Aims. Ultrasound (US)-guided injections are widely used in patients with conditions of the shoulder in order to improve their accuracy. However, the clinical efficacy of US-guided injections compared with blind injections remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy and efficacy of US-guided compared with blind corticosteroid injections into the glenohumeral joint in patients with primary frozen shoulder (FS). Methods.
Aims. Our aim was to investigate the outcomes of patients with a displaced
fracture of the glenoid fossa who are treated conservatively. There
is little information in the literature about the treatment of these
rare injuries non-operatively. Patients and Methods. We reviewed 24 patients with a mean age of 52 years (19 to 81)
at a mean of 5.6 years (11 months to 18 years) after the injury. Results. At final follow-up, the mean Constant and Murley score was 79
points (18 to 98); the mean Western Ontario Shoulder Instability
Index score (WOSI) was 77% (12 to 100) and the mean Rowe score was
93 points (50 to 100). Fractures with little
Frozen shoulder is a common, painful condition that results in impairment of function. Corticosteroid injections are commonly used for frozen shoulder and can be given as glenohumeral joint (GHJ) injection or suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). Both injection types have been shown to significantly improve shoulder pain and range of motion. It is not currently known which is superior in terms of relieving patients’ symptoms. This is the protocol for a randomized clinical trial to investigate the clinical effectiveness of corticosteroid injection given as either a GHJ injection or SSNB. The Therapeutic Injections For Frozen Shoulder (TIFFS) study is a single centre, parallel, two-arm, randomized clinical trial. Participants will be allocated on a 1:1 basis to either a GHJ corticosteroid injection or SSNB. Participants in both trial arms will then receive physiotherapy as normal for frozen shoulder. The primary analysis will compare the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at three months after injection. Secondary outcomes include OSS at six and 12 months, range of shoulder movement at three months, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale, abbreviated Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and EuroQol five-level five-dimension health index at three months, six months, and one year after injection. A minimum of 40 patients will be recruited to obtain 80% power to detect a minimally important difference of ten points on the OSS between the groups at three months after injection. The study is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT04965376.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis performed without repairing the rotator cuff defect. A total of 99 patients who underwent treatment between December 2013 and August 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were reviewed pre- and postoperatively according to the location, size, physical characteristics, and radiological features of the calcific deposits. Additionally, the influence of any residual calcific deposits shown on postoperative radiographs was explored. The healing rate of the unrepaired cuff defect was determined by reviewing the 29 patients who had follow-up MRIs.Aims
Methods
The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) associated with instability of the shoulder ranges between 4% and 60%. Articular cartilage is, however, routinely assessed in these patients using radiographs or scans (2D or 3D), with little opportunity to record early signs of cartilage damage. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and localization of chondral lesions and synovial damage in patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for instablility of the shoulder, in order to classify them and to identify risk factors for the development of glenohumeral OA. A total of 140 shoulders in 140 patients with a mean age of 28.5 years (15 to 55), who underwent arthroscopic treatment for recurrent glenohumeral instability, were included. The prevalence and distribution of chondral lesions and synovial damage were analyzed and graded into stages according to the division of the humeral head and glenoid into quadrants. The following factors that might affect the prevalence and severity of chondral damage were recorded: sex, dominance, age, age at the time of the first dislocation, number of dislocations, time between the first dislocation and surgery, preoperative sporting activity, Beighton score, type of instability, and joint laxity.Aims
Methods
This study aimed to answer the following questions: do 3D-printed models lead to a more accurate recognition of the pattern of complex fractures of the elbow?; do 3D-printed models lead to a more reliable recognition of the pattern of these injuries?; and do junior surgeons benefit more from 3D-printed models than senior surgeons? A total of 15 orthopaedic trauma surgeons (seven juniors, eight seniors) evaluated 20 complex elbow fractures for their overall pattern (i.e. varus posterior medial rotational injury, terrible triad injury, radial head fracture with posterolateral dislocation, anterior (trans-)olecranon fracture-dislocation, posterior (trans-)olecranon fracture-dislocation) and their specific characteristics. First, fractures were assessed based on radiographs and 2D and 3D CT scans; and in a subsequent round, one month later, with additional 3D-printed models. Diagnostic accuracy (acc) and inter-surgeon reliability (κ) were determined for each assessment.Aims
