Arthroscopic capsular release for posttraumatic shoulder stiffness

Severe pain and shoulder stiffness after soft tissue trauma or fracture is a major cause of dysfunction. Some patients may have residual, resistant, significant shoulder stiffness that causes long-term functional impairment. This study reports the results of arthroscopic capsular release in 21 patients who presented with posttraumatic stiff shoulders resistant to nonoperative therapy. They underwent arthroscopic circumferential capsular and subacromial release of adhesions under interscalene block, followed with immediate regular physiotherapy. A highly significant improvement in the range of motion (ROM) was achieved immediately postoperatively (P < .0001). At 6 months, a mean 48% of the ROM gain was lost. Thereafter, ROM steadily improved to a mean net gain of 110% compared with the immediate postoperative time (mean follow-up, 33 months). Most patients (95%) expressed satisfaction with their outcome. Arthroscopic capsular release is a useful treatment for resistant posttraumatic stiff shoulder, particularly to alleviate of pain and restore a functional ROM.     

关节镜下关节囊松解清理术治疗原发性冻结肩的早期临床疗效

目的：探讨关节镜下关节囊松解清理术治疗冻结肩的临床疗效。方法2010年3月至2012年3月收治38例冻结肩患者,男16例,女22例,年龄49～65岁（平均56.8岁）。按照视觉模拟评分（ Visual analogue scale, VAS）、肩关节的Constant评分及肩关节活动度评估临床疗效。结果38例手术均安全完成,术后无关节不稳、继发出血、感染等并发症,术后平均随访12.2个月（6～18个月）。术前、术后3个月及末次随访时VAS评分、肩关节前屈角度、肩关节外展角度及Constant评分术后3个月及末次随访与术前比较差异均具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,四组数据术后3个与末次随访时比较差异无统计学意义（ P＞0.05）。结论关节镜松解清理术治疗冻结肩是一种安全有效、微创的手术方法。     

Functional results and patient satisfaction after arthroscopic capsular release of idiopathic and post-traumatic stiff shoulder

Purpose

The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the functional results and patient satisfaction after arthroscopic shoulder capsular release in patients with idiopathic and posttraumatic stiff shoulder.

Methods

The study included 50 patients who underwent arthroscopic capsular release after failure of conservative treatment. The etiology of stiffness was either idiopathic (25 patients) or post-traumatic (25 patients). There were 28 women and 22 men with an average age of 49 years (range, 32–70 years). All patients were treated with physical therapy for a mean of six months (range, 3–12 months) before surgery. Range of motion was measured three times: 48 hours after surgery, then one month and six months after surgery.

Results

Constant score showed improvement for both groups of patients in the period of six months after surgery. In the group with idiopathic stiffness the score increased from 36 to 86, while in the group with post-traumatic stiff shoulder the score advanced from 32 to 91. The idiopathic stiff shoulder group had an improved active forward flexion from 90 to 161°, external rotation from 10 to 40°, and internal rotation from L5 to L1. In the post-traumatic stiff shoulder groupthe forward flexion was improved from 95 to 170°, external rotation from 13 to 40° and internal rotation from L4 to L1.

Conclusion

There was an improvement of range of motions and patients' satisfaction after arthroscopic shoulder capsular release and manipulation under anesthesia, equally in idiopathic and post-traumatic stiff shoulder, compared to the situation before surgery. Post-traumatic contracture patients expressed higher level of satisfaction with their shoulder function than the idiopathic stiff shoulder patients.     

Arthroscopic capsular release for idiopathic frozen shoulder with intra-articular injection and a controlled manipulation

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the immediate and long-term effectiveness of arthroscopic capsular release in a large cohort of patients with a precise and isolated diagnosis of stage II idiopathic frozen shoulder.

