Recurrent anterior shoulder instability in patients 40–60 years old. Accompanying injuries and patient outcomes of arthroscopic repair

BackgroundAccompanying injuries are frequently seen in middle aged patients with recurrent instability. The aim of this study was to elucidate the associated injuries, report patient outcomes of the following arthroscopic instability surgery regarding 40–60 years old patients with recurrent shoulder instability.MethodsPatients that underwent arthroscopic instability surgery due to recurrent shoulder instability between February 2008 and November 2015, and which were 40–60 years old were included and evaluated retrospectively. Minimum follow-up duration was 24 months. Anterior-inferior labral injuries and accompanying pathologies such as rotator cuff tears and SLAP lesions were documented. Postoperative patient-reported outcome evaluation was made using Oxford Shoulder Instability Score.ResultsAmong 355 patients that underwent arthroscopic instability surgery, 88 patients which had pathology of recurrent instability were in the range of 40–60 years old. Patients who had previous shoulder surgery or fracture (n = 8) epileptic seizure history (n = 3), neurologic deficit (n = 2) were excluded from the study. 75 patients were included with a mean follow-up 69 ± 23 months (32–125). The percentage of middle-aged and elderly (40–60 years old) was 24.8% among recurrent shoulder instability patients. 44% had isolated Bankart lesion whereas 56% revealed multiple pathologies. Bankart + SLAP lesions were found in 32%, whereas Bankart + Rotator Cuff tears in 26.7% (13 isolated supraspinatus, 4 supraspinatus + subscapularis, 1 isolated subscapularis full-thickness and 2 partial-thickness supraspinatus tears). The mean Oxford Shoulder Instability Score was 38.4 ± 5.2 (26–48). The scores of patients which were treated with labrum and rotator cuff repair (median 42, range 30–48) were significantly better than the patients who were treated with isolated labrum repair (median 39, range 20–46) (p = 0.015). There was no difference regarding patients with or without SLAP repair (median 39 vs 39 and range 30–48 vs 20–48, respectively) (p = 0.702).ConclusionsArthroscopic repair of capsulolabral lesions is a safe and successful technique in 40–60 years old patients. Furthermore, the presence of repaired rotator cuff tears led to even superior results. Accompanying SLAP lesions did not affect the results.Study designRetrospective Case Series.Level of evidence4, Retrospective Case Series.     

Reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons subjective shoulder scale in patients with shoulder instability, rotator cuff disease, and glenohumeral arthritis

BACKGROUND: Outcomes assessment after the treatment of shoulder disorders has involved the use of various condition-specific outcome instruments. The purpose of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons subjective shoulder scale in patients with shoulder instability, rotator cuff disease, and glenohumeral arthritis. METHODS: Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, content validity, criterion validity, construct validity, and responsiveness to change were determined for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder scale within subsets of an overall study population of 455 patients with shoulder instability, 474 patients with rotator cuff disease, and 137 patients with glenohumeral arthritis. RESULTS: There was acceptable test-retest reliability for the overall American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder scale (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94) and ten of eleven domains. There was acceptable internal consistency for patients with instability (Cronbach alpha = 0.61), rotator cuff disease (0.64), and arthritis (0.62). There were acceptable floor and ceiling effects for patients with instability (0% and 1.3%, respectively), rotator cuff disease (0% for both), and arthritis (0% for both). There was acceptable and appropriate criterion validity, with significant correlations (p < 0.05) between the overall American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale and the physical functioning, role-physical, and bodily pain domains of the Short Form-12 scale, and nonsignificant correlations (p > 0.05) with the role-emotional, mental health, vitality, and social function domains. There was acceptable construct validity, with all twenty-three hypotheses demonstrating significance (p < 0.05), and acceptable responsiveness to change for patients with instability (standardized response mean, 0.93), rotator cuff disease (1.16), and arthritis (1.11). CONCLUSIONS: The use of outcome instruments with psychometric properties that have been vigorously established is essential. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons subjective shoulder scale demonstrated overall acceptable psychometric performance for outcomes assessment in patients with shoulder instability, rotator cuff disease, and glenohumeral arthritis.     

