• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.112-120
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• 2022

Background: The prognostic factors for patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs) include tear size, muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration. However, the influence of early coexisting degenerative changes on RCT outcomes is unappreciated. The purpose of this study was to calculate the impact that pre-existing partial glenohumeral cartilaginous changes have on patients undergoing arthroscopic RCT repair. Methods: A study of 54 patients undergoing arthroscopic RCT repair was undertaken. The presence of co-existing patches of glenohumeral degenerative cartilaginous changes and RCT size was recorded at surgery. Pre- and postoperative outcomes were assessed using traditional (Oxford Shoulder Score [OSS], 5-level EuroQol-5D [EQ-5D-5L] questionnaire and EuroQol visual analog scale [EQ-VAS]) and patient-centric re-formatted prisms. Outcomes were assessed as an entire dataset, and sub-group analysis was performed according to the grade of co-existing arthritis and tear size. Results: Significant improvements (p<0.05) in clinical outcomes were recognized when assessed using either the traditional or reformatted prisms (average % improvements in OSS, EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS were 47%, 33% and 43%, respectively; average improvements in pain, function, and psychological well-being were 48%, 33% and, 29%, respectively). Positive gain was noted in all sub-groups of arthritic grading and tear size. Conclusions: Good clinical outcomes can be achieved following RCT repair even in the presence of local partial degenerative cartilage changes and advancing tear size. These benefits are patient-centered but require RCT repairability.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.216-219
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• 2019

Background: Progression of the tear size and erosion of the greater tuberosity (femoralization) in the supraspinatus tear makes it difficult to repair or increases the risk of a re-tear. This study examined the proximal articular surface and greater tuberosity of the humeral head in plain radiography. Methods: Two-hundred forty-seven cases, whose anteroposterior (AP) radiographs were taken correctly, were included from 288 cases, in whom the status of the supraspinatus had been confirmed by surgery. After downloading the plain AP radiograph as DICOM, the radius of the circle apposed at the superior half of the articular surface of the head, and the distance between the circle and the farthest point of the greater tuberosity ('height' of the greater tuberosity) were calculated using the software (TechHime, Korea). MRI checked the number of torn tendons and degree of muscular atrophy. Results: The following were encountered: 93 intact supraspinatus, 50 partial-thickness tears, and 104 full-thickness tears. In the analysis using the 93 intact cases, the average radius of the rotation center was 25.3 mm in male and 22.3 mm in female. The average height of the greater tuberosity from the circle with the same rotation center was 4.3 mm in male and 4.2 mm in female with no statistical significance. The correlation between the reparability of supraspinatus and height of the greater tuberosity, fatty infiltration, and muscular atrophy was confirmed. Conclusions: The height of the greater tuberosity from the circle with the same rotation center was 4.3 mm in male and 4.2 mm in female. This height was strongly correlated with muscular atrophy and fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus tendon.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.257-264
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• 2022

Background: Chronic subscapularis tendon tear (SBT) is a degenerative disease and a common pathologic cause of shoulder pain. Several potential risk factors for chronic SBT have been reported. Although metabolic abnormalities are common risk factors for degenerative disease, their potential etiological roles in chronic SBT remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential risk factors for chronic SBT, with particular attention to metabolic factors. Methods: This study evaluated single shoulders of 939 rural residents. Each subject undertook a questionnaire, physical examinations, blood tests, and simple radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations of bilateral shoulders. Subscapularis tendon integrity was determined by MRI findings based on the thickness of the involved tendons. The association strengths of demographic, physical, social, and radiologic factors, comorbidities, severity of rotator cuff tear (RCT), and serologic parameters for SBT were evaluated using logistic regression analyses. The significance of those analyses was set at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of SBT was 32.2% (302/939). The prevalence of partial- and full-thickness tears was 23.5% (221/939) and 8.6% (81/939), respectively. The prevalence of isolated SBT was 20.2% (190/939), SBT combined with supraspinatus or infraspinatus tendon tear was 11.9% (112/939). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, dominant side involvement (p<0.001), manual labor (p=0.002), diabetes (p<0.001), metabolic syndrome (p<0.001), retraction degree of Patte tendon (p<0.001), posterosuperior RCT (p=0.010), and biceps tendon injury (p<0.001) were significantly associated with SBT. Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome is a potential risk factor for SBT, as are these factors: overuse activity, diabetes, posterosuperior RCT, increased retraction of posterosuperior rotator cuff tendon, and biceps tendon injury.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.125-130
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• 2020

