Arthroscopic capsular release to treat idiopathic frozen shoulder: How much release is needed?

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide consensus regarding the degree of optimal extended arthroscopic capsular release in addition to a standard rotator interval release in the treatment of idiopathic frozen shoulder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All articles that reported the outcomes of capsular release in idiopathic frozen shoulder were included. A total of 18 articles with 629 patients and 811 shoulders were included. Clinical outcomes analysed include differences between pre and postoperative ranges of motion (ROM), Visual Analog Score (VAS) reduction, Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores and Constant scores. Patients were grouped by technique: anterior-inferior capsular release (Group 1), anterior-inferior-posterior capsular release (Group 2), and 360-degree capsular release (Group 3) at follow up points 3,6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Comparing ROM, Group 1 had greater early abduction (p<0.01), early (p<0.01) and overall external rotation (p<0.01) than Group 2, as well as greater early flexion (p<0.01), early abduction (p<0.01), early (p<0.01) and overall internal rotation (p<0.01) than Group 3. Group 2 had greater early (p=0.03) and overall flexion (p<0.01) than Group 1, as well as greater early (p<0.01) and overall flexion (p<0.01), early abduction (p<0.01) and early internal rotation (p<0.01) than Group 3. Group 3 had greater overall flexion (p<0.01) than Group 1 and greater overall external rotation (p<0.01) than Group 2. Comparing VAS scores, the less extensive releases saw the greatest significant postoperative reduction. Group 2 had greater mean improvements in postoperative Constant scores than Group 1 (p<0.01) and Group 3 (p<0.01), while SST scores were significantly higher in Group 1 (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that less extensive releases may result in better functional and pain scores. Addition of a posterior release offers increased early internal rotation, which was not sustained over time, but provides early and sustained flexion improvements. A complete 360 release may not provide any further benefit. There were no significant differences in the complication rates amongst the 3 techniques. LEVEL OF STUDY: II; Meta-analysis and systematic review.

Is the Apprehension Test Sufficient for the Diagnosis of Anterior Shoulder Instability in Young Patients without Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>The purpose of this study is to compare the sensitivities and positive predictive values (PPV) of the anterior apprehension test and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of anterior labral tears in young patients with shoulder instability and to determine if surgery could be carried out without this investigation in selected patients.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>We undertook a retrospective study of 168 patients aged between 15 and 30 years with a history of shoulder dislocation and compared the sensitivities and the PPV of the apprehension test with both MRI and magnetic resonance arthrograms (MRA) in the diagnosis of a Bankart lesion. The radiological investigations were interpreted by general practice radiologists and specialised musculoskeletal radiologists. All patients had their diagnosis confirmed by shoulder arthroscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Our results showed that the apprehension test was highly reliable when it was positive with a PPV of 96%. It was more sensitive than MRI in the diagnosis of a Bankart lesion. The clinical test was significantly better when a musculoskeletal radiologist interpreted the MRI. The MRA interpreted by a musculoskeletal radiologist had the highest rates of sensitivity in detecting Bankart lesions. The figure was similar to that for the apprehension test. There was no difference in the PPVs among the clinical test, the MRI and the MRA read by the 2 categories of radiologists.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>We conclude that a routine MRI may be unnecessary in evaluating a young patient with clinically evident anterior shoulder instability if the apprehension test is positive. A MRA that can be interpreted by a musculoskeletal radiologist will be the next best investigation if the clinical test is negative or equivocal.</p>