• 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.9 no.1
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• pp.68-72
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• 2006

Purpose: To demonstrate arthroscopically the presence of bilateral shoulder "mirror lesions" due to overhead work. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in a historical cohort of 10 male tire plant workers who underwent MRI studies of both shoulders. Bilateral intraarticular shoulder pathology was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed by arthroscopy. "Mirror lesions" were defined as similar pathology between an individual patient's two shoulders. Results: We report on ten patients who had bilateral "mirror lesions." The most common mirror lesions were tears of the rotator cuff. Most patients (7 of 10) had more than one mirror lesion in their shoulders. There were two bilateral full thickness tears involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, four bilateral partial thickness supraspinatus tears, six bilateral partial or upper corner lesion complete subscapularis tears, and one bilateral complete supraspinatus tear. Conclusion: Occupational overhead work with simultaneous use of both arms is associated with bilateral shoulder lesions verified by arthroscopy. By demonstrating the work-related bilateral shoulder involvement, this study suggests an etiopathogenesis for these lesions and provides rational for developing worksite prevention strategies.