• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.438-444
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• 2023

Irreparable massive rotator cuff tears can significantly impact daily life; and these types of tears can be difficult to repair completely, especially in younger patients who are more active and have higher functional requirements. Since its introduction by Mihata and the colleagues, superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) has gained popularity in the treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears and has shown promising short-term results. A variety of studies have focused on the clinical and biomechanical outcomes of this procedure. This article reviews the biomechanics, indications for the surgical procedure, graft options, surgical technique, and rehabilitation from SCR.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.77-81
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• 2008

The goal of rotator cuff repairs is to achieve high initial fixation strength, minimize gap formation, maintain mechanical stability under cyclic loading and optimize the biology of the tendon-bone interface until the cuff heals biologically to the bone. Single row repairs are least successful in restoring the footprint of the rotator cuff and are most susceptible to gap formation. Double row repairs have an improved load to failure and minimal gap formation. Transosseous equivalent repairs (suture bridge technique) have the highest ultimate load and resistance to shear and rotational forces and the lowest gap formation. Even though the superior advantages of double row and transosseous equivalent repairs, those techniques take longer surgical time and are more expensive than single row repairs. Therefore single row repairs can be useful in bursal side partial thickness or small size full thickess rotator cuff tear.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.3-9
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• 2017

Background: Many hyaluronic acid (HA)-based anti-adhesive agents have been commercialized for clinical use in the pharmaceutical market. But their efficacy in arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs remains elusive. To determine their efficacy, we performed a comparative analysis of the effects of two hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-based anti-adhesive agents, Protescal and Guardix. Methods: We recruited a total of 256 patients who had received an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at our hospital between January 2014 and March 2015. Among them, 96 patients fulfilled the study's selection criteria and were enrolled as the final population sample. Thirty patients who had received a postoperative injection of Protescal were allocated into Group A. Another 30 patients who had received a postoperative injection of Guardix were allocated into Group B. As controls, 36 patients who did not receive any injection were allocated into Group C. The patients included in this study were aged between 19 and 75 years. For the clinical assessment, we measured the following clinical parameters-the visual analogue scale for pain (PVAS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and the constant score, as well as passive range of motions (ROMs)-at three time-points (preoperatively, 2-month postoperatively, and 6-month postoperatively). Results: We found that Group A compared to Group B tended to show a swifter recovery in passive anterior elevation and in internal rotation by the 2-month postoperative follow-up, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: We found that the effects of HA/CMC-based injections were minimal after arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2018

Background: This study is performed to evaluate anchor-related outcomes and complications after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using 30% ${\beta}$-tricalcium phosphate (${\beta}$-TCP) with 70% poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) biocomposite suture anchors. Methods: A total of 78 patients (mean age, $61.3{\pm}6.9years$) who underwent arthroscopic medium-to-large full-thickness rotator cuff tear repair were enrolled. The technique employed 30% ${\beta}$-TCP with 70% PLGA biocomposite suture anchors at the medial row (38 patients, Healix $BR^{TM}$ anchor [Healix group]; 40 patients, Fixone anchor B [Fixone group]). The radiologic outcomes (including perianchor cyst formation or bone substitution) and anatomical outcomes of the healing failure rate were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging at least 6 months after surgery, the pain visual analogue scale at 3, 6 months, and final follow-up visit, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores at least 1 year postoperatively. Anchor-related complications were also evaluated. Results: The perianchor cyst formation incidence was similar for both groups (60.5%, Healix group; 60.0%, Fixone group; p=0.967), although severe perianchor cyst incidence was slightly lower in the Fixone group (15.0%) than in the Healix group (21.1%). There was no occurrence of anchor absorption and bone substitution. No differences were observed in the healing failure rate (13.2%, Healix group; 15.0%, Fixone group; p=0.815) and functional outcome between groups (all p>0.05). Anchor breakage occurred in 5 patients (2 Healix anchors and 3 Fixone anchors); however, there were no major anchor-related complications in either group. Conclusions: No differences were observed in the clinical outcomes of the Healix and Fixone groups, neither were there any accompanying major anchor-related complications.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2016

