• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.209-216
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• 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
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.202-208
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• 2010

Purpose: In this study we introduced minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and analyzed clinical outcomes to determine the effectiveness of this intervention in proximal humerus fractures. Materials and Methods: We studied 27 patients including 16 cases with a 2-part fracture, 10 cases with a 3-part fracture, and 1 case with a 4-part fracture. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using UCLA score, KSS score and recovery of range of motion. Time to union and humerus neck-shaft angle change were estimated by radiologic assessment. The average follow up period was 19 months. Results: UCLA scores were "excellent" for 15 patients, "good" for 12 patients. The mean KSS score was 91.4 at final follow-up. The average shoulder range of motion was $167.2^{\circ}$ in forward elevation. Bone union occurred by 14.1 weeks postoperatively. Humerus neck-shaft angle recovery was "excellent" in 24 patients and "moderate" in 3 patients. There were no complications such as axillary nerve paralysis, deep infection, or subacromial impingement of the plate. Conclusion: MIPO for proximal humerus fractures is an effective procedure if performed with sufficient understanding of the anatomical structures. MIPO leads to minimized dissection of soft tissue, low complication rates and early recovery of range of motion.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.194-201
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• 2010

Purpose: We evaluated clinical and radiological results for open reduction and internal fixation of acromioclavicular dislocation without coracoclavicular ligament repair after removal of implants. Materials and methods: Clinical and radiological results were obtained for 53 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of an acromioclavicular joint dislocation between 1998 and 2007. A total of 21 patients were treated with a modified-Phemister method and 32 patients were treated with a Hook plate method. All subjects were surveyed after removal of their implants. The Constant scoring system was administered postoperatively to evaluate clinical results. Radiologic outcomes were evaluated by both coracoclavicular intervals on plain films. Results: Constant scores were $87.59{\pm}7.8$ in the Phemister group and $89.35{\pm}5.3$ in the Hook plate group. For both groups, the mean coracoclavicular interval at preoperative radiography was 15.9 mm at the injured site and 8.0 mm at the opposite site. After metal removal, the mean difference between coracoclavicular distances between normal and injured sites were 1.0 mm for the Hook plate group and 1.2 mm for the modified Phemister method group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of an acromioclavicular joint without coracoclavicular ligament repair shows good long-term clinical and radiological results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.188-193
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a modified Phemister method reinforcing the 4 strands of an Ethibond sling for acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Materials and Methods: Between September 1999 and May 2007, 30 acromioclavicular joint dislocation cases underwent a modified Phemister method reinforcing the 4 strands of an Ethibond sling. The average follow-up period was 28.2 months (range: 24~33 months). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Weitzman classification; the state of coracoclavicular space reduction was done using radiologic findings. Results: According to the Weitzman classification, there were 24 excellent, 4 good and 2 fair case outcomes. The average coracoclavicular distance improved from 16.9 mm to 7.3 mm immediately after surgery. The average ratio of coracoclavicular distance comparing to the contralateral side at the final follow-up was 1.24 (range: 0.68~1.71). Complications included retraction of K-wires in 5 cases and restriction of joint motion in 4 cases. Conclusion: The modified Phemister operation using augmentation of the coracoclavicular ligament by 4 strands of Ethibond is an effective treatment modality in acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.181-187
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• 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
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.260-265
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• 2010

Purpose: To report the clinical results of two cases of coronoid process fractures that were treated with volar plating through a medial approach. Materials and Methods: Two fractures of the coronoid process that needed to be fixed were managed with open reduction and internal fixation through a medial approach using 2.4 mm locking compression plates (Compact Hand set$^{(R)}$, Synthes, Switzerland). The patients were followed up for 14 months and 17 months and were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Results: The MEPS was 95 for Case 1 and 100 for Case 2. Active elbow joint motions were $5^{\circ}-120^{\circ}$ (Case 1) and $0^{\circ}-130^{\circ}$ (Case 2). Supination and pronation fully recovered. Conclusion: Satisfactory results can be obtained in cases of coronoid process fractures because volar plating through a medial approach allows sound fixation and early mobilization of the elbow joint.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.293-298
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• 2010

