• 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.22 no.3
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• pp.128-134
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• 2019

Background: Patients with rotator cuff tears are usually afflicted with shoulder pain and disability. However, it is unclear which factors are related to shoulder pain in patients with rotator cuff tears. This study was therefore undertaken to determine the factors correlated with shoulder pain in patients with painful rotator cuff tears, but without any history of trauma. Methods: We evaluated a cohort of 745 patients with painful rotator cuff tears having no trauma history, and analyzed the relationship between pain and multiple factors including demographic data, tear characteristics, and passive range of motion. Pain was analyzed with a questionnaire concerning the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Tear characteristics were determined by evaluating tear size, muscle atrophy, number of torn tendons, and presence of arthritis. Multivariate linear regression analysis and chi-squared test were applied to evaluate the relationship between the VAS for pain and variable factors. Results: Shoulder pain was associated with young age (p=0.01), male sex (p=0.01) and the presence of diabetes mellitus (p<0.001). Measurements of rotator cuff tear characteristics including tear size (p=0.53), muscle atrophy (p=0.16) and the number of torn tendons (p=0.34) did not correlate with shoulder pain. Symptom duration (p=0.60) and range of motion (p>0.05) also showed no correlation with VAS for pain. Conclusions: Young age, male sex and the presence of diabetes mellitus correlated positively with preoperative shoulder pain in patients with painful rotator cuff tears without a trauma history. Combined treatment of pain management and risk factor correction could be helpful to control preoperative shoulder pain.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.211-216
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• 2015

Background: Few studies have investigated magnetic resonance (MR) characteristics of traumatic posterosuperior rotator cuff tears involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. We hypothesized that traumatic rotator cuff tears may have MR characteristics distinguishable from those of non-traumatic tears. Methods: Preoperative MR arthrography and intraoperative tear size measurements were compared in 302 patients who underwent MR arthrography and subsequent arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs for traumatic (group T, 61 patients) or non-traumatic (group NT, 241 patients) tears. The inclusion criteria for both groups were posterosuperior full-thickness rotator cuff tear and age between 40 and 60 years. For group T, traumas were limited to accidental falls or slips, or sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents; injuries were associated with acute onset of pain followed by functional shoulder impairment; and time between injury and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was 6 weeks or less. Results: In group T, 72.1% of shoulders (44 patients) had tendon tears with blunt edges while 27.9% of shoulders (17 patients) had tears with tapering edges. In contrast, 21.2% of patients in group NT (51 patients) had blunt-edge tears, while 78.8% (190 patients) of tears had tapering edges. These results were statistically significant (p<0.001) and estimated odds ratio was 9.6. The size of tear did not vary significantly between groups. Conclusions: We found no exclusive MR characteristic to define traumatic tears. However, oblique coronal MRI of traumatic tears showed a significant tendency for abrupt and rough torn tendon edges and relatively consistent tendon thicknesses (without lateral tapering) compared to non-traumatic cuff tears.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.10-19
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• 2023

Background: Tendon degeneration contributes to rotator cuff tears; however, its role in postoperative structural integrity is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with postoperative structural integrity after rotator cuff repair, particularly focusing on the histology of tendons harvested intraoperatively. Methods: A total of 56 patients who underwent primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between 2009 and 2011 were analyzed. A 3-mm-diameter sample of supraspinatus tendons was harvested en bloc from each patient after minimal debridement of the torn ends. Tendon degeneration was assessed using seven histological parameters on a semi-quantitative grading scale, and the total degeneration score was calculated. One-year postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was used to classify the patients based on retear. Results: The total degeneration scores in the healed and retear groups were 13.93±2.03 and 14.08±2.23 (P=0.960), respectively. Arthroscopically measured anteroposterior (AP) tear sizes in the healed and retear groups were 24.30±12.35 mm and 36.42±25.23 mm (P=0.026), respectively. Preoperative visual analog scale pain scores at rest in the healed and retear groups were 3.54±2.37 and 5.16±2.16 (P=0.046), respectively. Retraction sizes in the healed and retear groups were 16.02±7.587 mm and 22.33±13.364 mm (P=0.037), respectively. The odds of retear rose by 4.2% for every 1-mm increase in AP tear size (P=0.032). Conclusions: The postoperative structural integrity of the rotator cuff tendon was not affected by tendon degeneration, whereas the arthroscopically measured AP tear size of the rotator cuff tendon was an independent predictor of retear. Level of evidence: III.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.64-67
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• 2014

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether in patients with rotator cuff tears a correlation exists between molecular changes and clinical parameters such as age, duration of symptom, range of motion, and tear size. Molecular changes of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) were assessed by measuring messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of the two proteins. Methods: The rotator cuff tissue from was obtained from the edge of a torn tendon revealed after debridement by a motorized shaver. Using the sample of rotator cuff tissue, the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA expression. To determine whether mRNA levels and the clinical variables, such as age, defect size, range of motion (ROM) of shoulder, and duration of symptoms, show any correlation, Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to test for significant differences. Results: There was an inverse correlation between the mRNA levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 from the torn rotator cuff tendons regardless of the clinical variables. However, comparison of mRNA levels versus clinical parameters such as age, defect size, range of motion and duration of symptoms revealed a number of findings. We found a significant correlation between age and mRNA levels of MMP-2 from torn cuffs (r = 0.513, p = 0.021). Further, we found a significant correlation between defect size in the full thickness tears and mRNA levels of MMP-2 (r = 0.454, p = 0.045). Conversely, no significant association between mRNA levels of MMP-2 and ROM or duration of symptom was found. Conclusions: Our results suggest that both MMP-2 and TIMP-2 may be involved in the disease process of rotator cuff tears. Although the level of mRNA expression of MMP-2 and TMP-2 remain constant in torn rotator cuffs irrespective of the clinical variables, their levels may be influenced by age and defect size, which could account to change in tendon degradation and the healing process.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.119-125
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• 2009

