• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2016

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether a modified fluoroscopic technique for positioning a hook plate affected the clinical results of treating Neer type II distal clavicle fractures and Rockwood type V acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations with this device. Methods: The study was a retrospective consecutive case series with data analysis. Sixty-four patients with a Neer type II distal clavicle fracture or a Rockwood type V AC joint injury treated between March 2009 and June 2013 were divided into 2 groups: traditional fluoroscopic technique (traditional view, 31 patients) or modified fluoroscopic technique ('hook' view, 33 patients). A visual analogue scale (VAS) score, the modified University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scale score, and radiographic osteolysis were the main outcome measures. Results: The traditional group included a significantly larger number of patients with acromial osteolysis than the hook view group: 23 patients (74.2%) vs. 11 patients (33.3%), respectively (p=0.01). Before plate removal, the hook group reported less pain and higher UCLA shoulder scale scores than the traditional group: average VAS score, 1.55 vs. 2.26, respectively; average UCLA score, 30.88 vs. 27.06, respectively. However, there was no significant difference after plate removal. Conclusions: The hook view allows more accurate bending of the hook plate around the contour of the acromion, resulting in decreased osteolysis, decreased pain, and better function with the plate in situ.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.138-146
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• 2017

Background: Arthroscopic fixations for large and comminuted bony Bankart lesions are technically difficult. We developed an arthroscopic multiple pulled suture (MPS) technique to restore large and comminuted bony Bankart lesions. Methods: Ten patients (mean age, 49.8 years; range, 31-79 years) underwent bony Bankart repair using the illustrated MPS technique and were then followed for a mean of 27.3 months. A plain radiograph series and three-dimensional computed tomography scans were taken at the initial clinical evaluation and 3 months postoperatively. Outcome measurements included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Rowe score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and subjective patient satisfaction, along with surgical complications. Results: Union of an osseous fragment with the glenoid rim was confirmed in all patients on a computed tomography scan 3 months after operation. The osseous fragment was restored to proper articular congruence and reduction. The affected shoulder was stable in nine of the 10 patients. One patient presented with a redislocation after a sports injury 3 years postoperatively. The ASES, Rowe, and UCLA scores improved at the final evaluation, and median patient satisfaction at the final follow-up was 9 of 10 points (range, 6-10 points). Conclusions: The arthroscopic MPS technique for bony Bankart lesions with large or comminuted osseous fragments was a relatively easy and safe method for stable fixation of the osseous fragment. Therefore, the arthroscopic MPS technique resulted in good restoration of stability with high patient satisfaction and low complication rates.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.79-85
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical features, strength, function, and upper extremity musculoskeletal pain during rehabilitation of manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The degree and frequency of upper extremity musculoskeletal pain were measured in persons with spinal cord injuries using manual wheelchairs with the use of questionnaires. The pain scores of the hand, wrist, and shoulder joints were calculated by multiplying the seriousness and frequency of pain. We collected data on the manual muscle test, Spinal Cord Independent Measure-III, and the Body Mass Index. Statistical analysis was performed by descriptive analysis and Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: A total of 47 patients participated in this study and the neurological level of the injuries ranged from C2 to S5. Pain in the shoulder joints was the most common in persons with tetraplegia and paraplegia. Pain was experienced as mild to moderate, and occurred one or more times a week. Of the 32 persons with paraplegia, the most common area of complaint was the shoulder. Of the 15 persons with paraplegia, the shoulder joints were the most common site of pain. The independence levels of the persons with spinal cord injuries were highly correlated to muscle strength levels (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study investigated upper extremity musculoskeletal pain during rehabilitation of manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries and the relationship between physical features, strength, and function. In most persons with spinal cord injuries, pain and frequency of shoulder joints were high and pain levels were also related to functional levels.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.380-389
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• 2023

Background: Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with a nonspherical humeral head component and inlay glenoid is a successful bone-preserving treatment for glenohumeral arthritis. This study aimed to describe the 90-day complication profile of TSA with this prosthesis and compare major and minor complication and readmission rates between inpatient- and outpatient-procedure patients. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing TSA with a nonspherical humeral head and inlay glenoid in the inpatient and outpatient settings by a single surgeon between 2017 and 2022. Age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and 90-day complication and readmission rates were compared between inpatient and outpatient groups. Results: One hundred eighteen TSAs in 111 patients were identified. Mean age was 64.9 years (range, 39-90) and 65% of patients were male. Ninety-four (80%) and 24 (20%) patients underwent outpatient and inpatient procedures, respectively. Four complications (3.4%) were recorded: axillary nerve stretch injury, isolated ipsilateral arm deep venous thrombosis (DVT), ipsilateral arm DVT with pulmonary embolism requiring readmission, and gastrointestinal bleed requiring readmission. There were no reoperations or other complications. Outpatients were younger with lower ASA and CCI scores than inpatients; however, there was no difference in complications (1/24 vs. 3/94, P=1.00) or readmissions (1/24 vs. 1/94, P=0.37) between these two groups. Conclusions: TSA with a nonspherical humeral head and inlay glenoid can be performed safely in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Rates of early complications and readmissions were low with no difference according to surgical setting. Level of evidence: IV.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.79-83
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• 2014

