• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.73-83
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• 2013

Purpose: The goal of this study is to evaluate the minimum three-year follow-up results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) for glenohumeral (GH) arthritic and pseudoparalytic patients with severe rotator cuff deficiency. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 13 patients (three males and 10 females) who underwent RTSA from July 2007 to July 2010. The average follow-up duration was 54.2 months (range, 37~74 months). Clinical results were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, active Range of Motion (ROM): active forward flexion (aFF); active external rotation at the side (aERs); active internal rotation to the back (aIRb), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Korean Shoulder Score (KSS), and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Results: VAS score improved from 7.5(6~10) points to 1.5(0~4), and ROM of active forward elevation improved from $42.7(10{\sim}100)^{\circ}$ to $129.1(110{\sim}180)^{\circ}$. In addition, ASES score improved from preoperative 32.9 (11.7~46.7) points to 80.2(58.3~95.0) postoperatively, and KSS score improved from 36.8(24~47) points to 78.4 (61~92). Twelve out of 13 cases showed various degrees of scapular notching at the last follow-up. There was one case of intraoperative anterior glenoid fracture and two cases of temporary nerve injury. Revision surgery was performed in two cases for treatment of delayed postoperative deep infection. Conclusion: According to minimum three-year follow-up results, RTSA may be an effective treatment option for glenohumeral (GH) arthritic and pseudoparalytic patients. However, considering the possibility of complications related to delayed deep infection or surgeon's technique, RTSA should be judiciously and carefully indicated by expert surgeons.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.189-198
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• 2009

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the clinical results of the Latarjet procedure for treating anterior shoulder instability combined with a glenoid bone defect. Materials and Methods: Between Oct. 2006 and May. 2007, fourteen patients underwent a Latarjet operation to treat their anterior shoulder instability combined with a glenoid bone defect. The mean follow-up period was 15 months (range: 12 to 19 months), and the average age at the time of surgery was 29.9-years-old (range: 19 to 44 years). There were 13 males and 1 female. Eight patients exhibited involvement of the right shoulder. The dominant arm was involved in 8 patients. Six patients had undergone a previous arthroscopic Bankart repair before their Latarjet operation and 2 patients had a history of seizure. Results: The average Rowe score improved from 51.8 to 80.2 with 9 excellent, 4 good, and 1 fair results. The average Korean shoulder score for instability improved from 61.6 to 82.1 postoperatively. The active forward flexion and external rotation at the side of the involved shoulder was an average of $8^{\circ}$ and $16^{\circ}$ less than that of the uninvolved shoulder. The muscle strength of the involved shoulder measured 78.7% in forward flexion and 82.5% in external rotation, as compared with that of the uninvolved shoulder. There was 1 case of dislocation, 1 transient subluxation, 2 fibrotic unions, 1 resorption of the transferred coracoid process, 1 intraoperative broken bone, 1 transient musculocutaneous nerve injury and 1 case of stiffness. Conclusion: The Latarjet procedure for treating anterior shoulder instability combined with a significant glenoid defect effectively restores function and stability through extending the articular arc at the expense of external rotation. We should be cautious to avoid or detect complications when performing coracoid transfer.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.180-188
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• 2009

Purpose: We evaluate the short-term clinical outcome of arthroscopic rotator cuff tendon repair with suture-bridge technique in patients with full thickness rotator cuff tear. Materials and Methods: 29 (male:17, female:12) consecutive shoulders treated with this index procedure and early rehabilitation were enrolled. Mean age was 56.4 years (range, 34~73 years) and mean follow-up period was 13 months (range, 12-15 months). Clinical outcomes were evaluated by using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Postoperative cuff integrity was evaluated through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and categorized by Sugaya classification. Results: Postoperative UCLA scores improved from 16.4 to 31.6 (p< 0.05) and KSS scores showed 88 at 6 months and 92 at last follow up. Preoperative VAS score was 8.6, which was decreased to 2.1 at 3 months and 1.4 at 6 months postoperatively. 28 patients (96.5%) had increase in range of motion. The follow up MRI was taken in 15 shoulders and the cuff integrity was type I in 6 cases, type II in 7, type III in 1 and type V in 1 by Sugaya classification. Conclusion: Arthroscopic suture-bridge technique resulted in good or excellent clinical outcome in 96.5% of the cases, so we think this technique is one of the reliable procedure for full-thicknes rotator cuff tear.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.173-179
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• 2009

