• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.231-237
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• 2023

Background: In the past decade, the number of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) procedures has steadily increased. Patients over 65 years of age comprise the vast majority of recipients, and outcomes have been well documented; however, patients are opting for definitive surgical treatment at younger ages.We aim to report on the effects of age on the long-term clinical outcomes following aTSA. Methods: Among the patients who underwent TSA, 119 shoulders were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative clinical outcome data were collected. Linear regression analysis (univariate and multivariate) was conducted to evaluate the associations of clinical outcomes with age. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate implant survival. Results: At final follow-up, patients of all ages undergoing aTSA experienced significant and sustained improvements in all primary outcome measures compared with preoperative values. Based on multivariate analysis, age at the time of surgery was a significant predictor of postoperative outcomes. Excellent implant survival was observed over the course of this study, and Cox regression survival analysis indicated age and sex to not be associated with an increased risk of implant failure. Conclusions: When controlling for sex and follow-up duration, older age was associated with significantly better patient-reported outcome measures. Despite this difference, we noted no significant effects on range of motion or implant survival. Level of evidence: IV.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.245-251
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• 2023

Background: For anatomic total arthroscopic repair, cementless humeral fixation has recently gained popularity. However, few studies have compared clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes between cemented and press-fit humeral fixation, and none have performed follow-up for longer than 5 years. In this study, we compared long-term postoperative outcomes in patients receiving a cemented versus press-fit humeral stem anatomic arthroscopic repair. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 169 shoulders that required primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). Shoulders were stratified by humeral stem fixation technique: cementation or press-fit. Data were collected pre- and postoperatively. Primary outcome measures included range of motion, patient reported outcomes, and radiographic measures. Results: One hundred thirty-eight cemented humeral stems and 31 press-fit stems were included. Significant improvements in range of motion were seen in all aTSA patients with no significant differences between final cemented and press-fit stems (forward elevation: P=0.12, external rotation: P=0.60, and internal rotation: P=0.77). Patient reported outcome metrics also exhibited sustained improvement through final follow-up. However, at final follow-up, the press-fit stem cohort had significantly better overall scores when compared to the cemented cohort (visual analog score: P=0.04, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon Score: P<0.01, Simple Shoulder Test score: P=0.03). Humeral radiolucency was noted in two cemented implants and one press-fit implant. No significant differences in implant survival were observed between the two cohorts (P=0.75). Conclusions: In this series, we found that irrespective of humeral fixation technique, aTSA significantly improves shoulder function. However, within this cohort, press-fit stems provided significantly better outcomes than cemented stems in terms of patient reported outcome scores. Level of evidence: III.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.176-182
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• 2024

Background: This study compares the outcomes of Latarjet-Patte procedures (LPs) performed for primary glenohumeral instability in the setting of critical bone loss (LP-BL) versus salvage surgery performed after a failed arthroscopic Bankart repair (LP-FB). Methods: LP's performed by senior author from 2017 to 2021 were separated into cohorts by LP indication. Data abstracted from electronic medical records included demographic information, preoperative clinical scores, radiological imaging, and complications. Postoperative clinical outcome scores collected after a 2-year minimum follow-up included: patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) upper extremity (UE), PROMIS pain interference, PROMIS pain intensity, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and visual analog scale pain scores. Results: A total of 47 patients (LP-BL: n=29, LP-FB: n=18) with a mean age of 29 years (range, 15-58 years) were included in this study. Both cohorts achieved good upper extremity functionality without significant differences as indicated by mean PROMIS UE (LP-BL: 52.6±10.0 vs. LP-FB: 54.6±7.6, P=0.442) and ASES score (LP-BL: 89.9±15.7 vs. LP-FB: 91.5±14.4, P=0.712). However, the LP-FB cohort reported lower levels of pain (LP-FB: 0.5±1.1 vs. LP-BL: 1.9±2.7, P=0.020) at their latest follow-up. There were no significant differences in complication rates including re-dislocation between cohorts (LP-BL: 2/29 [6.9%] vs. LP-FB: 2/18 [11.1%], P=0.629). Conclusions: When performed after failed Bankart repair, the LP results in similar postoperative functional outcomes and similar rates of complications and re-dislocations when compared to the primary indication of recurrent glenohumeral instability in the setting of critical bone loss.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between the degree of torn rotator cuff as recorded by MRI and degenerative change of acromion and greater tuberosity of humerus determined by simple radiographs. Materials and Methods: Of the 518 cases included in this study, a group of 234 cases had a chronic rotator cuff tear and a control group of 284 cases had an intact rotator cuff in shoulder MRI. The degree of degenerative changes was classified according to the length of spur and morphological change of acromion and greater tuberosity through the true anteroposterior simple radiograph in supraspinatus outlet view. The degree of tear (partial-thickness or full-thickness tear) and the size of complete rotator cuff tear were analyzed according to the MRI findings of shoulder. The authors also evaluated the correlation between the degree and size of torn rotator cuff and the degenerative change of acromion and greater tuberosity. Results: There were significant differences in the size and extent of torn rotator cuff according to the age, sex and degenerative change of acromion and greater tuberosity of humerus (p<0.001). More degenerative changes of acromion and greater tuberosity in simple shoulder radiographs showed the increased degree and size of torn rotator cuff (p<0.001). In addition, the higher degree and larger size of torn rotator cuff were noted in older age subjects (p<0.001) and in the female group (p<0.001). Conclusion: More degenerative changes of acromion and greater tuberosity in simple shoulder radiographs showed the increased degree and size of torn rotator cuff. Therefore, if a high degree of degenerative change of the acromion and greater tuberosity on simple radiograph is noted, the possibility of degenerative rotator cuff tear should be considered. In addition, the age and sex could be associative factors for larger size of torn rotator cuff.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.17-26
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• 2013