Percutaneous SLAP lesion repair technique is an effective alternative to portal of Wilmington

Athletes with superior labral tear from anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions place large demands on their rotator cuff and often have partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears as part of an internal impingement process. A percutaneous technique that facilitates SLAP repair may decrease the rotator cuff morbidity associated with establishment of the standard Wilmington portal. The current study reports the clinical outcome of patients with SLAP lesions treated with a percutaneous repair technique. Twenty-two patients with SLAP lesions underwent percutaneous repair. Mean patient age was 26.9 years. Standard posterior viewing and anterior working portals were used. Anchor placement and suture passing were performed with a 3-mm percutaneous and transtendinous approach to the superior labrum. Knot tying was performed via the standard anterior working portal. Clinical outcomes were assessed with validated shoulder evaluation instruments. Mean follow-up was 31.1 months (±6.6 months). Improvement of shoulder evaluation scores from pre- to postoperative were as follows: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 49.5 to 83.6, visual analog scale improved from 5.4 to 1.5, and Simple Shoulder Score improved from 6.4 to 11.0. All were significant improvements (P<.05). There was no significant difference in functional scores between Type II lesions versus combined lesions, or between patients with or without a concurrent low-grade rotator cuff tear. Ninety percent of athletes were able to return to sport at pre-injury level of function. Percutaneously-assisted arthroscopic SLAP lesion repair may minimize surgical morbidity to the rotator cuff and provides excellent results.     

Scoring systems for the functional assessment of the shoulder

A number of instruments have been developed to measure the quality of life in patients with various conditions of the shoulder. Older instruments appear to have been developed at a time when little information was available on the appropriate methodology for instrument development. Much progress has been made in this area, and currently an appropriate instrument exists for each of the main conditions of the shoulder. Investigators planning clinical trials should select modern instruments that have been developed with appropriate patient input for item generation and reduction, and established validity and reliability. Among the other factors discussed in this review, responsiveness of an instrument is an important consideration as it can serve to minimize the sample size for a proposed study. The shoulder instruments reviewed include the Rating Sheet for Bankart Repair (Rowe), ASES Shoulder Evaluation Form, UCLA Shoulder Score, The Constant Score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), the Shoulder Rating Questionnaire, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index (WOOS), the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Rotator Cuff Quality of Life (RC-QOL), and the Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS).     

Arthroscopic Repair of Combined Bankart and SLAP Lesions: Operative Techniques and Clinical Results

Background

To evaluate the clinical results and operation technique of arthroscopic repair of combined Bankart and superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions, all of which had an anterior-inferior Bankart lesion that continued superiorly to include separation of the biceps anchor in the patients presenting recurrent shoulder dislocations.

Methods

From May 2003 to January 2006, we reviewed 15 cases with combined Bankart and SLAP lesions among 62 patients with recurrent shoulder dislocations who underwent arthroscopic repair. The average age at surgery was 24.2 years (range, 16 to 38 years), with an average follow-up period of 15 months (range, 13 to 28 months). During the operation, we repaired the unstable SLAP lesion first with absorbable suture anchors and then also repaired Bankart lesion from the inferior to superior fashion. We analyzed the preoperative and postoperative results by visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) and Rowe shoulder scoring systems. We compared the results with the isolated Bankart lesion.

Results

VAS for pain was decreased from preoperative 4.9 to postoperative 1.9. Mean ASES and Rowe shoulder scores were improved from preoperative 56.4 and 33.7 to postoperative 91.8 and 94.1, respectively. There were no specific complication and no significant limitation of motion more than 10 degree at final follow-up. We found the range of motions after the arthroscopic repair in combined lesions were gained more slowly than in patients with isolated Bankart lesions.

Conclusions

In recurrent dislocation of the shoulder with combined Bankart and SLAP lesion, arthroscopic repair using absorbable suture anchors produced favorable clinical results. Although it has technical difficulty, the concomitant unstable SLAP lesion should be repaired in a manner that stabilizes the glenohumeral joint, as the Bankart lesion can be repaired if the unstable SLAP lesion is repaired first.     

Reproducibility and validity of the Japanese version of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index

BackgroundThe Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) is a self-report, disease-specific, quality-of-life assessment tool. Good reliability and validity have been demonstrated with several language versions of the WORC. In this study, the WORC was translated into Japanese, and its reproducibility and validity for use in Japanese patients with rotator cuff disorder were determined.Materials and methodsThe translated version of the WORC was certified by the developer of the original version. Of 78 consecutive Japanese patients with rotator cuff disorder, 75 completed the following questionnaires: the WORC; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH); and the Short Form 36 (SF-36). In total, 50 patients completed the WORC twice within 2–14 days. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, absolute reliability, and construct validity were assessed.ResultsCronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.78–0.95, and intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.72–0.84 for the total score as well as scores on all WORC domains. A fixed bias was revealed between the test and retest for the total score and scores of some domains. Limits of agreement (LOA) ranged from ?19.0–27.9 % for the total score on the WORC. Furthermore, the WORC scores correlated with those of DASH (r = 0.63–0.78) and SF-36 (r = ?0.24 to ?0.69).ConclusionsGood test-retest reliability and construct validity were demonstrated for the Japanese WORC, but relatively high absolute measurement errors were observed. LOA values must be considered when using the WORC for individual patients with rotator cuff disorder.     