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that provides movement and feeling to the shoulder, arm and hand. The majority of acute brachial plexus injuries occur when the plexus is stretched violently or torn. This happens as result of the shoulder being pressed down forcefully while the head is pushed up and away from that shoulder. Such injuries frequently result from automobile or motor-cycle accidents or from falls and usually affect one side. Nerve injuries vary in severity from a mild stretching of the nerve to a tearing of the nerve root away from the spinal cord. We experienced a 50-year-old woman with weakness in both upper extremities after an attempted hanging. A consecutive workup revealed bilateral brachial plexus injuries. Six months after the incident, she had fully recovered. This is a very rare case of bilateral brachial plexus injuries after an attempted hanging.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.115-126
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• 2003

Although painful conditions of varying degrees of severity involving the soft tissues (i .e., muscles, tendons, ligaments, periosteum and peripheral nerves) occur frequently, their underlying pathogenesis is poorly understood. The term peripheral neuropathic pain has recently been suggested to embrace the combination of positive and negative symptoms in patients whose pain is due to pathological changes or dysfunction in peripheral nerves or nerve root. The spinal nerve root, because of its vulnerable position, is very easily prone to injury from pressure, stretch, angulation, and friction. Therefore, not a few of musculoskeletal chronic pains are result of nerve root dysfunction. Neuropathic changes due to nerve root dysfunction are primarily in soft tissue especially muscle, tendon and joint. It shows tenderness over muscle motor points and palpable muscle contracture bands and restricted Joint range. Careful palpation and physical examination is the important tool that, be abne to detect all of these phenomena.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.14-19
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• 2006

The patient with a posttraumatic stiffness frequently has a history of prolonged immobilization after a traumatic event. Adhesions in the extraarticular humeroscapular motion interface may be present independently or in combination with intraarticular capsular contractures. A through history and physical examination usually reveal the cause and anatomic location of stiffness. Passive stretching exercise program is effective as a first line treatment, but manipulation under anesthesia is usually not effective because of potential complication such as fracture, tendon rupture and neurologic injury. The humeroscapular motion interface adhesion can be released either open or arthroscopically. The combined technique coupled with an aggressive rehabilitation program can provide more effective motion restoration and pain relief.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.168-171
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• 2016

Fractures at the lateral end of the clavicle inevitably require surgical treatment as there is high potential for delayed union or nonunion. Acromioclavicular dislocation also requires stable and solid fixation for healing, and surgical treatment is recommended for the maintenance of joint function. The hook plate maintains the biomechanics of the acromioclavicular joint, enabling early range of motion. Therefore, for the past 10 years, the hook plate has been widely used in distal clavicle fractures and acromioclavicular joint injuries. However, the hook plate is associated with several complications, such as proximal clavicle fractures, widening of the hook hole, rotator cuff tear, subacromial impingement, and often acromial fractures. We report on two unusual cases of acromion fracture after hook plate fixation in patients with distal clavicle fracture and acromioclavicular dislocation alongside a literature review.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.75-78
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• 2000

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in the 40 years and older to determine the incidence of recurrence, rotator cuff injury and associated fractures. Materials and Methods: From May, 1991 to October, 1998, seventeen patients were available to participate in the study. The average age was 55 years(range, 40 to 75 years). Follow-up averaged 27 months(range, 12 to 48 months). There were 12 men and 5 women. 10 right and 7 left shoulders were involved. Any participant with a history of shoulder pain and limitation of motion was excluded from the study. Each shoulder was evaluated with UCLA shoulder functional assessment. Results: The overall results were excellent in 9 patients(52.9%), good in 3 patients(17 .6%), fair in 3 patients(17.6%), and poor in 2 patients(11.7%). Surgical treatment of the associated rotator cuff and greater tuberosity fracture injuries resulted in 5 patients with excellent(55.6%), 3 patients with good(33.3%) and I patient with poor(11.1 %) and Nonsurgical treatment of the associated injuries resulted in 2 patients with excellent(33.3%), 3 patients with fair(50%), 1 patient with poor(16.7%)(P=0.025). Conclusion : Our findings on small number of patients suggest that the diagnosis of a rotator cuff and other pathologies should be approached aggressively by an MRI, CT arthrogram if significant pain and weakness are still present and early surgical repair of rotator cuff and greater tuberosity can lead to restoration of shoulder function and better outcomes in selected patients.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.59-64
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of bioabsorbable knotless suture anchoring for isolated type II SLAP. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients with isolated type II SLAP underwent a surgical repair with bioabsorbable knotless anchor arthroscopically. Instability, rotator cuff tears or simple subacromial decompression were excluded. The UCLA and pain of VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), ADL (Activity of Daily Living, from the American Shoulder and Elbow Society) were evaluated and patients underwent a thorough shoulder examination at a minimum follow-up period of 2 years postoperatively. Results: At a mean of 27.1 months follow-up. The mean UCLA score improved from 14.4 pre-operatively to 31.2 on last follow-up. The mean VAS for pain was 4.9 and on last follow-up 1.0. The mean VAS for instability was 2.6 and on last follow-up 0.5. The mean ADL was 10.4 and on last follow-up 25.0. 12 patients reported their satisfaction as good to excellent and 10 of the 14 patients returned to their pre-injury level of activity (athletics) (P<0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair with bioabsorbable knotless suture anchors is an effective surgical technique for the treatment of an isolated unstable type II SLAP lesion. Overall satisfaction was only 85.7%. 1 patient had severe stiffness and 1 patient had shoulder pain.