Purpose: Since an injured elbow joint can disturb the activity of daily life by limiting motion, especially if the motion is restricted over 40 degree of flexion contracture and under 105 degree of further flexion, it is imperative to select the best method and the timing of treatment of the elbow stiffness. Therefore this review will discuss open surgical techniques for stiff elbows based on the literature. Materials and Methods: It is important to take sufficient clinical examination of the patient, including history taking. And, a surgeon should select appropriate procedure after accurately understanding about the status and cause of the stiff elbow with radiographic methods. Surgical methods include arthroscopic release open release, distraction arthroplasty, total elbow replacement and there are four approachs in the open release - anterior approach, medial "over the top" approach, limited lateral approach: column procedure, posterior extensile approach-. Results and Conclusion: Although at present the arthroscopic technique is emphasized for the treatment of elbow stiffness, a surgeon should know conventional open techniques.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.286-292
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• 2010

Purpose: Stability of joints and maintenance of range of motion are needed for optimum function. The most common complaint about the elbow joint is joint stiffness. Recent articles have reported good outcomes in the treatment of stiff elbow joints. However, deciding which procedure to use is always difficult. Materials and Methods: Morrey et al. reported that the functional range of motion of the elbow joint is $30-130^{\circ}$ of flexion-extension and $50^{\circ}C$ of supination and pronation. About 90% of daily activities are done using this range of motion. Stiff elbow joints can be classified according to the traumatic events that caused the problem or the location of the main pathology. Intraarticular pathology includes severe articular mismatch, intraarticular adhesions, loss of articular cartilage, mechanical blockade by osteophytes, loose bodies, and hypertrophied synovium. Extraarticular pathology includes severe capsular adhesion due to the trauma or to dislocation, contracture of the collateral ligaments or muscles, bony bridge. Results and Conclusions: The main pathology underlying the loss of extension is the fibrous contracture of the anterior capsule. In this pathology, an anterior capsulectomy would be helpful. The main pathology underlying the loss of flexion is the contracture of the posterior band of medial collateral ligament.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.223-229
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the radiographic and clinical findings of massive rotator cuff tears. Materials and Methods: Forty-five diagnosed cases (35 patients) of massive rotator cuff tears were investigated in this study. Grade of arthritis in the massive rotator cuff tears was classified based on plain radiographs using the method of Hamada et al.. And we clinically evaluated cases using the UCLA scoring system. Results: No statistically significant correlation ($r_s$=0.220, p=0.151) was found between arthritis grades in massive rotator cuff tears and clinical features. Dominant arm involvement appeared to be related to a higher rate of surgical treatment and a lower UCLA score. Conclusion: In massive rotator cuff tear patients, radiographic findings of arthritis may not always correspond to clinical features relevant in daily life. Therefore, we suggest that treatment strategies should be carefully considered when considering treatment modalities.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.50-59
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• 2006

Purpose: The nonoperative outcome of elbow dislocations with associated radial head and coronoid fractures are often unsatisfactory because of chronic instability and stiffness from proloned immobilization, Therefore we managed these injuries with well programed surgical appproaches. Method: Ten patients with this injury were evaluated retrospectively from May 1998 to June 2004 after a minimum of 12 months. These injuries include elbow dislocation and associated fractures of both the radial head and the coronoid process. All ten patients were treated by one clinic operatively with similar scheduled surgical methods which started on the lateral side and terminated on the medial side of the elbow. Radial head and neck fractures were classified Mason types, as two and three types respectively with six and four cases and six cases were fixated. Coronoid process were fixated with screws anteroposterior directly or anchor suture in all cases, each type was classified one, two and three. where were three type one, four type two, and three type three were according to Regan and Morrey classification. Results: The outcome was three resulting in excellent, four good, two normaland and the remaining case was one poor according to the Mayo Elbow Performance score. At a terminal follow up, the range of motion of the elbow averaged flection contracture, $6^{\circ}(0{\sim}20^{\circ})$ and further flection, $129^{\circ}(115{\sim}140^{\circ})$. Two patients had complications requiring additional care. One, displaced coronoid process which was repaired with capsule and the other patient experienced, palsy of ulnar nerve and contracted elbow joint. Conclusions: Usage of early operation as the minimum injury of medial ligaments complex and the rigid fixation of fractures to prompt motion with our scheduled management for elbow dislocations with associated radial head and coracoid fractures provided excellent results.