Dietary Patterns Assessed by the Diet Quality Index-International Among Cancer Survivors Compared with Healthy Control Subjects: Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2013–2015

BACKGROUND: Dietary patterns have a significant impact on prognosis, recurrence, and survival in patients with cancer. This study investigated dietary patterns using the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) in cancer survivors compared to those in the general population without cancer.METHODS: Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI data, cancer survivors were defined as those diagnosed with cancer more than 1 year before the survey. The associations between possible predictors and the DQI-I score were examined using t-tests and analysis of variance. Adjusted multiple linear regression analysis was performed to compare the differences in DQI-I scores between cancer survivors and controls.RESULTS: In univariate analysis of 9,351 subjects (433 cancer survivors and 8,918 controls), age, sex, body mass index, marital status, education level, income, residential area, smoking status, and alcohol consumption were associated with the DQI-I score (each P-value < 0.05). After adjustment, cancer survivors showed higher DQI-I scores than the controls (67.40±8.90 vs. 65.50±9.40, P-value=0.007). In subgroup analysis, cancer survivors within 5 years after cancer diagnosis showed higher DQI-I scores than the controls (68.70±8.30 vs. 65.50±9.40, P-value=0.034), whereas those who survived beyond 5 years post-diagnosis did not show significant differences from the controls (66.70±9.20 vs. 65.50±9.40, P-value=0.063).CONCLUSION: Cancer survivors within 5 years of cancer diagnosis showed better dietary patterns than those in the general population. However, the differences were not observed after 5 years post-diagnosis. To reduce the risks of second primary cancer and mortality, targeted inventions for dietary habits are necessary for long-term survivors of cancer.

A Case Series of Symptomatic Distal Biceps Tendinopathy

BACKGROUND: The study of conservative and surgical treatment of distal biceps tendinopathy and associated biceps tendon partial rupture. METHODS: Twenty-one cases with distal biceps tendonitis and partial ruptures were studied who visited Pohang Semyeong Christianity Hospital from June 2010 to August 2017. The mean age was 57.1 years (39–69 years), 14 males and 7 females. The mean duration of symptom at the time of first visit was 4.9 months (0.2–14 months). Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed for patients with severe symptoms. According to the severity of the symptoms, splint immobilization, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and ultrasound-guided steroid injection were performed. Surgical treatment was performed if the patient did not respond to conservative treatment for 3 to 6 months or longer. RESULTS: There were 9 cases of partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon associated with distal biceps tendinopathy on imaging studies. Conservative treatment showed symptomatic improvement in 16 of 21 cases. In 4 cases with a relatively mild symptom, anti-inflammatory analgesics and intermittent splinting showed good result. In 12 cases, symptoms improved after ultrasonography-guided steroid injection. Surgical treatment was performed on 5 cases that did not respond to conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment of distal biceps tendinopathy may promise good results. However, in case of partial tear of the distal biceps tendon and refractory to conservative treatment, surgical treatment may be needed.

Subungual Extraskeletal Chondroma with Nail Deformity

Extraskeletal chondromas are benign soft tissue tumor of hyaline cartilage. These tumors are rare and the pathogenesis is unclear. They are usually involves the hand or feet. We report the case of extraskeletal chondroma arising from subungual region of the finger with nail deformity and review of the literature.

Use of Composite Wiring on Surgical Treatments of Clavicle Shaft Fractures

PURPOSE: To introduce the technique of reducing displaced or comminuted clavicle shaft fracture using composite wiring and report the clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2006 and December 2013, 31 consecutive displaced clavicle fractures (Edinburgh classification 2B) treated by anatomic reduction and internal fixation using composite wiring and plates were retrospectively evaluated. The fracture fragments were anatomically reduced and fixed with composite-wiring. An additional plate was applied. Radiographic assessments for the numbers of fragments, size of each fragment and amount of shortening and displacement were performed. The duration for fracture union and complications were investigated retrospectively. The mean fallow-up duration was 15.9 months. RESULTS: The mean number of fragments was 1.7 (1-3) and the mean width of fracture fragment was 7.1 mm (4.5-10.6 mm). The mean shortening of the clavicle was 20.5 mm (10.3-36.2 mm). The mean number of composite wires used in fixation was 1.9 (1-3). Radiographic union was achieved in all patients with a mean time to union of 11.6 weeks. There were no complications including metal failure, pin migration, nonunion, or infection. CONCLUSION: The composite wiring was suitable for fixation of small fracture fragment and did not interfere with the union, indicating that it is useful for treatment of clavicle shaft fracture.

