• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2010

Purpose: Most clavicular fractures can be healed by conservative treatment, although there are many factors that influence healing. The aim of the present study was to analyze factors that influence (i) bone union of midshaft fractures of the clavicle treated conservatively and (ii) bone functioning, after union. The long-term goal was to determine which treatments are adequate. Materials and Methods: We evaluated factors that have an effect on bone union and bone function after union. We evaluated age, fracture site, comminution, displacement, shortening and other factors. Among 523 clavicular midshaft fractures that presented between January 2004 and Jun 2009 at our Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, we identified 270 who had conservative treatment and 173 patients who had surgical treatment. Results: The period required for bone union increased with the degree of displacement. For the group below 12 years of age, and the group without comminution, it took half the time to achieve bone union compared with the other groups. Displacement mostly occurred within 2 weeks after conservative treatment. Conclusion: In patients with a comminuted clavicular midshaft fracture, we might, because of expected delays in bone union, delay the start of rehabilitation until patients are more than 13 years old. Because the degree of displacement may be increased within 2 weeks during conservative treatment, we can think about surgical treatments.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.111-116
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• 2010

Purpose: There are many known treatment modalities for spinoglenoid ganglion cyst accompanied by suprascapular nerve palsy. However, to the author's knowledge, there is no report on the follow-up outcomes focused on remnant cysts. Materials and Methods: Six (n=6) patients with spinoglenoid ganglion cyst accompanied by suprascapular nerve palsy, with a mean follow-up of 15 months (12-23months) following arthroscopic cyst decompression and superior labral repair, were enrolled. Residual cyst was investigated by ultrasonography and MRI. Results: Immediate postoperative ultrasonography revealed complete remission of ganglion cyst in one patient and reduced ganglion cyst size in five patients. Three-month follow-up ultrasonography showed spontaneous complete remission of the residual cysts in all patients. No recurrence on MRI was seen at one-year follow-up. Conclusion: Residual spinoglenoid ganglion cyst remaining after arthroscopic decompression and superior labral repair tends to resolve spontaneously within 3 months of surgery.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.34-39
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to present methods and results for the modified Phemister operation, with a suture anchor added for augmentation of the conoid ligament in cases of acute dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 14 cases of acute dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint. This included 11 cases of Rockwood type 3, and 3 cases of type 5. The mean age of patients was 45.2 years. We operated on them using an anchor for augmentation of the conoid ligament in the modified Phemister operation. The average follow-up period was 14 months and post-operative clinical analysis was conducted using the Weitzman classification, VAS Score, Constant Score and KSS Score. Results: According to Weitzman scores, 13 cases were evaluated as excellent, and one case was good. They had mean joint ranges of forward elevation of $170.7^{\circ}$, lateral elevation of 166.4, external rotation of 68.2, and internal rotation to the level of T7. The mean VAS Score was 1.9, mean Constant Score 90.8, and the mean KSS Score 91. Radiologic analysis indicated that all cases had a good result. Conclusion: The modified Phemister operation with a suture anchor added for augmentation of the conoid ligament is very effective clinically in acute dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2010

Purpose: To evaluate shoulder stability, clinical, and functional results more than 6 months after utilizing the 'Remplissage' technique, consisting of an arthroscopic posterior capsulodesis and infraspinatus tenodesis, to fill Hill-Sachs lesions. Materials and Methods: Seven patients were followed-up more than 6 months after the 'Remplissage' procedures performed in our hospital from August 2008 to August 2009. The mean age of the patients was 28.6 years and the mean follow-up time was 10 months. Evaluations included ROM, ASES score, KSSI score, ROWE score, and postoperative MRI. Results: In a functional evaluation of the patients with an average postoperative time of 10 months, the ASES score improved from 51.4 preoperatively to 76.8 postoperatively, the KSSI score improved from 46.5 preoperatively to 76 postoperatively, and the ROWE score improved from 43.5 preoperatively to 76.3 postoperatively. After an average postoperative time of 10 months, the range of motion was nearly normal (>170 degrees in further flexion, and >45 degrees in external rotation). Conclusion: In recurrent shoulder instabilities with large Hill-Sachs lesions, the 'Remplissage' technique resulted in good outcomes in terms of shoulder stability, clinical, and functional results after postoperative times of more than 6 months.

