A bleeding pseudoaneurysm of the lateral genicular artery after total knee arthroplasty—A case report

Background?Arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) for shoulder impingement has gained popularity. We evaluated the result of this common procedure prospectively, from a patient perspective.

Method?We used the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to evaluate 50 patients with a mean age of 49 (27–72) years. All patients had undergone 6 months of failed nonoperative treatment prior to surgery. Exclusion criteria were total rotator cuff rupture, shoulder instability, clinically verified acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, calcifying tendonitis or neurological symptoms. All the decompressions were done by experienced shoulder arthroscopists.

Results?A significant improvement in both the median DASH score and the VAS had occurred 6 months after surgery.

Interpretation?ASD for impingement in properly selected patients performed by experienced surgeons gives a high degree of patient satisfaction 6 months after surgery.??     

Patients with shoulder impingement remain satisfied 6 years after arthroscopic subacromial decompression: a prospective study of 46 patients

Background

Although arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) is a common procedure for treatment of shoulder impingement, few long term results have been published. In this prospective study, we determined whether the high degree of patient satisfaction at 6 months postoperatively reported by us earlier remained at the 6-year follow-up.

Patients and methods

We originally reported high patient satisfaction 6 months after ASD for shoulder impingement in 50 prospectively studied patients using the Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients with associated shoulder disorders were excluded. The surgeons were experienced shoulder arthroscopists. 6 years after surgery, the DASH questionnaire and the VAS were sent to these 50 patients. 2 patients had other medical problems of the upper extremity that affected the DASH and VAS scores, 1 patient was lost to follow-up, and another refused to participate. Thus, 46 patients with a mean age of 55 (33–78) years were included in this 6-year evaluation.

Results

The considerable improvement in both the DASH score and the VAS that was observed 6 months after surgery persisted or had even improved 6 years after surgery.

Interpretation

Properly selected patients with shoulder impingement treated with ASD remain satisfied 6 years after surgery.Patients with shoulder impingement may have associated conditions such as painful osteoarthrosis of the acromioclavicular joint, degenerative biceps tendon, or rotator cuff tear. There have been few studies describing the long-term results of arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) for patients with pure shoulder impingement, especially from the standpoint of patient satisfaction. The Constant-Murley score (1987) is commonly used; it provides objective information including strength and range of motion. The DASH score reflects the patient''s own experience of disability and is used to study rotator cuff disorders (Norlin and Adolfsson 2008, Björnsson et al. 2010). Pain is the main complaint in shoulder impingement patients. Thus, it is important to compare preoperative and postoperative pain to evaluate the surgical results. The VAS is a validated and widely accepted tool that measures the severity of pain.We have already reported that ASD in properly selected patients with impingement is an operation that gives high patient satisfaction 6 months after surgery when using DASH and VAS as evaluation tools (Bengtsson et al. 2006). We have now evaluated the patients 6 years after surgery.     

Reproducibility of a 3-dimensional gyroscope in measuring shoulder anteflexion and abduction

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the use of a 3-dimensional gyroscope for measuring the range of motion (ROM) in the impaired shoulder. Reproducibility of digital inclinometer and visual estimation is poor. This study aims to investigate the reproducibility of a tri axial gyroscope in measurement of anteflexion, abduction and related rotations in the impaired shoulder. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with either subacromial impingement (27) or osteoarthritis of the shoulder (31) participated. Active anteflexion, abduction and related rotations were measured with a tri axial gyroscope according to a test retest protocol. Severity of shoulder impairment and patient perceived pain were assessed by the Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand score (DASH) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). VAS scores were recorded before and after testing. RESULTS: In two out of three hospitals patients with osteoarthritis (n=31) were measured, in the third hospital patients with subacromial impingement (n=27). There were significant differences among hospitals for the VAS and DASH scores measured before and after testing. The mean differences between the test and retest means for anteflexion were -6 degrees (affected side), 9 (contralateral side) and for abduction 15 degrees (affected side) and 10 degrees (contralateral side). Bland & Altman plots showed that the confidence intervals for the mean differences fall within -6 up to 15 degrees, individual test - retest differences could exceed these limits. A simulation according to 'Generalizability Theory' produces very good coefficients for anteflexion and related rotation as a comprehensive measure of reproducibility. Optimal reproducibility is achieved with 2 repetitions for anteflexion. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements were influenced by patient perceived pain. Differences in VAS and DASH might be explained by different underlying pathology. These differences in shoulder pathology however did not alter the reproducibility of testing. The use of a tri axial gyroscope is a simple non invasive and reproducible method for the recording of shoulder anteflexion and abduction. Movements have to be repeated twice for reproducible results.     