Analysis of the Postoperative Outcomes of the Chronic Scapholunate Ligament Instability Managed by Various Surgical Techniques

PURPOSE: To investigate mid-term clinical outcomes of various methods of scapholunate reconstruction for chronic scapholunate instability. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients diagnosed as chronic scapholunate instability, from 2005 to 2013 and followed up for more than one year after surgery. 7 patients were treated with Garcia technique of triple ligament reconstruction, 2, bone-ligamemt-bone repair, and 2, dorsal capsulodesis. Mean age was 42 years (range, 23-61 years). The right side was involved in 6 patients, and the left in 5. The follow-up period averaged 42 months (range, 13-125 months). The postoperative functional outcomes were assessed with Modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and range of motion. The postoperative radiologic results were analyzed with the change of scapholunate angle and distance. RESULTS: The mean MMWS score improved from 65 preoperatively to 77 postoperatively (p=0.072). The mean DASH score improved from 29.4 (range, 18.3-43.3) preoperatively to 12.7 (range, 0-38.3) postoperatively (p=0.003). The dorsiflexion increased from 67° to 78°, the volar flexion decreased from 51° to 45°, the supination increased from 69° to 88°, and the pronation increased from 62° to 66°. The SL angle changed from 55° preoperatively to 51° postoperatively, the mean SL distance changed from 3.4 mm preoperatively to 1.7 mm postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The chronic scapholunate instability is amenable to various techniques and postoperative functional outcomes improved satisfactory.

Clinical Outcomes of Open Surgical Repair for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Detachment

PURPOSE: To investigate short term clinical outcomes of the open surgical repair for triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal detachment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 8 patients (5 men, 3 women) who had been treated with open surgical repair of the TFCC type 1B injury, from 2005 to 2013 and who were followed up for more than one year after surgery. Mean age at time of surgery was 34 years. The right side was involved in 3 patients, and the left in 5. The clinical results of surgery were assessed with modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and pain-visual analogue scale (VAS). Physical examination was performed to evaluate the prescence of distal radioulnar instability, preoperatively and at the latest follow-up. RESULTS: The mean follow up period were 36.5 months (range, 12-64 months). The mean MMWS improved from 52.5 (range, 25-85) preoperatively to 82.5 (range, 75-100) postoperatively (p=0.02). The mean DASH score improved from 39.6 (range, 65-13.5) preoperatively to 13.4 (range, 2.5-33.3) postoperatively (p=0.012). The preoperative mean pain-VAS was 4.6 (range, 6-3); these value was reduced to mean 2 (range, 0-3) at the latest follow-up (p=0.016). There were no patients remaining instability after the surgery, although four patients showed distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability before surgery. CONCLUSION: The surgical outcomes of open repair for TFCC foveal detachment (type 1B) was contentable. Also, in cases of type 1B injury associated with DRUJ instability were managed sucessfully without additional procedure.

Revision Surgery after Carpal Tunnel Release for Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

PURPOSE: To report the causes of recurrent and persistent symptoms after carpal tunnel release and to evaluate the result of revision surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: wenty one patients who underwent surgery for recurrent or persistent carpal tunnel syndrome after carpal tunnel release were studied. The mean age was 59 years. There were 2 men and 19 women. The mean time interval between first operation and revision surgery was 29.8 months, and mean follow up period was 10.6 months. The operations were done by single surgeon. RESULTS: The most common cause of failed carpal tunnel release was scar adhesion, which was observed in nine cases. Other causes included incomplete release of transverse carpal ligament in six, scar adhesion with incomplete release in three, iatrogenic median nerve injury in two, and unrecognized calcification in one. Following revision surgery, 15 cases (71%) showed alleviation of symptoms. CONCLUSION: In cases of recurrent or persistent carpal tunnel syndrome following carpal tunnel release, evaluation of the causes is essential in performing revision surgery.

