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 is to evaluate the change in incidence rate of shoulder arthroplasty, indications, and surgeon volume trends associated with these procedures between January 2003 and April 2021 in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. A total of 1,545 patients between 2005 and 2021 were analyzed. Patients operated on between 2003 and 2004 were excluded due to a lack of electronic records. Overall, 84.1% of the surgeries (n = 1,299) were performed by two fellowship-trained upper limb surgeons, with the remainder performed by one of the 14 orthopaedic surgeons working in the province.Aims
Methods
This study aims to describe a new method that may be used as a supplement to evaluate humeral rotational alignment during intramedullary nail (IMN) insertion using the profile of the perpendicular peak of the greater tuberosity and its relation to the transepicondylar axis. We called this angle the greater tuberosity version angle (GTVA). This study analyzed 506 cadaveric humeri of adult patients. All humeri were CT scanned using 0.625 × 0.625 × 0.625 mm cubic voxels. The images acquired were used to generate 3D surface models of the humerus. Next, 3D landmarks were automatically calculated on each 3D bone using custom-written C++ software. The anatomical landmarks analyzed were the transepicondylar axis, the humerus anatomical axis, and the peak of the perpendicular axis of the greater tuberosity. Lastly, the angle between the transepicondylar axis and the greater tuberosity axis was calculated and defined as the GTVA.Aims
Methods
To propose a new method for evaluating paediatric radial neck fractures and improve the accuracy of fracture angulation measurement, particularly in younger children, and thereby facilitate planning treatment in this population. Clinical data of 117 children with radial neck fractures in our hospital from August 2014 to March 2023 were collected. A total of 50 children (26 males, 24 females, mean age 7.6 years (2 to 13)) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Cases were excluded for the following reasons: Judet grade I and Judet grade IVb (> 85° angulation) classification; poor radiograph image quality; incomplete clinical information; sagittal plane angulation; severe displacement of the ulna fracture; and Monteggia fractures. For each patient, standard elbow anteroposterior (AP) view radiographs and corresponding CT images were acquired. On radiographs, Angle P (complementary to the angle between the long axis of the radial head and the line perpendicular to the physis), Angle S (complementary to the angle between the long axis of the radial head and the midline through the proximal radial shaft), and Angle U (between the long axis of the radial head and the straight line from the distal tip of the capitellum to the coronoid process) were identified as candidates approximating the true coronal plane angulation of radial neck fractures. On the coronal plane of the CT scan, the angulation of radial neck fractures (CTa) was measured and served as the reference standard for measurement. Inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were assessed by Kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).Aims
Methods
Rotator cuff disease (RCD) can considerably decrease quality of life. Here, we investigated whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL) influences the need for surgery in patients with RCD. We performed an analysis of 417 patients with symptomatic RCD who were recruited from two hospitals between June 2008 and December 2014 to be randomized to receive non-surgical or surgical treatment. After a three-month rehabilitation period, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36), shoulder pain (visual analogue scale (VAS)), and shoulder function (Constant-Murley score) data were available from 191 still-symptomatic patients who were eligible for surgery. A control group was formed from 87 excluded patients who were no longer eligible for surgery due to relief of symptoms.Aims
Methods
The objective of this study was to compare simulated range of motion (ROM) for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) with and without adjustment for scapulothoracic orientation in a global reference system. We hypothesized that values for simulated ROM in preoperative planning software with and without adjustment for scapulothoracic orientation would be significantly different. A statistical shape model of the entire humerus and scapula was fitted into ten shoulder CT scans randomly selected from 162 patients who underwent rTSA. Six shoulder surgeons independently planned a rTSA in each model using prototype development software with the ability to adjust for scapulothoracic orientation, the starting position of the humerus, as well as kinematic planes in a global reference system simulating previously described posture types A, B, and C. ROM with and without posture adjustment was calculated and compared in all movement planes.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to evaluate the kinematics of the elbow following increasing length of the radius with implantation of radial head arthroplasties (RHAs) using dynamic radiostereometry (dRSA). Eight human donor arms were examined by dRSA during motor-controlled flexion and extension of the elbow with the forearm in an unloaded neutral position, and in pronation and supination with and without a 10 N valgus or varus load, respectively. The elbows were examined before and after RHA with stem lengths of anatomical size, + 2 mm, and + 4 mm. The ligaments were maintained intact by using a step-cut lateral humeral epicondylar osteotomy, allowing the RHAs to be repeatedly exchanged. Bone models were obtained from CT scans, and specialized software was used to match these models with the dRSA recordings. The flexion kinematics of the elbow were described using anatomical coordinate systems to define translations and rotations with six degrees of freedom.