A novel computed tomography scoring system for evaluating the risk of dural defects in anterior surgery for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a computed tomography (CT)-based scoring system for evaluating the risk of dural defects (DDs) in anterior surgery for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed CT imaging features of 114 OPLL patients in our institute who received anterior decompression surgery. Intraoperative DDs were found in 16 patients. A multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the predictors. According to the odd ratio of the included risk factors, we developed a CT scoring system for evaluating the risk of DDs in anterior OPLL surgery. The system was further validated in an independent group of 39 OPLL patients. RESULTS: We developed a CT scoring system as follows: hook sign (2 points), K-line (-) (1 point) and broad base (1 point). Thus, the system comprised 4 total points, and patients were at high risks of dural defects when the score ≥3 points. The operating characteristics of a score ≥3 for predicting DDs in the validation group were: sensitivity of 0.83, specificity of 0.94, LR positive of 13.75, LR negative of 0.18 and AUC of 0.886. The discriminatory ability of the proposed score could be demonstrated in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively simple and easy-to-use scoring system we propose integrates the 3 most reliable spinal CT findings observed in patients with OPLL and a DD. The likelihood to identify the underlying risks of spinal CSF leaks may be useful to triage patients who may benefit from indirect decompression techniques.

Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective Arylation via Radical-Mediated C-C Bond Cleavage: Synthesis of Chiral ω,ω-Diaryl Alkyl Nitriles.

The first example of copper-catalyzed ring-opening, enantioselective arylation of cyclic ketoxime esters to access ω,ω-diaryl alkyl nitriles has been developed in high yield (up to 92% yield) with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 91% ee). Side-arm bis(oxazoline) ligand plays a significant role in this asymmetric catalytic transformation, which provides an efficient route to construct diverse chiral ω,ω-diaryl alkyl nitriles. Synthetic utility has also been demonstrated in the further derivatization of the ω,ω-diaryl alkyl nitrile to the corresponding amide.

Extracapsular subcutaneous endoscopic treatment for refractory lateral epicondylalgia: technique, retrospective results, and prognostic factors.

BACKGROUND: The extracapsular subcutaneous endoscopic treatment is a new and under-researched approach to the endoscopic treatment of refractory lateral epicondylalgia. We aimed to introduce the techniques of the method and the mid-long term clinical effects. Furthermore, we intended to identify demographic and surgical-related factors correlated with prognosis of extracapsular subcutaneous method. METHODS: Patients with a minimum of 6 months of conservative treatment for lateral epicondylalgia were recruited from March 2012 to July 2018. Key surgical techniques including microfracture and endoscopic suture were used. Visual analog scale (VAS), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and Disability of Arm (Shoulder and Hand, DASH) scores were used to evaluate clinical results. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze effects of demographic characteristics and treatment techniques on prognosis. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients were treated with modified subcutaneous extracapsular surgery. No serious complications such as neurovascular injury or infection occurred. Postoperative VAS, MEPS, and DASH scores significantly improved (P<0.001). Age was associated with prognosis regarding VAS score (P=0.023). Older age was an independent relevant factor for poor prognosis regarding VAS score (OR =0.914, 95% CI: 0.842-0.993, P=0.033), and microfracture during surgery related to poor prognosis for DASH score (OR =0.056, 95% CI: 0.004-0.783, P=0.032). Plaster fixation was an independent factor related to good prognosis regarding DASH score (OR =11.156, 95% CI: 1.009-123.363, P=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Extracapsular subcutaneous method of refractory lateral epicondylalgia has satisfactory and stable clinical results with high safety. Techniques of extracapsular method include debridement, microfracture, and tendon suture under endoscope. Young age, no microfracture, and postoperative plaster fixation were associated with good long-term prognosis.