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression with a holmium:YAG laser: review of the literature

Background : The Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventional Procedures–Surgical (ASERNIP‐S) undertook to systematically review the literature regarding arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) using a holmium:YAG laser for patients with impingement syndrome, with respect to the safety and efficacy of the procedure. Methods : Studies on ASD with a holmium:YAG laser were identified using MEDLINE (1984 to July 2000), EMBASE (1974 to August 2000) and Current Contents (1993 to week 33 2000). A number of search terms were used: (laser and shoulder) and (surgery or arthroscop* or acromioplasty or orthopaed* or orthoped* or subacromial decompression or impingement syndrome). The Cochrane Library was searched from 1966 to issue 3 2000, using the search terms ‘shoulder and surgery’. Human studies were included for patients with impingement syndrome but without full‐thickness rotator cuff tears or rheumatological disorders, and where shoulder pain had been experienced for more than 3 months. A surgeon and reviewer independently assessed the retrieved articles for their inclusion in the review. Results : Seven papers were identified that related to ASD with a holmium:YAG laser. None of the papers for review offered high‐quality evidence. There were no properly designed randomized controlled studies. The highest level of evidence came from time series studies. No quantitative analysis could be undertaken for this review. Conclusions : Given the extremely low level of evidence available for this procedure it was recommended that further research be conducted to establish the safety and efficacy of the technique. This reinforces the conclusion reached in the Cochrane review of interventions for shoulder pain where insufficient evidence was found to either support or refute the efficacy of other interventions for shoulder pain.     

Open versus arthroscopic subacromial decompression: a prospective, randomized study of 34 patients followed for 8 years

In a randomized prospective study, we selected 15 patients for arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) and 19 patients for open subacromial decompression (OSD). All had impingement syndrome (Neer grade II), and had been unsuccessfully treated without surgery for more than 6 months. The UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale, Visual Analogue Scales for pain and satisfaction, isokinetic dynamometer recordings and physical testing were assessed preoperatively and at 1 (except isokinetic testing), 3, 6, and 12 months, and, finally, 8 years after surgery. We found essentially no differences in the clinical tests between the groups during this period. The use of ASD or OSD seems to be a matter of cosmesis and personal preference.     

Open versus arthroscopic subacromial decompressionA prospective,randomized study of 34 patients followed for 8 years

In a randomized prospective study, we selected 15 patients for arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) and 19 patients for open subacromial decompression (OSD). All had impingement syndrome (Neer grade II), and had been unsuccessfully treated without surgery for more than 6 months. The UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale, Visual Analogue Scales for pain and satisfaction, isokinetic dynamometer recordings and physical testing were assessed preoperatively and at 1 (except isokinetic testing), 3, 6, and 12 months, and, finally, 8 years after surgery. We found essentially no differences in the clinical tests between the groups during this period. The use of ASD or OSD seems to be a matter of cosmesis and personal preference.     