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to analyze how proximal radial neck resorption (PRNR) starts and progresses radiologically in two types of press-fit radial head arthroplasties (RHAs), and to investigate its clinical relevance. A total of 97 patients with RHA were analyzed: 56 received a bipolar RHA (Group 1) while 41 received an anatomical implant (Group 2). Radiographs were performed postoperatively and after three, six, nine, and 12 weeks, six, nine, 12, 18, and 24 months, and annually thereafter. PRNR was measured in all radiographs in the four radial neck quadrants. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and the patient-assessed American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score - Elbow (pASES-E) were used for the clinical assessment. Radiological signs of implant loosening were investigated.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of complex radial head fractures at mid-term follow-up, and determine whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or radial head arthroplasty (RHA) should be recommended for surgical treatment. Patients who underwent surgery for complex radial head fractures (Mason type III, ≥ three fragments) were divided into two groups (ORIF and RHA) and propensity score matching was used to individually match patients based on patient characteristics. Ultimately, 84 patients were included in this study. After a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (2.0 to 9.5), patients were invited for clinical and radiological assessment. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score were evaluated.Aims
Methods
The risk factors for recurrent instability (RI) following a primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (PTASD) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the rate of RI in a large cohort of patients managed nonoperatively after PTASD and to develop a clinical prediction model. A total of 1,293 patients with PTASD managed nonoperatively were identified from a trauma database (mean age 23.3 years (15 to 35); 14.3% female). We assessed the prevalence of RI, and used multivariate regression modelling to evaluate which demographic- and injury-related factors were independently predictive for its occurrence.Aims
Methods
This study aimed to quantify the shoulder kinematics during an apprehension-relocation test in patients with anterior shoulder instability (ASI) and glenoid bone loss using the radiostereometric analysis (RSA) method. Kinematics were compared with the patient’s contralateral healthy shoulder. A total of 20 patients with ASI and > 10% glenoid bone loss and a healthy contralateral shoulder were included. RSA imaging of the patient’s shoulders was performed during a repeated apprehension-relocation test. Bone volume models were generated from CT scans, marked with anatomical coordinate systems, and aligned with the digitally reconstructed bone projections on the RSA images. The glenohumeral joint (GHJ) kinematics were evaluated in the anteroposterior and superoinferior direction of: the humeral head centre location relative to the glenoid centre; and the humeral head contact point location on the glenoid.Aims
Methods
There are concerns regarding complications and longevity of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in young patients, and the few previous publications are mainly limited to reports on linked elbow devices. We investigated the clinical outcome of unlinked TEA for patients aged less than 50 years with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We retrospectively reviewed the records of 26 elbows of 21 patients with RA who were aged less than 50 years who underwent primary TEA with an unlinked elbow prosthesis. The mean patient age was 46 years (35 to 49), and the mean follow-up period was 13.6 years (6 to 27). Outcome measures included pain, range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), radiological evaluation for radiolucent line and loosening, complications, and revision surgery with or without implant removal.Aims
Methods
The outcomes following nonoperative management of minimally displaced greater tuberosity (GT) fractures, and the factors which influence patient experience, remain poorly defined. We assessed the early patient-derived outcomes following these injuries and examined the effect of a range of demographic- and injury-related variables on these outcomes. In total, 101 patients (53 female, 48 male) with a mean age of 50.9 years (19 to 76) with minimally displaced GT fractures were recruited to a prospective observational cohort study. During the first year after injury, patients underwent experiential assessment using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and assessment of associated injuries using MRI performed within two weeks of injury. The primary outcome was the one-year DASH score. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the effect of patient demographic factors, complications, and associated injuries, on outcome.Aims
Methods