• 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.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.53-57
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• 2010

Purpose: The goal of this study was to evaluate differences in strength deficits between (i) patients with stage 1 or 2 impingement syndrome and (ii) patients with rotator cuff tears. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 43 patients with stage 1 or 2 impingement syndrome (group 1) and 21 patients with rotator cuff tears (group 2). The isokinetic strength of both groups was evaluated at $60^{\circ}/sec$ for external rotation, internal rotation, adduction and abduction. We measured the peak torque, total work, average power of bilateral sides, peak torque relationship to body weight, and the ratio between unilateral agonist and antagonist. Results: The isokinetic strength deficits assessed in ratio of peak torque to body weight for group 1 and group 2 respectively were; $28.48{\pm}23.76%$ and $29.12{\pm}32.81%$ for abduction (p=0.929), $7.20{\pm}13.98%$ and $18.94{\pm}19.52%$; for adduction (p=0.021), $16.88{\pm}13.76%$ and $25.80{\pm}24.07%$; for external rotation (p=0.221), and $14.1{\pm}25.67%$ and $29.02{\pm}35.06%$ for internal rotation (p=0.059). For average power and total work, group 2 showed a significantly greater deficit for adduction and internal rotation than group 1. Conclusion: Those with rotator cuff tears have more isokinetic muscle strength deficits than those with stage 1 or 2 impingement syndrome. Progression from stage 1 and 2 impingement syndrome to stage 3 may result in greatest changes in strength deficits for internal rotation and adduction.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.79-85
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• 2010

Purpose: To evaluate the results from arthroscopic repair versus debridement for full-thickness tears of the upper subscapularis tendon. Materials and Methods: Ninety-nine patient outcomes were evaluated and compared prospectively. Sixty-nine patients with full-thickness tears of the upper subscapularis tendon underwent arthroscopic repair (group I) and thirty patients underwent simple debridement (group II) between May 2003 and October 2007. In all patients, the tear was localized to the superior one third of the upper subscapularis tendon. The results of the treatment were assessed by evaluating the UCLA, ASES, and VAS for pain and internal rotation strength scores before and after the operation. Results: In groups I and II, UCLA, ASES, VAS, and internal rotation muscle power (perfect score = 5) scores were improved after surgery. In comparing group I and group II, the UCLA and VAS scores were not significantly different (p>0.05), while the ASES and internal rotation strength scores were significantly different (p<0.05). Conclusion: The arthroscopic repair of full-thickness tears of the upper subscapularis tendon was a better surgical method than simple debridement.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 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
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to prove the effectiveness of the open medial (glenoid-based) anterior-inferior capsular shift in patients with multidirectional shoulder instability. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 19 patients treated by medial anterior-inferior capsular shift for multidirectional shoulder instability from March, 1998 to December, 2003. 15 patients of them have experienced recurrent dislocation. 8 patients(42%) showed bilateral laxity and 11 patients(58%) generalized ligamentous laxity, and 2 patients(10.5%) voluntary subluxation. An average follow-up was 24 months (range : $9{\sim}32$ months). Results: Pain improved in 18 patients of all. There was an average loss of 10 degree of external rotation, but no limitation of activity of daily living. There was no redislocation and subluxation, but two patients had some apprehension in sports activity. With Rowe score, the result was excellent or good in all patients. There were hematoma and local skin problem in 1 patient, but all had healed up. Conclusion: Medial anterior-inferior capsular shift in multidirectional shoulder instability provided satisfactory results in pain relief, patient's satisfactions and stability of glenohumeral joint. Though some of them have anterior gleniod deformities and large Hill-Sachs lesions, we could get good stabilities.

• 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.