METHODS

All patients underwent a preoperative evaluation. Patients with secondary frozen shoulder and those with concurrent pathology at arthroscopy were excluded. This left 136 patients with a stage II arthroscopically confirmed idiopathic frozen shoulder. At each postoperative attendance, a record was made of pain, function and range of motion. At 12 months, the Oxford shoulder score was calculated, and pain and range of motion were assessed.

RESULTS

Fifty per cent achieved good pain relief within a week and eighty per cent within six weeks of arthroscopic capsular release. The mean preoperative visual analogue scale pain score was 6.6 and the mean postoperative score was 1.0. The mean time to achieving good pain relief was 16 days following surgery. No patient could sleep through the night prior to surgery while 90% reported having a complete night’s sleep at a mean of 12 days after surgery. The mean postoperative Oxford shoulder score was 38/48 and the mean improvement was 19.2.

CONCLUSIONS

This large series demonstrates that arthroscopic capsular release is a safe procedure, with rapid improvement in pain and a marked improvement in range of motion.     

Arthroscopic release of the glenohumeral joint in shoulder stiffness: a review of 26 cases. French Society for Arthroscopy.

The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study of arthroscopic release of the glenohumeral joint was to evaluate the technical feasibility, the results, and the potential correlations between results and cause of the stiffness. Twenty-six shoulders in 25 patients (19 women and six men) were re-evaluated 3 to 72 months (mean, 21 months) after arthroscopic release of the glenohumeral joint. Diagnoses were primary frozen shoulder in 13 cases, bipolar stiffness (rotator cuff tear plus capsular contraction) in 3 cases, and postinjury or postsurgery stiffness in 10 cases. Results were evaluated on passive range of motion, Constant's score, and subjective assessment. Anterior or anterior inferior capsular release was done at the anterior rim of the glenoid fossa. Posterior capsule release was not performed in this series. There were no intraoperative complications. Mean range of motion gains were 86 degrees for forward elevation, 72 degrees for abduction, 34 degrees for external rotation, and 6 spinal processes for internal rotation. Constant's range of motion score increased from 12.9 out of 40 to 32 out of 40 points. Thirteen patients were very satisfied, 5 satisfied, 5 improved, and 3 unchanged. Range of motion gains were independent from the cause of shoulder stiffness, but global results were better in the primary frozen shoulder group in terms of pain and strength. Arthroscopic release of the glenohumeral joint is feasible and safe. For primary frozen shoulders, in case of failure of the functional treatment, arthroscopic release is a less traumatic alternative to manipulation under general anesthesia. For bipolar stiffness, arthroscopy provides the opportunity for treating concomitant lesions. For postsurgical stiffness, arthroscopic release improves range of motion, but the shoulder often remains painful.     

Early arthroscopic release in refractory shoulder stiffness

Frozen shoulder is still an enigma in shoulder surgery. It is reported that at 2 years after onset most patients will have recovered whether treated or not. To decrease time to recovery and improve the results of this condition, a number of different treatment modalities have been used. In our unit, all patients with frozen shoulder were selected for the arthroscopic release technique if a conservative program of physical therapy had failed to restore motion after 6 months and if they had no known extra-articular contractures. A prospective study was undertaken of 36 patients with refractory frozen shoulder who were treated with an arthroscopic capsulotomy between November 1997 and October 1999. There were 22 women and 14 men with an average age of 49 years (range 32-63 years). All of the patients were assessed for pain, function, and range of motion before surgery. Five patients were diabetic. An arthroscopic capsular release improved motion in all patients, with substantial relief of pain. Follow-up averaged 18 months (range 10-26 months). The median preoperative Constant score rose from 29 to 66 at the time of follow-up. By a mean of 8 weeks after treatment, 75% of the patients had returned to work. One patient developed recurrent refractory stiffness. There were no complications related to the procedure. This study demonstrates that arthroscopic capsular release can be a safe and effective tool in the management of refractory shoulder stiffness and is an effective way of shortening the course of an apparently self-limiting disease.     

