The Recent Surgical Treatment of Elbow Pain / 이화의대지

The review article explores recent advances in the surgical treatment of elbow pain, a common ailment that can significantly impair daily functioning. With a surge in elbow-related conditions such as tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, and nerve compression disorders, the necessity for surgical approaches has become paramount. This article provides an overview of the cutting-edge procedures now available, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. These modern methods have been shown to significantly reduce recovery times and improve overall patient outcomes. The combination of surgical management and targeted rehabilitation ensures a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for patients with various elbow pathologies. This article aims to shed light on these recent surgical interventions and their potential for advancing the management of elbow pain, emphasizing the ongoing trend toward precision, efficiency, and patient-centered care.

The elbow is the load-bearing joint during arm swing

Background@#Arm swing plays a role in gait by accommodating forward movement through trunk balance. This study evaluates the biomechanical characteristics of arm swing during gait. @*Methods@#The study performed computational musculoskeletal modeling based on motion tracking in 15 participants without musculoskeletal or gait disorder. A three-dimensional (3D) motion tracking system using three Azure Kinect (Microsoft) modules was used to obtain information in the 3D location of shoulder and elbow joints. Computational modeling using AnyBody Modeling System was performed to calculate the joint moment and range of motion (ROM) during arm swing. @*Results@#The mean ROM of the dominant elbow was 29.7°±10.2° and 14.2°±3.2° in flexion–extension and pronation–supination, respectively. The mean joint moment of the dominant elbow was 56.4±12.7 Nm, 25.6±5.2 Nm, and 19.8±4.6 Nm in flexion–extension, rotation, and abduction–adduction, respectively. @*Conclusions@#The elbow bears the load created by gravity and muscle contracture in dynamic arm swing movement.

Evaluation of Deltoid Origin Status Following Open and Arthroscopic Repair of Large Rotator Cuff Tears: A Propensity-Matched Case-Control Study

Background@#The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare deltoid origin status following large rotator cuff repair carried out using either an open or an arthroscopic method with a propensity score matching technique. @*Methods@#A retrospective review of 112 patients treated for full-thickness, large rotator cuff tear via either a classic open repair (open group) or an arthroscopic repair (arthroscopic group) was conducted. All patients included in the study had undergone postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical follow-up for at least 12 and 18 months after surgery, respectively. Propensity score matching was used to select controls matched for age, sex, body mass index, and affected site. There were 56 patients in each group, with a mean age of 63.3 years (range, 50–77 years). The postoperative functional and radiologic outcomes for both groups were compared. Radiologic evaluation for postoperative rotator cuff integrity and deltoid origin status was performed with 3-Tesla MRI. @*Results@#The deltoid origin thickness was significantly greater in the arthroscopic group when measured at the anterior acromion (P=0.006), anterior third (P=0.005), and middle third of the lateral border of the acromion level (P=0.005). The deltoid origin thickness at the posterior third of the lateral acromion was not significantly different between the arthroscopic and open groups. The arthroscopic group had significantly higher intact deltoid integrity with less scarring (P=0.04). There were no full-thickness deltoid tears in either the open or arthroscopic group. @*Conclusion@#Open rotator cuff repair resulted in a thinner deltoid origin, especially from the anterior acromion to the middle third of the lateral border of the acromion, at the 1-year postoperative MRI evaluation. Meticulous reattachment of the deltoid origin is as essential as rotator cuff repair when an open approach is selected.

Total Elbow Arthroplasty: Clinical Outcomes, Complications, and Revision Surgery

Total elbow arthroplasty is a common surgical procedure used in the management of advanced rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and unfixable fracture in elderly patients. Total elbow prostheses have evolved over the years and now include the linked, unlinked, and convertible types. However, long-term complications, including infection, aseptic loosening, instability, and periprosthetic fracture, remain a challenge. Here, we introduce each type of implant and evaluate clinical outcomes and complications by reviewing the previous literature.