Methods
Rotator cuff tears are common in middle-aged and elderly patients. Despite advances in the surgical repair of rotator cuff tears, the rates of recurrent tear remain high. This may be due to the complexity of the tendons of the rotator cuff, which contributes to an inherently hostile healing environment. During the past 20 years, there has been an increased interest in the use of biologics to complement the healing environment in the shoulder, in order to improve rotator cuff healing and reduce the rate of recurrent tears. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the current evidence for the use of forms of biological augmentation when repairing rotator cuff tears. Cite this article:
To achieve expert clinical consensus in the delivery of hydrodilatation for the treatment of primary frozen shoulder to inform clinical practice and the design of an intervention for evaluation. We conducted a two-stage, electronic questionnaire-based, modified Delphi survey of shoulder experts in the UK NHS. Round one required positive, negative, or neutral ratings about hydrodilatation. In round two, each participant was reminded of their round one responses and the modal (or ‘group’) response from all participants. This allowed participants to modify their responses in round two. We proposed respectively mandating or encouraging elements of hydrodilatation with 100% and 90% positive consensus, and respectively disallowing or discouraging with 90% and 80% negative consensus. Other elements would be optional.Aims
Methods
Corticosteroid injections are often used to manage glenohumeral arthritis in patients who may be candidates for future total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) or reverse shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). In the conservative management of these patients, corticosteroid injections are often provided for symptomatic relief. The purpose of this study was to determine if the timing of corticosteroid injections prior to TSA or rTSA is associated with changes in rates of revision and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following these procedures. Data were collected from a national insurance database from January 2006 to December 2017. Patients who underwent shoulder corticosteroid injection within one year prior to ipsilateral TSA or rTSA were identified and stratified into the following cohorts: < three months, three to six months, six to nine months, and nine to 12 months from time of corticosteroid injection to TSA or rTSA. A control cohort with no corticosteroid injection within one year prior to TSA or rTSA was used for comparison. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the association between specific time intervals and outcomes.Aims
Methods
We report our experience of performing an elbow
hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of comminuted distal humeral fractures
in the elderly patients. A cohort of 42 patients (three men and 39 women, mean age 72;
56 to 84) were reviewed at a mean of 34.3 months (24 to 61) after
surgery. Functional outcome was measured with the Mayo Elbow Performance
Score (MEPS) and range of movement. The disabilities of the arm,
shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH) was used as a patient rated
evaluation. Complications and ulnar nerve function were recorded.
Plain radiographs were obtained to assess prosthetic loosening,
olecranon wear and heterotopic bone formation. The mean extension deficit was 23.5° (0° to 60°) and mean flexion
was 126.8° (90° to 145°) giving a mean arc of 105.5° (60° to 145°).
The mean MEPS was 90 (50 to 100) and a mean DASH score of 20 (0
to 63). Four patients had additional surgery for limited range of
movement and one for partial instability. One elbow was revised
due to loosening, two patients had sensory ulnar nerve symptoms,
and radiographic signs of mild olecranon wear was noted in five
patients. Elbow hemiarthroplasty for comminuted
The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics and outcomes of L-shaped and reverse L-shaped rotator cuff tears. A total of 82 shoulders (81 patients) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were retrospectively enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 62 years (SD 6), 33 shoulders (40.2%) were in male patients, and 57 shoulders (69.5%) were the right shoulder. Of these, 36 shoulders had an L-shaped tear (group L) and 46 had a reverse L-shaped tear (group RL). Both groups were compared regarding characteristics, pre- and postoperative pain, and functional outcomes. Muscle status was assessed by preoperative MRI, and re-tear rates by postoperative ultrasonography or MRI.Aims
Methods