Editorial Commentary: Concomitant Surgical Management for Rotator Cuff Tears With Adhesive Capsulitis is an Effective Treatment for Managing a Vexing Problem

Rotator cuff tears (RCT) with concomitant frozen shoulder is a challenging clinical scenario that I, along with many other shoulder surgeons, commonly encounter. Some controversy exists regarding the optimal treatment. Does one address the shoulder stiffness first and regain range of motion (ROM) via nonoperative or operative means, then treat the rotator cuff tear later, or should it all be done at the same time surgically via a concomitant arthroscopic capsular release with or without manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) followed by a rotator cuff repair (RCR) in the same setting? I believe there is overwhelming evidence in the literature to support the latter. Address both pathologies concomitantly through a single stage surgery! In the setting of the RCT with adhesive capsulitis, I routinely recommend early concomitant arthroscopic capsular release with gentle MUA and then perform an arthroscopic RCR in one stage. This is then followed by an accelerated postoperative protocol which is balanced with some protection for healing. We have reported excellent outcomes with this approach. Similarly, I have found this approach to be highly effective, reproducible, and efficient, with high patient satisfaction and outcomes comparable to my patients who undergo arthroscopic RCR without stiff shoulders.     

Posterior capsular contracture of the shoulder

Posterior capsular contracture is a common cause of shoulder pain in which the patient presents with restricted internal rotation and reproduction of pain. Increased anterosuperior translation of the humeral head occurs with forward flexion and can mimic the pain reported with impingement syndrome; however, the patient with impingement syndrome presents with normal range of motion. Initial management of posterior capsular contracture should be nonsurgical, emphasizing range-of-motion stretching with the goal of restoring normal motion. For patients who fail nonsurgical management, arthroscopic posterior capsule release can result in improved motion and pain relief. In the throwing athlete, repetitive forces on the posteroinferior capsule may cause posteroinferior capsular hypertrophy and limited internal rotation. This may be the initial pathologic event in the so-called dead arm syndrome, leading to a superior labrum anteroposterior lesion and, possibly, rotator cuff tear. Management involves regaining internal rotation such that the loss of internal rotation is not greater than the increase in external rotation. In the athlete who fails nonsurgical management, a selective posteroinferior capsulotomy can improve motion, reduce pain, and prevent further shoulder injury.     

关节镜松解术结合麻醉下手法松解治疗冻结肩

背景：冻结肩是临床常见疾病,治疗方法较多,大部分患者可以通过保守治疗治愈。而对于保守治疗无效的患者,目前有文献报道应用关节镜下松解结合麻醉下手法松解治疗,效果满意。目的：通过术前和术后肩关节活动度及疼痛程度的变化来评估关节镜松解术结合麻醉下手法松解治疗冻结肩的效果。方法：回顾性分析2011年1月至2013年12月接受关节镜松解术结合麻醉下手法松解治疗的21例冻结肩患者的病例资料。年龄48-67岁,平均55.85岁;男6例,女15例;左侧14例,右侧7例;原发性12例,继发性9例。所有患者均经6-18个月,平均11.23个月的保守治疗无效后行关节镜松解术结合麻醉下手法松解。结果：全部获得随访,随访时间为7-32个月,平均15.57个月。被动前屈、外展、外旋活动度由术前平均86.0°±10.8°,47.4°±7.5°,4.3°±7.8°提升至术后平均142.1°±11.8°,92.6°±12.1°,57.6°±19.8°（P〈0.001）。Constant-Murley肩关节功能评分从术前平均（12.9±2.1）分提高至术后平均（26.2±2.4）分。所有患者术后肩关节疼痛均有不同程度减轻。VAS评分由术前平均（7.4±1.1）分降至术后平均（2.5±1.0）分（P〈0.001）。结论：关节镜松解术结合麻醉下手法松解是治疗冻结肩的有效手段。     

Arthroscopy for failed shoulder arthroplasty

Purpose: It was the purpose of this study to describe the specifics of technique and results of arthroscopic evaluation and treatment of failed shoulder arthroplasties in 10 patients with early and late complications of shoulder arthroplasty. Type of Study: Case series. Materials and Methods: Ten patients (2 bilateral) underwent 13 arthroscopies after poor results following shoulder arthroplasty. The arthroscopic diagnoses ranged from rotator cuff tears in 5 shoulders, fibrosis and scarring of the long head of the biceps in 5 shoulders, impingement and biceps tendinitis in 1 shoulder, and capsular contracture in 1 shoulder. We performed 4 mini-open rotator cuff repairs, 1 open rotator cuff repair with revision of the humeral component, 5 arthroscopic debridements of the long head of the biceps, 2 arthroscopic decompressions with biceps tenodesis, and 1 arthroscopic capsular release. Results: Before arthroscopy, the preoperative Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores were 6 fair and 6 poor. At latest follow-up, there were 3 excellent, 4 good, and 5 fair results. There was a statistically significant improvement in HSS scores and range of motion for all patients in this study. All patients were satisfied with the results of the procedure. There were no infections or wound problems and neurovascular status was unaltered after arthroscopy. There was 1 intraoperative complication, a periprosthetic humerus fracture after manipulation in an osteoporotic woman with rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion: Arthroscopy proved to be a reliable diagnostic and therapeutic tool in dealing with some of the postoperative complications encountered both early and late after shoulder arthroplasty. Careful attention to surgical technique, including use of blunt trocars, traction, and intraoperative prophylactic antibiotics, can minimize complications of arthroscopy in this setting.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related surgery, Vol 16, No 6 (September), 2000: pp 606–612     

Comparison of arthroscopic capsular release in diabetic and idiopathic frozen shoulder patients

Introduction  

The clinical results of arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulder in diabetic (group 1) and idiopathic (group 2) patients were compared. Surgery was performed on 28 shoulders of 26 patients (24 women, 2 men) with frozen shoulder unresponsive to conservative treatment. The mean age was 50 (range 40–65). A total of 14 patients were included in group 1, and 12 were in group 2. The average duration of complaints was 10 and 7 months in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The evaluation of shoulder functions was made according to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Constant Scoring Systems. Duration of complete pain relief and for regaining range of motion (ROM) after surgery were also noted in their final follow-up examination.     

Non-prosthetic management of grade IV osteochondral lesions of the glenohumeral joint

Osteochondral lesions of the glenohumeral joint in early stages and in younger patients are an important problem and present a challenge during clinical decision making. Although prosthetic arthroplasty remains the gold standard for treatment in later stages of the disease, alternatives are desirable in the early stages and in young patients. The purposes of this study are to evaluate the results of arthroscopic debridement and capsular release in patients with grade IV osteochondral lesions of the glenohumeral joint and to determine the factors associated with their success. Sixty-one patients with grade IV osteochondral lesions of the glenohumeral articular surfaces were treated with arthroscopic debridement, with or without arthroscopic capsular release. Standardized data collection was performed at the initial office visit and at the time of final follow-up. Overall outcome was analyzed with regard to patients' self-assessment of pain, function, improvement, satisfaction, and duration of pain relief. Forty-five of the patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Time-to-event analysis was used to evaluate the duration of pain relief. The mean patient satisfaction score (0 = not satisfied; 10 = completely satisfied) improved from 0.67 preoperatively to 6.28 at final follow-up (P <.0001), with 87% of patients indicating that they would have the surgery again. Although workers' compensation patients obtained inferior results, significant improvement in pain and function was obtained in 88% of all patients (P <.0001). Most patients noted the onset of pain relief within 5 weeks of surgery and obtained a duration of pain relief of 28 months or greater (P <.05). The addition of concomitant procedures, such as acromioplasty, distal clavicle resection, labral debridement, or labral repair, did not have a negative impact on the functional results after arthroscopic debridement and capsular release. In well-selected patients with grade IV osteochondral lesions of the glenohumeral joint, significant improvements in pain relief and function follow arthroscopic debridement of the glenohumeral joint. Arthroscopic capsular release can be added in patients with a loss of passive arcs of shoulder motion. Osteochondral lesions greater than 2 cm(2) appear to be associated with return of pain and failure of this procedure.     

关节镜下治疗肱骨近端骨折内固定术后冻结肩

目的探讨肩关节镜下治疗肱骨近端骨折术后冻结肩的疗效。方法对61例肱骨近端骨折切开复位内固定术后冻结肩患者采用全身麻醉肩关节镜下治疗联合关节松解、内固定装置取除术。比较手术前后肩关节活动范围、UCLA评分及ASES评分。结果关节镜下肱骨近端骨折内固定术后冻结肩常见有关节内病变。52例完成术后12~18个月的随访,9例失访。52例肩关节活动度、UCLA评分和ASES评分末次随访均较术前改善(P<0.05)。结论肩关节镜下治疗联合关节松解、内固定装置取除术有助于改善肱骨近端骨折内固定术后冻结肩患者的肩关节功能。     

Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis. A prospective functional outcome study of nonoperative treatment

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis is a commonly recognized but poorly understood cause of a painful and stiff shoulder. Although most orthopaedic literature supports treatment with physical therapy and stretching exercises, some studies have demonstrated late pain and functional deficits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis who were treated with a stretching-exercise program. METHODS: Seventy-five consecutive patients (seventy-seven shoulders) with phase-II idiopathic adhesive capsulitis were treated with use of a specific four-direction shoulder-stretching exercise program and evaluated prospectively. The initial evaluation included the recording of a detailed medical and orthopaedic history and assessment of pain, range of motion, and function. The outcome evaluation included assessment of pain, range of motion, and function; completion of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire; and completion of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey. The mean duration of follow-up was twenty-two months (range, twelve to forty-one months). One patient died prior to the final evaluation, and three patients were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-four (90 percent) of the patients reported a satisfactory outcome. Seven (10 percent) were not satisfied with the outcome, and five (7 percent) underwent manipulation and/or arthroscopic capsular release. The outcomes of the patients who did not have manipulation or capsular release were evaluated. There were significant improvements in the scores for pain at rest (from a mean of 1.57 points before treatment to a mean of 1.16 points at the final evaluation; p < 0.001) and pain with activity (from a mean of 4.12 points before treatment to a mean of 1.33 points at the final evaluation; p < 0.0001). On the average, active forward elevation increased 43 degrees, active external rotation increased 25 degrees, passive internal rotation increased eight vertebral levels, and the glenohumeral rotation arc at 90 degrees of abduction increased 72 degrees (p < 0.00001). The number of "yes" responses to the Simple Shoulder Test increased from a mean of 4.1 (of a possible twelve) to a mean of 10.75 (p < 0.00001). Despite the significant improvements and the high rate of patient satisfaction, there were still significant differences in the pain and motion of the affected shoulder when compared with those of the unaffected, contralateral shoulder (p < 0.00001). At the final outcome evaluation, the DASH scores demonstrated limitations when compared with known population norms, whereas the profiles of the SF-36 were comparable with those of age and gender-matched control populations. Prior treatment with physical therapy and a Workers' Compensation claim or pending litigation were the only variables that were associated with the eventual need for manipulation or capsular release. Male gender and diabetes mellitus were associated with worse motion at the final evaluation. Patients with a greater severity of pain with activity at the initial evaluation had significantly lower DASH scores at the final evaluation, and patients with lower initial scores on the Simple Shoulder Test had comparatively lower scores on the Simple Shoulder Test at the outcome evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of patients who have phase-II idiopathic adhesive capsulitis can be successfully treated with a specific four-direction shoulder-stretching exercise program. Although measurable limitations and deficiencies were noted at the outcome evaluation, these appeared to be acceptable to most of the patients and did not affect their general health status. Patients with more severe pain and functional limitations before treatment had relatively worse outcomes. More aggressive treatment such as manipulation or capsular release was rarely necessary, and the efficacy of early use of these treatments should be further studied.     

