Characteristics of Gradual-Onset Shoulder Pain Due to Non-Contact Mechanism in Recreational-Level Beginning Surfers in Korea: Preliminary Study Based on the Ultrasound Findings Performed at Single Institutes / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Purpose@#This study examined the characteristics based on the ultrasound findings of non-contact, gradual-onset shoulder pain in recreational-level surf beginners with a surf experience of one year or less and the treatment outcomes. @*Materials and Methods@#From January 2019 to May 2020, 34 patients with gradual-onset shoulder pain from recreational-level surfing activity who visited outpatient clinics were analyzed retrospectively with prospective data collection. All patients had a surf experience of one year or less as surf club members. The demographic data, including the surf-specific data and physical test, were reviewed. Simple radiographs and ultrasound of both shoulders were performed for an initial evaluation in all patients. If needed, magnetic resonance images were taken for an additional evaluation. Conservative treatments, including medication or injection, combined with trunk extension, periscapular, and core muscle training were performed in all cases. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale for pain (PVAS), the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score at the initial and final follow-up, and the patient’s level of satisfaction with treatment. @*Results@#Thirty-two patients (94.1%) showed minor symptoms. The clinical findings were predominantly divided into periscapular or pectoralis muscle strain (14.7%), proximal biceps tendinopathy (38.2%), subacromial impingement (44.1%), and shoulder instability (2.9%). The common findings in ultrasound were effusion around the biceps tendon, cuff tendinosis, and subacromial bursitis. The mean PVAS and SST score improved significantly at the last follow-up (p<0.001, p<0.001). The patient’s satisfaction with treatment ranged from ‘satisfied’ to ‘very satisfied’ in 31, ‘so so’ in two, and ‘dissatisfied’ in one patient. @*Conclusion@#This study showed that the common pathologic conditions of shoulder pain in recreational-level beginners with a surf experience of one year or less are tendinopathy around the long head of the biceps tendon and rotator cuff. Ultrasound was helpful in rapidly diagnosing and determining the treatment plans during the primary diagnostic approach at the outpatient visit. Most cases were associated with minor symptoms that did not interfere with work or surfing and showed relatively satisfactory results for conservative treatments combined with functional muscle training.

Descriptive Study for Sonographic Morphology of the 1st Facet of Subscapularis Footprint / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to document the sonographic morphology of the subscapularis footprint, particularly the 1st facet, of the non-pathologic subscapularis tendon and footprint, and analyze the correlation between the size of the 1st facet and the demographic variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2015 and December 2017, retrospectively data analysis was performed for the ultrasound (US) scans of 115 consecutive shoulder (mean age 53.4 years, range 23–74 years) with non-pathologic subscapularis tendon and footprint. The sonographic findings of the 1st facet of the subscapularis footprint was a very unique, flat, broad, and plane angle in the upward direction, which were distinguished from the other facets. On US, the transverse (medio-lateral) and longitudinal (superior-inferior) length of the 1st facet on axis of the humerus shaft were recorded. The demographic variables, including age, site, body height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and arm length, were reviewed. RESULTS: On US, the mean transverse length of the 1st facet was 12.75 mm (range 10.54–14.50 mm, standard deviation [SD] 0.712) and the mean longitudinal length was 12.22 mm (range 9.20–13.30 mm, SD 0.888). The transverse and longitudinal length of the size of the 1st facet were significantly greater in males than in females (p<0.001, p=0.001). Of the demographic data (body height, weight, BMI, arm length) that showed a significant positive linear correlation, the correlation with body height (transverse r=0.749, p<0.001; longitudinal r=0.642, p<0.001) showed the strongest relationship, and the correlation with the BMI was weakly related. The relationships between the size of the 1st facet to site/age were not statistically significant or appeared to have no linear correlation. CONCLUSION: The structural and morphologic features of the 1st facet of the subscapularis footprint on the US were identified. This will provide anatomic knowledge of an US examination for subscapularis tendon pathology.

Clinical Outcome after Arthroscopic Capsular Release for Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to evaluate the outcome of the arthroscopic capsular release for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. METHODS: This study retrospectively investigated thirty shoulders in 29 patients who presented with recalcitrant adhesive capsulitis and underwent arthroscopic treatments. Other than typical findings of adhesive capsulitis, combined pathologies in the glenohumeral joint and subacromial space were evaluated by arthroscopy. Clinical evaluations were performed using the Constant's score and ranges of motion (ROM) at preoperative, 6 months postoperatively and at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Our study included 17 women and 12 men with a mean age of 53.8 years (range, 34–74). Mean follow-up duration was 24 months (range, 12–40 months). Assessment of combined pathologies revealed that partial rotator cuff tear of less than 25% thickness, was most common (overall 83.3%; with bursal 57% and articular 23%). Subacromial synovitis and adhesion were also frequent (53.3%). The Constant score and ranges of motion significantly improved at the final follow-up, compared with preoperative levels. However, clinical results at 6 months postoperatively were found to be significantly inferior to those observed at the final follow-up (p≤0.001 for all factors). Functional impairment was the major complaint in 59.3% patients at the 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although arthroscopic capsular release yielded favorable outcome at the mean 24 months follow-up, pain and motion limitations at 6-month postoperatively persisted in more than 50% of our patients. While combined pathologies were commonly encountered during arthroscopy, although their effects on surgical outcome in adhesive capsulitis remains unclear in this study.