Hemiarthroplasty for Distal Humerus Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis for Functional Outcome

BACKGROUND: Treatment of distal humerus fractures in osteoporotic elderly patients is often challenging. For non-reconstructible fractures with open reduction and internal fixation, total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is an acceptable alternative. However, the relatively high complication rates and lifelong activity restrictions make TEA less ideal for elderly or low-demand patients. Efforts to identify or develop alternate procedures that benefit relatively young, high-demand patients have resulted in increased interest in hemiarthroplasty. This systematic review reports the clinical outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for distal humeral fractures. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the databases of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. All English-language studies published before June 2017 were considered for possible inclusion. Search terms included ‘distal humerus fracture’ and ‘hemiarthroplasty’. Studies reporting outcomes (and a minimum of 1 year clinical follow-up) in human subjects after hemiarthroplasty (Latitude system) for distal humeral fractures were assessed for inclusion. Patient demographics, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complications were recorded, and homogenous outcome measures were analyzed. RESULTS: Nine studies with a total of 115 patients met the inclusion criteria. Among the included studies, the weighted mean follow-up time was 35.4 months. Furthermore, the weighted mean of the postoperative range of motion (107.6° flexion-extension, 157.5° for pronation-supination) and functional outcomes (Mayo elbow performance scores: 85.8, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score: 19.6) were within the acceptable range. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that hemiarthroplasty is a viable option for comminuted distal humerus fracture. Satisfactory functional outcomes were observed in most patients.

Tumor Treated by Endoscopy

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to examine the clinical usefulness and efficacy of endoscopic curettage on benign bone tumor. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (20 men and 12 women) with benign bone tumor were included in the study. The patients were aged between five and 76 years; the mean follow-up period was 27.05 months (range, 9.6 to 39.9 months). The primary sites include simple bone cyst (9 cases), fibrous dysplasia (6 cases), enchondroma (5 cases), non-ossifying fibroma (4 cases), bone infarct (3 cases), aneurysmal bone cyst (1 case), chondroblastoma (1 case), osteoblastoma (1 case), intraosseous lipoma (1 case), and Brodie abscess (1 case). A plain radiography was performed to assess the radiological recovery. Radiological outcomes, including local recurrence and bone union, were evaluated as excellent, good, poor, and recurred. RESULTS: In our series, there were 27 cases (84.4%) of good or better outcomes, six cases (18.8%) of complications (4 local recurrence, 1 wound infection, and 1 pathologic fracture). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that endoscopic curettage and bone graft had a lower rate of recurrence and a higher cure rate in cases of benign bone tumor. It can, therefore, be concluded that endoscopic curettage and bone graft might be good treatment modalities for benign bone tumors.

The Efficacy of Carpal Tunnel Release with Mini-Open Incision / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effects of carpal tunnel release with a mini-open incision by analyzing symptom improvement. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 64 carpal tunnel syndrome patients who underwent carpal tunnel release with mini-open incisions between January 2001 and December 2010. The 22 males and 42 females had a mean age of 49 years and a mean follow-up of 12 months. We analyzed postoperative symptoms using The Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients reported complete resolution of their symptoms, and some patients who had presented with residual symptoms improved gradually. No complications or scar hypersensitivity were observed. MHQ(Michigan Hand outcomes Questionnaire) scores improved significantly between preoperative and postoperative 6 months and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Carpal tunnel release with mini-open incision provides a clinically effective, reliable and safe procedure.

Treatment of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fracture with Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty of Hip in Elderly Population: Short-term Results / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term results and complications of treating the intertrochanteric fracture with bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) in elderly population. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 31 unstable intertrochanteric fracture patients who were treated with BHA between January 2007 and August 2009 in older populations more than 65 years old. The 6 males and 25 females had a mean age of 79.8 years (range: 66-88) and a mean follow-up of 36.3 months (range: 24-55). We analyzed the radiological outcomes, functional recovery grade, using Jensen's social function score and Harris hip score (HHS), and complications. RESULTS: The average operation time and blood loss was 148.9 min (range, 110-215 min) and 455.2 mL (range, 200-1200 mL). Mean preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) was 10.9 g/dL (range, 8.6-13.4 g/dL) and 10.5 g/dL (range, 5.1-14.1 g/dL) respectively. Average 1.3 pints of blood transfusion was performed. Ambulation with (or without) crutch was possible at mean 6.8 days postoperatively. The stability and alignment indices were adequate in all cases at final follow-up. On clinical results, the average HHS score, was changed from 79.7 points (range, 44-100) preoperatively to 73.0 points (range, 46-92) postoperatively, and the preoperative and postoperative Jensen's score was 1.8 (range, 1-3) and 2.1 (range, 1-4) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The BHA is an acceptable alternative for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in older population.