Arthroscopic treatment of post-traumatic elbow contracture

The purpose of this study was to evaluate range of motion and patient-reported outcome after complete arthroscopic release of post-traumatic elbow contracture. Fourteen consecutive patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy and capsular release were reviewed retrospectively at a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Pain and range of motion were measured. Patient outcome was assessed with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow Assessment Form. Mean self-reported satisfaction on a visual analog scale was 8.4 out of 10. Only 6 patients continued to have pain, with a mean maximum pain score of 4.6 out of 10. Flexion increased from a mean of 117.5 degrees to 133 degrees, and extension improved from a mean of 35.4 degrees to 9.3 degrees. In those patients with a preoperative arc of motion less than 100 degrees (10 patients), the mean arc of motion improved from 69 degrees to 119 degrees. All patients had improved function after the procedure, with a mean self-reported functional ability score of 28.3 out of 30. There were no neurovascular complications. The improvement in range of motion and functional outcome compares favorably with open-release procedures. Combined with the potential benefits of improved joint visualization and low surgical morbidity, arthroscopic release of post-traumatic elbow contracture appears to be a reasonable alternative to open techniques.     

Frozen shoulder-A prospective randomized clinical trial

AIM To compare the results of arthroscopic capsular release with intra-articular steroid injections in patients of frozen shoulder.METHODS Fifty-six patients with frozen shoulder were randomised to one of two treatment groups: Group 1, complete 360 degree arthroscopic capsular release and group 2, intra-articular corticosteroid injection(40 mg methyl prednisolone acetate). Both groups were put on active and passive range of motion exercises following the intervention. The outcome parameters were visual analogue scale(VAS) score for pain, range of motion and Constant score which were measured at baseline, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 wk after intervention.RESULTS All the parameters improved in both the groups. The mean VAS score improved significantly more in the group 1 as compared to group 2 at 8 wk. This greater improvement was maintained at 20 wk with P value of 0.007 at 8 wk, 0.006 at 12 wk, 0.006 at 16 wk and 0.019 at 20 wk. The Constant score showed a more significant improvement in group 1 compared to group 2 at 4 wk, which was again maintained at 20 wk with P value of 0.01 at 4, 8, 12 and 16 wk. The gain in abduction movement was statistically significantly more in arthroscopy group with P value of 0.001 at 4, 8, 12, 16 wk and 0.005 at 20 wk. The gain in external rotation was statistically significantly more in arthroscopy group with P value of 0.007 at 4 wk, 0.001 at 8, 12, and 16 wk and 0.003 at 20 wk. There was no statistically significant difference in extension and internal rotation between the two groups at any time. CONCLUSION Arthroscopic capsular release provides subjective and objective improvement earlier than intra-articular steroid injection.     

Arthroscopic treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.

The results of arthroscopic treatment of chronic resistant calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in twenty-three patients were evaluated. Each patient had greater than 1 year of unsuccessful nonoperative management prior to arthroscopic surgery. The average age was 49 years (range 33-60) and average follow up was 26 months (range 12-47). Subacromial bursectomy was performed in all patients. Based on follow-up radiographs, thirteen patients had partial calcium removal while nine had complete removal of calcium. Results were graded as good in eleven patients (50%) with full motion and complete pain relief, satisfactory in nine (41%) patients with full motion and occasional episodes of pain, and unsatisfactory in two (9%) patients with persistent pain. Arthroscopic calcium removal and subacromial bursectomy are reasonable alternatives in the treatment of chronic calcific tendinitis resistant to conservative treatment.     