The primary purposes of revision repair for a failed rotator cuff repair are a relief of pain and functional improvement. Therefore, revision repair is most proper in patients with the functional deficit accompanied with the shoulder weakness as well as the persistent pain. The important factor that is considered in revision repair is a quality of torn cuff. Especially, Care must be taken to ensure that the revision repair is possible, considering the size of tendon defect, atrophy of the muscle, fatty infiltration and extent of the retraction of tendon. Revision repair of a failed rotator cuff repair is more difficult, and the functional results are less satisfactory than those of primary repair, because excessive bursal scarring and tendon retraction may be exhibited, a large or massive tear is often detected, tear has usually been present for a long time, and a quality of muscle-tendon may be poor. So, we discuss our experiences related to revision repair after a failed cuff repair that has been recently introduced through the articles.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.24-28
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• 2008

Purpose: We wanted to determine if preoperative three dimensional (3D) ultrasonographic evaluation for rotator cuff tear is useful to measure the real size of a torn rotator cuff for performing an operation Materials and Methods: This study included 15 cases (7 males and 8 female), and these patients were confirmed to have a full thickness tear of the rotator cuff by 3D ultrasonography and the operative findings, as well as on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The average age of the patients was 55.4yrs. Results: The average difference between the 3D ultrasonographic and operative measurements of the full thickness tear of the rotator cuff was 0.7 mm in the transverse length and 2.0 mm in the longitudinal length. Conclusion: The low error between the 3D ultrasonographic and intraoperative measurements of rotator cuff tear shows the usefulness of preoperative 3D ultrasonographic evaluation for rotator cuff tear.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.206-210
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• 2015

Background: Assessment of the clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair is essential for their effectiveness on treatment. The Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society devised the Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS) for patients with rotator cuff disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the availability of the KSS for assessment of clinical outcomes in patients after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and for comparison with other appraisal scoring systems. Methods: A total of 130 patients with partial-thickness or full-thickness rotator cuff tear who underwent arthroscopic repair using a single row or double row suture bridge technique were enrolled. The average follow-up period was 25.9 months. All patients were classified according to various factors. Comparison within corresponding categories was performed, and the correlation between the KSS and other shoulder assessment methods including University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was analyzed. Results: Total score of the KSS response had increased from 59.6 preoperatively to 88.96 at last follow-up. All KSS domains, including function, pain, satisfaction, range of motion, and muscle power had improved up to 24 months postoperatively. Statistical significance was observed mainly in preoperative measurements with number and size of torn tendons, and greater than or equal to grade 3 of fatty infiltration. The KSS was best correlated with the UCLA scoring system in both preoperative (r=0.785) and postoperative (r=0.951) measurements. Conclusions: The KSS was highly reliable and valid as a discriminative instrument, and it showed strong correlation with ASES and UCLA scoring systems.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.49-52
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• 2010

Purpose: We introduce arthroscopically assisted mini-open rotator cuff repair using anterolateral approach. Operative Technique: Placing lateral decubitus position on general anesthesia, a standard arthroscopic glenohumeral examination is performed to evaluate lesions of shoulder joint through posterior and anterior portal. And then arthroscope is placed in the subacromial space and we evaluate the size of the torn tendon and perform arthroscopic acromioplasty through lateral portal. A 3 to 4 cm skin incision is performed from anterolateral edge of acromion to distal and dissected along to raphe between anterior and middle deltoid. A deltoid retractor is then placed, allowing direct visualization of the rotator cuff and humeral head. As torn tendon is tagged by traction suture, we try to anatomical reduction on the footprint and then perform single row or double row repair of the rotator cuff using suture anchors. To prevent avulsion of the deltoid from the acromion, additional sutures by bone tunnel with acromion and deltoid is performed. Conclusion: This technique is useful procedure to get direct approach to anterior portion of supraspinatus tendon and to need lesser deltoid retraction than portal extension approach due to dividing along to raphe between anterior and middle deltoid. Also it provide better visualization of the superior portion of subscapularis and infraspinatus.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.38-45
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• 2020

Purpose: To examine the clinical and structural outcomes of an at least two-year follow-up of arthroscopic full-thickness rotator cuff repairs with a single-row or suture-bridge technique in patients more than 65 years of age. Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear who were more than 65 years of age, underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair after at least six months of conservative treatment, agreed to take a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) six months postoperatively, and visited outpatient for at least two years were enrolled in this study. Clinical evaluations were done using The University of California Los Angeles score, Constant Shoulder Score, and visual analogue scale evaluated two years after the surgery. The structural integrity was analyzed using follow-up MRI. During surgery, a suture-bridge technique was used if the rotator cuff tendon could cover half of the footprint under constant tension. Otherwise, single-row repair was performed. Results: The samples were 158 cases, consisting of 93 single-repairs and 65 suture-bridge repairs. A preoperative comparison of the age distribution, fatty degeneration of supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle, medial retraction of torn cuff tendon, and tear size between the two groups were not significant. The clinical scores were improved significantly in all cases. The distribution of the structural integrity by Sugaya classification were 49 cases in type 1 (31.0%), 62 cases in type 2 (39.2%), 30 cases in type 3 (19.0%), 11 cases in type 4 (7.0%), and six cases in type 5 (3.8%). The re-tear rate of the single-row group was 9.7% (nine out of 93 cases) and 12.3% (eight out of 65 cases) for the suture-bridge group. Conclusion: Satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes were achieved after arthroscopic full-thickness rotator cuff repair in patients more than 65 years of age. Both single-row and suture-bridge techniques would be beneficial for the elderly.