Novel method for diagnosing lateral patellar compression syndrome using X-ray: a retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: A well-established reference is lacking for diagnosing lateral patellar compression syndrome (LPCS), and this diagnosis currently depends on clinicians' subjective judgment and several examination results. X-rays are primarily used to diagnose LPCS, but they have low detection rates of patellar tilt using the congruence angle (CA) and patellar tilting angle (PTA). METHODS: We enrolled 87 patients (31 men and 56 women; mean age: 42.11±15.33 years) between 2016 and 2019 and divided them as per diagnosis into three groups of 29 each: LPCS, patellar dislocation (PD, control), and meniscus tear (MT, negative control) groups. A senior radiologist and the chief physician of sports medicine examined their patellar axial radiographs of the knee in 30° flexion using a computer imaging system, measuring LPCA, CA and PTA. Univariate analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to compare measurement data with normal distribution and non-normal distribution, respectively. Bonferroni correction was used to analyze different indicators for different groups. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to verify the value of LPCA in the initial diagnosis of LPCS. RESULTS: LPCA (19.88±7.49) was significantly higher in LPCS group than in MT (13.68±4.69) and PD groups (10.16±4.43) (P<0.01) and was also significantly higher on affected side than on healthy side (16.44±5.00) (P=0.04). LPCA >13.9° had sensitivity and specificity of 89.66% and 68.97%, respectively, for LPCS diagnosis (AUC: 0.82, 95% confidence interval: 0.719-0.891, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that LPCA measured using an axial patellar radiograph of the knee in 30° flexion is high in patients with LPCS, and it may be used for diagnosing LPCS.

Endoscopic Surgery for Delayed Wound Healing After Achilles Tendon Suture Repair: A Report of Three Cases.

BACKGROUND: Delayed wound healing is a potention complication after Achilles tendon suture repair and occurs for various reasons. The conventional treatment for delayed wound healing is open surgery, but patients face long recovery times and postoperative care is difficult. CASE PRESENTATION: This report presents three patients who were seen at our institute from April 2008 to October 2017 due to long-term non-healing wounds after surgery. All three patients had undergone surgery at least 2 months previously. We performed endoscopic surgery on these patients. After the operation, patients received less antibiotics and simpler care than would be required for conventional open surgery. There is no need to keep the wound open after the operation or perform wound cleaning for multiple times at the same time, which can reduce healing time. At the last follow up, all postoperative scores among the patients were significantly improved compared to before surgery. The Achilles tendon total rupture scores were excellent and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores were satisfactory, indicating improvements in Achilles tendon function and movement in patients after surgery. CONCLUSION: Our case reports demonstrate that arthroscopic treatment for delayed wound healing after Achilles tendon suture repair is satisfactory and reliable; frequent opening of the wound for cleaning is not required after the operation, thus reducing the healing time.

The Hug-up Test: A New, Sensitive Diagnostic Test for Supraspinatus Tears.

BACKGROUND: The supraspinatus tendon is the most commonly affected tendon in rotator cuff tears. Early detection of a supraspinatus tear using an accurate physical examination is, therefore, important. However, the currently used physical tests for detecting supraspinatus tears are poor diagnostic indicators and involve a wide range of sensitivity and specificity values. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish a new physical test for the diagnosis of supraspinatus tears and evaluate its accuracy in comparison with conventional tests. METHODS: Between November 2012 and January 2014, 200 consecutive patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy were prospectively evaluated preoperatively. The hug-up test, empty can (EC) test, full can (FC) test, Neer impingement sign, and Hawkins-Kennedy impingement sign were used and compared statistically for their accuracy in terms of supraspinatus tears, with arthroscopic findings as the gold standard. Muscle strength was precisely quantified using an electronic digital tensiometer. RESULTS: The prevalence of supraspinatus tears was 76.5%. The hug-up test demonstrated the highest sensitivity (94.1%), with a low negative likelihood ratio (NLR, 0.08) and comparable specificity (76.6%) compared with the other four tests. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the hug-up test was 0.854, with no statistical difference compared with the EC test (z = 1.438, P = 0.075) or the FC test (z = 1.498, P = 0.067). The hug-up test showed no statistical difference in terms of detecting different tear patterns according to the position (χ2 = 0.578, P = 0.898) and size (Fisher's exact test, P > 0.999) compared with the arthroscopic examination. The interobserver reproducibility of the hug-up test was high, with a kappa coefficient of 0.823. CONCLUSIONS: The hug-up test can accurately detect supraspinatus tears with a high sensitivity, comparable specificity, and low NLR compared with the conventional clinical tests and could, therefore, improve the diagnosis of supraspinatus tears in clinical settings.

Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Results of Arthroscopic Repair of Intratendinous Partial-thickness Rotator Cuff Tears.

BACKGROUND: Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) are being diagnosed more often because of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Compared with articular and bursal side tears, there have been few studies about evaluating the clinical and structural outcomes after intratendinous tear repair. METHODS: From 2008 to 2012, 33 consecutive patients with intratendinous PTRCTs underwent arthroscopic repair. All of them were retrospectively evaluated. The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and constant scores were evaluated before operation and at the final follow-up. Postoperative cuff integrity was determined using MRI according to Sugaya's classification. RESULTS: At the 2-year follow-up, the average UCLA score increased from 16.7 ± 1.9 to 32.5 ± 3.5, and the constant score increased from 66.2 ± 10.5 to 92.4 ± 6.9 (P < 0.001). Twenty seven patients received follow-up MRI examinations at an average of 15.2 months after surgery. Of these 27 patients, 22 (81.5%) had a healed tendon, and five patients had partial tears. There was no association between functional and anatomic results. CONCLUSIONS: For intratendinous PTRCT, clinical outcomes and tendon healing showed good results at a minimum 2-year after arthroscopic repair.

Prospective randomized comparison of anatomic single- and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To determine if anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is superior to anatomic single-bundle reconstruction in restoring the stabilities and functions of the knee joint. METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical study was done to compare the results of 32 cases of anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction and 34 cases of anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction with average follow-up of 16.3 ± 3.1 months. Tunnel placements of all the cases were measured on 3D CT. Clinical results were collected after reconstruction; graft's appearance, meniscus status and cartilage state under arthroscopy were compared and analysed too. RESULTS: Tunnel placements, confirmed with 3D CT, were in the anatomic positions as described in literature both in SB and DB group. No differences were found between SB and DB groups in clinical outcome scores, pivot shift test and KT 1000 measurements (average side-to-side difference for anterior tibial translation was 0.7 mm in SB group and 1.0 mm in DB group). More than 70 % of the single-bundle graft and AM bundle graft in DB group appeared excellent, but only 44.1 % of PL bundle grafts in DB group were excellent and 11.8 % were in poor state. No new menisci tear was found either in SB or DB group, however, in DB group cartilage damages in medial patella-femoral joint occurred in 38.2 % cases. This rate was significantly higher than in the SB group which is only 9.3 %. CONCLUSION: Both single- and double-bundle anatomic ACL reconstruction can restore the knee's stability and functions very well. However, more incidences of poor PL status and medial patellar-femoral cartilage damage may occur in double-bundle ACL reconstruction.

[Mid-term results after arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mid-term results of arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. METHODS: From December 2002 to May 2007, 35 patients(35 shoulders) with full-thickness rotator cuff tears underwent arthroscopic treatment. Five patients were lost in the follow-up period, leaving 30 patients available for evaluation. There were 15 male and 15 female patients, the average age was 55.6 years(31-74 years). Three left shoulder and 27 right ones were involved. All the patients underwent subacromial bursectomy and acromioplasty, 19 cases were repaired by suture anchor. Eleven tears were repaired by suture anchor combined with side-to-side suture. Sixteen patients underwent single-row repair and 14 patients underwent dual-row repair. The follow-up was completed on June 2012. The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scoring system was adopted before operation and at the final evaluation. RESULTS: Thirty patients were followed up for an average of 78.5 months(range 5-10 years). The average score increased from 14.2 ± 3.1 to 33.6 ± 2.1 (t = -37.154, P = 0.000) . The mean pain score was 2.5 ± 0.9 vs.9.5 ± 1.0(t = -24.466, P = 0.000) for preoperative vs. postoperative, the function score was 4.5 ± 1.5 vs. 9.4 ± 1.1 (t = -18.500, P = 0.000), the mean forward flexion score was 3.3 ± 1.6 vs. 4.9 ± 0.2(t = -5.614, P = 0.000), the mean forward flexion strength was 3.9 ± 0.5 vs. 4.7 ± 0.4 (t = -6.591, P = 0.000). The results were 19 excellent, 11 good. The average scores of single-row group and double-row group were 33.6 ± 1.7 and 33.6 ± 2.6 respectively. All patients were satisfied with the operation. CONCLUSIONS: This surgery has many advantages such as mini-invasion and rapid recovery. The clinical results of both single-row repair and dual-row repair are satisfactory. The key to the operation lies in accurate tear pattern recognition, enough tendon release and correct suturing method.

The added value of ABER position for the detection and classification of anteroinferior labroligamentous lesions in MR arthrography of the shoulder.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare MR arthrography in abduction and external rotation (ABER) position with conventional MR arthrography in neutral position for the detection and further classification of anteroinferior labroligamentous lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-nine cases of shoulder MR arthrography with subsequent arthroscopy were retrospectively evaluated. All MR arthrograms in ABER position and neutral position were independently assessed by two radiologists who were blinded to the arthroscopic findings. Sensitivities and specificities of both positions for detection and further categorization of anteroinferior labroligamentous lesions were calculated and compared using paired McNemar test. K values were calculated to quantify the level of interobserver agreement. RESULTS: At arthroscopy, 24 Bankart lesions, 59 ALPSA lesions, 39 Perthes lesions, 8 GLAD lesions, 4 ALIPSA lesions, 31 nonclassifiable lesions and 60 intact anteroinferior complexes were found. The sensitivity of MR arthrography in ABER position for detecting anteroinferior labroligamentous lesions was significantly higher than that of in neutral position (92.7-94.5% versus 81.8-83%, P<0.05). For the detection rate of the mentioned 6 subtypes of lesions, only the Perthes lesions had significant improvement in ABER position when compared with conventional MR arthrography (observer 1, 61.5-87.2%, P=0.006; observer 2, 69.2-92.3%, P=0.004). MR arthrography in ABER position was more effective in identifying of Perthes lesions (66.7-74.4% versus 35.9-40%, P<0.05) while the conventional MR arthrography was more effective in accurate diagnose of ALPSA lesions (74.6-78.0% versus 54.2-55.9%, P<0.05). No statistically significant difference of the diagnostic accuracy was found between the two positions for Bankart lesions, GLAD lesions, and ALIPSA lesions. CONCLUSION: MR arthrography in ABER position has more added value on detection of Perthes lesions in evaluation of anteroinferior labroligamentous complex tear.

[Arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchors: results and risk factors of recurrence of instability].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively the results of arthroscopic Bankart repair using suture anchors for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation with a minimum 1-year follow-up and to assess risk factors for recurrence. METHODS: From March 2002 to March 2010, 259 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchors. And 188 patients (50 athletes, 138 nonathletes) were available for follow-up. The mean age at the time of surgery was 25.3 years (range, 13 - 58 years). The mean follow-up was 38.6 months (range, 12 - 110 months). All of the 188 patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) shoulder score and Rowe score system. The rate of recurrent instability, range of motion, and risk factors for postoperative recurrence were evaluated. The ASES score was 72.6 preoperatively, and Rowe score was 33.4. RESULTS: The ASES scores improved significantly to 91.9 postoperatively (P < 0.001). The Rowe scores improved to 81.9 postoperatively (P < 0.001). And 152 patients were greatly satisfied with the results, 16 satisfied and 20 unsatisfied. The satisfactory rate was 89.4%. 24 patients (12.8%) suffered a recurrence after surgery, 14 athletes and 10 nonathletes. The recurrence rates were 28.0% in the athlete group and 7.2% in the nonathlete group. On average there was no significant loss of external rotation postoperatively (average, 75.2° preoperatively and 67.2° postoperatively). Patients under age 20, and athlete patients were associated with recurrence (P < 0.05). Other factors including length of time until surgery, type of anchors, number of anchors, presence of bony Bankart lesion, presence of a superior labrum, anterior and posterior tear, presence of posterior or inferior labrum lesion, presence of rotator cuff tear, ligamentous laxity and rotator interval closure did not influence the recurrence rate (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic Bankart repair is a good option for the treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation. Identification of risk factors for recurrence allows for consideration of open stabilization. In the series, patients under age 20 and athlete patients are the most important risk factors for recurrence.

[Preliminary report on lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction or repair for treatment of posterolateral rotatory instability of elbow].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the preliminary results of lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) reconstruction or repair for posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of elbow. METHODS: Between December 2006 and September 2010, 9 consecutive patients (9 elbows) undergoing surgical reconstruction or repair of LUCL for the treatment of elbow PLRI were studied. Surgical reconstruction of LUCL was performed with a tendon graft in 6 elbows and reattachment of LUCL to humerus in 3. The mean patient age was 28 years (range: 17 - 48). All patients had a previous history of elbow injury. Among them, 6 had a history of elbow dislocation. The average duration of symptoms was 10.7 months (range: 5 days - 30 months). The outcomes were graded with respects to objective and subjective stability, pain and range of motion as defined by Nestor. RESULTS: All patients were followed up. The mean follow-up period was 20 months (range: 4 - 49). Postoperatively, no patient had residual instability or a positive pivot shift test in elbow. Their outcomes were graded as excellent (n = 6), good (n = 2) and fair (n = 1). Subjective assessment revealed that all were satisfied with their surgical outcomes. CONCLUSION: An accurate recognition of PLRI of elbow is important for its appropriate management. Tendon graft is recommended for the reconstruction of LUCL. Surgical ligament reconstruction or repair is the preferred treatment option for restoring normal functions and elbow stability. Further studies are warranted because of a limited number of patients in the present study.

The position of the posterolateral bundle femoral tunnel during arthroscopic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to find a simple guideline to help establish accurate positioning of the posterolateral bundle (PLB) femoral bone tunnel during double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by measuring the distance between the center of the PLB femoral footprint to the shallow and the deep articular cartilage borders of the lateral wall of the intercondylar notch. METHODS: The femoral insertions of the anteromedial bundle and PLB of the anterior cruciate ligament were dissected in 22 male cadaveric knees, aged 25 to 45 years. By use of the intercondylar notch as the landmark, the distances between the center of the PLB femoral footprint and the shallow and the deep articular cartilage borders of the lateral wall of the intercondylar notch were measured with the knees flexed at 90°. The measured data (mean ± standard deviation) were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The center of the PLB was positioned 8.60 ± 1.52 mm and 8.65 ± 1.54 mm from the shallow and the deep cartilage borders of the lateral wall of the intercondylar notch, respectively (P = .95). The distance between the center of the PLB footprint to the low cartilage border of the lateral intercondylar wall was 5.05 ± 0.76 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the position of the center of the PLB femoral footprint is at the middle of the line joining the shallow and the deep borders of the femoral cartilage. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgeons can use our results as a guideline and use the PLB footprint remnant as a reference at the same time to locate the femoral PLB tunnel in a simple, easy, and repeatable way.

Arthroscopic debridement of osteoarthritic elbow in professional athletes.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic debridement is an appropriate procedure for osteoarthritic elbow in general populations. However, the results of arthroscopic debridement in the professional athletes, a younger and highly active patient cohort is unclear. The purposes of this study were to assess the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic debridement of osteoarthritic elbow in professional athletes and to evaluate the effect of prognostic factors on the clinical outcomes. METHODS: From January 1999 to January 2006, 35 professional athletes with osteoarthritc elbow (36 elbows) were treated with arthroscopic debridement, consisted of osteophytes removal, loose bodies removal and fenestration of the olecranon fossa as necessary. Average patient age was (23 ± 5) years (range 7 - 34 years). Average follow-up was (43 ± 23) months (range 16 - 98 months). Athletic activities consisted mainly of wrestling, judo and weightlifting. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the modified Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) elbow scoring system. RESULTS: According to the modified HSS elbow scoring system, the result was excellent for 16 elbows, good for 14 and poor for 6. No case had got worse after surgery. All athletes reported an improvement in pain. After athletic training, 15 elbows were not painful, 16 mildly painful, 3 moderately painful and 2 severely painful. The arc of flexion-extension improved from 111° preoperatively to 127° postoperatively. All of the athletes were able to return to their previous level of training. Five athletes won national-level championships. At follow-up, 17 athletes (18 elbows) were greatly satisfied with the results, 12 satisfied and 6 unsatisfied. Postoperatively, one athlete reported ulnar nerve symptoms and two others had residual loose bodies. The fenestration of the olecranon fossa was associated with a significantly increased chance of a poor outcome. The nature of the osteoarthritis, duration of symptoms, osteophytes removal and loose bodies removal did not predict the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic debridement of osteoarthritic elbow in professional athletes can yield significant short-term pain relief, as well as restoration of elbow range of motion and resuming their athletic training. The long-term durability of this procedure with regard to preservation of range of motion and radiographic progression of arthritis remains unknown.

Changes of histology and capsular collagen in a rat shoulder immobilization model.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder immobilization can induce adhesion of the joint, capsular contracture or lead to the condition of frozen shoulder. However, little is known about the histological effects of immobilization on the shoulder joint. This study aimed to explore the effect of immobility on the subscapular bursa (SSB) and the joint capsular content, including the distribution of types I and III collagen, within an immobilized rat shoulder. METHODS: Forty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into one control group (n = 6) and four immobilization groups (n = 10 in each group), in which the left shoulders were immobilized with plaster for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks. At the end of each time point, 2 rats from each group were euthanized and shoulders prepared for serial histological observations of the glenohumeral joints, as well as picrosirius red and immunohistochemical observation of type III collagen. Histological sections of the remaining rat shoulders were used for the immunohistochemical detection of the capsular content of types I and III collagen. RESULTS: The hyperplastic synovium of the anterior capsule obstructed the communication between the SSB and the glenohumeral joint cavity at 2 and 3 weeks. The adhesion of the SSB appeared at 3 and 4 weeks. The quantitative and qualitative results showed that the capsular contents of types I and III collagen progressively increased at 2, 3 and 4 weeks, and that type III collagen was distributed extensively within the joint capsule at 2 and 3 weeks. CONCLUSION: Immobilization of the rat shoulder induced synovial hyperplasia of the joint capsule, adhesion of the SSB and an increase of the capsular content of types I and III collagen.

[Arthroscopic treatment of bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears].

OBJECTIVE: To study the surgical techniques and results of arthroscopic treatment of bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. METHODS: From June 2002 to December 2007, 57 patients with bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears underwent arthroscopic treatment. There were 34 male and 15 female patients, the average age was 49.7 years (25 - 71 years). Fifteen left shoulder and 34 right ones were involved. Seven cases were classified as degree I, 6 as II and 36 as III according to Ellman classification. The anterior-posterior and the supraspinatus outlet projection of the X-rays were obtained before surgery. Twenty-nine patients had been received by sonography and 36 patients had undergone MRI examinations. All the patients underwent subacromial bursectomy and acromioplasty, 13 cases underwent cuff debridement, 36 cases underwent cuff repair. Among them, 3 cases were treated by side to side suture of rotator cuff, 26 cases were treated by suture anchor, 7 cases were treated by side to side suture combined with suture anchor. UCLA scoring system was adopted before operation and at the final evaluation. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients had been reviewed at least 2 years after the operation with an average of 48 months (2 to 7 years). The average score was 32.1 ± 3.8 postoperatively, and the mean pain score was 2.9 ± 1.0 vs 8.4 ± 1.7 (P = 0.000) for pre- vs. post-operation, the function score was 5.4 ± 1.2 vs. 9.1 ± 1.4 (P = 0.000), the mean forward flexion score was 4.3 ± 1.1 vs. 4.9 ± 0.2 (P = 0.000), the mean forward flexion strength was 4.0 ± 0.4 vs. 4.8 ± 0.4 (P = 0.000), the results were 16 excellent, 31 good and 2 bad. Forty-seven patients were satisfied with the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopy is an effective method for the treatment of bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. The key to the operation lies in bleeding control, proper acromioplasty and correct suturing method. This surgery has many advantages such as mini-invasion and rapid recovery.

Arthroscopic release of the deltoid contracture.

BACKGROUND: The deltoid contracture is an uncommon disorder. Long-standing contracture produces winged scapula, abduction and extension contracture of the shoulder. Surgical release has been considered the treatment of choice. However, the method of approach has not been well defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopic release of the deltoid contracture. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the results of arthroscopic release in six patients (seven shoulders) who had a contracture of the deltoid muscle. All patients had arthroscopic release. The abduction-contracture and horizontal-adduction angle was measured after operation. The average duration of follow-up was 16 months (range, from 4 to 41 months). RESULTS: The preoperative abduction contracture resolved completely in three shoulders. Two had a residual abduction contracture of 5° to 7° and two had a poor result with 15° abduction-contracture angle. The average postoperative abduction-contracture angle was 6° (range, 0° to 15°). The preoperative horizontal-adduction contracture was corrected, permitting at least 130° of adduction, in five shoulders. The remaining two shoulders had a postoperative horizontal-adduction angle of 120° and 110°. Overall, the average postoperative horizontal-adduction angle was 130° (range, 110° to 140°). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic release is an effective surgical technique to treat the deltoid contracture.