Clinical Assessments and MRI Findings Suggesting Early Surgical Treatment for Patients with Medial Epicondylitis

Purpose@#To evaluate the MRI findings and clinical factors that are characteristic of patients who ultimately undergo surgery for medial epicondylitis. @*Materials and Methods@#Fifty-two consecutive patients who were diagnosed with medial epicondylitis and underwent an elbow MRI between March 2010 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. The patients’ demographic information, clinical data, and MRI findings were evaluated. All variables were compared between the conservative treatment and surgical treatment groups. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify which factors were associated with surgical treatment. @*Results@#Common flexor tear (CFT) tear size showed a statistically significant difference in both the transverse and longitudinal planes (p < 0.001, p = 0.013). The CFT abnormality grade significantly differed in both the transverse and longitudinal planes (p = 0.022, p = 0.003). A significant difference was also found in the medial collateral ligament abnormality (p = 0.025). Logistic regression analyses showed that only the transverse diameter of the CFT tear size (odds ratio:1.864; 95% confidence interval: 1.264–2.750) was correlated with surgical treatment. @*Conclusion@#Of patients diagnosed with medial epicondylitis, patients with a larger transverse CFT tear size tend to undergo surgical treatment ultimately.

Clinical Assessments and MRI Findings Suggesting Early Surgical Treatment for Patients with Medial Epicondylitis

Purpose@#To evaluate the MRI findings and clinical factors that are characteristic of patients who ultimately undergo surgery for medial epicondylitis. @*Materials and Methods@#Fifty-two consecutive patients who were diagnosed with medial epicondylitis and underwent an elbow MRI between March 2010 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. The patients’ demographic information, clinical data, and MRI findings were evaluated. All variables were compared between the conservative treatment and surgical treatment groups. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify which factors were associated with surgical treatment. @*Results@#Common flexor tear (CFT) tear size showed a statistically significant difference in both the transverse and longitudinal planes (p < 0.001, p = 0.013). The CFT abnormality grade significantly differed in both the transverse and longitudinal planes (p = 0.022, p = 0.003). A significant difference was also found in the medial collateral ligament abnormality (p = 0.025). Logistic regression analyses showed that only the transverse diameter of the CFT tear size (odds ratio:1.864; 95% confidence interval: 1.264–2.750) was correlated with surgical treatment. @*Conclusion@#Of patients diagnosed with medial epicondylitis, patients with a larger transverse CFT tear size tend to undergo surgical treatment ultimately.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome by a Ganglion Cyst in an Amateur Tennis Player / 대한스포츠의학회지

Ganglion cyst is considered to be a usual cause of peripheral nerve compression. In this report, we present a rare case of ulnar nerve compression by a multi-septated ganglion cyst in the cubital tunnel. A 33-year-old left-handed male amateur tennis player developed progressive numbness and weakness in his right elbow, forearm, and hand for 1 year. Decrease of grip power was apparent in left hand. Clinical examination revealed a cystic mass at the posterior side of the elbow. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a ganglion cyst at the elbow. During surgery about 3 cm diameter epineural ganglion was observed compressing the ulnar nerve and was excised using microsurgery techniques. Three months postoperatively, the clinical recovery of the patient was very satisfactory and he restored his original performance in tennis match.

Surgical Treatment of Clavicle Midshaft Fractures Using a Locking Compression Plate: Conventional Open Reduction and Plating with Internal Fixation versus Minimal Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to make a comparison between minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and conventional open reduction and plating (COP) to treat displaced clavicle shaft fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with clavicle shaft fractures, who underwent surgery by using a locking plate between May 2011 and August 2016. The inclusion criteria were: 1) displaced ≥20 mm, 2) acute fracture of less than 2 weeks from injury, 3) skeletally mature patients, and 4) follow-up of at least 6 months. The demographic data and clinical outcomes, including operation time, fracture union rate, union time, shortening of clavicle, shoulder functional score (University of California at Los Angeles score), and complications, were evaluated. The clavicle length ratio was measured to evaluate shortening. We compared the clinical outcomes between two groups: the COP group that included 21 patients treated with COP (group 1) and the MIPO group that included 19 patients treated with MIPO (group 2). RESULTS: In all cases, union of fractures was successfully achieved. The mean union time was 14.9 weeks in group 1 and 14.2 weeks in group 2 (p=0.713). Both groups had good functional scores (34.0 vs. 33.7, p=0.658). Group 2 had shorter operation time and less bleeding. There were no secondary interventions or infections. The clavicle length ratio was similar between the two groups; and all patients in both groups showed no shortening (less than 3%). There were no implant failures in either group. CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiologic outcomes were satisfactory in both groups. We suggest that MIPO may be a safe and effective method for displaced clavicle shaft fractures.

Evaluation of Clinical Applicability of Stress Radiography for Shoulder Instability: Correlation between the Degree of Displacement and the Physical Examinations / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the clinical applicability of stress radiography in patients presenting with shoulder instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients diagnosed with shoulder instability and 20 healthy volunteers participated in the study. Degree of displacement of the humeral head as measured on stress radiography using a Telos GA-IIE device was compared with the results of the physical examinations. Four types of stress radiography were captured while applying 15 daN of force anteriorly (AER0 and AER60) and posteriorly (PER0 and PER60) at two different positions: (1) 90° of abduction combined with 0° of external rotation, and (2) 90° of abduction combined with 60° of external rotation. RESULTS: The degree of displacement of affected shoulders of 44 patients showed significantly larger displacement than normal shoulders (p<0.05), and the comparison between 56 affected shoulders of the patients and 40 normal shoulders of the volunteers showed significantly larger displacement only in PER0 and PER60 of the patients (p<0.05). Among the four radiographs of affected shoulders, AER60 showed significantly less displacement (p=0.046). The anterior drawer test under anesthesia of 16 patients who underwent surgery for anterior instability showed positive correlation with AER0 (Spearman's rho=0.56, p<0.024). Significantly larger anterior displacement of the load and shift test was observed in the subgroup with anterior displacement more than 3 mm (p=0.028), and higher positive frequency of the Kim's test was observed in the subgroup with posterior displacement more than 3 mm (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Stress radiography using a Telos GA-IIE device could discriminate the affected shoulder. Although it could not replace individual physical examinations, the degree of displacement correlates with some physical examinations for shoulder instability.

Isolated Infraspinatus Tear and Suprascapular Nerve Neuropathy after Barbotage and Steroid Injection of Calcific Tendinitis / 대한스포츠의학회지

Isolated rupture of infraspinatus after barbotage for calcific tendinitis has not been reported in the literature. We report on a case of isolated infraspinatus rupture and suprascapular nerve neuropathy after steroid injection and barbotage of calcific tendinitis in rotator cuff. At 6-month follow-up after surgery, satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes were observed with daily activity level. The author reports this case and review the literature.

Spontaneous Rupture of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis and Radial Collateral Ligament of the Elbow in a Recreational Golfer: Surgical Experience of Repair of a Chronic Retracted Tendon and Ligament

Lateral epicondylitis with rupture of the radial collateral ligament of the elbow has not been reported in the literature. We report on a case of a recreational golfer who had not received steroid injection and had no trauma history. The patient was treated with open surgical repair. At 2 years follow-up, satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes were observed with return to pre-injury level. The authors report this case and review the literature.

Spontaneous Rupture of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis and Radial Collateral Ligament of the Elbow in a Recreational Golfer: Surgical Experience of Repair of a Chronic Retracted Tendon and Ligament

Lateral epicondylitis with rupture of the radial collateral ligament of the elbow has not been reported in the literature. We report on a case of a recreational golfer who had not received steroid injection and had no trauma history. The patient was treated with open surgical repair. At 2 years follow-up, satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes were observed with return to pre-injury level. The authors report this case and review the literature.

Compressive Partial Neuropathy of Axillary Nerve Resulting from Antero-Inferior Paralabral Cyst in an Adolescent Overhead Athlete / 대한스포츠의학회지

Paralabral cysts of the shoulder are rare, and there are few reports available that describe anteroinferior paralabral cysts arising from a detached antero-inferior glenoid labral tear without shoulder instability. We report an antero-inferior labral tear without shoulder instability in adolescent overhead athlete associated with paralabral cyst that leads to axillary nerve neurapraxia. Although nonoperative management of such labral lesions may provide symptoms of relief, it may not be enough for the athlete to return to the game. However, surgical treatment in this case provides successful recovery and rapid return to playing baseball play without having to worry about the progression of muscle denervation.