Purpose: A comparison of the radiographic and the clinical outcomes between two different surgical approaches-Deltoid splitting and Delto-pectoral interval-on the proximal humerus fractures treated by locking compressive plate (LCP), is done. Materials and Methods: Medical records and pre- and postoperative radiographs were reviewed retrospectively for 75 adult patients who underwent surgical fixations with locking compressive plates from May 2005 to December 2011. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical methods. Differences in the neck-shaft angle between immediate postoperative period and final follow-up were compared between the two groups. Differences in constant score and Korean shoulder score (KSS) between affected arms and contralateral arms at final follow-up were also compared. Results: The differences in the neck-shaft angle between immediate postoperative period and at final follow-up was 12.04 degrees on average in Deltoid splitting approach and 10.20 degrees in Delto-pectoral interval approach, which was not statistically significant. Differences in constant score/KSS between the affected arm and the contralateral arm were 13.78/22.74 points in deltoid-splitting approach on average and 19.41/31.13 points in Delto-pectoral interval approach, showing that deltoid-splitting approach is significantly superior. Conclusion: Deltoid-splitting approach showed better functional outcomes in the fracture reduction and internal fixation using LCP for the treatment of unstable proximal humerus fractures.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical result of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus (AO type C) in elderly osteoporotic patients treated with double tension band osteosynthesis. Materials and Methods: From January 2006 to December 2010, 10 elderly osteoporotic patients(1 male, 9 females) with intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus (AO type C) were treated with double tension band osteosynthesis. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 74.6(66~84) years and the mean follow-up period was 39.2(20~74) months. The fracture union and complications were assessed and the functional result was evaluated by the rating system of Jupiter et al. and the Mayo elbow performance index. Results: Bone union was achieved in all patients with no secondary displacement. The mean time for union was 16.6(13~22) weeks. The average postoperative arc of elbow flexion was 119(100~140) degrees with a mean flexion contracture of 8.5(0~15) degrees. The recovery in two patients was rated as excellent, in 7 as good, and in 1 as fair in terms of the Mayo elbow performance index with average value of 82(70~90) points. Seven patients were rated as excellent, 1 as good, and 2 as fair in terms of the rating system of Jupiter et al. Changing tension band wiring was performed in one patient as skin irritation was noticed due to tension band knots. Heterotopic ossification developed in one patient but had no symptom. Conclusion: Double tension band osteosynthesis in intra-articular fractures of distal humerus (AO type C) in elderly osteoporotic patients can provide sufficient and secure stability to allow early rehabilitation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.104-111
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• 2008

Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical results of using the technique of rotator cuff repair without parting the biceps long head from the glenoid for large or massive tear of the rotator cuff. Material and Methods: Form January 2005 to January 2007, we performed the arthroscopic biceps repair with incorporating suture to the rotator cuff for 21 patients with large or massive rotator cuff tear. The mean follow up period was 23 months (range: 6-48months). The number of males and females was 9 and 13, respectively. The age distribution ranged from 47 to 73 years with a mean age of 60.3 years. We compared the preoperative score with the postoperative scores using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the shoulder index of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and a simple shoulder test (SST). Results: The improvement in the VAS, ASES and the UCLA and SST scores was statistically significant at the final follow up (average follow-up 23 months) (p>0.05). Two of nine cases were found to have partial tear with continuity but seven cases were found to have complete tear according to the ultrasonography and MRI. Conclusion: The technique of rotator cuff repair without parting the biceps long head from the glenoid for large or massive tear of the rotator cuff is considered to be recommendable.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.112-117
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• 2008