A pragmatic multicentre randomized controlled trial, UK FROzen Shoulder Trial (UK FROST), was conducted in the UK NHS comparing the cost-effectiveness of commonly used treatments for adults with primary frozen shoulder in secondary care. A cost utility analysis from the NHS perspective was performed. Differences between manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA), arthroscopic capsular release (ACR), and early structured physiotherapy plus steroid injection (ESP) in costs (2018 GBP price base) and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) at one year were used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the treatments using regression methods.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study is to provide a detailed description of cases combining bridging patch repair with artificial ligament “internal brace” reinforcement to treat irreparable massive rotator cuff tears, and report the preliminary results. This is a retrospective review of patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears undergoing fascia lata autograft bridging repair with artificial ligament “internal brace” reinforcement technique between January 2017 and May 2018. Inclusion criteria were: patients treated arthroscopically for an incompletely reparable massive rotator cuff tear (dimension > 5 cm or two tendons fully torn), stage 0 to 4 supraspinatus fatty degeneration on MRI according to the Goutallier grading system, and an intact or reparable infraspinatus and/or subscapularis tendon of radiological classification Hamada 0 to 4. The surgical technique comprised two components: first, superior capsular reconstruction using an artificial ligament as an “internal brace” protective device for a fascia lata patch. The second was fascia lata autograft bridging repair for the torn supraspinatus. In all, 26 patients with a mean age 63.4 years (SD 6.2) were included.Aims
Methods
Aims. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of
intravenous tranexamic acid on the reduction of blood loss, transfusion
rate, and early post-operative clinical outcome in total shoulder
arthroplasty. Patients and Methods. A randomised, placebo-controlled trial which included 54 patients
undergoing unilateral primary stemless anatomical or stemmed reverse
total shoulder arthroplasty was undertaken. Patients received either
100 ml saline (placebo, n = 27), or 100 ml saline together with
1000 mg of tranexamic acid (TXA, n = 27) intravenously prior to
skin incision and during wound closure. Peri-operative blood loss
via an
To report early (two-year) postoperative findings from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating disease-specific quality of life (QOL), clinical, patient-reported, and radiological outcomes in patients undergoing a total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with a second-generation uncemented trabecular metal (TM) glenoid versus a cemented polyethylene glenoid (POLY) component. Five fellowship-trained surgeons from three centres participated. Patients aged between 18 and 79 years with a primary diagnosis of glenohumeral osteoarthritis were screened for eligibility. Patients were randomized intraoperatively to either a TM or POLY glenoid component. Study intervals were: baseline, six weeks, six-, 12-, and 24 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder QOL score. Radiological images were reviewed for metal debris. Mixed effects repeated measures analysis of variance for within and between group comparisons were performed.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this study was to identify the changes in untreated long head of the biceps brachii tendon (LHBT) after a rotator cuff tear and to evaluate the factors related to the changes. A cohort of 162 patients who underwent isolated supraspinatus with the preservation of LHBT was enrolled and evaluated. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the LHBT on MRI was measured in the bicipital groove, and preoperative to postoperative difference was calculated at least 12 months postoperatively. Second, postoperative changes in the LHBT including intratendinous signal change, rupture, dislocation, or superior labral lesions were evaluated with seeking of factors that were correlated with the changes or newly developed lesions after rotator cuff repair.Aims
Methods
The Mathys Affinis Short is the most frequently used stemless total shoulder prosthesis in the UK. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to report the survivorship, clinical, and radiological outcomes of the first independent series of the Affinis Short prosthesis. From January 2011 to January 2019, a total of 141 Affinis Short prostheses were implanted in 127 patients by a single surgeon. Mean age at time of surgery was 68 (44 to 89). Minimum one year and maximum eight year follow-up (mean 3.7 years) was analyzed using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at latest follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with implant revision as the endpoint. Most recently performed radiographs were reviewed for component radiolucent lines (RLLs) and proximal humeral migration.Aims
Methods
Post-traumatic elbow stiffness is a disabling condition that remains challenging for upper limb surgeons. Open elbow arthrolysis is commonly used for the treatment of stiff elbow when conservative therapy has failed. Multiple questions commonly arise from surgeons who deal with this disease. These include whether the patient has post-traumatic stiff elbow, how to evaluate the problem, when surgery is appropriate, how to perform an excellent arthrolysis, what the optimal postoperative rehabilitation is, and how to prevent or reduce the incidence of complications. Following these questions, this review provides an update and overview of post-traumatic elbow stiffness with respect to the diagnosis, preoperative evaluation, arthrolysis strategies, postoperative rehabilitation, and prevention of complications, aiming to provide a complete diagnosis and treatment path. Cite this article:
The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of distension arthrography in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. The secondary aim was to assess which patient and procedural factors predicted the recurrence of symptoms after the procedure. All patients referred to our shoulder clinic over a ten-year period, between 2008 and 2018, with a clinical diagnosis of capsulitis and symptoms persisting for more than six months, were offered treatment with a distension arthrogram. All procedures were performed by one of five musculoskeletal radiologists, with a combination of steroid, local anaesthetic, and a distention volume of 10 ml, 30 ml, or 50 ml. Patient demographics, procedural details, recurrence of symptoms, and the need for further intervention were evaluated.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study is to report the results of a case series of olecranon fractures and olecranon osteotomies treated with two bicortical screws. Data was collected retrospectively for all olecranon fractures and osteotomies fixed with two bicortical screws between January 2008 and December 2019 at our institution. The following outcome measures were assessed; re-operation, complications, radiological loss of reduction, and elbow range of flexion-extension.Aims
Methods
To evaluate the outcomes of terrible triad injuries (TTIs) in mid-term follow-up and determine whether surgical treatment of the radial head influences clinical and radiological outcomes. Follow-up assessment of 88 patients with TTI (48 women, 40 men; mean age 57 years (18 to 82)) was performed after a mean of 4.5 years (2.0 to 9.4). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were evaluated. Radiographs of all patients were analyzed. Fracture types included 13 Mason type I, 16 type II, and 59 type III. Surgical treatment consisted of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in all type II and reconstructable type III fractures, while radial head arthroplasty (RHA) was performed if reconstruction was not possible.Aims
Methods
The long head of the biceps (LHB) is often resected in shoulder surgery and could therefore serve as a cell source for tissue engineering approaches in the shoulder. However, whether it represents a suitable cell source for regenerative approaches, both in the inflamed and non-inflamed states, remains unclear. In the present study, inflamed and native human LHBs were comparatively characterized for features of regeneration. In total, 22 resected LHB tendons were classified into inflamed samples (n = 11) and non-inflamed samples (n = 11). Proliferation potential and specific marker gene expression of primary LHB-derived cell cultures were analyzed. Multipotentiality, including osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, and tenogenic differentiation potential of both groups were compared under respective lineage-specific culture conditions.Objectives
Methods
Aims
Materials and Methods
Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of A total of 46 patients undergoing either an arthroscopic capsular
release or stabilisation had biopsies taken from the subcutaneous
fat and capsule of the shoulder at the time of surgery. These samples
were sent for culture in enrichment, and also for Nucleic Acid Amplification
testing. The prevalence of Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to assess hypertrophy of the extra-articular
tendon of the long head of biceps (LHB) in patients with a rotator
cuff tear. The study involved 638 shoulders in 334 patients (175 men, 159
women, mean age 62.6 years; 25 to 81) with unilateral symptomatic
rotator cuff tears. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the LHB tendon
in the bicipital groove was measured pre-operatively in both shoulders
using ultrasound. There were 154 asymptomatic rotator cuff tears
in the contralateral shoulder. Comparisons were made between those
with a symptomatic tear, an asymptomatic tear and those with no
rotator cuff tear. In the affected shoulders, the CSAs were compared
in relation to the location and size of the rotator cuff tear. Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to analyze the results of reverse shoulder
arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with type 1 sequelae of a fracture
of the proximal humerus in association with rotator cuff deficiency
or severe stiffness of the shoulder. A total of 38 patients were included: 28 women and ten men. Their
mean age at the time of arthroplasty was 73 years (54 to 91). Before
the RSA, 18 patients had been treated with open reduction and internal
fixation following a fracture. A total of 22 patients had a rotator
cuff tear and 11 had severe stiffness of the shoulder with < 0°
of external rotation. The mean follow-up was 4.3 years (1.5 to 10).
The Constant score and the range of movement of the shoulder were
recorded preoperatively and at final follow-up. Preoperatively, radiographs in two planes were performed, as
well as CT or arthro-CT scans; radiographs were also performed at
final follow-up.Aims
Patients and Methods
We report the clinical results of glenoid osteotomy in patients
with atraumatic posteroinferior instability associated with glenoid
dysplasia. The study reports results in 211 patients (249 shoulders) with
atraumatic posteroinferior instability. The patients comprised 63
men and 148 women with a mean age of 20 years. The posteroinferior
glenoid surface was elevated by osteotomy at the scapular neck.
