• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.130-136
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• 2016

Background: A novel technique for the repair of tears of the upper subscapularis tendon-intraarticular knotless fixation-has been introduced recently. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and structural outcomes of arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation for the treatment of upper subscapularis tendon tears. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiological outcomes of 27 patients who underwent arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation for upper subscapularis tendon tears. Finally, a total of 10 patients who could participate in at least a 6 month follow-up of magnetic resonance imaging evaluation and in a least 1-year follow-up on an outpatient basis were enrolled in our study. The mean age at the time of operation was 60.7 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 14.7 months. Two patients had concomitant tears of the supraspinatus tendon and 8 patients had concomitant tears of the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus tendons. Results: The clinical and radiological outcomes improved after the patients had undertaken arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation. The mean visual analogue scale score for pain during motion improved from 6.7 preoperatively to 1.4 at the final follow-up (p<0.001). The mean Constant score improved from 59.3 preoperatively to 79.6 at the final follow-up, and the mean the University of California at Los Angeles score, from 21.7 to 30.2, respectively (p<0.001 and p<0.001). The upper subscapularis tendon tear was healed in every patient except one (90%), for the patient had suffered from a postoperative trauma that resulted in a retear. Conclusions: We found that arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation gives good clinical and structural outcomes for the repair of upper subscapularis tendon tears. Arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation provided such a reliable and efficient restoration of the subscapularis tendon footprint that we anticipate it will become a widely-used procedure for upper subscapularis tendon tears.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.140-147
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• 2023

Background: The management of acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation remains controversial. Recently, anatomic coracoclavicular (CC) fixation with a double clavicular tunnel and three flip-buttons has shown promising results. This study aimed to evaluate functional and radiological outcomes in patients with high-grade AC joint dislocation treated with anatomic CC fixation using double clavicular tunnels and three flip-buttons. Methods: A retrospective, unicentric study was performed. The study included patients with high-grade AC joint dislocation who underwent surgery with anatomic CC fixation using double clavicular tunnels and three flip-buttons. Demographic data were obtained from medical records. A functional evaluation using subjective shoulder value (SSV), visual analog scale (VAS), and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaires was performed, and an evaluation of preoperative and postoperative comparative Zanca view images was performed. Factors associated with functional outcomes and radiological AC reduction were analyzed. Results: A total of 83 patients completed follow-up and were included in the analysis. The mean SSV, VAS, and DASH scores were 92.8, 0.8, and 6.4, respectively. Patients who had complications experienced significantly worse functional outcomes (DASH: P=0.037). Suboptimal final AC reduction was observed in nine patients (11.1%), and significantly more frequently in patients older than 40 years (P=0.031) and in surgeries performed more than 7 days after injury (P=0.034). There were two reoperations (2.4%). Conclusions: Anatomic CC fixation with a double clavicular tunnel and three flip-buttons leads to good functional outcomes, low complication rates, and high rates of optimal AC reduction.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.95-99
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of locking plate fixation with fibular strut allograft to manage unstable osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 15 patients who underwent open reduction and locking plate fixation with fibular strut allograft for osteoporotic proximal humerus fracture between July 2011 and June 2015. For functional evaluation, we evaluated visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, and active range of motion. For radiological evaluation, shoulder true anteroposterior (AP) and AP in $20^{\circ}$ external rotation, as well as the axillary view were taken at two weeks, six weeks, three months, six months, and one year. And the neck-shaft angle was measured on the AP view in $20^{\circ}$ external rotation view. Results: At the one-year follow-up, mean VAS pain score and all shoulder scores, including ASES score and UCLA shoulder score, exhibited satisfactory clinical outcomes. All patients obtained bone union between three and six months post-procedure. Moreover, the mean immediate postoperative neck-shaft angle was $138^{\circ}{\pm}4^{\circ}$, and at one-year follow-up, the neck shaft angle was $137^{\circ}{\pm}5^{\circ}$. There was no significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative values (p=0.105). Conclusions: For the unstable two-part and three-part osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures with medial calcar comminution, the use of fibular strut allograft with locking plate fixation was effective in maintaining the initial status of reduction and exhibiting the satisfactory functional and radiological outcomes.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 2022