The open Latarjet procedure is a widely used treatment for recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder. Although satisfactory outcomes are reported, factors which influence a patient’s experience are poorly quantified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a range of demographic factors and measures of the severity of instability on patient-reported outcome measures in patients who underwent an open Latarjet procedure at a minimum follow-up of two years. A total of 350 patients with anterior instability of the shoulder who underwent an open Latarjet procedure between 2005 and 2018 were reviewed prospectively, with the collection of demographic and psychosocial data, preoperative CT, and complications during follow-up of two years. The primary outcome measure was the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), assessed preoperatively, at two years postoperatively, and at mid-term follow-up at a mean of 50.6 months (SD 24.8) postoperatively. The secondary outcome measure was the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score. The influence of the demographic details of the patients, measurements of the severity of instability, and the complications of surgery were assessed in a multivariate analysis.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to develop and internally validate a prognostic nomogram to predict the probability of gaining a functional range of motion (ROM ≥ 120°) after open arthrolysis of the elbow in patients with post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow. We developed the Shanghai Prediction Model for Elbow Stiffness Surgical Outcome (SPESSO) based on a dataset of 551 patients who underwent open arthrolysis of the elbow in four institutions. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected from medical records. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used to optimize the selection of relevant features. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to build the SPESSO. Its prediction performance was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index) and a calibration graph. Internal validation was conducted using bootstrapping validation.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
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
Acute distal biceps tendon repair reduces fatigue-related pain and minimizes loss of supination of the forearm and strength of flexion of the elbow. We report the short- and long-term outcome following repair using fixation with a cortical button techqniue. Between October 2010 and July 2018, 102 patients with a mean age of 43 years (19 to 67), including 101 males, underwent distal biceps tendon repair less than six weeks after the injury, using cortical button fixation. The primary short-term outcome measure was the rate of complications. The primary long-term outcome measure was the abbreviated Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score. Secondary outcomes included the Oxford Elbow Score (OES), EuroQol five-dimension three-level score (EQ-5D-3L), satisfaction, and return to function.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to define the complications and long-term outcome following adolescent mid-shaft clavicular fracture. We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 677 adolescent fractures in 671 patients presenting to our region (age 13 to 17 years) over a ten-year period (2009 to 2019). Long-term patient-reported outcomes (abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score and EuroQol five-dimension three-level (EQ-5D-3L) quality of life score) were undertaken at a mean of 6.4 years (1.2 to 11.3) following injury in severely displaced mid-shaft fractures (Edinburgh 2B) and angulated mid-shaft fractures (Edinburgh 2A2) at a minimum of one year post-injury. The median patient age was 14.8 years (interquartile range (IQR) 14.0 to 15.7) and 89% were male (n = 594/671).Aims
Methods
It has been hypothesized that proximal radial neck resorption (PRNR) following press-fit radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is due to stress-shielding. We compared two different press-fit stems by means of radiographs to investigate whether the shape and size of the stems are correlated with the degree of PRNR. The radiographs of 52 RHAs were analyzed both at 14 days postoperatively and after two years. A cylindrical stem and a conical stem were implanted in 22 patients (group 1) and 30 patients (group 2), respectively. The PRNR was measured in the four quadrants of the radial neck and the degree of stem filling was calculated by analyzing the ratio between the prosthetic stem diameter (PSD) and the medullary canal diameter (MCD) at the proximal portion of the stem (level A), halfway along the stem length (level B), and distally at the stem tip (level C).Aims
Methods
Despite recent advances in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, re-tear rates remain high. New methods to improve healing rates following rotator cuff repair must be sought. Our primary objective was to determine if adjunctive bone marrow stimulation with channelling five to seven days prior to arthroscopic cuff repair would lead to higher Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) scores at 24 months postoperatively compared with no channelling. A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Patients were randomized to receive either a percutaneous bone channelling of the rotator cuff footprint or a sham procedure under ultrasound guidance five to seven days prior to index surgery. Outcome measures included the WORC, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Constant scores, strength, ultrasound-determined healing rates, and adverse events.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to explore why some calcar screws are malpositioned when a proximal humeral fracture is treated by internal fixation with a locking plate, and to identify risk factors for this phenomenon. Some suggestions can be made of ways to avoid this error. We retrospectively identified all proximal humeral fractures treated in our institution between October 2016 and October 2018 using the hospital information system. The patients’ medical and radiological data were collected, and we divided potential risk factors into two groups: preoperative factors and intraoperative factors. Preoperative factors included age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, proximal humeral bone mineral density, type of fracture, the condition of the medial hinge, and medial metaphyseal head extension. Intraoperative factors included the grade of surgeon, neck-shaft angle after reduction, humeral head height, restoration of medial support, and quality of reduction. Adjusted binary logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify pre- and intraoperative risk factors. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis was used to evaluate the discriminative ability of the multivariable model.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