Purpose: On the hypothesis that the acromion morphology is changed according to the its site, we identified the morphology of the acromion on the oblique slices of MRI and we investigated the association of the acromial shape with the clinical stages of rotator cuff disorder on the magnetic resonance (MR) images. In addition, we compared the acromion morphology on MRI and simple X-rays. Material and Methods: The MR images of seventy one patients with rotator cuff disorder and who underwent arthroscopic surgery were compared with that of a control group of sixteen patients who didn't have rotator cuff disorder on MRI. On three subsequent oblique sagittal slices from the lateral edge of the acromion (S1, S2 and S3), each acromion morphology on the MRI slices was classified according to Epstein et al: flat, curved or hooked. We investigated the changing parttern of the acromion shape and we compared the acromion shape on MRI and that on simple X-rays. We classified the rotator cuff tear by the severity: bursitis, partial thickness tear or full thickness tear. We investigated which acromial type on the MRI oblique slice was associated with the severity of rotator cuff disease. Results: Changes of the acromial shape occurred in 54 patients (76.1%). The most frequent pattern was that the types are same on S1 and S2 and different on S3 (22 cases, 31.0%). The acromial type on S1 and S2 was significantly associated with the severity of rotator cuff disorder (p=0.001 and 0.022), respectively. There was no reliability of the acromial shape on MRI and roentgenography (p>0.05) Conclusion: The type of acromion changed from lateral to medial. Among the three positions, the shape of the acromion on S1 and S2 had meaningful correlation with the clinical stage of rotator cuff disorder. There was no statistical correlation of the acromial shape between MRI and simple X-ray.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.61-66
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• 2009

Purpose: Several authors have reported excellent results of delayed reconstruction of non-union & malunion in displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle and these results were equal to that of immediate fixation. But direct comparison between these treatments is rare. We evaluated the results between the immediate fixation group and delayed reconstruction group for treating displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle. Materials and Methods: We studied the results of 18 cases with immediate fixation of displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle and 15 cases with delayed reconstruction of non-union & malunion after conservative management, and these cases were seen from March 2000 to February, 2006. The final postoperative outcome was analyzed according to the clinical outcomes with using the Constant score and the radiological findings of bony union. Results: The constant score was low in the delayed reconstruction group compare to that of the immediate fixation group (p value=0.045). For the pain score & the activities of daily living score, a statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups (p<0.05), but not for the range of motion score & the power score (p>0.05). Radiological findings of bony union were seen for both groups at an average of 8.8 weeks for the immediate fixation group and at an average of 9.8 weeks for the delayed reconstruction group. Conclusion: Though the delayed reconstruction group was shown good clinical and radiological results, the immediate fixation group had a significantly better pain score, a better activities of daily living score and a better Constant score. It is important to choose the initial treatment option for displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle after sufficient explanation to patients about the merits and demerits between these two treatment options.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 2009

Purpose: Primary osteoarthritis on the elbow is the result of the growth of osteophytes and contracture of the capsule. It often causes disability on joint motion and pain while exercising. As arthroscopy has developed, the arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment of the elbow have recently become more generalized as well. Therefore, we like to report on arthroscopy for treating elbow arthritis and its results. Materials and Methods: This study includes 23 cases of elbow arthritis that were seen between 2005 June to 2007 June and these patients didn't response to conservative treatment. From this we excluded 18 cases that underwent arthroscopic surgery and among these 18 cases, 6 cases underwent ulnar nerve transfer. The average observation time was 21.3 months and the average age was 48.4 years (range: 22-66 years). The pre and post operative pain was evaluated with using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and functional evaluation was done with using the Mayo elbow Performance Score (MEPS) with the range of joint motion. Results: The VAS score at the last follow up was significantly decreased from 3.4 to 1.9 compare to the preoperative score. The range of joint motion was improved by 25 (0-40) to 8.5 (0-20) in extension and 101.7 (80-140) to 125.2 (85-140) in flexion (p<0.05). The MEPS always showed significant improvement by showing an increase from 65.4 (40-85) to 87.9 (55-100). However, 3 cases showed a decreased range of motion after the operation. One case showed ulnar nerve symptoms after surgery. Conclusion: An arthroscopic procedure can treat the pathologic processes associated with arthritis of the elbow and it was safe and effective in this series.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.159-166
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• 2009