Purpose: This study prospectively evaluated the outcome of arthroscopic transtendinous repair as a treatment for partial articular side tears of the rotator cuff. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with symptomatic, partial articular side tears of the rotator cuff underwent modified transtendinous repair. The patient's mean age was 52.5 years and the mean duration of symptoms was 33.7 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS), the ASES score, the active ROM of the shoulder and the patient's satisfaction were evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively. The clinical results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon's signed rank test. Results: The mean VAS was $6.6\pm1.1$ before treatment and $0.4\pm0.6$ at 6 month, and the ASES scores for all the patients were significantly better over the six-month period of follow-up (p<0.05). The mean active ROM in abduction was $94.3\pm22.3$ before treatment, $108.7\pm16.3$ at 1 month (p=0.0041) and $164.3\pm5.3$ at six months (p=0.0006). In flexion, it was $105.0\pm23.8$ before treatment, $119.0\pm17.4$ at 1 month(p=0.0075) and $174.3\pm5.3$ at six months (p=0.0006). At the final follow-up, 94% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied after operation. Conclusion: We experienced satisfactory clinical results after a short-term follow-up of arthroscopic transtendinous repair, and we believed this to be an effective procedure for patients with partial articular side tears of the rotator cuff.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.130-137
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• 2012

Purpose: To evaluate and report the clinical outcome after surgical treatment of intra-articular comminuted fracture of distal humerus in the elderly with osteoporosis. Materials and Methods: From January 2007 to October 2009, 24 patients aged older than 65 years with intra-articular comminuted fracture of distal humerus underwent surgical treatment. 18 patients (Group I) were managed using primary open reduction and internal fixation (OR IF) through the modified posterior approach and 6 patients (Group II) were taken primary total elbow arthroplasty. The average follow up period was 17.2 months. According to the AO classification, there were 8 C2, 16 C3 type fractures. All enrolled patients were evaluated radiographically and clinically. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Mayo Elbow Performance, Disabilities of Arm and Shoulder and Hand, and Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment functional questionnaires. Results: The bony union was observed in 18 patients in group I at average 14 weeks. There were 2 patients with neurapraxia of whom the ulnar nerve symptom did not improve despite of anterior transposition. And non-union at osteotomy sites was seen in 2 patients. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance score was 87.0. The mean DASH score was 32.4. The average arc of elbow flexion was $121.0^{\circ}$ (range, $95{\sim}145^{\circ}$) with mean flexion-contracture of $12.0^{\circ}$ (range, 0 to 35). 6 patients in Group II showed no complication during follow up periods. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance score was 89.1. The mean DASH score was 44.3. The average arc of elbow flexion was $125.1^{\circ}$ (range, $100{\sim}145^{\circ}$) with mean flexion-contracture of $12.6^{\circ}$ (range, 0 to 30). Conclusions: With careful patient selection, Total elbow arthroplasty as well as OR IF could achieve good outcomes in elderly of comminuted intra-articular distal humerus fracture with osteoporosis.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2012

Objective: To evaluate if acromial locking in hook plate is necessary for surgical treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation by compare Wolter plate and AO hook plate. Methods: Seventy one patients who have Rockwood type III to V acromioclavicular joint dislocation treated with AO hook plate and Wolter plate were involved. Among them, 39 patients were treated with Wolter hook plate and 32 patients with AO hook plate. The Constant-Murley score and the range of motion of shoulder joint were measured on postoperative 1st ,$3^{rd}$, $6^{th}$ and $12^{th}$ months, and the radiological complications involving plate and bone were investigated. Results: Constant-Murley score of postoperative one year were $83.2{\pm}6.8$ in AO hook plate group and $85.2{\pm}5.3$ in Wolter plate group without statistical difference (p<0.05). Faster recover of forward elevation and external rotation were examined in Wolter plate group at first and third months after surgery than those of AO hook plate group, but there were no significant difference between after six months or later after surgery. Four cases of loosen or broken screws and one case of pull-out of plate were found in Wolter plate group. Seven cases of subacromial bony erosion and one periprosthetic fracture were found in AO hook plate group. Conclusion: Although clinical outcomes of both two methods were same, no matter if acromial locking system was or not. More radiological complication of plate and bone were found in AO hook plate than that of Wolter plate. However also had disadvantage like larger incision during surgery.