Few risk factors for rotator cuff disease (RCD) and corresponding treatment have been firmly established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between numerous risk factors and the incidence of surgery for RCD in a large cohort. A population-based cohort of people aged between 40 and 69 years in the UK (the UK Biobank) was studied. People who underwent surgery for RCD were identified through a link with NHS inpatient records covering a mean of eight years after enrolment. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) as estimates of associations with surgery for RCD accounting for confounders. The risk factors which were considered included age, sex, race, education, Townsend deprivation index, body mass index (BMI), occupational demands, and exposure to smoking.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of Monteggia-like lesions at midterm follow-up and to determine whether the surgical treatment of the radial head influences the clinical and radiological results. A total of 78 patients with a Monteggia-like lesion, including 44 women and 34 men with a mean age of 54.7 years (19 to 80), were available for assessment after a mean 4.6 years (2 to 9.2). The outcome was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS), and The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Radiographs were analyzed for all patients. A total of 12 Mason type I, 16 type II, and 36 type III fractures were included. Surgical treatment consisted of screw fixation for all type II and reconstructable type III fractures, while radial head arthroplasty (RHA) or excision was performed if reconstruction was not possible.Aims
Patients and Methods
To compare complication-related reoperation rates following primary arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) We identified patients aged 50 years and over, who sustained a PHF between 2004 and 2015, from linkable datasets. We used intervention codes to identify patients treated with initial ORIF or arthroplasty, and those treated with ORIF who returned for revision arthroplasty within two years. We used multilevel logistic regression to compare reoperations between groups.Aims
Patients and 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
Few studies have compared survivorship of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with hemiarthroplasty (HA). This observational study compared survivorship of TSA with HA while controlling for important covariables and accounting for death as a competing risk. All patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty in Ontario, Canada between April 2002 and March 2012 were identified using population-based health administrative data. We used the Fine–Gray sub-distribution hazard model to measure the association of arthroplasty type with time to revision surgery (accounting for death as a competing risk) controlling for age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index, income quintile, diagnosis, and surgeon factors.Aims
Patients and Methods
Aims
Patients and Methods
Rotator cuff tendinopathy has a multifactorial origin. Rejecting
the mechanistic theory has also led to abandoning operative treatment
at initial presentation in the first line. Physiotherapy exercise
programmes are the accepted first line treatment. The aim of this
study was to assess the long-term additional benefits of subacromial decompression
in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy. This randomised controlled trial of 140 patients (52 men, 88
women, mean age 47.1 years; 18 to 60) with rotator cuff tendinopathy
extended previous work up to a maximum of 13 years. The patients
were randomised into two treatment groups: arthroscopic acromioplasty
and a supervised exercise treatment and a similar supervised exercise
treatment alone. Self-reported pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS)
was the primary outcome measure. Secondary measures were disability,
working ability, pain at night, Shoulder Disability Questionnaire
score and the number of painful days during the three months preceding
the final assessment.Aims
Patients and Methods
We evaluated clinical and radiographic outcomes of total shoulder
arthroplasty (TSA) using the second-generation Trabecular Metal
(TM) Glenoid component. The first generation component was withdrawn
in 2005 after a series of failures were reported. Between 2009 and
2012, 40 consecutive patients with unilateral TSA using the second-generation
component were enrolled in this clinical study. The mean age of
the patients was 63.8 years (40 to 75) and the mean follow-up was
38 months (24 to 42). Patients were evaluated using the Constant score (CS), the American
Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and routine radiographs.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 intra-articular distal
humeral fractures produces reliable medium-term results with functional
outcome and complication rates, comparable with open reduction and
internal fixation and total elbow arthroplasty. Cite this article:
This study compared the clinical outcomes following
mini-open rotator cuff repair (MORCR) between early mobilisation
and usual care, involving initial immobilisation. In total, 189
patients with radiologically-confirmed full-thickness rotator cuff
tears underwent MORCR and were randomised to either early mobilisation
(n = 97) or standard rehabilitation (n = 92) groups. Patients were
assessed at six weeks and three, six, 12 and 24 months post-operatively.