A body spica was applied to maintain the arm perpendicular to the
glenoid for two weeks postoperatively. Clinical results were evaluated
using the Rowe score and Japan Shoulder Society Shoulder Instability
Score (JSS-SIS); bone union, osteoarthrosis, and articular congruity
were examined on plain radiographs.Aims
Patients and Methods
Manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) is a recognised form of
treatment for patients with a frozen shoulder. However, not all
patients benefit. Some have persistent or recurrent symptoms. There
are no clear recommendations in the literature on the optimal management
of recurrent frozen shoulder after a MUA. We aimed to address this
issue in this study. We analysed a prospectively collected, single-surgeon, consecutive
series of patients who underwent MUA for frozen shoulder between
January 1999 and December 2015. The Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS)
and range of movement were the outcome measures. Aims
Patients and Methods
A variety of operative techniques have been described as under
the term ‘Bristow-Latarjet’ procedure. This review aims to define
the original procedure, and compare the variation in techniques
described in the literature, assessing any effect on clinical outcomes. A systematic review of 24 studies was performed to compare specific
steps of the technique (coracoid osteotomy site, subscapularis approach,
orientation and position of coracoid graft fixation and fixation
method, additional labral and capsular repair) and detect any effect
this variability had on outcomes.Objectives
Materials and Methods
The bony shoulder stability ratio (BSSR) allows for quantification of the bony stabilisers Four polyethylene balls (radii: 19.1 mm to 38.1 mm) were used to mould four fitting sockets in four different depths (3.2 mm to 19.1mm). The SR was measured in biomechanical congruent and incongruent experimental series. The experimental SR of a congruent system was compared with the calculated SR based on the BSSR approach. Differences in SR between congruent and incongruent experimental conditions were quantified. Finally, the experimental SR was compared with either calculated SR based on the socket concavity or plastic ball radius.Objectives
Methods
We review our experience of Coonrad-Morrey total elbow arthroplasty
(TEA) for fractures of the distal humerus in non-rheumatoid patients
with a minimum of ten years follow-up. TEA through a triceps splitting approach was peformed in 37 non-rheumatoid
patients for a fracture of the distal humerus between 1996 and 2004.
One patient could not be traced and 17 had died before the tenth
anniversary of their surgery. This left 19 patients with a minimum
follow-up of ten years to form the study group. Of these, 13 patients
were alive at the time of final review. The other six had died,
but after the tenth anniversary of their elbow arthroplasty. Their
clinical and radiological data were included in the study. Aims
Patients and Methods
The LockDown device (previously called Surgilig)
is a braided polyester mesh which is mostly used to reconstruct the
dislocated acromioclavicular joint. More than 11 000 have been implanted
worldwide. Little is known about the tissue reaction to the device
nor to its wear products when implanted in an extra-articular site
in humans. This is of importance as an adverse immunological reaction
could result in osteolysis or damage to the local tissues, thereby affecting
the longevity of the implant. We analysed the histology of five LockDown implants retrieved
from five patients over the last seven years by one of the senior
authors. Routine analysis was carried out in all five cases and
immunohistochemistry in one. The LockDown device acts as a scaffold for connective tissue
which forms an investing fibrous pseudoligament. The immunological
response at the histological level seems favourable with a limited
histiocytic and giant cell response to micron-sized wear particles.
The connective tissue envelope around the implant is less organised
than a native ligament. Cite this article:
Lateral epicondylitis, or ’tennis elbow’, is
a common condition that usually affects patients between 35 and
55 years of age. It is generally self-limiting, but in some patients
it may continue to cause persistent symptoms, which can be refractory
to treatment. This review discusses the mechanism of disease, symptoms
and signs, investigations, current management protocols and potential
new treatments. Cite this article:
We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and
radiological outcomes of a consecutive cohort of patients aged >
70 years with a displaced fracture of the olecranon, which was treated
non-operatively with early mobilisation. We identified 28 such patients
(27 women) with a mean age of 82 years (71 to 91). The elbow was
initially immobilised in an above elbow cast in 90° of flexion of
the elbow for a mean of five days. The cast was then replaced by
a sling. Active mobilisation was encouraged as tolerated. No formal
rehabilitation was undertaken. At a mean follow-up of 16 months
(12 to 26), the mean ranges of flexion and extension were 140° and
15° respectively. On a visual analogue scale of 1 (no pain) to 10,
the mean pain score was 1 (0 to 8). Of the original 28 patients
22 developed nonunion, but no patients required surgical treatment. We conclude that non-operative functional treatment of displaced
olecranon fractures in the elderly gives good results and a high
rate of satisfaction. Cite this article:
