• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.130-134
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• 2013

A painful pseudoarthrosis will develop due to a delay in diagnosis and treatment, and surgical care is required. Treatment of pseudoarthrosis is really difficult because the acromion is a thin flat bone that is difficult to be fixed firmly. A 52-year-old woman with multiple trauma had an acromial fracture that was not detected until it had caused pain after ambulation. Open reduction and internal fixation with a variable angle locking compression plate for distal radius and autogenous iliac bone graft were performed. At nine months after the operation, there was partial tear in the supraspinatus tendon, and arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus tendon was performed. At nine months after the operation, radiographs showed a complete union. At three months after tendon repair, the patient had excellent function of the shoulder. We have reported a case of a successful treatment of nonunion and pseudoarthrosis of acromial fracture that is difficult to be fixed.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of two surgical treatments, transacromial pin fixation and hook plate fixation, for unstable distal clavicle fractures. Materials and Methods: Twenty four patients with Neer type II distal clavicle fractures who underwent surgery with transacromial pin fixation (Group I: 12 patients) and hook plate fixation (Group II: 12 patients) were included. Reduction and union were evaluated using plain radiographs. Functional evaluation was performed according to UCLA score and Constant-Murley score at last follow-up. Results: All 24 cases showed bone union. Complete union took an average of 10 weeks for group I and 11.7 weeks for group II. Average UCLA score was 33 (group I) and 32.8 (group II). Average Constant score was 88.5 (group I) and 88.8 (group II). No significant difference for each variable was observed between the two groups. Conclusion: For the surgical treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures, transacromial pin fixation and hook plate fixation are both useful methods.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.115-122
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the results of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation treatment with coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using Tight-Rope$^{(R)}$ (Arthrex). Materials and Methods: From October 2009 to March 2011, 30 patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation underwent coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using Tight-Rope$^{(R)}$ and were followed up for at least 12 months after surgery. The radiologic results were qualified according to serial plain radiographs, and the clinical results according to University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Scale, Constant score, and VAS pain score. Results: Using the UCLA scoring system, excellent results were observed in 22 cases (73%), good results in five cases (17%), fair results in two cases (7%), and a poor result in one case (3%). The average Constant score was $92.5{\pm}7.5$. According to radiologic results, anatomical reduction was achieved in 26 cases, and two cases showed a moderate loss of reduction, and two cases showed complete re-dislocation. Clinical results for patients with re-dislocation were unsatisfactory and reoperation was required. Conclusion: Coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using Tight-Rope$^{(R)}$ is a good option providing reliable functional results in patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 2013

Purpose: This study is designed to evaluate the clinical and radiographical results for the displacement of fracture fragments after interlocking intramedullary nailing in humeral shaft fractures. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the results of 8 cases of humeral shaft fractures that have displacements of over 10 mm and under 20 mm after interlocking intramedullary nailing between July 2004 and August 2011. The mean age was 54.1 years (range, 43 to 70 years) and there were 3 male and 5 female patients. Radiographically, the time to bony union, change of displacement and angulation of the fracture site, and degree of improvement of these two factors were measured. Clinically, the range of motion of shoulder and elbow joints, postoperative pain and complications were evaluated. Results: All cases showed complete bony union in last follow-up. The mean time to bony union was 16.1 weeks. At the last follow-up, almost all cases had normal range of motion of shoulder and elbow joints. But, one case had stiffness of shoulder joint. Therefore, arthroscopic capsular release and manipulation was performed. One case had transient shoulder pain and the other case had transient elbow pain. In the two cases, pull-out of proximal interlocking screw were noted, but they finally had bony union. Conclusion: Although considerable displacement of fracture fragments after interlocking intramedullary nailing in humeral shaft fractures was present, we had excellent radiographical and clinical outcomes. Therefore, an additional procedure, such as open reduction or another fixation for the fracture site, was not necessary.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.100-106
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between trochlear medial facet osteophyte (TMFO) and elbow flexion in the elbow joints without trauma history. Materials and Methods: Twenty five patients, who underwent computed tomography without elbow trauma history, were reviewed. Patients were checked for osteophyte or loose bodies in the coronoid and olecranon sides. The height and length of TMFO were measured. Results: The average elbow flexion contracture was $18.6^{\circ}$, and further flexion was $112.1^{\circ}$. The TMFO height and length was 2.2 mm and 4.7 mm, respectively. The average elbow further flexion was $105.1^{\circ}$ in the coronoid block group (n=14) and $119.1^{\circ}$ (p=0.011) in the coronoid free group (n=11). The relationship between further elbow flexion and TMFO was significant with a partial correlation coefficient of 0.687(p<0.000) in the TMFO length. Conclusion: Elbow joints with longer TMFO length decrease further flexion.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.94-99
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic biceps long head suprapectoral tenodesis using an interference screw. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the cases of 30 patients who underwent arthroscopic biceps long head suprapectoral tenodesis using an interference screw between January 2008 and January 2010. The minimum follow up period was one year. Twenty patients had rotator cuff tears. The results were analyzed by VAS, ASES, tenderness in the bicipital groove, fixation failure, and the degree of deformity. Results: VAS, ASES scores showed a statistically significant increase during the final observation in all patients, compared with those before surgery. However, five patients (17%) had anterior shoulder pain and tenderness in the biceps groove, and three patients (10%) had Popeye deformity. Better results were achieved in patients without rotator cuff tear than in patients with rotator cuff tear (p<0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic biceps long head tenodesis above the pectoralis major using an interference screw in patients with a pathologic lesion of the proximal biceps tendon showed good results at the last follow up. However, further study for tenderness in the biceps groove in 17% of patients is needed.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.170-177
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• 2013

Total elbow arthroplasty is still in its infancy compared with other arthroplasties, such as knee or hip arthroplasties. Implant design has been evolving with clinical experiences; however, there are only limited data on the long-term clinical outcome of elbow arthroplasty in the literature. The design of total elbow prostheses can be divided into three categories: linked (constrained or semi-constrained), unlinked (unconstrained), and convertible types. The choice between an unlinked (unconstrained) implant and a linked (semi-constrained) implant depends on joint stability and adequacy of the bone stock. Linked elbow arthroplasty has provided high patient satisfaction, and pain relief thanks to proper patient selection, advancement of implant design, improvement in cement techniques, meticulous surgical technique, and appropriate postoperative rehabilitation. Concerns remain about the use of this implant in young or high-demand patients. This article focuses on the linked (semi-constrained) prostheses, which provides an overview of the current state of linked total elbow arthroplasty.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.163-169
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• 2013

Designs of total elbow arthroplasty have been evolving with clinical experiences. Newer implants are expected to resolve current limitations and improve long term outcomes. This review article focuses on the basic knowledge of unlinked and convertible total elbow arthroplasty. There have been a variety of designs of unlinked total elbow prostheses. Some implants are still used in the market, while others are no longer commercially available. Modified and newer designs include more congruent contact surface, stemmed implant, and radiocapitellar arthroplasty. Two convertible elbow prostheses have been developed, and one implant is currently available in Korea. Conversion from an unlinked to a linked mode is performed by adding a linking cap. Unlinked total elbow arthroplasty, which restores native elbow kinematics, has a biomechanical rationale of lowering polyethylene wear and loosening of implants. It can be indicated in younger and higher demand patients, who have adequate bone stock and soft tissues. Convertible total elbow arthroplasty broadens implant selection and simplifies revision surgery. These newer prostheses possibly improve the long term outcomes and resolve disadvantages of linked prostheses in total elbow arthroplasty.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.148-152
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• 2013

We report a case of simultaneous anterior and posterior interosseous nerve syndrome in association with shoulder arthroscopy. Shoulder arthroscopy was performed in a 45-year-old male patient with left shoulder instability. In the right lateral decubitus position, under general anesthesia, traction was applied with elbow extension for 2 hours. One week after surgery, the patient revisited the clinic for weakness of the flexor of the thumb, index finger, and extensor of the fingers. Recovery was not achieved after four months of observation. Therefore, nerve exploration was performed in the anterior and posterior interosseous nerve and hourglass-like fascicular constriction was detected in the posterior interosseous nerve. The area of constriction was removed and epineural neurorrhaphy was performed. Three months after exploration, the extension function of the fingers was recovered. Recovery was achieved gradually, and, five months after nerve exploration, the symptoms were completely recovered. Simultaneous anterior and posterior interosseous nerve syndrome following shoulder arthroscopy is rare. However, it could occur due to the traction and position of the patient. Thus, the operator should be careful of traction and position of the patient.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.97-104
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• 2005

Purpose: To report the results of surgical treatment of comminuted fractures of distal humerus and to identify factors that affect the results. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation for comminuted fracture of distal humerus were enrolled. According to the AO classification, A2.3 was 1 case, A3.2, 2 cases, A3.3, 8 cases, B1.3, 1 case, B2.3, 1 case, C2.2, 5 cases, C2.3, 4 cases, C3.2, 3 cases and C3.3, 7 cases. As fixation technique, 17 cases were fixed by double plates, 4 cases by only K-wires, 4 cases by only screws, 3 cases by K-wires and screws and 4 cases by one plate and screws. The mean age at the time of the operation was 49 years(range, $19{\sim}77$ years). The mean follow-up period was 16 months(range, $8{\sim}51$ months). Results: At the last follow-up, the mean maximum flexion was $116.4^{\circ}\;(range,\;85{\sim}140^{\circ})$ and the mean loss of terminal extension was $11.8^{\circ}\;(range,\;0{\sim}40^{\circ})$. The average Mayo elbow performance score was $91.4^{\circ}\;(range,\;55{\sim}100^{\circ})$. Overall 29 cases(91%) showed good to excellent results. The mean range of motion of extraarticular and intraarticular fracture group was $105.5^{\circ}\;(range,\;65{\sim}140^{\circ})$ and $104^{\circ}\;(range,\;55{\sim}140^{\circ})$, respectively. The average elbow score of both groups was$93^{\circ}\;(range,\;70{\sim}100^{\circ})$ and $90.7^{\circ}\;(range,\;55{\sim}100^{\circ})$. Over 90% showed more than good results. 30 cases(94%) showed complete bony union but two cases, nonunion. One case of the nonunion cases underwent replating with bone graft as revision surgery and total elbow arthroplasty was performed in the other case. At the last follow-up, 27 patients(84.4%) showed subjective satisfaction. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with appropriate surgical technique for comminuted fractures of distal humerus showed good results, which were not affected by age at the time of operation, fixation methods and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. Transolecranon approach may be considered as good choice for intraarticular comminuted fractures of distal humerus.