Background: Subscapularis tendon insertion at the first facet has separate layers (deep and superficial). The purpose of this study is to evaluate postoperative clinical outcomes and radiological healing according to each layer of detachment in the first facet involving subscapularis tendon tear. Methods: Eighty-three patients who underwent arthroscopic repair due to First facet involving the scapularis tendon tear accompanying small to medium sized posterosuperior cuff tear were classified into three groups (group A: deep layer partial detachment, group B: deep layer complete detachment, but no superficial layer detachment, and group C: deep layer and superficial layer complete detachment). Subscapularis tendon healing was evaluated using computed tomography arthrogram and clinical result was evaluated using American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, Constant score and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score. Results: Retear rate of the subscapularis tendon was 2.2%, 18.2%, and 33.3% in group A, group B, and group C, respectively. These rates showed statistically significant difference among the three groups, which were classified by deep and superficial layer detachment in the first facet (p=0.003). Group A showed significant difference in subscapularis tendon healing compared with group B and group C (p=0.018 and p<0.001, respectively), but there was no statistical difference between group B and group C (p=0.292). Regarding clinical outcomes, there was no significant difference among three groups in ASES and UCLA score at final follow-up (p=0.070 and p=0.106, respectively). Conclusions: Complete detachment of deep layer may be related with retear occurrence regardless with detachment of superficial layer, but clinical outcome may not be related with each layer detachment in the first facet involving subscapularis tendon tear.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.422-431
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• 2019

Objective : In an aging society, the number of patients with symptomatic degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is increasing and there is an emerging need for fusion surgery. However, few studies have compared transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for the treatment of patients with DS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes between TLIF and LLIF in DS. Methods : We enrolled patients with symptomatic DS at L4-5 who underwent TLIF with open pedicle screw fixation (TLIF group, n=41) or minimally invasive LLIF with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (LLIF group, n=39) and were followed-up for more than one year. Clinical (visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index) and radiological outcomes (spondylolisthesis rate, segmental sagittal angle [SSA], mean disc height [MDH], intervertebral foramen height [FH], cage subsidence, and fusion rate) were assessed. And we assessed the changes in radiological parameters between the postoperative and the last follow-up periods. Results : Preoperative radiological parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. LLIF was significantly superior to TLIF in immediate postoperative radiological results, including reduction of spondylolisthesis rate (3.8% and 7.2%), increase in MDH (13.9 mm and 10.3 mm) and FH (21.9 mm and 19.4 mm), and correction of SSA ($18.9^{\circ}$ and $15.6^{\circ}$) (p<0.01), and the changes were more stable from the postoperative period to the last follow-up (p<0.01). Cage subsidence was observed significantly less in LLIF (n=6) than TLIF (n=21). Fusion rate was not different between the two groups. The clinical outcomes did not differ significantly at any time point between the two groups. Complications were not statistically significant. However, TLIF showed chronic mechanical problems with screw loosening in four patients and LLIF showed temporary symptoms associated with the surgical approach, such as psoas and ileus muscle symptoms in three and two cases, respectively. Conclusion : LLIF was more effective than TLIF for spondylolisthesis reduction, likely due to the higher profile cage and ligamentotactic effect. In addition, LLIF showed mechanical stability of the reduction level by using a cage with a larger footprint. Therefore, LLIF should be considered a surgical option before TLIF for patients with unstable DS.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.6
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• pp.755-762
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• 2017

Objective : The purpose of this study is to describe the detailed surgical technique and short-term clinical and radiological outcomes of lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and in situ lateral screw fixation using a conventional minimally invasive screw fixation system (MISF) for revision surgery to treat rostral lumbar adjacent segment disease. Methods : The medical and radiological records were retrospectively reviewed. The surgery was indicated in 10 consecutive patients with rostral adjacent segment stenosis and instability. After the insertion of the interbody cage, lateral screws were inserted into the cranial and caudal vertebra using the MISF through the same LLIF trajectory. The radiological and clinical outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results : The median follow-up period was 13 months (range, 3-48 months). Transient sensory changes in the left anterior thigh occurred in 3 patients, and 1 patient experienced subjective weakness; however, these symptoms normalized within 1 week. Back and leg pain were significantly improved (p<0.05). In the radiological analysis, both the segmental angle at the operated segment and anterior disc height were significantly increased. At 6 months postoperatively, solid bony fusion was confirmed in 7 patients. Subsidence and mechanical failure did not occur in any patients. Conclusion : This study demonstrates that LLIF and in situ lateral screw fixation may be an alternative surgical option for rostral lumbar adjacent segment disease.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.73-77
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• 2016

Background: The first purpose of this study is to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fracture (Robinson type 2B1 vs. 2B2) with 3.5-mm low profile clavicular locking compression plate. The second purpose is to evaluate the difference of the results depending on the presence of accompanying injuries. Methods: Forty-nine patients who underwent an operation for the fractures were reviewed retrospectively. Fracture patterns were classified according to group 2B1 and 2B2 using Robinson's classification. For radiological outcome, time to union after operation was evaluated and for clinical outcome, American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated from preoperative period to last follow-up period. Results: The mean time for union was not significantly different in the 2B1 group and 2B2 group (p=0.062). No statistically significant difference in ASES score, UCLA score, and VAS was observed between 2B1 and 2B2 (p=0.619, p=0.896, p=0.856, respectively). In ROM, significant higher mean forward flexion and abduction was observed in 2B2 (p=0.025, p=0.017, respectively) and there was no difference in external rotation and external rotation at shoulder $90^{\circ}$ abduction position (p=0.130, p=0.180, respectively). There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes according to the accompanying injuries. Conclusions: There was no difference in clinical and radiological outcome between Robinson 2B1 and 2B2 type fracture after the operation. Accompanying injuries may not affect the clinical result of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.6
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• pp.703-715
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• 2023