Diagnosis and Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Local Lesions

PURPOSE: To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of nonidiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) caused by variable local lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients who underwent surgery for CTS caused by local lesions were studied. The average age was 53.3 years. There were 5 men and 10 women. Plain radiographs including carpal tunnel view and ultrasonography were routinely performed, and magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were taken in selected cases. Carpal tunnel release were done by a single surgeon. RESULTS: Lesions causing CTS included calcification in five cases, ganglion in two, malunion after distal radius fracture in one, osteophyte of carpal bone in one, tuberculosis tenosynovitis in one, synovitis by foreign body in one, acute lunate dislocation in one, lipoma in two, median artery in one. Following surgery, all cases showed alleviation of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Prior to surgical decompression of CTS, it is important to assess any lesion around median nerve and carpal tunnel through physical examination, radiographs including carpal tunnel view and ultrasonography.

Dupuytren's Contracture Release with Straight Line Incision and Multiple Z-plasty

PURPOSE: To report the results of patients with a Dupuytren's contracture treated with fasciectomy combined with straight line incision and multiple Z-plasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed retrospective study on 33 hands in 28 patients who had a Dupuytren's contracture between March 2006 to July 2009. Patients were males and the average age was 62-year-old ranging from 50 to 75. There were 15 single and 18 multiple digits involvement. Operation involved fasciectomy using straight skin incision combined with multiple Z-plasty. Postoperative assessment was based on the Honner's classification and range of motion of the involved fingers. RESULTS: According to Honner's classification, the clinical results were excellent in 19 cases, good in 11 and fair in 3. No complication was found except three patients who complained of pain for 6 months after the surgery. The mean range of motion of the involved fingers was 120degrees preoperatively and it increased to 205degrees postoperatively. Cold intolerance lasted for about 6 months in 5 patients but improved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: In patients with a Dupuytren's contracture, fasciectomy with a straight midline incision and multiple Z-plasty provides satisfactory recovery of finger motions.

Arthroscopic Resection of Volar Ganglion of the Wrist Joint

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of arthroscopic resection of volar ganglion of the wrist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients who had arthroscopic resection of volar ganglion of wrist were evaluated. Using 3-4 poral as a viewing portal, volar ganglion was debrided through the radioscaphocapitate (RSC) ligament and long radiolunate (LRL) ligament using a resector inserted from the 1-2 or 4-5 portal. We evaluated the incidence of relapse, the time to postoperative disappearance of pain, surgical complications, and intra-articular derangements. RESULTS: Eight patients had synovitis around radial styloid process. Three patients had capsular tear between RSC ligament and LRL ligament. There was no relapse at an average follow-up of 15 months. The pain felt during daily activities subsided at 2.5 months after operation in 9 patients. One patient had partial injury of the median nerve causing persistent paresthesia. All were satisfied for the postoperative scars. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic resection is a reliable option with good cosmetic results for the treatment of volar ganglion of the wrist.

Improvement of the Elbow Function with Early Mobilization and Rigid Fixation of Coronoid Fracture by Tension Band Technique