Open versus arthroscopic subacromial decompression

In a randomized prospective study, we selected 15 patients for arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) and 19 patients for open subacromial decompression (OSD). All had impingement syndrome (Neer grade II), and had been unsuccessfully treated without surgery for more than 6 months. The UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale, Visual Analogue Scales for pain and satisfaction, isokinetic dynamometer recordings and physical testing were assessed preoperatively and at 1 (except isokinetic testing), 3, 6, and 12 months, and, finally, 8 years after surgery. We found essentially no differences in the clinical tests between the groups during this period. The use of ASD or OSD seems to be a matter of cosmesis and personal preference.     

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression: Two- to seven-year follow-up

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) was performed in 88 patients (90 shoulders) with stage II or early III impingement syndrome of the shoulder unresponsive to nonoperative treatment. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the follow-up an average of 41 months (range 24 to 82 months) after surgery. We wished to compare results in (1) patients with and without rotator cuff tears, (2) in athletes and nonathletes, and (3) in throwers and nonthrowers. Patients were evaluated by (1) Neer's Criteria for Satisfactory Result, (2) the UCLA Shoulder RAting Scale, (3) the Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Rating Scale, (4) a detailed questionnaire, and (5) patient satisfaction. In the follow-up group (n = 90), 80% met Neer's criteria for satisfactory result; 94% had satisfactory results by the UCLA Shoulder Scale; 95% had a satisfactory result by the Shoulder and Elbow Society Scale; and 93% of shoulder patients expressed satisfaction at follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences in function between the group without rotator cuff tear (n = 47) and the group with rotator cuff tear (n = 43). Satisfactory results were obtained in 68% of throwing athletes and in 90% of nonthrowing athletes (P < .05) by the Neer Rating, whereas only 50% of competitive baseball and softball pitchers had satisfactory results. Out impression is that ASD is an acceptable alternative to open anterior acromioplasty with comparable results for the treatment of the impingement lesion. There were no differences in result in patients who had a partial rotator cuff tear and those who had no tear. Throwing athletes do not have as good a prognosis to maintain high-caliber painfree shoulder activities as do nonthrowing athletes.     

Scapular angle osteomyogenous flap in postmaxillectomy reconstruction: defect, reconstruction, shoulder function, and harvest technique

BACKGROUND: Maxillary reconstruction continues to challenge in terms of optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe the utility of the scapular angle osteomyogenous flap in a series of maxillectomy patients and to examine the donor site morbidity. METHODS: This is a retrospective series of 14 patients undergoing maxillectomy and either primary or secondary reconstruction. The scapular angle can be oriented vertically and horizontally. Aesthetic, functional, and operative morbidity is described. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was used to examine shoulder and upper limb morbidity. RESULTS: Perioperative morbidity occurred in 4 patients. There were no free flap failures. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were acceptable with all patients having intelligible speech and none requiring nutritional supplementation. The DASH was completed by 12 of 14 patients. The mean and median DASH scores were 10.6 and 13, respectively. All patients gained full range of shoulder movement by 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The scapular angle flap is well suited for maxillary reconstruction and donor site morbidity is low.     

Functional and radiological outcome after arthroscopic and open acromioclavicular stabilization using a double-button fixation system

The aim of this study was to determine the functional outcome and radiological results after open and arthroscopic stabilization of the acromioclavicular joint using a double-button fixation system. We reviewed 16 patients that were surgically treated for acromioclavicular dislocation using a double-button fixation system. An arthroscopic technique was used in 9 patients for acute injuries and an open technique in 7 patients for subacute or chronic lesions. Mean follow-up was 17 months (range : 6-26 months). The mean DASH score post-operatively was 2.29 (range : 0-5.83), VAS score was 0.82 (range : 0-2) and SSV averaged 90.5 % (range: 80-95%). Radiologically the reduction of the acromioclavicular joint was complete in 10 patients. A clinically stable residual subluxation was present in 5 patients. Only one patient experienced a redislocation after new trauma and needed revision surgery. Operative treatment of grade 3 and 4 acromioclavicular dislocations, using a double button coracoclavicular fixation system, yielded good functional results with full return to work and recreational activities. Arthroscopic coracoclavicular fixation without CA ligament transfer should be reserved for acute injuries within 2 weeks after the trauma.     