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the surgical results of early mobilization after rigid fixation of small coronoid fracture using the tension band technique Materials and Methods: Eight cases of coronoid fracture were fixed with the tension band technique and using K-wire and wire through the medial approach. All the cases were Regan-Morrey type 2. According to O'Driscoll, they were classified as 5 cases of the tip type (subtype 2) and 3 cases of the anteromedial type (1 case of subtype 2, and 2 case of subtype 3). The associated collateral ligament injuries (6 cases) and radial head/neck fractures (4 cases) were managed simultaneously. After immobilization for 5~7 days, active ROM exercise with a fitted hinge brace started and continued till postoperative 6 weeks. The patients were assessed for pain, ROM and functional disability using the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) at an average of 11 months (range: 6~28 months). The ulnar nerve symptoms were also investigated. Results: We observed solid union in all the coronoid fractures without hardware failure. An average of 2.2 wires (range: 2~4) were used. The mean extension was $3^{\circ}$(range: $0^{\circ}\sim25^{\circ}$), the mean flexion was $137^{\circ}$(range: $130^{\circ}\sim140^{\circ}$), the mean pronation was $69^{\circ}$(range: $45^{\circ}\sim90^{\circ}$) and the mean supination was $78^{\circ}$(range: $45^{\circ}\sim90^{\circ}$). The mean MEPS was 96 (range: 65~100). Ulnar nerve symptoms occurred at postoperative one day and persisted in one patient with the terrible triad of taking radial head excision and residual medial instability. Conclusion: The tension band technique uses easily obtained, economic K-wires and the wire was strong enough to permit early elbow ROM exercise and the technique might improve the elbow function. It was especially useful for fixation of multiple small fragments.

• 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.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2009

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of inferior capsular plication for treating the anterior instability of the shoulder by comparing the prospective outcomes and the incidence of complications of the group (group1) that underwent arthroscopic vertical shift of the anteroinferior capsulo-labral complex and plication of the anterior band of inferior glenohumeral ligament and the group (group2) that underwent inferior capsular plication that was augmentated by the same method. Materials and Methods: From March 2005 to August 2007, we compared group 1 (42 cases) that underwent arthroscopic vertical shift of the anteroinferior capsulo-labral complex and plication of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament and group 2 (33 cases) that underwent augmentated inferior capsular plication for recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder. The mean age was 22.5 years (range: 17~31 years) in group I, and 21.8 years (range: 16~30 years) in group II. The mean follow up was 23.5 months (range: 12~45 months in group I, and 20.1 months (range: 12~49 months) in group II. We checked the Rowe score and ROM preoperatively and at postoperative 6 months, 1 year and at the last follow up and we compared the incidence of complications. Results: The Rowe score increased from a preoperative mean of 20.6 to the last follow up mean of 86.8 after surgery in group I, and the Rowe score increased from a preoperative mean of 20.5 to the last follow up mean of 94.1 after surgery in group II. For the anterior instability of the shoulder, arthroscopic reconstruction had a good outcome in all of the cases, but group II had better outcomes and less complications than did group I (p<0.05). Conclusion: We thought that arthroscopic vertical shift of the anteroinferior capsulo-labral complex and plication of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament with inferior capsular plication can lower the complication rate and show better outcomes.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.207-214
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• 2009

Purpose: In arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs there are generally weak link in tendon suture interface, arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs can have higher retear rates than open repairs. The purpose of this study was to compare the strength of UU (Ulsan University) suture than open modified MA (Mason-Allen) suture when suture anchored into bone. Materials and Methods: The human supraspinatus tendons were harvested from the shoulder of the cadaver and split in 2 times, producing four tendons per one shoulder, for a total of 24 specimens. Two suture configurations (UU, MA) were randomized and checked on each set of tendons. Specimens were cyclically loaded under force control between 5 and 30 N at 0.25 Hz for fifty cycles. Each specimen was loaded to failure under displacement control at 1 mm/sec. Cyclic elongation, peak to peak displacement, stiffness, ultimate tensile load, mode of failure were checked. Results: No significant difference was found between two suture configuration with respect to peak to peak displacement, cyclic elongation, and stiffness. With regard to ultimate failure load, there were no significant difference statistically between the UU suture and modified MA suture (109.4 N, 110.6 N). The most common mode of failure between both sutures was suture pull-out through the tendon. Conclusion: The UU suture and modified MA suture produced similar biomechanical properties.