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the surgical results of early mobilization after rigid fixation of small coronoid fracture using the tension band technique MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight cases of coronoid fracture were fixed with the tension band technique and using K-wire and wire through the medial approach. All the cases were Regan-Morrey type 2. According to O'Driscoll, they were classified as 5 cases of the tip type (subtype 2) and 3 cases of the anteromedial type (1 case of subtype 2, and 2 case of subtype 3). The associated collateral ligament injuries (6 cases) and radial head/neck fractures (4 cases) were managed simultaneously. After immobilization for 5~7 days, active ROM exercise with a fitted hinge brace started and continued till postoperative 6 weeks. The patients were assessed for pain, ROM and functional disability using the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) at an average of 11 months (range: 6~28 months). The ulnar nerve symptoms were also investigated. RESULTS: We observed solid union in all the coronoid fractures without hardware failure. An average of 2.2 wires (range: 2~4) were used. The mean extension was 3degrees (range: 0degrees~25degrees), the mean flexion was 137degrees (range: 130degrees~140degrees), the mean pronation was 69degrees (range: 45degrees~90degrees) and the mean supination was 78degrees (range: 45degrees~90degrees). The mean MEPS was 96 (range: 65~100). Ulnar nerve symptoms occurred at postoperative one day and persisted in one patient with the terrible triad of taking radial head excision and residual medial instability. CONCLUSION: The tension band technique uses easily obtained, economic K-wires and the wire was strong enough to permit early elbow ROM exercise and the technique might improve the elbow function. It was especially useful for fixation of multiple small fragments.

Management of the Posttraumatic Neuralgia of the Peripheral Nerve by External Neurolysis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of the external neurolysis of the scarred peripheral nerves present with the posttraumatic neuralgia refractory to the conservative treatment for at least 6 months with or without vein wrapping and/or free fat graft to prevent scar reformation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 8 patients with posttraumatic neuralgia of the peripheral nerve unresponsive to conservative treatment for at least 6 months, only neurolysis was done in 6 cases. Vein wrapping with free fat graft was concomitantly added after neurolysis in one case and free fat graft was added in the other case. The inclusion criteria were neuralgia felt anatomically along the affected nerve, positive Tinel sign at the scarred site and aggravation of pain with passive motion of the adjacent joint. Affected were digital nerves (two cases), ulnar nerve at the wrist (one case), median nerve (one case), peroneal nerve around knee (one case), posterior tibial nerves (two cases) and plantar nerve (one case). Patients were assessed for the disappearance of neuralgia and Tinel sign and subjective satisfaction with VAS (no pain, 0 and no change or aggravated, 10 compared to contra-lateral side) RESULT: Neuralgia was absent in four cases and persisted in four cases. Average VAS was 5.8 (0~10). According to the degree of the scarred surroungings, neuralgia was persisted after only neurolysis in four cases of the severely scarred 5 cases, but in one case having free fat graft added, neuralgia was absent. In partially scarred two cases, neurolysis with or without additional procedures (free fat graft and vein wrapping) brought the same result of VAS. In one case of good surroundings, neuralgia was absent after neurolysis. Tinel sign was absent in 4 cases where neuralgia had disappeared. CONCLUSION: Prevention of re-adhesion after neurolysis seems to be very important to yield good results. Vein wrapping and/or free fat grafting may be effective methods to be applicable if the adjacent tissue looks scarred

Management of the Comminuted Fractures of the Ulnar Head and Neck Combined with Distal Radius Fractures by Darrach Procedure and Tenodesis of Extensor Carpi Ulnaris

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical results of distal radioulnar fractures managed by open reduction and internal fixation for the fractures of the distal radius and excision of the fractured fragments and ECU tenodesis for the comminuted fractures of ulnar head and neck. METHODS: Six cases of combined fractures of the distal radius and ulna were enrolled. Distal radius fractures were fixed by ORIF with AO locking plate without bone graft. The comminuted fragments of distal ulnar head and neck were excised and the tenodesis using half strip of ECU was added to stabilize the proximal ulnar stumps. After immobilization for 6 weeks, active ROM exercise started. The change of radial inclination and volar tilt, the ulnar shift and collapse of carpal bone and ulnar impingement were investigated with simple X-ray. Patients were assessed with residual subjective symptoms and modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS). All were female and average age was 68(58~75) years. Average follow up was 23(10~50) months. RESULTS: Resting pain was absent in all patients but heavy lift made them feel weakness and discomfort intermittently. All patients returned to the normal daily activities except one patient handicapped by hemiplegia. The average range of motion and grip power was 89% and 85% compared to the contralateral side respectively. The average MMWS was 87(75~95). The postoperative loss of the reduction of the distal radius was not observed in follow up X-ray. CONCLUSION: ORIF of distal radius fractures associated with the excision of the distal ulnar fragments and stabilization procedure using half strip of ECU may be one good method for the treatment of the fractures of the distal radius combined with the comminuted distal ulnar fractures difficult to be managed by ORIF. The intermittent weakness felt in this method made it not suitable in young active patient doing heavy work. AO locking plate was strong enough to maintain reduction until bone union.