Purpose: This study intended to mediate shoulder exercise using grasping and investigate examine how its effects on affects activities of the shoulder surrounding muscles of the shoulder and thickness of shoulder muscle to suggest effective exercise for patients with rotator cuff repair to return to daily life. Methods: This study has been done targeteding male patients more than 6 weeks after having En-masse Suture Bridge Technique as rotator cuff repair of the right shoulder, aged 40 to 55 in a medical institution located in Jeollanam-do. Experimental group I (n=15) was selected for a conducting common exercise therapy program and Experimental group II (n=15) was selected for an conducting exercise therapy program using grasping. %RVC was measured by surface electromyography and muscle thickness was measured by ultrasound before mediation to for analysisze of before and after results within group and between groups. Results: In comparison of change of %RVC, Tthere were meaningful differences in only posterior deltoid and infraspinatus in comparing a change of %RVC within experimental group I (p<0.001),. and Tthere were meaningful differences in both supraspinatus and infraspinatus in muscle thickness within experimental group I (p<0.001). In comparison of change of %RVC, Tthere were meaningful differences in anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid and infraspinatus in comparing a change of %RVC within experimental group II (p<0.05)(p<0.01) (p<0.001), and there were meaningful differences in both supraspinatus and infraspinatus in muscle thickness within experimental group II (p<0.001). In comparison of change of %RVC between groups, Tthere was a meaningful difference in only posterior deltoid in comparing a change of %RVC between groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: We found that exercise therapy using grasping has a positive effect on shoulder stability muscles such as supraspinatus muscle and infraspinatus muscle and activity of deltoid muscle.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.71-81
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• 2023

Background: This study evaluated the clinical and radiologic outcomes of onlay patch augmentation in rotator cuff repair for moderate-to-large tears in elderly patients. Methods: We reviewed 24 patients who underwent onlay augmentation with dermal allograft after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from January 2017 to March 2020. Inclusion criteria were patients aged >65 years with tears >2.5 cm, who were followed for >12 months after surgery, and patients who could raise their arms above 90° preoperatively. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score, pain visual analog scale (VAS), and VAS for satisfaction were used as clinical outcomes. For the evaluation of cuff integrity, magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed every 3 months after surgery. The results were compared before and after surgery in all patients and between the retear and intact groups. Results: The average follow-up period was 16.38 months, and the mean age of patients was 71.05 years. All patients showed significant improvement in ASES score, Constant-Murley score, and pain VAS at the last evaluation. The average value of satisfaction VAS was 7.27/10. The retear rate was 25% (6/24) if Sugaya type 3 was categorized in the retear group, otherwise 16.7% (4/24), if Sugaya type 3 was categorized into the intact group. Irrespective of Sugaya type 3 being included in the retear group, there was no significant difference in outcome variables between the intact and retear groups during follow-up. Conclusions: In moderate-to-large rotator cuff tear in elderly patients, onlay patch augmentation improved clinical outcomes. Retear did not adversely affect clinical outcomes.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2003

Objectives: To analyze the postoperative functional outcome of shoulder in patients with arthroscopically assisted repair of large to massive rotator cuff tears with or without acromioplasty and role of acromioplasty. Materials and Methods: From June 1996 to June 2002, twenty six patients with large to massive rotator cuff tears were undergone arthroscopically assisted repair. Mean follow up was over one year. Fourteen were male and twelve were female. Mean age was 51 years old(39-66). Mean duration was 9 months. Acromioplasty was done in 14 cases concomitantly. They were divided into two groups. Group I: arthroscopic cuff repair with acromioplasty(14 cases). Group II: arthroscopic cuff repair without acromioplasty(12 cases). Each shoulder was evaluated at preoperative and final follow-up with Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), University of Pennsylvania Patient self-assessment of pain, University of Pennsylvania Patient self-assessment of function, ASES standardized shoulder assessment form, Simple Shoulder Test, UCLA score and range of motion(ROM). We analyzed the differences between the two groups. Shoulder ROM and acromioplasty were determining factors. Statistics was tested by correlation analysis and repeated measure ANOVA test. Results: At the final follow up, functional outcome and pain were improved but they had no statistical significance between the two groups(p>0.05). Combined procedure, acromioplasty, didn't affect on VAS. UCLA score, University of Pennsylvania Patient self-assessment of pain, University of Pennsylvania Patient self-assessment of function, ASf:S standardized shoulder assessment form and Simple Shoulder Test(p>0.05). In group II, forward flexion and abduction were statistically improved at the final follow up than in group I(p<0.05). Conclusions: It appears that arthroscopic repair is satisfactory procedure in patients with large to massive cuff tears. Combined procedure, acromioplasty, doesn't affect on postoperative functional outcome of shoulder.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.150-158
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• 2009