肩关节镜下360°关节囊松解治疗原发性冻结肩的中期疗效

目的探讨肩关节镜下360°关节囊松解术治疗原发性冻结肩的可行性与临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析自2010年1月至2014年8月苏州大学第三附属医院收治患者23例,其中男性8例,女性15例,所有患者术前排除颈椎病、胸廓出口综合症、肩部肿瘤等病变,排除肩部手术、创伤、外固定等继发性肩关节僵硬。手术方法为肩关节镜下360°关节囊松解,所有患者于治疗前后采用Constant肩关节功能评分和视觉模拟评分(VAS)进行疗效评估,并且评估患侧及健侧术前术后关节活动度。计量资料术前术后各不同时间点结果的比较采用配对t检验。 结果所有手术均顺利完成,手术切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无相关并发症发生。所有患者中获得随访20例,平均年龄(58±10)岁,随访率86.7%。随访时间为24～79个月,平均(46±18)个月。术前患者Constant肩关节功能评分为(52.1±5.5),术前VAS评分为9(8,9)。术后3个月患者Constant肩关节功能评分为(90.2±1.3),VAS评分为1(1,2),二者与术前相比具有统计学差异,统计值分别为(t＝38,P<0.05)(t＝－4.0,P<0.01)。术后12个月患者Constant肩关节功能评分为(92.2±1.1)分,VAS评分为0(0,1),二者与术后3个月相比差异具有统计学意义(t ＝5.2,P < 0.05;t ＝－3.7,P < 0.01)。术后24个月患者Constant肩关节功能评分为(92.4±0.9)分,VAS评分为0(0,1),二者与术后12个月相比无统计学差异,统计值分别为(t＝0.8,P>0.05)(t＝－1.4,P > 0.05)。术后肩关节活动度较术前亦明显改善。 结论关节镜下360°关节囊松解术治疗原发性冻结肩具有良好的中期临床疗效。     

Shoulder arthroplasty in sickle cell patients with humeral head avascular necrosis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of avascular necrosis in patients with sickle cell disease. Medical records, radiographs, operative reports, and outcome scores of 8 adult patients with sickle cell disease were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 51 months (range, 2-10 years). Seven patients had a hemiarthroplasty, and one had a total shoulder arthroplasty. One patient had an intraoperative rotator cuff tear. Two had sickle cell crises in the immediate postoperative period. In one patient, stiffness developed that required arthroscopic capsular release 22 months after her arthroplasty. Another patient with a hemiarthroplasty underwent revision to a total shoulder arthroplasty 5 years after the index procedure. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved by 31.9 points. However, only 2 patients reported improvement in pain as assessed with a visual analog scale. Although shoulder arthroplasty provides improvements in range of motion and function in the majority of patients, pain relief is less predictable.     

Recognition and treatment of refractory posterior capsular contracture of the shoulder.

SUMMARY: Limitation of internal rotation has been reported in conjunction with impingement syndrome of the shoulder. A group of 9 patients was identified who had discrete, painful loss of internal rotation associated with refractory impingement syndrome. The duration of symptoms averaged 18 months (range, 11 to 33 months), and all patients failed a course of physical therapy specifically addressing loss of internal rotation. Six patients reported traction as the mechanism of injury, and 3 developed motion loss and pain following a posterior capsular shift procedure. All patients underwent arthroscopy, and were observed to have a thickened posterior capsule. An arthroscopic release of the posterior capsule improved motion in all patients, with substantial relief of pain. At an average of 19 months follow-up (range, 11 to 35 months), internal rotation in 90 degrees of abduction improved from 10 degrees preoperatively to 47 degrees postoperatively, and there were no complications related to the procedure. We conclude that chronic loss of internal rotation secondary to posterior capsular contracture may be an explanation for refractory pain in some patients with an initial diagnosis of impingement syndrome. This condition appears to be amenable to arthroscopic posterior capsular release.