Surgical Treatment of the Fracture of the Scapular Body

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the results of surgical treatment for fracture of the scapular body MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects of this study were seven patients with fracture of the scapular body and all these patients were managed surgically. We considered the operative indications as being 100% translation of the lateral border, or 25 degrees of angular deformity of the glenoid, or 1cm medialization or the variant of the double disruption of the superior scapular suspensory complex. There were five males and two females, and their ages ranged between 40 and 58 years (mean age: 49) with average follow up of 11 months (6~24 months). Two patients sustained multiple fractures of the ribs and spines. The surgical results were evaluated according to the subjective satisfaction, the UCLA score and the Korean shoulder score. RESULTS: The mean UCLA score was 29 (17~33) and the mean Korean shoulder score was 86 (63~94). The self assessment for subjective satisfaction was 7.7 (4~9). There were two complications; one case of screw pull-out without the loss of the fracture fixation and the other case with screw penetration of the glenoid cavity. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment may be effective for the management of severely displaced fracture of the scapular body in order to prevent the impairment of the shoulder function caused by the altered glenohumeral and scapulothoracic kinematics.

Soft Tissue Reconstruction of Children's Extremity with Perforator free Flap

Perforator free flap (PFF) is currently a major reconstructive option for soft tissue reconstruction in adults. Although PFFs have been used commonly, most reconstructive surgeons still hesitate to perform PFFs in children. The main cause of concern is the perceived high failure rate related to the small diameter of children's perforator vessels. We present 8 consecutive cases of successful transfer of thoracodorsal artery (TDA) & anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap in children. Between 2003 and 2005, 8 children(4 to 13 years old) with soft tissue defects of the extremities were reconstructed with TDA & ALT PFFs. All flaps completely survived. There were no problems relating to vascular spasm or occlusion. Range of motion of reconstructed extremities were fully recovered. Among 8 patients, only 1 patient was performed an additional flap thinning procedure. 8 cases of TDA & ALT perforator flaps were successfully transferred in children. PFF is an excellent option in reconstruction of children as well as in adults because of its thinness, long pedicle length, least donor site morbidity and acceptable donor site scar.

Clinical Utility of Radiographic Measurements of Insertional Achilles Tendinitis with Haglund's Deformity / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: It is to analyze the clinical utility of radiograhpic measurements for the insertional Achilles tendinitis patients who have Haglund's deformity and to evaluate the radiographic values related to Haglund's deformity in normal Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the angle of Fowler and Philip, parallel pitch lines (PPL) and Chauveaux-Liet (CL) angle as radiographic measurements. We examined 50 cases of insertional Achilles tendinits patients and another 50 cases of normal foot as a control. RESULTS: In normal feet, the mean value of angle of Fowler and Philip was 53.22 degrees, CL angle was -33.14 degrees and the PPL showed positive in 48%. In case of insertional Achilles tendinitis, the mean values were 55.39 degrees, -33.63 degrees, positive in 56% respectively. There were not statistically significant differences (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The radiographic values for Haglund's deformity between insertional Achilles tendinitis feet and the normal feet did not show significant difference. Therefore, it seems that the clinical utility of radiographic measurements for the insertional Achilles tendinitis with Haglund's deformity is not useful and the development of new diagnostic methods as MRI and ultrasonography is required.

