Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Determine the Progression of Neglected Recalcitrant Rotator Cuff Tears: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND: To determine the natural progression of conservatively treated rotator cuff tears, we evaluated changes in radiologic and clinical parameters in patients whose recalcitrant tears were neglected after conservative treatment. METHODS: A total of 73 patients with recalcitrant rotator cuff tears in spite of conservative treatment were included in this study. We measured changes in tear size and in the extent of fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff by comparing the initial and final follow-up magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs). To determine factors influencing the change in tear size, we collected the medical history of patients taken at the time of initial admission. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 20.1 months, and the average increase in tear size across this period was 6.2 mm. In terms of steroid injection, we found that the increases in tear size of the steroid injection group (p=0.049) and of the sub-group that had received more than three steroid injections (p=0.010) were significantly greater than that of the non-steroid injection group. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the increase in cuff tear size was on average 6.2 mm across the follow-up period, indicating that neglecting cuff tears may cause them to progress into more severe tears. We also observed that a history of steroid injection might be a possible risk factor for a worse prognosis of cuff tears. Therefore, we suggest that patients with rotator cuff tears and a history of steroid injection are recommended aggressive modes of treatment such as surgery.

Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Determine the Progression of Neglected Recalcitrant Rotator Cuff Tears: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND: To determine the natural progression of conservatively treated rotator cuff tears, we evaluated changes in radiologic and clinical parameters in patients whose recalcitrant tears were neglected after conservative treatment. METHODS: A total of 73 patients with recalcitrant rotator cuff tears in spite of conservative treatment were included in this study. We measured changes in tear size and in the extent of fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff by comparing the initial and final follow-up magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs). To determine factors influencing the change in tear size, we collected the medical history of patients taken at the time of initial admission. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 20.1 months, and the average increase in tear size across this period was 6.2 mm. In terms of steroid injection, we found that the increases in tear size of the steroid injection group (p=0.049) and of the sub-group that had received more than three steroid injections (p=0.010) were significantly greater than that of the non-steroid injection group. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the increase in cuff tear size was on average 6.2 mm across the follow-up period, indicating that neglecting cuff tears may cause them to progress into more severe tears. We also observed that a history of steroid injection might be a possible risk factor for a worse prognosis of cuff tears. Therefore, we suggest that patients with rotator cuff tears and a history of steroid injection are recommended aggressive modes of treatment such as surgery.

Arthroscopic Treatment for Calcific Tendinitis of Origin of Long Head of Triceps

A 55-year-old female experienced acute left shoulder pain without specific trauma. Radiography showed calcific deposits in the inferior part of the glenoid fossa. Magnetic resonance arthrography showed calcific deposits in the origin of the long head of triceps brachii muscle. Conservative treatment failed to resolve the symptoms; therefore, arthroscopic surgery was performed. The patient experienced immediate and dramatic pain relief, and normal shoulder motion was demonstrated 1 year after surgery. In conclusion, although rare, calcific tendinitis of the triceps brachii muscle, which causes shoulder pain, should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute shoulder pain. Arthroscopic surgery is a treatment option for chronic cases and those resistant to conservative treatment.

Arthroscopic Treatment for Calcific Tendinitis of Origin of Long Head of Triceps

A 55-year-old female experienced acute left shoulder pain without specific trauma. Radiography showed calcific deposits in the inferior part of the glenoid fossa. Magnetic resonance arthrography showed calcific deposits in the origin of the long head of triceps brachii muscle. Conservative treatment failed to resolve the symptoms; therefore, arthroscopic surgery was performed. The patient experienced immediate and dramatic pain relief, and normal shoulder motion was demonstrated 1 year after surgery. In conclusion, although rare, calcific tendinitis of the triceps brachii muscle, which causes shoulder pain, should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute shoulder pain. Arthroscopic surgery is a treatment option for chronic cases and those resistant to conservative treatment.

Two Cases of Biodegradable Suture Anchor Displacement Diagnosed with Ultrasonography following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

With the advancement of shoulder arthroscopy, use of biodegradable suture anchors in the surgical repair of rotator cuff tears has increased. Because of the radiolucency of these anchors, radiography is not appropriate for early detection of anchor failure. Ultrasonography is an advantageous modality in visualizing biodegradable, radiolucent anchors on a real-time basis without risk of radiation exposure. We report on two cases of displacement of a biodegradable suture anchor diagnosed on ultrasonography during the postoperative follow- up, which has not been previously reported. Because this displacement could be missed in the postoperative follow up ultrasonography, we describe the ultrasonographic features of the displaced biodegradable anchors. Surgeons and radiologists should pay special attention to the possibility of displacement of the suture anchor in patients who underwent rotator cuff repairs using suture anchors.

Two Cases of Biodegradable Suture Anchor Displacement Diagnosed with Ultrasonography following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

With the advancement of shoulder arthroscopy, use of biodegradable suture anchors in the surgical repair of rotator cuff tears has increased. Because of the radiolucency of these anchors, radiography is not appropriate for early detection of anchor failure. Ultrasonography is an advantageous modality in visualizing biodegradable, radiolucent anchors on a real-time basis without risk of radiation exposure. We report on two cases of displacement of a biodegradable suture anchor diagnosed on ultrasonography during the postoperative follow- up, which has not been previously reported. Because this displacement could be missed in the postoperative follow up ultrasonography, we describe the ultrasonographic features of the displaced biodegradable anchors. Surgeons and radiologists should pay special attention to the possibility of displacement of the suture anchor in patients who underwent rotator cuff repairs using suture anchors.

Factors Influencing the Restoration of Acromiohumeral Distance of Immediate Postoperative Period in Patients Who Have Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery with Large-to-Massive Rotator Cuff Tears / 대한스포츠의학회지

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the degree of restoration of acromiohumeral distance of immediate postoperative period in patients who have rotator cuff repair surgery with large-to-massive rotator cuff tears and to find clinical and radiologic factors influencing this. Fifty four patients who had arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with available postoperative magnetic resonance images done within postoperative one week were included. Retrospective review of the medical data and radiologic images was done. It was revealed that acromiohumeral distance of immediate postoperative period was smaller in patients with larger sized rotator cuff tears, more retraction of the torn end and narrower preoperative acromiohumeral distance. The degree of inferior migration of the humeral head which could be obtained through the surgery alone was more in patients who have more difference between acromiohumeral distance measured on preoperative standing simple radiography and acromiohumeral distance measured on preoperative magnetic resonance image.

The Results of Endoprosthetic Reconstruction for Tumors of the Distal Tibia and Fibula / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We performed this study in order to analyze the surgical and oncological results of prosthetic reconstruction of the distal tibial or fibular tumors and estimate the effectiveness of this kind of reconstruction in that region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of six patients who underwent prosthetic reconstruction for the distal tibial or fibular tumors were reviewed. Diagnoses were osteosarcoma in four patients, parosteal osteosarcoma in one and recurrent giant cell tumor in one. Five tumors occurred at the distal tibia and one at the distal fibula. The age was 26 years (11-46 years). We performed resection and reconstruction using custom made tumor prosthesis. The mean follow-up duration was 5.8 years. RESULTS: Average functional score by ISOLS evaluation system was 24.2 (80.5%). All of the patients were continuously disease free at the final follow up. The complications were one wound infection and one collapse of talar component. CONCLUSION: The results of prosthetic reconstruction in the ankle regions demonstrated acceptable medium term results. It may be considered an option for malignant tumors of the distal tibia or the distal fibula in selected patients.