Purpose: With the better understanding of cuff function, partial repair or "force couple repair" for treating massive irreparable rotator cuff tear has gained some popularity. However, there were few reports on the results of partial repair. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcome of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears who received arthroscopic force-couple repair or partial repair. Materials and Methods: From June 2005 to Feb 2008, arthroscopic partial repairs were performed for 16 irreparable rotator cuff tears among the 101 large to massive rotator cuff tears that were operated on. Clinical and radiographic evaluation were done at the final follow-up. Results: There were 7 men and 9 women with a mean age of 66.6 years. The mean follow-up period was 27.3 month (range: 15-46). The pain VAS improved from 4.4 ($\pm2.50$) to 2.1 ($\pm2.26$) and the functional VAS improved from 46.9 ($\pm16.64$) to 70.0 ($\pm22.80$). The ASES score improved from 39.0 ($\pm10.80$) to 80.3 ($\pm16.78$) and the KSS score was 81.9 ($\pm16.74$) at the final follow-up. The acromio-humeral distance was 6.6 cm ($\pm1.74$) preoperatively and 6.2 cm ($\pm1.69$) postoperatively without significant change (p=0.3874). The degenerative changes had no statistically progressed (p=0.2663). Conclusion: Partial repair for massive rotator cuff injury patients showed improvement in the clinical score without progression of arthritic change at a mean of 2.3 years follow-up.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.53-61
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of serial ultrasonography (USG) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and to assess the re-tear rate and the re-tear time according to the tear sizes and the repair method. Materials and Methods: Between January 2008 and June 2008, 52 patients were treated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, Of the 52 patients, 29 patients that had undergone more than six months follow-up underwent preoperative USG examinations and subsequent arthroscopic examinations. MRI and USG findings were compared with intraoperative results of arthroscopic examinations. The postoperative integrity of the rotator cuff was observed using serial USG examination performed postoperatively at two weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months. Results: Small to medium rotator cuff tear were identified in 10 patients where the double pulley suture bridge (DPSB) technique was performed; the re-tear rate was 20%. For 19 patients with large to massive rotator cuff tears, the re-tear rates was 100% for six patients who had undergone tendon to tendon (TT) repair, the re-tear rate was 50% for two patients who had undergone tendon to tendon and bone to tendon (TTBT) repair and the re-tear rate was 55% for11 patients where the DPSB technique was performed. Re-tear rates according to follow-up periods were 7% from two to six weeks, 66% from six weeks to three months and 27% from three to six months postoperatively. Conclusion: Serial USG examinations after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were useful to assess the re-tear rate and the re-tear time. In addition, USG examination were useful for treatment planning during postoperative rehabilitation.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.242-248
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• 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of the arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for partial articular surface tendon avulsion lesion. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients with symptomatic, partial articular surface tendon avulsion underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between Mar. 2006 and Sep. 2008. The mean follow-up period was 18.3 months(12~36 months), and the mean age at the time of surgery was 46.9-year-old(19~64 years). Three cases had underwent rotator cuff repair after conversion to full-thickness tear and nine cases had transtendon repair with preserving bursal side cuff. Results: The mean VAS during motion was 6.2 before treatment and 2.0 at final follow-up (p<0.001). The passive forward flexion improved from $163.3^{\circ}$ preoperatively to $169.8^{\circ}$ postoperatively (p=0.038). The mean UCLA score improved from 18.4 preoperatively to 30.1 with 2 excellent, 8 good and 2 fair results at final follow-up. The mean KSS improved from 61.8 preoperatively to 76.8 at final follow-up. By examining the postoperative MR images of 5 patients, complete healing was observed in all of them. Conclusion: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair may be an effective procedure for partial articular surface tendon avulsion in pain relief and improvement of the range of motion. If the remaining bursal side cuff fibers are intact, transtendon repair procedure with preserving the intact bursal layer of the tendon can be considered. If the remaining bursal side cuff fibers are friable or little, completion from partial-thickness to full-thickness tears with subsequent cuff repair can be considered.