Objective : This retrospective study investigated the factors that affect cage obliquity angle despite orthogonal maneuvers performed during oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) and assessed the relationship between cage obliquity angle and radiological outcomes post-surgery. Methods : Twenty-nine males who underwent L4-L5 OLIF for lumbar degenerative disease between 2019 and 2021 with a followup duration greater than 12 months were analyzed. Radiological parameters were measured including psoas muscle volume, total psoas area index (total psoas muscle area [cm²]/height squared [m²]), distance from the iliac artery to the origin of the psoas muscle (DIAPM), angle between the origin of the psoas muscle and the center of the vertebral disc (APCVD), iliac crest height, disc height, lumbar flexibility (lumbar flexion angle minus extension angle), cage location ratio, cage-induced segmental lumbar lordosis (LL) (postoperative index level segmental LL minus used cage angle), foraminal height changes, fusion grade. Results : DIAPM, APCVD, iliac crest height, postoperative index level segmental LL, and cage-induced segmental LL were significantly correlated with OLIF cage obliquity angle. However, other radiological parameters did not correlate with cage obliquity. Based on multiple regression analysis, the predictive equation for the OLIF cage obliquity angle was 13.062-0.318×DIAPM+0.325×1APCVD+0.174×iliac crest height. The greater the cage obliquity, the smaller the segmental LL compared to the cage angle used. Conclusion : At the L4-L5 level, OLIF cage obliquity was affected by DIAPM, APCVD, and iliac crest height, and as the cage obliquity angle increases, LL agnle achievable by the used cage could not be obtained.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.2-7
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• 2016

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes after open reduction and plate fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures between patients who achieved successful anatomical reduction and those who had a remaining fracture gap even after open reduction and plate fixation, and were thus treated with additional demineralized bone matrix (DBM). Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted on 56 consecutive patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using a locking compression plate for acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures, and who underwent radiographic and clinical outcome evaluations at least 6 months postoperatively. The outcomes between those who achieved perfect anatomical reduction without remnant gap (n=32) and those who had a remaining fracture gap even after open reduction and plate fixation treated with additional DBM (n=24) were evaluated. Results: There were no differences in the use of lag screws or wiring and operation time (all p>0.05) between those with and without remnant gap. No difference in the average radiological union time and clinical outcomes (satisfaction and Constant score) was observed between the two groups (all p>0.05). However, significantly faster union time was observed for AO type A fracture compared with other types (p=0.012), and traffic accident showed association with worse clinical outcomes compared with other causes of injury. Conclusions: Surgical outcome of midshaft clavicle fracture was more affected by initial fracture type and event, and re-reduction and re-fixation of the fracture to obtain a perfect anatomical reduction spending time appears to be unnecessary if rigid fixation is achieved.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.220-226
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• 2019

Background: This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate mid-term clinical and radiological outcomes of lattisimus dorsi (LD) tendon transfer in patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (MRCT). We hypothesize that LD tendon transfer would provide safe and satisfactory clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up. Methods: From November 2008 to December 2016, 23 patients ($57.5{\pm}4.4years$; 20 male, 3 female) who underwent LD tendon transfer for massive tears, were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were irreparable MRCT. Exclusion criteria included full thickness subscapularis tear, rotator cuff arthropathy, anterosuperior rotator cuff tear, and osteoarthritis. Mean follow-up period was $4.7{\pm}4.0years$ (range, 2-12 years). Clinical assessment (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA], Simple Shoulder Test [SST]) and radiographic assessment (osteoarthritis [OA], acromiohumeral distance [AHI]) were evaluated. Results: ASES, UCLA and SST scores, and range of motion (ROM), except internal rotation, improved significantly at the last followup (p<0.05). Also, AHI was significantly improved at the last follow-up, from 6.6 mm to 8.2 mm (p=0.008). At the final follow-up, the radiologic stages of the glenohumeral osteoarthritis were determined as stage 1 in 9 patients, stage 2 in 10 patients, stage 3 in 2 patients, and stage 4 in 2 patients. Complications were observed in 21.7% cases: 3 re-tears and 2 infections were noted in our study. Conclusions: LD tendon transfer for irreparable MRCT provides satisfactory clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up. Mild degenerative osteoarthritis (stage 1, 2) of the shoulder joint are common at the mid-term follow-up. Also, complications such as tear, infection should be considered.