Longitudinal Supraspinatus Tear Associated with Antegrade Humeral Intramedullary Nailing: A Case Report and Literature Review with Focus Placed on Nail Entry Point

Iatrogenic damage of the rotator cuff followed by postoperative shoulder function loss is a potential complication after antegrade intramedullary nailing (AIN) for a humeral fracture. The authors present a case of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression of a non-healed rotator cuff tendon (mainly supraspinatus) and secondary impingement syndrome caused either by the tear or a proud nail after AIN for a mid-shaft humeral fracture. At presentation, the patient complained of right shoulder pain and 'snapping', especially during forward elevation and abduction of the shoulder, of 4 years duration. Right shoulder pain started sometime after pain due to the humeral shaft fracture, operation had subsided, and persisted after nail removal. Arthroscopic findings showed a longitudinal rotator cuff tear at the nail entry point that had not healed and severe fibrous hypertrophy on the acromion underspace, which is a unique finding since most longitudinal splits of tendon fibers are more likely to heal than conventional rotator cuff tears detached from bone. The torn rotator cuff was repaired after debridement and placing side-to-side sutures. At his 34-month follow-up after rotator cuff repair, the patient showed complete recovery and had excellent clinical scores.

Longitudinal Supraspinatus Tear Associated with Antegrade Humeral Intramedullary Nailing: A Case Report and Literature Review with Focus Placed on Nail Entry Point

Iatrogenic damage of the rotator cuff followed by postoperative shoulder function loss is a potential complication after antegrade intramedullary nailing (AIN) for a humeral fracture. The authors present a case of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression of a non-healed rotator cuff tendon (mainly supraspinatus) and secondary impingement syndrome caused either by the tear or a proud nail after AIN for a mid-shaft humeral fracture. At presentation, the patient complained of right shoulder pain and 'snapping', especially during forward elevation and abduction of the shoulder, of 4 years duration. Right shoulder pain started sometime after pain due to the humeral shaft fracture, operation had subsided, and persisted after nail removal. Arthroscopic findings showed a longitudinal rotator cuff tear at the nail entry point that had not healed and severe fibrous hypertrophy on the acromion underspace, which is a unique finding since most longitudinal splits of tendon fibers are more likely to heal than conventional rotator cuff tears detached from bone. The torn rotator cuff was repaired after debridement and placing side-to-side sutures. At his 34-month follow-up after rotator cuff repair, the patient showed complete recovery and had excellent clinical scores.

Coracoclavicular Ligament Suture Augmentation with Anatomical Locking Plate Fixation for Distal Clavicle Fracture

BACKGROUND: For Neer type IIB fracture of distal clavicle with coracoclavicular ligament injury, various surgical treatments have been used in literatures. However, there was no consensus on the optimal treatment. The aim of this study is to report the clinical and radiological results of open reduction and internal fixation of unstable distal clavicle fracture and suture augmentation of disrupted coracoclavicular ligament. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in 23 patients with Neer type IIB distal clavicle fracture in Seoul Medical Center, Eulji Hospital, and National Medical Center. Firstly, suture anchors are inserted in the base of coracoid process and preliminary reduction was achieved by tie-off of three suture limbs around the clavicle. Then, the final fixation was completed with anatomical locking plate. Bony union and the distance between coracoclavicular ligaments were evaluated. Clinical results and complications including stiffness and secondary procedures were evaluated. RESULTS: Bony union was achieved in all cases except one (22 of 23). At mean 14.9 months, no significant difference in the mean coracoclavicular distance was observed compared to uninjured shoulder (8.2 +/- 7.9 mm versus 7.3 +/- 3.4 mm, p=0.14). Pain visual analogue scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score were 0.5, 83.4, 78.5, and 6.2, respectively. Revision surgery was performed in one case of nonunion. Four patients who complained of skin irritation underwent implant removal. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of an unstable distal clavicle fracture with coracoclavicular ligament disruption, satisfactory clinical results were obtained by locking plate fixation and coracoclavicular ligament suture augmentation concurrently.

Candida Arthritis in a Hemodialysis Patient

Candida is a rare cause of infectious arthritis, and it can be found in infants and immunocompromised patients. Patients with maintenance hemodialysis are prone to opportunistic infections because of altered immunity, and frequent exposures to health-care associated infections. Herein, we report a case of candida arthritis of right shoulder with preceding fungemia in patients with maintenance hemodialysis. The diagnosis is based on the isolation of Candida Tropicalis from blood and synovial fluids of the shoulder joint. The patient has received intravenous fluconazole and arthroscopic surgical debridement. We then changed the fluconazole into amphotericin B due to the abnormal signs in the liver function tests, although the fluconazole successfully controlled fungemia and arthritis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of candida arthritis in patients with maintenance hemodialysis in South Korea.

Coracoclavicular Ligament Suture Augmentation with Anatomical Locking Plate Fixation for Distal Clavicle Fracture

BACKGROUND: For Neer type IIB fracture of distal clavicle with coracoclavicular ligament injury, various surgical treatments have been used in literatures. However, there was no consensus on the optimal treatment. The aim of this study is to report the clinical and radiological results of open reduction and internal fixation of unstable distal clavicle fracture and suture augmentation of disrupted coracoclavicular ligament. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in 23 patients with Neer type IIB distal clavicle fracture in Seoul Medical Center, Eulji Hospital, and National Medical Center. Firstly, suture anchors are inserted in the base of coracoid process and preliminary reduction was achieved by tie-off of three suture limbs around the clavicle. Then, the final fixation was completed with anatomical locking plate. Bony union and the distance between coracoclavicular ligaments were evaluated. Clinical results and complications including stiffness and secondary procedures were evaluated. RESULTS: Bony union was achieved in all cases except one (22 of 23). At mean 14.9 months, no significant difference in the mean coracoclavicular distance was observed compared to uninjured shoulder (8.2 +/- 7.9 mm versus 7.3 +/- 3.4 mm, p=0.14). Pain visual analogue scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score were 0.5, 83.4, 78.5, and 6.2, respectively. Revision surgery was performed in one case of nonunion. Four patients who complained of skin irritation underwent implant removal. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of an unstable distal clavicle fracture with coracoclavicular ligament disruption, satisfactory clinical results were obtained by locking plate fixation and coracoclavicular ligament suture augmentation concurrently.

Treatment of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: Focusing on Arthroscopic Approach / 대한정형외과학회잡지

There are no standard guidelines for treatment of massive rotator cuff tears. In this article, we reviewed the various modalities for treatment of massive rotator cuff tears, especially focusing on arthroscopic treatment. Selection of one of a variety of treatment modalities is essential for understanding pathogenesis, biomechanics and reparability of massive rotator cuff tears. The best clinical results have been reported with arthroscopic complete repair of massive rotator cuff tear. Satisfactory results have also been reported with other various arthroscopic treatment methods, including simple debridement, partial repair, biceps tenotomy or tendesis, and augmentation using a tissue substitution. However few long-term follow up results are available with these salvage options. Treatment of massive rotator cuff tears is difficult due to high incidence of irreparable tears and re-tear rate. Thus, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of various treatment modalities is thought to be helpful to improving the outcome of treatment of massive rotator cuff tears.

Anatomical Reduction of All Fracture Fragments and Fixation Using Inter-Fragmentary Screw and Plate in Comminuted and Displaced Clavicle Mid-Shaft Fracture

PURPOSE: To report the treatment results of anatomical reduction of all fracture fragments and internal fixation using an inter-fragmentary screw and plate in displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture with comminution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2005 and August 2011, 13 consecutive displaced clavicle fractures with comminution (Edinburgh classification IIB2) treated by anatomic reduction and internal fixation using inter-fragmentary screw and plate were retrospectively evaluated. There were 11 male and 2 female patients with a mean age of 37.4 years (15~55 years). The right clavicle was injured in 4 patients and the dominant arm was involved in 46%. The mean duration from trauma to surgery was 7.0 days. The cause of injury was a traffic accident in three, a fall in two, and sports activity or direct injury in eight patients. All of the fracture pieces were anatomically reduced and fixed with inter-fragmentary screws. An additional plate was applied to maintain and reinforce the reduction of the fracture. Radiographic assessments for the numbers of fragments and the amount of shortening and displacement were performed. To verify the fracture healing and determine the time from fracture surgery to union and complications, all of the radiographs taken after surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: The number of fragments was 2 in 7 cases, 3 in 5 cases, and 6 in one case. The mean shortening of the clavicle was 1.1 cm (0.3~2.1 cm) and mean displacement between the main fragments was 2.6 cm (1.3~4.5 cm). The mean duration of follow-up was 16.5 months (8~26 months). Radiographic union was achieved in all patients with a mean time to union of 10.8 weeks (8~14 weeks). There were no complications including metal failure, nonunion, or infection. CONCLUSION: Anatomical reduction of all the fracture fragments and fixation using inter-fragmentary screws in addition to the usual plate fixation showed good fracture healing in displaced clavicle fracture with comminution.

Meningitis due to Listeria Monocytogenes Following Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

We report a first case of meningitis due to listeria monocytogenes after cardiac transplantation in Korea. This patient is a 40-year-old man with Dilated cardiomyopathy, he presented with intermittent dyspnea and abdominal distension for about 1 year. After cardiac transplantation, he was treated with azathioprine, cyclosporine and prednisolone for graft rejection. He was presented with intermittent fever, headache and lethargy for about 10days after cardiac transplantation. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from blood culture and CSF culture. He was treated with intravenous penicillin G for 10days successfully and changed with ampicillin for 10days, took oral ampicillin for 10days without any complication after discharge.