Arthroscopic Olecranon Osteophyte Resection in the Baseball Players with Elbow Valgus Extension Overload Syndrome / 대한스포츠의학회지

We evaluated the clinical outcome after arthroscopic olecranon osteophyte resection without ligament operation in the elite baseball players who had valgus extension overload syndrome without moderate or severe medial collateral ligament injury. From January 2007 to December 2011, twelve patients underwent arthroscopic osteophyte resection without ligament operation and they were followed for more than 12 months. The mean age was 19.2 years and mean follow-up period was 26 months. The clinical results were evaluated using range of motion, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). After checking osteophyte size and location through 3-dimensional computed tomography, arthroscopic osteophyte resection was performed. Average preoperative extension, flexion, pronation and supination were 2.3degrees, 138.2degrees, 76.4degrees, and 69.1degrees. Average postoperative extension, flexion, pronation and supination had been changed into 0.7degrees, 137.3degrees, 79.1degrees, and 77.3degrees. Average preoperative pain VAS and MEPS were 5.5 and 67.5. Average postoperative pain VAS and MEPS had been changed into 0.4 (p<0.001) and 97.5 (p<0.001). Eleven patients returned to play. Ten cases returned to their own position. No patients were performed other operation for elbow pain. The arthroscopic osteophyte resection in valgus extension overload syndrome with low grade medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) injury or without MUCL injury was a one of the ideal treatment option for early return to pre-injury levels and relief of pain.

Alteration of the Patella Tendon Length after Intramedullary Nail in Tibial Shaft Fractures

PURPOSE: To compare and analyze length change of patella tendon after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fracture using transtendinous approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two cases were analyzed from December, 1999 to December, 2005. Insall Salvati ratios were estimated. Severity of initial trauma, duration of nail retension, knee function and pain on change of length of patellar tendon was evaluated. RESULTS: Mean duration of nail retention was twenty-two months. The shortening of patella tendon was observed in 25 cases (p0.05, p=0.778). Lysholom score decrease to 89.5. There was no significant difference between the shortening of patellar tendon length and knee pain (p=0.058). CONCLUSION: After intramedullary nailing for closed tibia fracture, shortening of patellar tendon length is observed. That is irrelevant to the fracture type and the duration of nail retension. The shortening of patella tendon length may contribute to decreasing of knee function, but it was no significance of knee pain after intramedullary nailing.

Herniation of Upper Lumbar Disc: Clinical Finding & Surgical Result

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We attempted to establish an efficient diagnosis and treatment modality by analyzing clinical manifestations and operative results of upper lumbar disc herniations. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Upper lumbar disc herniations represented a lower incidence but have become easier to diagnose by predictable clinical aspects and an MRI scan. The operative results have been satisfactory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 41 cases, which were operated with posterior laminectomy and discectomy from September, 1996 to November, 2009. We analyzed pre-operative history, clinical and MRI findings, and then assessed operative results by Kim's criteria and functional change in the follow up. RESULTS: The prevalence of upper lumbar disc herniations in all disc herniations was 8.8%. Pre-operative manifestations were lower back pain (85.4%), radiating pain (80.5%), sensory deficit (53.7%), motor deficit (53.7%), and depressed knee jerk (65.9%). The positive rate of the femoral stretching test (78.0%) was higher than the straight leg raising test (39.0%). The VAS score changed from preoperative 9.0+/-0.8 into postoperative 1.4+/-1.3 points. The operative results were excellent or good in 82.9%. The rate of resuming previous work, including slight modification was 90.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Predictable clinical aspects of the upper lumbar disc herniations are anterior thigh pain with lower back pain, variable motor deficit, sensory deficit, depressed knee jerk and the positive femoral nerve stretching test. Through careful examination and radiological evaluations such as MRI, operative treatment can obtain a symptomatic improvement and satisfactory results.