Six-week range of movement comparisons demonstrated significantly
increased abduction (p = 0.002) and scapular plane elevation (p
= 0.006) in the early mobilisation group, an effect which was not
detectable at three months (p >
0.51) or afterwards. At 24 months
post-operatively, patients who performed pain-free, early active mobilisation
for activities of daily living showed no difference in clinical
outcomes from patients immobilised for six weeks following MORCR.
We suggest that the choice of rehabilitation regime following MORCR
may be left to the discretion of the patient and the treating surgeon. Cite this article:
Although many clinical and experimental investigations have shed
light on muscle atrophy and intramuscular accumulation of fat after
rotator cuff disruption, none have reported on their onset in the
absence of muscle retraction. In 30 rabbits, we detached one supraspinatus (SSP) tendon and
repaired it immediately, thus preventing muscle retraction. The
animals were killed in groups of 10 at one, two and six weeks. Both
shoulders of 15 non-operated rabbits served as controls. We measured
the weight and volume of SSP muscles and quantified the cross-sectional
area of intramuscular fat (i-fat) histologically.Objectives
Methods
We have compared three different methods of treating
symptomatic non-traumatic tears of the supraspinatus tendon in patients
above 55 years of age. A total of 180 shoulders (173 patients) with
supraspinatus tendon tears were randomly allocated into one of three
groups (each of 60 shoulders); physiotherapy (group 1), acromioplasty and
physiotherapy (group 2) and rotator cuff repair, acromioplasty and
physiotherapy (group 3). The Constant score was assessed and followed
up by an independent observer pre-operatively and at three, six
and twelve months after the intervention. Of these, 167 shoulders were available for assessment at one
year (follow-up rate of 92.8%). There were 55 shoulders in group
1 (24 in males and 31 in females, mean age 65 years (55 to 79)),
57 in group 2 (29 male and 28 female, mean age 65 years (55 to 79))
and 55 shoulders in group 3 (26 male and 29 female, mean age 65
years (55 to 81)). There were no between-group differences in the
Constant score at final follow-up: 74.1 ( Cite this article:
The indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty
(RSA) continue to be expanded. Associated impairment of the deltoid
muscle has been considered a contraindication to its use, as function
of the RSA depends on the deltoid and impairment of the deltoid
may increase the risk of dislocation. The aim of this retrospective
study was to determine the functional outcome and risk of dislocation
following the use of an RSA in patients with impaired deltoid function.
Between 1999 and 2010, 49 patients (49 shoulders) with impairment
of the deltoid underwent RSA and were reviewed at a mean of 38 months
(12 to 142) post-operatively. There were nine post-operative complications (18%),
including two dislocations. The mean forward elevation improved
from 50° ( These results suggest that pre-operative deltoid impairment,
in certain circumstances, is not an absolute contraindication to
RSA. This form of treatment can yield reliable improvement in function
without excessive risk of post-operative dislocation. Cite this article:
