• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.73-79
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• 2011

Purpose: To evaluate of the clinical usefulness of minimal invasive ulnohumeral arthroplasty in patients with mild to moderate elbow arthritis. Materials and Methods: From January 2000 to December 2008, twenty-nine patients with mild to moderate elbow arthritis underwent minimal invasive ulnohumeral arthroplasty. Among these patients, we reviewed the cases of 24 patients for whom we had follow-up data for at least 1 year. There were 20 males and 4 females with a mean age of 53 years (range: 31~69). We excluded patients with preoperative ulnar neuropathy symptoms and investigated the mean operation time, the joint range of motion, the time required until the start of joint exercise, and the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). Results: Passive and active joint exercises were started in an average of 1.8 days (range: 1~4) after surgery; the mean operation time was 38 minutes (range: 25~55). The elbow joint range of motion was 25-104 degrees (extension 0~70, flexion 80~130) preoperatively and was improved 40 degrees on average to 14-133 degrees (extension 0~45, flexion 90~150) after a year of follow up. The average time required until the start of joint exercise was 1.6 days (range: 1~5). MEPS were excellent in 9 cases and good in 5 cases after a year of follow up. Although there was 1 case of delayed wound healing and 7 cases of postoperative edema, they improved spontaneously. Conclusion: For patients with mild to moderate elbow arthritis, minimal invasive ulnohumeral arthroplasty is a clinically useful surgery since its operation time is short, early joint exercise is possible, and pain is mild.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.67-72
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• 2011

Purpose: There are various known methods for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this retrospective study is to report on the clinical results and anatomical results of UU repair surgery, which is a new repair method. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 156 patients (88 men and 68 women) who underwent UU repair for rotator cuff tears from January 2009 to May 2010 in our hospital. Their average age was 55 years old (range: 38~75 years old) and the average follow-up period was 12 months (range: 6~23 months). For determining the results, we evaluated the VAS for pain, the daily living index (ADL) in the ASES scores, the UCLA and KSS scores, and all these tests were conducted at the first hospital visit and 6 months and 1 year after surgery and at the final follow-up. During the follow-up period, MRI was performed 3 and 6 months after surgery only in the patients who consented to MRI scans to confirm the presence of re-rupture. Results: The average scores of the VAS as a pain indicator decreased from 7.0 before surgery to 2.7 after surgery (p<0.05). The UCLA and KSS scores increased from 22.2 to 32.5 and from 83.7 to 91.5, and the changes was significant (p<0.05). For the active joint range of motion, the average forward flexion was improved from 125 to 175 degrees, the average lateral external rotation was improved from 38 to 58 degrees, and the average abduction was improved from 104 to 169 degrees. Out of a total of 156 patients, re-rupture was observed in 4 cases (3%) of 117 cases (75%) for which MRI was performed (with consent) between 3 and 6 months after surgery. Conclusion: UU repair surgery as arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear is a good repair method that shows excellent clinical results and a low re-rupture rate.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2011

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes and the prognosis of various surgical treatments for the distal clavicle fracture with an acromioclavicular joint injury. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 21 patients with a minimum of 12 months follow up was done. We classified acromioclavicular (AC) injury into type I (only intra-articular fracture (IAF), 5 cases), type II (IAF with widening of the AC joint > 7 mm, 9 cases) and type III (IAF with AC joint superior subluxation > 50%, 7 cases). The distal clavicle fractures were fixed using plate (9 cases), mini screws (1 case), K wire and tension band wiring (10 cases) and transarticular pinning (1 case). Acromioclavicular or coracoacromial ligament reconstruction was not done in all the cases. Results: In 20 of 21 cases, bone union was achieved at an average of 8.4 weeks. Traumatic arthritis (5 cases), AC joint widening (4 cases) and AC joint subluxation (2 cases) were noted at the last follow up. The average UCLA score was 32.6 in the type I AC joint injuries, 34 in type II and 34.1 in type III. There was no relationship between the clinical outcomes and the preoperative AC joint injury pattern, postoperative traumatic arthritis, AC joint widening or AC joint subluxation (p>0.05). Conclusion: Satisfactory results were achieved by acute reduction and firm fixation of the distal clavicle fracture with AC joint injury. There was no relationship between the pattern of AC joint injury, the residual radiologic findings and the functional outcome.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2011

Purpose: This study was performed to assess the usefulness of non-anatomical repair for irreparable large and massive rotator cuff tears by the arthroscopic margin convergence technique. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients were followed up more than 1 year after non-anatomical repair for irreparable large and massive rotator cuff tears using the arthroscopic margin convergence technique. The clinical evaluation was performed according to the KSS score, the UCLA score and the Visual analogue scale (VAS). The measurement of the acromio-humeral distance was performed using the shoulder anterior-posterior radiographs. The measurement of fatty degeneration and the healing status was performed using the shoulder MRI after 6 months. Results: Among twenty-two patients, follow up MRI was performed in eleven cases. Three cases were well healed, four cases were partial healed and another four cases were re-torn. The KSS and UCLA scores had significantly improved from a preoperative average of 45.0${\pm}$8.014 and 10.8${\pm}$2.302 points to 77.1${\pm}$10.151 and 30.0${\pm}$1.521 points, respectively, and the pain VAS had decreased from a preoperative average of 7.7${\pm}$0.616 points to 3.0${\pm}$1.021 points at the last follow up. Less favorable results were obtained when the patient had a grade of fatty degeneration higher than grade 3 on the preoperative MRI. Conclusion: Non-anatomical repair for irreparable large and massive rotator cuff tears by the arthroscopic margin convergence technique showed good functional results. It seems to be one of the effective treatment methods for irreparable large and massive rotator cuff tears.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.35-45
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document the structural features of the tendinous portions within the non-pathologic subscapularis muscle by performing high resolution MR imaging of the shoulder. Materials and Methods: Between April 2007 and May 2010, we retrospectively obtained the MR scans of 88 consecutive young patients (88 shoulders) who were in their twenties. MRI and MR arthrography were performed using a 3.0-T system for the evaluation of glenohumeral instability and nonspecific shoulder pain. None of the patient in this study had any evidence of injury to the tendon or muscle belly of the subscapularis. On MR images, we recorded the transverse length of a stout tendinous band and the total tendinous portion of the subscapularis. In addition, we recorded the number of intramuscular tendinous slips of the susbscapularis. Results: The mean transverse length of the tendinous band was 15.0 mm (range: 8 to 20 mm). The mean transverse length of the total tendinous portion was 48.9 mm (range: 40 to 60 mm). The number of intramuscular tendinous slips on the base of the glenoid fossa was 3 in 20 (22.72%), 4 in 45 (51.14%) and 5 in 23 shoulders (26.14%). On the lateral portion, the intramuscular tendinous slips became gradually rounder and thicker and they gave converge in the superior direction. Conclusion: In this study, the structural features of the tendinous portions of the subscapularis on the MR scans were identified. This will in return give good justification for the lines to be pulled during biomechanical stimulation and also for the surgical approach to restore the biomechanical function.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.20-26
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the accompanying lesions of humerus greater tuberosity fracture with anterior shoulder dislocation and to analyze its clinical results. Materials and Methods: From May 2005 to November 2008, arthroscopy was performed on a total of 30 selected patients who were diagnosed with humerus greater tuberosity fracture with anterior shoulder dislocation and who were also under the age of 40. The preoperative and postoperative Constant and Rowe scores were compared. Results: There was a total of 21 cases of anteroinferior labral lesions: 2 Bankart lesions, 4 bony Bankart lesions, 4 Perthes lesions, 2 free ALPSA lesions, 3 GLAD lesions and 6 capsular tears. For other lesions, 5 rotator cuff partial tears, 3 SLAP lesions and 1 biceps tendon rupture were found. The constant scores were increased from 56.3 to 94.43 points (p=0.034), and the Rowe scores were increased from 52.56 to 91.76 points (p=0.026). Conclusion: For humerus greater tuberosity fracture with anterior shoulder dislocation, the accompanying lesion was identified and the fracture was treated using arthroscopy. Good clinical results and bone union were achieved. According to the secondary arthroscopic findings, all of the Perthes lesion, the free ALPSA lesion, the GLAD lesion and the capsular tear spontaneously healed or they did not progress to extended rupture although arthroscopic suture was not performed. Any postoperative secondary instability was not observed.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2011

Purpose: Not much is known about the obvious relationship between posteroinferior rotator cuff tear and biceps lesion. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of posteroinferior rotator cuff tear on a biceps lesions by comparing the rotator cuff tear and biceps lesions with the number of cuff tears and the degree of degeneration of the rotator cuff. Materials and Methods: 65 patients who underwent surgery for a posteroinferior rotator cuff tear from 2002 to 2009 were included as subjects. The study determined the factors (the number of cuff tears and the degree of degeneration as assessed by MRI) that affected biceps lesions and the kinematic stability of the rotator cuff. Results: Biceps lesion was noted 11 patients among the 51 patients with supraspinatus tendon tears and in 8 patients among the 14 patients with supraspinatus, infraspinatus or teres minor tendon tears, and there was a statistically significant difference between those two groups (p=0.0095). The number of cuff tears was proportional to biceps lesion with statistical significance (p=0.0095). Among the biceps lesions, SLAP II lesion showed a statistically different distribution according to the number of cuff tears (p=0.0073). The degeneration factors (Goutallier's classification and the tangent sign) had no correlations with biceps lesion. Conclusion: Posterosuperior cuff tear may affect biceps lesion. Especially, the number of cuff tears has a close relationship, but the degenerative indicators have no relationship with biceps lesion.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.6-12
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• 2011

