Occupational Stress Experienced by Nurses Working in a Greek Regional Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Occupational stress is both psychologically and physically challenging and may lead to high rates of absenteeism, burnout, and turnover. Nursing is considered as one of the most stressful and demanding professions. This study aims to measure perceived stress levels among nurses in a Greek public general hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 157 nurses and nursing assistants took part. A self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographics and Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS) for stress assessment was used. Analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. RESULTS: Total stress mean(SD) score ranged in medium levels [136.27 (47.80)]. The most stressful situations were dealing with death and dying [18.29 (5.59)]; patients' and their families' demands [20.90 (7.12)], and uncertainty concerning treatment [22.19 (9.07)]. Discrimination [4.40 (4.25)] and conflicts with peers [12.07 (5.10)] provoked less stress. There was a statistically significant relationship between age and total stress (F = 4.23, p < 0.001) and all distinct stressors. Nurses between 30 and 34 years expressed higher stress in all cases except patients' and their families' demands stressor. Those nurses who were divorced expressed higher stress in death and dying subscale (F = 2.93, p = 0.035). Nursing assistants expressing higher stress as far as workload (t = -2.40, p = 0.017), conflicts with physicians (t = -2.19, p = 0.033), and problems with peers (t = -2.63, p = 0.009) were concerned, compared to nurses. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study are in line with other researchers' findings concerning stressors among nursing personnel in Greece. Appropriate measures for the prevention and management of specific stressors must therefore be taken.

Matrix metalloproteases and their inhibitors are altered in torn rotator cuff tendons, but also in the macroscopically and histologically intact portion of those tendons.

We evaluated whether matrix metalloproteases and their inhibitors are involved in extracellular matrix remodelling and degradation of chronic rotator cuff tears. Tendon samples were harvested from 13 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff tear. Supraspinatus specimens were harvested en bloc from the arthroscopically intact middle portion of the tendon, more than 1 cm lateral to the torn edge, from the lateral edge of the tear, and from the superior margin of the macroscopically intact subscapularis tendon, used as control. The collagenases, the stromelysins, and the tissue inhibitors of metalloprotease arrays were analyzed blindly by multiplex sandwich ELISA in each specimen. Histological evidence of tendinopathy was present in all patients with a rotator cuff tear, but not in the macroscopically intact subscapularis tendon. There were significantly increased levels of MMP 1, MMP 2, MMP 3, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in all specimens examined, including the macroscopically intact portion of the supraspinatus tendon and the subscapularis (control specimens). The levels of specific matrix metalloproteases and their inhibitors are altered in torn rotator cuff tendons, but also in the macroscopically and histologically intact tendons. These changes extended medially to the site of tendon tear, and to other tendons.

Arthroscopic bankart suture-anchor repair: radiological and clinical outcome at minimum 10 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: There are not many reports in the literature about the long-term outcomes in terms of recurrence and degenerative changes after arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction for anterior shoulder instability. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term follow-up (minimum 10 years) of arthroscopic suture-anchor repair for traumatic unidirectional anterior instability, with special emphasis on the radiological evidence of arthritis and clinical outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Forty-two patients (43 shoulders) treated at our institute from 1995 to 1997 were included in the study. Thirty patients (31 shoulders) were available for clinical and radiological examination (71%). The mean follow-up was 10.9 years (range, 9.8-14.3 years). Patients were evaluated preoperatively and after surgery using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and Rowe score. Patient satisfaction was determined by asking the patients if they would do this operation again. Radiological outcome was used to evaluate the incidence and grade of arthritis according to the Samilson-Prieto classification. RESULTS: At the final follow-up examination, 5 patients (16%) reported an atraumatic recurrent instability, while 2 recurrences (7%) occurred after a major injury. Three of the 7 recurrences occurred 6 years after surgery. All of the patients in the recurrence group except 1 were contact or overhead athletes. Twenty-six patients were satisfied (84%) with the outcome. The SST showed an improvement of shoulder function in 23 cases, the UCLA score improved from 21.8 to 32.1, and the Rowe score showed excellent or good results in 77.3% of cases. Twenty-two patients (71%) were able to return to their preoperative sports level. Radiographic findings showed 9 cases with mild arthritis (29%) and 3 cases with moderate arthritis (10%). CONCLUSION: The recurrence rate deteriorated with time. Involvement in contact sports and overhead activities appears to be a risk factor for recurrence of instability, although this could not be proved statistically with the numbers available, whereas age, gender, and number of preoperative dislocations did not reveal any correlation with recurrence. Degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint were noted but had no significant effect on the clinical outcomes.

The role of arthroscopy in the revision of failed Latarjet procedures.

Glenohumeral instability is an intrinsic pathological condition of the shoulder, owing to its ample range of mobility that predisposes this joint to a somewhat limited degree of stability. Several techniques have been employed for the treatment of instability. Among these, one is the Latarjet procedure, recommended for cases of substantial bone deficit on the humeral head or on the anterior region of the glenoid. Such technique gives generally good, long-term results, considering the low incidence of recurrence. However, potential complications such as glenohumeral arthrosis, absorption of the bone block, breakage, malpositioning or mobilization of the screws, infections, neurological or vascular complications can be serious. Moreover, as a result of further severe trauma, the shoulder can become again globally unstable. In such cases, the question arises of which technique to employ in surgical revision, since the Latarjet procedure determines substantial subversion of glenohumeral anatomy. The aim of the study was the analysis of arthroscopical treatment after failure of a Latarjet procedure and to describe the related definitive results. During the period between January 2000 and June 2007, we treated 17 patients (18 shoulders) using arthroscopy, following failure of an open Latarjet surgical procedure. One patient was operated bilaterally. Clinical revision according to the Constant Score, ROWE, ASES, UCLA and the VAS scale for pain evaluation was carried out during follow-up examination after an average period of 5 years and 9 months (min. 2 years-max. 9 years) from latest surgery. The system of evaluation according to the Constant Score indicated an average score of 78.4/100 at follow-up examination; UCLA indicated 27.2/35; ASES 99.6/120; ROWE 75.2/100. With regard to pain, the VAS Scale indicated an average score of 2.9/10. As criteria for relapse, we considered classic cases of dislocation and subluxations, or sprains with subluxation, and subjectively experienced apprehension and pain to a degree that seriously inhibited the patient's daily life. The incidence of relapse following the final surgical operation (taking into consideration both frank dislocations and subluxations) was 16.7%. At clinical revision, one patient showed dislocation due to relatively modest trauma approximately 1 year following the second surgery (5.6%). Episodes of subluxation or sprains continued in 2 shoulders (11.1% relapse). In 11 cases (61%), return to sports activities was achieved. Arthroscopy technique using anchors and sutures can, in selected cases, lead to satisfactory results, allowing, by means of minimal surgical invasion, identification and treatment also of intra-articular lesions, where associated.

Posterior superior internal impingement: an evidence-based review [corrected].

Over the last decade, the concept of internal impingement has continued to evolve, and the frequency with which this condition is recognised continues to increase. This syndrome should be clearly differentiated from the classical (external) impingement that is thought to be caused by compression of the subacromial bursa, long head of the biceps tendon and rotator cuff (RC) by the coraco-acromial arch. Internal (posterosuperior) impingement syndrome is typified by a painful shoulder due to impingement of the soft tissue, including the RC, joint capsule and the posterosuperior part of the glenoid. The aetiology of this syndrome is unclear, but hypotheses include anterior shoulder instability or micro-instability, contracture of the posterior capsule, reduced humeral retroversion and scapular dyskinesis. Non-operative therapy represents the first line of treatment for this syndrome and includes the management of pain, stretching of the posterior capsule and a muscle strengthening programme. Surgical treatment should only be considered when conservative management fails. A number of different surgical procedures have been proposed, but the results are variable. The success rate is generally improved when the subtle instability, associated with internal impingement, is also addressed.

Modified MacLaughlin procedure in the treatment of neglected posterior dislocation of the shoulder.

Posterior dislocation of the shoulder is an unusual injury that most often occurs secondary to a high-energy trauma. Unfortunately the diagnosis is commonly missed, thus making its treatment a challenge. Neglected posterior dislocation is mainly characterised by an impression fracture on the anterior articular surface of the humeral head, which makes the dislocation often difficult to reduce. Diagnosis is based upon a careful history assessment, physical examination and radiological findings. Several treatment approaches have been described. The modified MacLaughlin procedure in our hands has been shown to be a reproducible technique allowing good results at medium- and long-term follow-up. According to our experience it is possible to adopt this technique also in patients with a locked posterior dislocation older than 6 months or in cases with a humeral head defect up to 50% when a shoulder prosthesis is not a good indication. Poorer results should be expected in patients with an associated fracture of the proximal humerus.

Effects of posterior-inferior capsular plications in range of motion in arthroscopic anterior Bankart repair: a prospective randomized clinical study.

The effects of posterior plications associated with anterior shoulder instability surgery are still unclear both on shoulder range of motion (ROM) and on recurrence rate. The objective of this randomized study is to evaluate the influence of posterior-inferior plications, performed in association with repair of anterior Bankart lesion, on gleno-humeral (GH) range of motion. In a 24-month period, 40 patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. The criteria for inclusion were age between 17 and 40 years, traumatic unidirectional instability, no previous shoulder surgery, no more than three episodes of dislocation, no relevant glenoid bone deficiency, no clinical evidence of pathological anterior inferior laxity (measured with external rotation with the arm at the side inferior to 90 degrees and Gagey sign negative) and arthroscopic finding of isolated anterior Bankart lesion. A total of 20 patients (group A) were randomized to treat Bankart lesion using three bioadsorbable anchors loaded with a #2 braided polyester suture. In 20 randomized patients (group B) two posterior-inferior capsular plications performed with a #1 polidioxanone suture without any capsular shift were added to the same anterior capsulorraphy performed in group A. Postoperative rehabilitation protocol was the same for all 40 patients. Patients were examined preoperatively and at a 2-year follow-up by a single independent expert physician unaware of the surgical procedure. GH ROM, Constant, UCLA and ASES rating scores as well as recurrence of instability were recorded. At follow-up, forward flexion (FF) decreased by a mean value of 14.5 degrees (median -10 degrees ; range -5 degrees to -35 degrees ; P < 0.001) in group B and increased by a mean value of 3.5 degrees (median 0 degrees ; range -25 degrees to 40 degrees ; P < 0.312) in group A; external rotation with arm adducted (ER1) increased by a mean value of 1.8 degrees (median 0 degrees ; range -15 degrees to 30 degrees ; P < 0.924) in group B, and increased by a mean value of 2.6 degrees (median 2.5 degrees ; range -38 degrees to 40 degrees ; P < 0.610) in group A; external rotation with arm abducted at 90 degrees (ER2) decreased by a mean value of 2.9 degrees (median 0 degrees ; range: -20 degrees to 10 degrees ; P < 0.161) in group B and increased by a mean value of 0.7 degrees (median 0 degrees ; range -30 degrees to 25 degrees ; P < 0.837) in group A; the IR2 decreased by a mean value of 2.4 degrees (median -3.5 degrees ; range -15 degrees to 10 degrees ; P < 0.167) in group B and increased by a mean value of 2.2 degrees (median 0 degrees ; range -20 degrees to 30 degrees ; P < 0.456) in group A. The UCLA mean score gains by 43.1% (median 40; P < 0.001) relatively, and of 45.2% relatively (median 40; P < 0.001), respectively, in group B and A, ASES mean score relatively gains by 21.7% (median 21.2%; P < 0.001) in group B, and of 19.2% (median 18.9%; P < 0.001) in group A, and Constant mean score improves by 20.2% (median 16.5; P < 0.001) in group B, and 10.2% (median 8.4%; P < 0.001) in group A. Thus, the only statistical significant differences were the reduction of forward flexion in group B and the improvements of the scores in both groups. No recurrence of instability was found in the plicated group, while in the non-plicated group we had one traumatic recurrence. In conclusion, arthroscopic posterior-inferior plications associated with a Bankart lesion repair in a selected group of patients seem to reduce only FF, without any effect on rotation. A longer follow-up and a larger number of patients are needed to give definitive conclusions on the benefit to the recurrence rate.

Incidence of risk in shoulder surgery : medical-legal repercussions.

It is generally recognised that any medical-surgical activity entails the risk of failure, placing the physician at risk of malpractice claims. In order to protect both the physician and the patient, it is important to identify the risk factors relating to the various pathological situations and assess both the incidence and significance of such risks. Hence, a "Potential Failure Rating" could be devised already during the preliminary stages for every type of medical process. Such a rating would be useful both in clinical and medicolegal settings. This article considers the most common and important risk factors involved in typical diseases of the shoulder, from which a relative failure rating is formulated.

Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear with a modified Mason-Allen stitch: mid-term clinical and ultrasound outcomes.

One of the most discussed point about arthroscopic full-thickness rotator cuff (RTC) repair is the strength of tendon-stitch interface. In the period between November 2003 and September 2004, in a series of 29 patients with primary isolated supraspinatus tear measuring > 2 cm a reconstruction using one titanium anchor and a modified Mason-Allen (MMA) stitch was done. These patients were prospectively collected in this study and then retrospectively evaluated. There were 21 men and 8 women with a mean age of 59.3 years. Patients were examined pre-operatively by a single sport medicine doctor, very experienced on shoulder pathology problem. Constant score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scale and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) were administered. After a minimum follow-up of 24 months patients were revaluated clinically by the same independent examiner. At the same time patients underwent an ultrasound shoulder examination to evaluate rotator cuff integrity. Clinically there was a significant improvement of Constant score, SST score and UCLA scale at followup. Twenty-five patients (86.2%) were satisfied, whether the other four patients (13.8%) stated that they would decline procedure. Recurrent rotator cuff tear was found in 11 patients (38%), who were all older than 60. All the patients but one with a pre-operative MRI grade III tendon tissue fatty infiltration, had a cuff re-tear. Arthroscopic supraspinatus tendon repair with one single anchor and MMA stitch is a reliable technique leading to a re-tear of 38% that is comparable with results reported in literature.