Background: To determine the prevalence of rotator cuff diseases in a population older than 40 years in or nearby Chuncheon city, Republic of Korea. Methods: Sixty shoulders of 30 people older than 40 years who participated in a health lecture were examined for free by an orthopedic surgeon. Visual analog scale of pain and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were assigned, and routine physical examination was performed. Ultrasonography was performed on the shoulder. Results: On ultrasonographic examination, there were one shoulder with full thickness rotator cuff tear, 20 of 60 (33%) with partial thickness rotator cuff tear, five of 60 (8%) with calcific tendinitis, one of 60 (2%) with tear of the long head of the biceps, and five of 60 (8%) with tendinitis of the long head of the biceps. Participants older than 60 years showed significantly high proportions of lesion of the long head of the biceps and rotator cuff diseases (P=0.019 and P=0.015, respectively). Participants who performed physical labor had high proportions of rotator cuff tear and rotator cuff disease (P=0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Rotator cuff diseases showed a high prevalence in aged persons and resulted in a decrease in shoulder function.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.115-125
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the usefulness of CT arthrography (CTA) by conducting a comparative study of CTA and MR arthrography (MRA) with the arthroscopic findings in the same patients. Materials and methods: Forty nine patients who suffered from shoulder disease underwent MRA and CTA concurrently. The sensitivity and specificity of CTA was evaluated, as compared to MRA, in the case of four types of shoulder pathological lesions. The accuracy of CTA was evaluated by analyzing the arthroscopic findings of thirty four patients. Results: Compared to MRA, CTA showed a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 100% for diagnosing supraspinatus tendon (SST) full thickness tear, and CTA showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 97.5% for making the diagnosis of superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion. For diagnosing partial articular side supraspinatus avulsion (PASTA) lesion, some studies have shown the usefulness of CTA with a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 97.7%. However, for diagnosing SST bursal side partial tear, the sensitivity of CTA was as low as 10%. CTA has been shown to be relatively accurate when the diagnoses were verified with the arthroscopic findings; diagnosing SST full thickness tear and SLAP lesion with CTA has shown an accuracy of 100% and87.5% respectively, and CTA showed 71.4% diagnostic accuracy for PASTA lesion. Conclusion: CTA was a useful tool and it was equivalent to MRA for the assessment of SST full thickness tear, SLAP lesion and PASTA lesion, but not bursal side partial tear. Thus, it may be used preferably to diagnose shoulder pathology and for follow up as an inexpensive tool after operation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.68-72
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• 2006

Purpose: To demonstrate arthroscopically the presence of bilateral shoulder "mirror lesions" due to overhead work. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in a historical cohort of 10 male tire plant workers who underwent MRI studies of both shoulders. Bilateral intraarticular shoulder pathology was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed by arthroscopy. "Mirror lesions" were defined as similar pathology between an individual patient's two shoulders. Results: We report on ten patients who had bilateral "mirror lesions." The most common mirror lesions were tears of the rotator cuff. Most patients (7 of 10) had more than one mirror lesion in their shoulders. There were two bilateral full thickness tears involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, four bilateral partial thickness supraspinatus tears, six bilateral partial or upper corner lesion complete subscapularis tears, and one bilateral complete supraspinatus tear. Conclusion: Occupational overhead work with simultaneous use of both arms is associated with bilateral shoulder lesions verified by arthroscopy. By demonstrating the work-related bilateral shoulder involvement, this study suggests an etiopathogenesis for these lesions and provides rational for developing worksite prevention strategies.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.109-119
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• 2014

Objectives : The aim of this study is to observe clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of inpatients admitted to a Korean medicine hospital for shoulder pain based on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) findings. Methods : 28 patients with MRI data were included. Data on MRI findings, duration of pain, and treatment effects were collected. To measure treatment outcomes, verbal numerical rating scale(VNRS), range of motion(ROM), and a clinical condition grading system were used. Results : 1. The patient population was 75.0 % female and 39.3 %(n=11) belonged to the 51~60-year-old age group. In the under 40 population, 1 or less MRI findings were found. 2. As for the type of disorder, 82.1 % of the patients were diagnosed with 'Supraspinatus lesion', 39.3 % with 'subacromial-subdeltoid(SA-SA) bursitis', and 28.6 % with 'Adhesive capsulitis' 3. Numerous correlations could be made between duration of pain and MRI findings. 'rotator cuff full thickness tear' was more prevalent in acute shoulder pain patients, and 'Adhesive capsulitis' in chronic patients. 4. VNRS and ROM at the time of discharge had significantly improved as compared to VNRS and ROM at the time of admission. 5. As for correlation between MRI findings and clinical condition grade, patients diagnosed with 'rotator cuff partial tear' reported to be in 'good' condition or better whereas those with 'rotator cuff full thickness tear' reported to be in 'fair' condition or worse. Conclusions : Patients admitted to a Korean Medicine hospital for shoulder pain had varying degrees of severity as shown on MRI. Almost all lesions responded well to Korean medicine treatment.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.124-131
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• 2004