Purpose: We wanted to analyze and report on the radiologic and clinical results of prospective Hook plate fixation for unstable distal clavicle fractures after a minimum of 2 years follow up. Materials and Methods: We followed up 17 out of 20 cases that underwent prospective Hook plate fixation from 2008 to 2009. We performed radiologic follow up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 18 months and 24 months postoperatively. The clinical results were evaluated at 12 months and 24 months postoperatively. Results: The mean period for bony fusion was 14.5 weeks and the plate was removed after an average of 20.2 weeks. The VAS pain scores were 0.7 and 0.8, the UCLA scores were 33.5 and 33.3, the ASES scores were 92.8 and 92.5, the Constant-Murley scores were 81.5 and 77.0, the KSS scores were 92.5 and 94.3 and the ranges of motion were $173.3^{\circ}$ and $173.7^{\circ}$ of flexion, $56.0^{\circ}$ and $54.5^{\circ}$ of external rotation, $62.3^{\circ}$ and $63.5^{\circ}$ of the internal rotation, $172.0^{\circ}$ and $172.6^{\circ}$ of abduction and $43.3^{\circ}$, and $42.9^{\circ}$ of extension at 1 and 2 years follow-up, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference of clinical outcomes and the range of motion at 1 year and 2 year postoperatively (p>0.05). There was no other complication except 1 case of delayed union. Conclusion: For Hook plate fixation at 2 years postoperatively, the complications will be decreased and excellent clinical results should occur.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.250-259
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and clinical results of arthroscopic double row repair with UU stitches for massive, full-thickness, rotator cuff tears. Materials and Methods: Between January 2007 and July 2009, we consulted on 36 massive tears in which it was possible to repair the middle area of the greater tuberosity by arthroscopy. One group consisted of 11 cases that had a double row repair with UU stitches. A second group consisted of 20 cases that had a single row repair with simple stitches. We compared the 2 groups for pain, Activities of Daily Living, UCLA score, and KSS score. We did this pre operatively, and at 6 months, 1 year and final follow-ups. Statistical analysis included Student's t test and a paired t est. Mean age was 59 (48~70); mean follow-up was 28 (12~43) months Results: VAS scores decreased from 7.5 pre operatively to 1.5 post operatively at the last f/u in the $1^{st}$ group (p<0.05). In the $2^{nd}$ group, the score decreased from 7.6 in pre op to 1.8 post operatively at the last f/u (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Mean ADL increased from 11.5 to 25.1 at the last f/u in the $1^{st}$ group (p<0.05); in the $2^{nd}$ group the ADL score increased from 11.3 to 27.5 (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). The UCLA score increased from 13.9 to 31.6 in the $1^{st}$ group (p<0.05), while in the $2^{nd}$ group the score increased from 13.8 to 30.1 (p<0.05); there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Comparing MRIs at 3 and 6 months post op, there were retears in 3 of 9 cases in the first group, and in 8 of 15 cases in the second group; there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic double row repair with UU stitches for massive, full-thickness rotator cuff tears showed no differences in clinical results. However, it was associated with a significant difference in the incidence of retears.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.244-249
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• 2010

Purpose: Our goal of this study was to compare the mechanism of injury and the clinical outcomes between the non-traumatic and traumatic type II SLAP lesions. Materials and Methods: From January 2007 to May 2009, the sunjects of this study were 27 patients who had undergone operations for isolated type II SLAP lesions. The lesions were classified according to Burkhart's method. The lesions that were located on the anterior-superior labrum were classified as type I, those lesions located on the posterior-superior labrum were classified as type II and those lesions located on the anterior-posterior labrum were classified as type III. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the UCLA score and the KSS score preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: Of the 27 cases, 16 cases were traumatic and eleven cases were non-traumatic. In the traumatic group, there were 12, 2 and 2 cases of type I, type II and type III, respectively (p=0.013). In non-traumatic group, there were 2, 6 and 3 cases of type I, type II and type III (p=0.026). Anterior lesions were more frequent in the traumatic group and posterior lesions were more frequent in the non-traumatic group. For the clinical outcomes, the mean preoperative UCLA score and KSS score were 18 (range: 14~23) and 48 (range: 32~76), respectively, and the postoperative UCLA score and KSS score were 32 (range: 28~33) and 86 (range: 71~92), respectively, in the traumatic group, and the preoperative UCLA score and KSS score were 21 (18~25) and 58 (41~68), respectively, and the postoperative UCLA score and KSS score were 29 (26~31) and 81 (68~89), respectively in the non-traumatic group. There was no significant statistical difference of clinical outcomes between the two groups (p=0.317, 0.405). Conclusion: In this study, the anatomical feature of type II SLAP lesion was associated with a trauma mechanism. Therefore, a trauma mechanism must be considered when planning the surgical treatment for type II SLAP lesions.