• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.114-121
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• 2021

Irreparable massive rotator cuff tears cause pain, loss of function, and a decrease in range of motion, which cause serious disturbances in daily life. Young patients, in particular, are active and have relatively high functional requirements, and their surgical options are limited. Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) was first proposed for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears, good clinical results have been reported in short-term follow up. Since then, SCR has been used increasingly worldwide for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears, and various studies have been published on clinical outcomes, biomechanical outcomes, surgical techniques, and graft types. This article reviews the optimal graft and surgical options for improving clinical outcomes in SCR.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.126-130
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• 2024

Anterior glenohumeral instability with an irreparable subscapularis tear is a challenging problem for the orthopedic shoulder surgeon. Current techniques, including tendon transfers, yield inconsistent results with high rates of recurrent instability. Acellular dermal allografting has been used in young patients with massive superior rotator cuff tears with early success, but acellular dermal allografting is comparatively unstudied in anterior deficiency. We present two cases of anterior capsular reconstruction with an acellular dermal allograft in patients ages 66 and 58 years with irreparable subscapularis tendon tears. Follow-up for both patients exceeded 4 years, with forward flexion >140°, external rotation exceeding 60°, a Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score >90 points, a visual analog scale score of 0 points, and an American Shoulder and Elbow Score of 98 points. In conclusion, acellular dermal allografting can be used to reconstruct the anterior capsule in patients with massive irreparable subscapularis tears, similar to its use in superior capsular reconstruction in patients with massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

• 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.21 no.2
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• pp.59-66
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• 2018

Background: Massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are a challenging clinical problem in young patients. In recent years, arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) is a popular treatment in the massive, irreparable RCTs. However, studies reporting clinical results of ASCR are rare in the literature. Methods: Between 2013 and 2015, six patients underwent ASCR. One patient treated with dermal allograft, while five patients with autogenous fascia lata graft. Demographic data, as well as preoperative and last follow-up clinical data including pain, range of motion (ROM), strength, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons system, the Constant system, the University of California at Los Angeles system, the Simple Shoulder Test, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index system were obtained. Acromiohumeral distances and Hamada classification were measured on standard anteroposterior x-ray. Results: All patients were men, and the average age was $59.5{\pm}4.18years$ (range, 53-65 years).The minimum follow-up was 18 months with a mean follow-up was $27.33{\pm}7.58months$ (range, 18-36). All patients had postoperative improvement in pain scores and functional scores. The ROM and strength did not improve after surgery. The Hamada score progressed of radiographic stage in 2 patients. In the case of dermal allograft, there was graft failure 6 weeks after ASCR. Conclusions: Our results support the ASCR as a viable treatment for surgical salvage in massive, irreparable RCTs. This treatment option may provide patients with decreased pain and increased function. And studying our case of dermal allograft failure provides opportunities to decrease graft failure in ASCR using dermal allograft.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.155-162
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• 2016

Background: The study aimed to determine the type of capsular insertion and the extent of capsular elongation in anterior shoulder instability by quantitatively evaluating their computed tomography arthrographic (CTA) findings, and to investigate the correlation of these parameters with surgical outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 71 patients who underwent CTA and arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction for anterior shoulder instability between April 2004 and August 2008. The control group comprised 72 patients diagnosed as isolated type II superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion during the period. Among the 143 patients, 71 were examined with follow-up CTA at an average 13.8 months after surgery. It was measured the capsular length and cross-sectional area at two distinct capsular regions: the 4 and 5 o'clock position of the capsule. Results: With regards to the incidence of the type of anterior capsular insertion, type I was more common in the control group, whereas type III more common than in the instability group. Anterior capsular length and cross-sectional area were significantly greater in the instability group than in the control group. Among patients of the instability group, the number of dislocations and the presence of anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion lesion were significantly associated with anterior capsular redundancy. Postoperatively, recurrence was found in 3 patients (4.2%) and their postoperative capsular length and cross-sectional area were greater than those of patients without recurrence. Conclusions: Capsular insertion type and capsular redundancy derived through CTA may serve as important parameters for the management of anterior shoulder instability.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.140-145
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• 2020

Background Capsular contracture is a common complication of two-stage expander/implant breast reconstruction. To minimize the risk of this complication, capsulectomy is performed using monopolar cautery or ultrasonic surgical instrumentation, the latter of which can be conducted with a Harmonic scalpel. To date, there is disagreement regarding which of the two methods is superior. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes between a group of patients who underwent surgery using a Harmonic scalpel and another group treated with monopolar cautery. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who underwent capsulectomy as part of two-stage breast reconstruction between January 2018 and February 2019 and who received at least 1 month of follow-up after surgery. Operative time and postoperative outcomes, including drainage duration, were analyzed. Results In total, 36 female patients underwent capsulectomy. The monopolar group consisted of 18 patients and 22 breasts, while the Harmonic scalpel group consisted of 18 patients and 21 breasts. There was no statistically significant difference in demographics between the two groups. The Harmonic scalpel group had a significantly shorter mean drainage duration (6.65 days vs. 7.36 days) and a smaller mean total drainage volume (334.69 mL vs. 433.54 mL) than the monopolar cautery group (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed with regard to seroma or hematoma formation. Conclusions The Harmonic scalpel approach for capsulectomy reduced the total drainage volume and drainage duration compared to the monopolar cautery approach. Therefore, this approach could serve as a good alternative to electrocautery.