Operative outcome of displaced medial-end clavicle fractures in adults

The results following nonoperative treatment of displaced, medial end clavicle fractures is often unsatisfactory; but no study has yet reported the outcome of operative fixation of these fractures. This study reports the results of open reduction and internal fixation on displaced, medial end clavicle fractures, in five adult patients (aged 25-52 years, mean 43) including 1 patient with a nonunion. The mean follow-up was 3.3 years (8 months-10.3 years). All fractures had united clinically and radiologically. No complications occurred, and no revision surgery was required. VAS pain scores averaged 0.75 (0-2) at rest, 0.75 (0-2) for normal activities, and 1.0 (0-2) for heavy activities. The mean DASH score was 9.0 (0-17), and all patients were very satisfied with the results of surgery (VAS 10). All patients had a full range of motion of their shoulder at final follow-up and were able to return to pre-injury occupational and activity levels.     

复发性肩关节前脱位的关节镜治疗

目的 探讨肩关节镜下Bankart重建手术治疗复发性肩关节前脱位的疗效、适应证和手术要点.方法 随访40例应用肩关节镜下Bankart重建进行治疗的复发性肩关节前脱位患者,随访时间为24～58个月,平均35.9个月;年龄15～54岁,平均27.8岁.40例均为单方向性不稳定.术前平均脱位次数为14.1次(2～90次),其中28例发生于主力侧.术中采用金属缝合锚(Mini-Revo)进行Bankart重建.随访内容包括ASKS评分、Constant-Murley评分、VAS不稳定评分及ROWE评分进行功能评估.结果 40例患者术前和终末随访时肩关节前屈上举平均为[(157.5±20.6)°,x ±s.下同]和(170.0±6.7)°,体侧外旋平均为(58.5±18.9)°和(55.9±15.0)°,ASES评分平均为(82.7±16.7)和(97.2±6.9),VAS不稳定评分平均为(6.2±1.6)和(1.3±1.4),Constant-Murley评分平均为(80.5 ±11.1)和(98.1±3.1),Rowe评分平均为(30.4±8.7)和(92.8±15.2).除体侧外旋术前和术后差异无统计学意义外,其余各项结果差异均有统计学意义.终末随访时有1例患者曾出现肩关节半脱位.随访时发现残存恐惧试验阳性3例(占7.5%).所有患者均恢复术前工作,29例(占70.7%)恢复到第一次脱位前的运动水平.结论 肩关节镜下Bankart重建手术是治疗复发性肩关节前脱位的有效方法之一.适当的病例选择、术者的关节镜下操作技术水平及术后长期而严格的功能康复锻炼是手术成功的关键.     

Successful continuous interscalene analgesia for ambulatory shoulder surgery in a private practice setting

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Large prospective studies evaluating continuous interscalene block for shoulder surgery have thus far been limited to inpatient and university teaching practices. Shoulder surgery is increasingly being performed on an outpatient basis. The aim of this case series was to prospectively evaluate a large series of interscalene catheters for ambulatory shoulder surgery in a private practice setting. METHODS: A single operator placed nonstimulating catheters using a combination of ultrasound and nerve stimulation. Following postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge, opioid-like analgesic adjuvants other than tramadol were avoided unless patients experienced inadequate pain relief. All patients were assessed in the PACU, on the first postoperative morning, and at 3 weeks for catheter effectiveness and for acute and chronic complications. Pain scores and patient satisfaction were assessed in subgroups of 100 consecutive patients. RESULTS: Three hundred patients were studied. The first attempt catheter success rate was 96%. In all but 1 patient, ineffective catheters in the PACU were effectively reinserted. Thirteen patients experienced inadequate pain relief after leaving the PACU. Of these patients, 5 were rescued with additional ropivacaine, 3 had the catheter effectively reinserted, and 5 were managed with oral opioids. One patient required antibiotic treatment for catheter site infection. Neurological sequelae potentially attributable to the catheter were present in 3 patients at 3 weeks, and remained in 1 patient at 4 weeks. This patient's symptoms resolved at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous interscalene block for ambulatory shoulder surgery in a private practice setting had a high success rate, a low complication rate, and enabled the avoidance of the use of potent opioids in 98% of patients.     

关节镜辅助治疗肩袖损伤的临床疗效分析

目的探讨关节镜辅助治疗肩袖损伤的方法和疗效。方法 2009年11月-2011年3月,收治27例肩袖损伤患者,男17例,女10例;年龄29～66岁,平均43.6岁。病程1～36个月,平均27个月。左肩11例,右肩16例。12例有外伤史,15例无明显诱因。患者肩关节主动前屈及外展功能均有不同程度受限。摄肩关节正侧位、冈上肌出口位X线片,根据Bigliani肩峰分型标准:Ⅰ型5例,Ⅱ型13例,Ⅲ型9例。MRI检查均显示肩袖全层断裂。首先行关节镜探查,27例冈上肌均全层断裂,23例有肩峰撞击;无撞击者行肩袖清理,有撞击者行肩袖清理后再行肩峰成形和肩峰下滑囊切除;关节镜辅助定位下作3～4 cm小切口,直视下缝合修复肩袖。结果患者手术切口均Ⅰ期愈合。27例均获随访,随访时间13～27个月,平均19个月。未发生内固定物松动及肩袖再撕裂等并发症;疼痛症状明显缓解,患者对手术疗效满意。患者末次随访时肩关节活动度较术前显著改善(P<0.05);疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)由术前(8.0±1.8)分改善至术后2周(1.6±0.7)分及末次随访时(0.8±0.7)分;美国加州大学洛杉矶分校(UCLA)肩关节功能评分由术前(18.8±6.6)分提高至术后3个月(32.2±3.3)分及末次随访时(33.6±2.1)分;差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论关节镜辅助小切口治疗肩袖损伤临床疗效满意,但因随访时间有限,其远期疗效有待进一步随访观察。     

Evidence that central sensitisation is present in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome and influences the outcome after surgery

Impingement syndrome in the shoulder has generally been considered to be a clinical condition of mechanical origin. However, anomalies exist between the pathology in the subacromial space and the degree of pain experienced. These may be explained by variations in the processing of nociceptive inputs between different patients. We investigated the evidence for augmented pain transmission (central sensitisation) in patients with impingement, and the relationship between pre-operative central sensitisation and the outcomes following arthroscopic subacromial decompression. We recruited 17 patients with unilateral impingement of the shoulder and 17 age- and gender-matched controls, all of whom underwent quantitative sensory testing to detect thresholds for mechanical stimuli, distinctions between sharp and blunt punctate stimuli, and heat pain. Additionally Oxford shoulder scores to assess pain and function, and PainDETECT questionnaires to identify 'neuropathic' and referred symptoms were completed. Patients completed these questionnaires pre-operatively and three months post-operatively. A significant proportion of patients awaiting subacromial decompression had referred pain radiating down the arm and had significant hyperalgesia to punctate stimulus of the skin compared with controls (unpaired t-test, p < 0.0001). These are felt to represent peripheral manifestations of augmented central pain processing (central sensitisation). The presence of either hyperalgesia or referred pain pre-operatively resulted in a significantly worse outcome from decompression three months after surgery (unpaired t-test, p = 0.04 and p = 0.005, respectively). These observations confirm the presence of central sensitisation in a proportion of patients with shoulder pain associated with impingement. Also, if patients had relatively high levels of central sensitisation pre-operatively, as indicated by higher levels of punctate hyperalgesia and/or referred pain, the outcome three months after subacromial decompression was significantly worse.     

关节镜下喙锁和肩锁韧带重建治疗陈旧性Rockwood III型肩锁关节脱位

目的探讨关节镜下喙锁+肩锁韧带重建治疗陈旧性Rockwood III型肩锁关节脱位的疗效。 方法选取2016年1月至2020年12月北京大学人民医院收治的14例确诊为陈旧性肩锁关节脱位患者,其中男8例、女6例,平均年龄（37.2±10.1）岁,平均受伤时间（13.4±3.5）个月,累及优势侧肩关节7例,均行关节镜下喙锁+肩锁韧带重建手术。术后所有患者分别于不同时间点随访（术后1、3、6、12个月）,进行视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）和美国加州大学洛杉矶分校（University of California, Los Angeles,UCLA）评分。 结果14例确诊为陈旧性肩锁关节脱位患者（均为Rockwood III型）进入研究并完成手术,12例获得完全随访,平均随访（26.3±8.6）个月（12~36个月）。患者术前和术后1个月、3个月、6个月、12个月VAS评分分别为（5.667±0.414）分、（5.583±0.288）分、（4.583±0.229）分、（2.833±0.271）分、（0.538±0.193）分,与术前相比,所有患者在术后3个月、6个月和12个月随访时均显示疼痛减轻,术后6个月和12个月疼痛减轻的程度与术前相比（VAS评分变化）差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。患者术前和术后1个月、3个月、6个月、12个月UCLA评分分别为（19.083±0.468）分、（18.583±0.434）分、（21.000±0.628）分、（25.750±0.579）分、（32.750±0.509）分,与术前相比,所有患者在术后3个月、6个月和12个月随访时UCLA评分与术前相比均有提高,术后6个月、12个月随访时UCLA评分改善的程度与术前相比,差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。 结论关节镜下喙锁+肩锁韧带重建可以用较小的创伤达到帮助陈旧性肩锁关节脱位患者减轻疼痛和改善肩关节功能的目的。     

Effectiveness of interscalene plexus block for open subacromion decompression

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of interscalene brachial plexus blocks on the functional outcome, subjective pain appraisal and patient satisfaction after open shoulder surgery. These results were compared with patients treated by conventional analgesic measures. METHOD: 23 patients with interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) and 21 patients without ISB were evaluated preoperatively as well as 1, 7, 12 and 90 days after open surgery of the shoulder. By means of a visual analogue scale (VAS) subjective postoperative pain intensity was assessed. Using the Constant score preoperatively and 6 months after surgery the functional status of the treated shoulder was evaluated. At discharge from hospital patients were asked whether they were satisfied with the analgesic measures taken. RESULTS: The range of motion of the shoulder of patients treated with an ISB was significantly higher 1 and 7 days after surgery than those without ISB. 12 and 90 days postoperatively the range of motion in the ISB group was still higher, but no longer statistically significant. Assessment of the postoperative subjective pain status showed that patients with an ISB had significantly lower values and required less additional analgesia. In both groups the Constant score was significantly higher 6 months after surgery, compared to the preoperative condition. Compared to the control group, patients treated with ISB were clearly more satisfied with the postoperative pain management. CONCLUSION: By implementing ISB sufficient analgesia in the early postoperative period after open shoulder surgery is attained, allowing for early physiotherapy. This positively influences convalescence and the outcome of the surgical procedure. Furthermore, patients are visibly more satisfied with the postoperative pain management.     

Patient outcome following rehabilitation for rotator cuff repair surgery: the impact of selected medical comorbidities

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter research design. OBJECTIVES: To assess functional and health status outcomes in patients following a physical therapy program after rotator cuff repair surgery, and to determine the impact of selected patient medical comorbidities on rehabilitation outcomes. BACKGROUND: While authors have studied the influence of multiple factors on patient outcomes after rotator cuff repair surgery, little research has been done on the impact of comorbidities, particularly as it relates to establishing an accurate patient prognosis. eighteen patients who had recently undergone a rotator cuff repair surgical procedure were recruited at 1 of 30 Physiotherapy Associates, Inc outpatient clinics located in 13 states. A rehabilitation protocol was implemented and included the following interventions, as indicated: therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapeutic modalities, and physical agents. Patient health history factors were documented during the initial examination, including age, race, body mass index, smoking, rotator cuff tear size, type of surgical procedure, and selected medications and comorbidities. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) were completed prior to rehabilitation, at discharge, and at 6 months postdischarg RESULTS: DASH andmost SF-36 domain mean scores obtained postrehabilitation were significantly improved from pretherapy scores. Most health status outcomes were maintained at 6-month follow-up, with slight further improvement noted in SF-36 physical dimensions and DASH scores. Having a greater number of comorbidities was associated with worse postrehabilitation SF-36 scores, but not with the DASH shoulder function scores. The mean change scores (difference between prerehabilitation and postrehabilitation status) for the DASH and SF-36 were not significantly different for patients with 0 to 1, 2, or at least 3 or more comorbidities (except for emotional role). In regression analyses a model with baseline physical function score (P = .0001), age (P = .03), and number of comorbidities (P = .003) fitted the data well and explained 38% of the variance in the physical function score at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: A higher number of comorbidities had a negative effect on general health status outcomes but not on shoulder function outcomes at the time of patient discharge following rehabilitation. Despite a negative effect of more comorbidities on health status outcomes, the specific number of medical comorbidities did not affect the overall level of improvement prerehabilitation to postrehabilitation in function and health status. The findings describing the influence of comorbidities on rehabilitation outcomes may assist therapists in establishing accurate patient prognosis.     

Absorbable or non-absorbable sutures? A prospective,randomised evaluation of aesthetic outcomes in patients undergoing elective day-case hand and wrist surgery

INTRODUCTION

We prospectively evaluated aesthetic outcomes in a group of randomised patients who underwent elective day-case hand and wrist surgery using either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cohort of 100 adult patients were randomised using sealed envelopes to receive either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures for their wound closure. Clinical review was carried out at 6 weeks. A postal questionnaire was sent to all patients 3 months following surgery comprising a visual analogue scale (VAS) for wound satisfaction, a validated 6-point patient scar assessment tool and the shortened version of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (QuickDASH).

RESULTS

From the postal questionnaire, 70 responses were received. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of VAS, patient scar assessment tool and quick DASH.

CONCLUSIONS

For elective day-case hand and wrist surgery, either suture material can be used confidently with respect to overall aesthetic appearance in such patients.     

Manipulation under anesthesia for primary frozen shoulder: effect on early recovery and return to activity

Frozen shoulder is still an enigma of shoulder surgery. It is reported that at 2 years from onset, most patients will have recovered whether treated or not. However, the duration of morbidity has major implications for patient function and satisfaction. In view of this fact, we have focused on the early effect of manipulation under anesthesia on shoulder function. We prospectively assessed 39 shoulders in 37 patients who were given the diagnosis of primary frozen shoulder between June 1997 and June 1998 and were treated with manipulation under anesthesia of the affected shoulder. The median preoperative Constant score rose from 24 of 100 to 63 of 100 at 3 to 6 weeks and to 69 of 100 at 3 months. Improvement was maintained at a mean follow-up of 11 months after surgery (range 6 to 18 months). Overall, 94% of patients were satisfied with the procedure. At 3 months 59% (23 shoulders) were rated as having no or mild disability only, 28.2% (11 shoulders) as having a moderate degree of disability, and 12.8% (5 shoulders) as having a severe degree of disability. Of the 5 cases scoring less than 50 of 100 (mean 40) at 3-month follow-up, 1 had unmasked symptoms of a subacromial impingement syndrome that has required further treatment. There was no relationship between the initial Constant score or the initial range of movement after manipulation and the eventual result. We recommend the use of manipulation under anesthetic in primary frozen shoulder to restore early range of movement and to improve early function in this often protracted and frustrating condition.