoperative ROWE score was 92.3, which showed a significant improvement after the operation (P<0.001). The mean range of motion was a significantly improved after the operation (P<0.001). The ROWE score was excellent for all the cases. Conclusion: Arthroscopic capsular release and SLAP repair and treatment of the associated lesion in patients with type 2 SLAP lesion with stiffness are effective treatments for the increasing the range of motion and decreasing the pain.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.123-130
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• 2008

Os acromiale is the rare shoulder disease and its treatment is controversial. Despite conservative treatments for 6 months include medication, exercise, physical therapy and subacromial steroid injections, operative treatment for uncontrolled symptomatic Os acromiale is considered the treatment of choice. Operative treatment includes excision, arthroscopic or open reduction and internal fixation with a bone graft. Open reduction with tension band wiring and a bone graft is now the preferred treatment. We experienced 8 patients with symptomatic Os acromiale from March, 2001 to March, 2006. The average patient's age was 45 years and the man and women ratio were 2: 6. All 8 cases of symptomatic Os acromiale of the mesoacromion were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using tension-band wiring. The preoperative ASES($47.3\pm24.4$) and UCLA ($16.6\pm5.8$)scores were improved to $88.8\pm7.3$ and $31.5\pm1.9$, respectively, at the 2 year follow up. The overall UCLA score showed 1 excellent result and 7 good results. We think that symptomatic Os acromiale is a specific disease entity, and open reduction and internal fixation using tension-band wiring with K-wire is a good treatment modality.

• 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.