Purpose: To validate and introduce the technique of the arthroscopic repair for the treatment of the Subscapulris tendon tear. Materials and Methods: From April 2003 to April 2004, Arthroscopic repairs were performed in 8 patient with subscapularis tendon tear. The mean follow-up period was 11months. two cases involved only subscaplaris tendon tear. Four cases were associated small sized posterosuperir. rotator cuff tear and two cases were in large size. The type of subscapularis tendon showed upper portion full-thickness tear in 6 cases, partial-thickness tear localized at articular surface in 1 case, complete tear in 1 case. The results were analyzed by using subjective satisfaction, inferior movenent of superior displaced humeral head, Constant-Murley functional scoring Results: Constant-Murley scoring was improved from 55 point preoperatively to 75 point postoperatively following 11 months. Mean score was 71 point except 2 cases of large superoposterior rotator cuff tear, Most humeral heads were distaracted postoperatively. The subjective result for the 8 shoulders were very satisfying in 5 cases, satisfying in 1 case and dissatisfying in 2 cases. Therefore satisfactory results were noted in 6 cases (75%) of this overall treatment group. Conclusion: The arthroscopic repair for the subscapularis tendon tear is thought to be available method, which could reduce severe complications following the weakness of deltoid muscle and postoperative pain. Especially Partial Subscapularis tear not associated with superoposterior rotator cuff tear including PASTA lesion was the sutable indication of the Arthroscopic repair.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.78-85
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• 2008

Purpose: The findings of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US) examination in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear were then compared with the findings of arthroscopic examination, and to evaluate the postoperative integrity of rotator cuff using serial US examination. Methods: Between February and May 2008, 29 patients with rotator cuff tear had undergone preoperative US and MRI examination and subsequent arthroscopic examination. And the results of MRI and US were compared with intra-operative results of the arthroscopic examination. We observed the postoperative integrity of rotator cuff using serial (postoperative 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months) US examination. Results: The sensitivity of US and MRI for identifying rotator cuff tear were 100% and 100%. The sensitivity of US and MRI were 95% and 82% in full thickness tear, and 50%, 33% in partial thickness tear, respectively. Overall accuracy of US and MRI were 86%, 69%. Among 22 patients were operated for full thickness tear, intra-operative gap formation was identified in 11 patients (50%, small to medium 2 cases, large to massive 9 cases) which were identified at 2 weeks postoperative US. We could find 5 re-tears (23%, small to medium 1 case, large to massive 4 cases) on 6 weeks postoperative US after passive range of motion (ROM) exercise, and could also find 7 re-tears (32%, small to medium 2 cases, large to massive 5 cases)on 3 months postoperative US after active ROM exercise. Conclusion: Serial US after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was useful to differentiate intra-operative gap formation from postoperative re-tear. We found 5 retears (23%) at 6 weeks and 7 retears (32%) at 3 months postoperative US, it was useful to make treatment plan during postoperative rehabilitation.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.155-160
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pain recovery pattern according to the integrity and to analyze the factors affecting the progress and level of pain postoperatively. Materials and Methods: We examined 153 patients, who were treated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. 101 rotator cuff tears were full-thickness tear and 52 were partial tear. The mean follow up duration was 20 months (12~30 months). We evaluated the visual analogue scale, range of motion, ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons), and UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) scores preoperatively and postoperatively. We analyzed the pain recovery pattern between partial and full thickness tear using Student T-test and the factors affecting the progress and level of postoperative pain using multiple regression analysis. Results: The change patterns of visual analogue scale after arthroscpoic repair were similar regardless of the tear integrity. The VAS showed a continuous decreasing pattern, but increased at first 3 weeks postoperatively and at 7 weeks postoperatively, and then, decreased thereafter. The average VAS was ${\leqq}2$ points by postoperative 3 months. The factor affecting the pain score at 3 months was related to the preoperative limitation in forward flexion ($r^2=0.377$, p=0.021). Conclusion: There was no differences of the pain recovery pattern according to the integrity, and the factor affecting the progress of postoperative pain was preoperative angle of forward elevation. So, the appropriate preoperative rehabilitation protocol that can improve motions of the shoulder joint would help to improve the level of postoperative pain and functional recovery.