Clinical Utility of Radiographic Measurements of Insertional Achilles Tendinitis with Haglund's Deformity / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: It is to analyze the clinical utility of radiograhpic measurements for the insertional Achilles tendinitis patients who have Haglund's deformity and to evaluate the radiographic values related to Haglund's deformity in normal Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the angle of Fowler and Philip, parallel pitch lines (PPL) and Chauveaux-Liet (CL) angle as radiographic measurements. We examined 50 cases of insertional Achilles tendinits patients and another 50 cases of normal foot as a control. RESULTS: In normal feet, the mean value of angle of Fowler and Philip was 53.22 degrees, CL angle was -33.14 degrees and the PPL showed positive in 48%. In case of insertional Achilles tendinitis, the mean values were 55.39 degrees, -33.63 degrees, positive in 56% respectively. There were not statistically significant differences (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The radiographic values for Haglund's deformity between insertional Achilles tendinitis feet and the normal feet did not show significant difference. Therefore, it seems that the clinical utility of radiographic measurements for the insertional Achilles tendinitis with Haglund's deformity is not useful and the development of new diagnostic methods as MRI and ultrasonography is required.

The Relationship between Serum DHEA-s Level and TAS in Healthy Adults

BACKGROUND: DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone secreted from the adrenal cortex and has several roles such as increasing insulin sensitivity, lowering serum lipid, improving obesity, and anti-cancer effects. DHEA levels vary profoundly and levels decline as age increases. But the role of DHEA in the aging process is not yet fully understood. TAS which provides information of one's antioxidant capacity, also decreases with age. In this study, we investigated the relationship between TAS and serum DHEA-s concentration. METHODS: By reviewing the medical records of 197 healthy adults, we determined the serum levels of DHEA-s and TAS according to BMI, pulse pressure, WBC, hs-CRP, A/G ratio, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, ferritin, uric acid and total bilirubin. We studied the relationship between the parameters by Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean level for TAS and serum DHEA-s was 1.20 mml/L and 177.3 ug/mL, respectively. Serum DHEA-s correlated positively with TAS (r=0.44) and negatively for age (r=-0.44). WBC triglyceride and uric acid also showed statistically significant correlations. But, according to multiple regression analysis DHEA-s only correlated with TAS and age. CONCLUSION: Serum DHEA-s correlates positively with TAS.

The Relationship between Serum DHEA-s Level and TAS in Healthy Adults

BACKGROUND: DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone secreted from the adrenal cortex and has several roles such as increasing insulin sensitivity, lowering serum lipid, improving obesity, and anti-cancer effects. DHEA levels vary profoundly and levels decline as age increases. But the role of DHEA in the aging process is not yet fully understood. TAS which provides information of one's antioxidant capacity, also decreases with age. In this study, we investigated the relationship between TAS and serum DHEA-s concentration. METHODS: By reviewing the medical records of 197 healthy adults, we determined the serum levels of DHEA-s and TAS according to BMI, pulse pressure, WBC, hs-CRP, A/G ratio, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, ferritin, uric acid and total bilirubin. We studied the relationship between the parameters by Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean level for TAS and serum DHEA-s was 1.20 mml/L and 177.3 ug/mL, respectively. Serum DHEA-s correlated positively with TAS (r=0.44) and negatively for age (r=-0.44). WBC triglyceride and uric acid also showed statistically significant correlations. But, according to multiple regression analysis DHEA-s only correlated with TAS and age. CONCLUSION: Serum DHEA-s correlates positively with TAS.

Operative Treatment of Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the results of surgical treatments for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder according to operative methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review was done on 32 patients surgically treated for calcific tendinitis from January 1996 through December 2002. Mean age of two groups, open (16 cases) and arthroscopic (16 cases), was 43 years and 46 years, respectively, and mean follow-up after the operation, 9 months and 11 months, respectively. The results of the operation were clinically and radiologically evaluated. The Constant-Murley score was used for the shoulder function. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in pain relief, improvement of range of motion and maintenance of abduction power between the two groups. In both groups, range of rotation was markedly limited and more than 30% of the patients in each group suffered postoperative pain for more than 12 weeks. Preoperatively, the Constant-Murley score was 33 and 32, respectively and at the final follow-up, 80 and 78, respectively. CONCLUSION: Open and arthroscopic surgery for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder were successful and there was no significant difference in the overall results between the two groups.