Arthroscopic repair of Bankart lesion in traumatic anterior-inferior shoulder instability using the two-portal method: A preliminary report

BackgroundIn this report, we describe our preliminary clinical results of arthroscopic Bankart repair in traumatic anterior-inferior shoulder instability using the two-portal method.MethodFrom August 2009 to December 2011, arthroscopic repair of Bankart lesion using this method was performed in 16 consecutive patients who were prospectively enrolled. Fifteen shoulders were treated with two-anchor sutures and one was treated with three-anchor sutures. Twelve patients received metallic anchor screws and four patients received bioanchor screws. The assessments were performed using the Rowe score, the University of California at Los Angeles shoulder rating scale, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and the shoulder range of motion (ROM) deficit.ResultsWith an average follow-up period of 22.9 months, all shoulder scores improved after surgery (p < 0.001). The average ROM deficit of the operated shoulders was not significant as compared with the healthy side in forward elevation (p > 0.05), but was significant in external rotation (p < 0.05). All of the 16 shoulders remained stable (100%) after the arthroscopic repair surgery. All patients returned to their preinjury levels of daily activity without recurrent problems.ConclusionIn patients with traumatic anterior glenohumeral instability, arthroscopic Bankart repair with the two portal method can provide good results. It can be an alternative method of treating patients with Bankart lesion without associated major glenoid defect or rotator cuff lesion in traumatic anterior-inferior instability.     

肩关节脱位合并肩袖与Bankart损伤的诊治

目的 探讨关节镜下修复肩关节前脱位合并肩袖与Bankart损伤的疗效.方法 1999年9月至2007年7月收治16例肩关节脱位合并肩袖与Bankart损伤患者,男14例,女2例;左肩6例,右肩10例.交通伤8例,运动伤4例,牵拉伤4例.受伤至手术时间平均4.5个月(1.5～11.0个月).肩关节x线片显示肩盂撕脱骨折3例.16例患者肩关节核磁共振造影显示肩袖与Bankart损伤.关节镜探查发现肩袖于肱骨大结节处撕脱伴肩袖挛缩12例.采用关节镜下松解、缝合锚钉和骨锚钉同定缝合9例;因肩袖挛缩明显,进行关节镜与小切口辅助下肩袖缝合固定术3例;肩衲组织因牵拉松弛抬肩无力,采用等离子刀皱缩和肩袖缝合紧缩术4例.Bankart损伤采用关节镜下可吸收Bankart钉固定3例,钛合金缝合锚钉固定3例,关节镜下直接缝合修补盂唇3例,骨锚钉加会属锚钉固定7例.结果 16例患者术后获平均16.5个月(7～34个月)随访.肩关节稳定,肩外展和上举功能恢复正常12例,术后肩关节外展、抬举活动轻度受限2例,前伸活动疼痛2例.金属锚钉拔出再手术2例.采用美国加州洛杉矶大学UCLA肩关节功能评分:术前平均(21.5±5.5)分;术后平均(32.4±5.6)分,优12例,良4例.结论 肩关节脱位合并肩袖与Bankart损伤核磁共振造影有助于诊断;肩袖挛缩者应进行充分松解,无张力缝合固定有利于肩袖愈合;异体骨锚钉修复肩袖与Bankart损伤,生物固定、费用低廉,具有重要的价值.     

Double bucket handle tear of the superior labrum in a young patient presented with shoulder instability treated with arthroscopic debridement: A case report

Introduction and importanceThe two major etiologies of shoulder superior labral tears anterior to posterior (SLAP) are traumatic and degenerative processes. Bucket handle tears of the superior labrum represent one-third of labral lesions. However, in this article, we present a double bucket handle tear which has been reported once in the literature.Presentation of caseA 25-year-old male presented with complaint of chronic pain in his right shoulder with a remote history of traumatic dislocation. Physical examination revealed a positive apprehension test. Shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a superior labral tear with a Hill-Sach lesion. Arthroscopy showed a double bucket handle tear of superior labrum and mild biceps tendonitis along with Bankart lesion. The tear was resected and the Bankart lesion was repaired followed by supervised physical therapy. Good clinical outcomes in form of resolution of pain and shoulder instability at six months were obtained.DiscussionSLAP tears are common shoulder lesion that is reported differently in the literature. Arthroscopic studies had reported the incidence between 3.9%-11.8. The diagnosis of such lesion relies on the clinical presentation and imaging. Knesek et al. classified SLAP lesions based on the integrity of the biceps anchor and the type of labral tear (Knesek et al., 2013). The standard treatment of symptomatic SLAP lesions is Arthroscopic debridement. However, non-operative management was described in the literature.ConclusionDouble bucket handle injuries of the superior labrum are reported in literature once. These lesions can be treated with arthroscopic debridement and Bankart repair and followed by supervised physical therapy.     

Reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the simple shoulder test: psychometric properties by age and injury type

The purpose of this study was to measure the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scale and to examine these in patients stratified by age and injury type. Test-retest reliability, content validity, criterion validity, construct validity, and responsiveness were determined for the SST. The study population comprised 1077 patients with shoulder instability and rotator cuff injuries, ranging in age from 14 to 85 years. The SST demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.90) and content validity (floor and ceiling effects <10%). Correlations with the physical functioning component of the Short Form 12 were significant (r = 0.439, P < .05); however, the correlations were not significant when stratified by age group (>60 years) (r = 0.271, P = .349) and injury type (rotator cuff injury) (r = 0.337, P = .085). Correlations with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons were also significant (r = 0.807, P < .001). The construct validity of the SST was acceptable, with all 8 hypotheses demonstrating significance (P < .05). The SST was responsive to change (effect size, 0.81; standardized response mean, 0.81). However, there were differences after stratification for age group and injury type. The SST demonstrated overall acceptable psychometric performance; however, differences were found when data were stratified by age and injury type.     

A modification of the relocation test: arthroscopic findings associated with a positive test

Thirteen overhand-throwing athletes who failed at least 3 months of physical therapy while restricted from throwing and who demonstrated a positive modified relocation test at 90 degrees, 110 degrees, and/or 120 degrees were clinically and arthroscopically examined. On arthroscopic examination, all patients demonstrated articular surface pathology. Eleven patients had fraying of the undersurface of the rotator cuff, and 10 patients had fraying of the posterosuperior labrum. With 90 degrees shoulder abduction, 8 patients had rotator cuff contact with the posterosuperior labrum. When the shoulder was abducted to 110 degrees, all patients demonstrated such contact. At 120 degrees of abduction, 12 patients revealed contact. The presence or absence of pain during the modified relocation test correlated with the presence or absence of cuff contact with the posterosuperior labrum 79% of the time. Six patients had a positive modified relocation test at all levels of abduction. These patients included 2 with SLAP lesions, 1 with a Bankart lesion, and 1 with a complete tear of the rotator cuff.     

Arthroscopic fixation of isolated type II SLAP lesions using a two-portal technique

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of twenty isolated type II SLAP lesions which were repaired arthroscopically using a two-portal technique. Shoulder function was evaluated at a mean follow-up of 2 years using the modified Constant-Murley score. The average preoperative score was 65.2%; it improved postoperatively to 86.4% (p < 0.0001). Pain improved from 6 points to 13 points (p <0.01) and strength increased from 10 kg to 17 kg (p < 0.01). Seventeen of the 20 patients participated in athletic activity before the arthroscopic SLAP repair; they were subdivided into two groups with regard to their age (< 40 years, and > 40 years). There were statistically significant differences between the groups, with 70% returning to the same level of competitiveness in the younger group versus 29% in the older age group. (p <0.0001). Arthroscopic repair of an isolated type II SLAP lesion using a two-portal technique, without using a trans rotator cuff portal, appeared as a reliable and effective procedure with respect to shoulder function and anatomy.     

Assessing the reliability and responsiveness of 5 shoulder questionnaires

The purpose of this study was to compare the test-retest reliability and responsiveness of 5 different shoulder questionnaires in a simple of patients with shoulder pain. Ninety-nine patients completed the following shoulder questionnaires on 2 occasions: Subjective Shoulder Rating Scale, Simple Shoulder Test, Modified-American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Form, Shoulder Severity Index, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. The Short Form-36 was also included. Test-retest reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients. Standardized response means were calculated to assess responsiveness. This procedure was done on 33 subjects who underwent rotator cuff surgery or total shoulder arthroplasty and who believed that they had improved between testings. All questionnaires had acceptable reliability (coefficients >0.75) except the Subjective Shoulder Rating Scale (coefficient = 0.71) and were more responsive (0.65 < Standardized response mean < 1.23) than the Short Form-36 (0.08 < Standardized response mean < 0.43) except for pain (0.91). In this longitudinal study a direct comparison of 5 shoulder questionnaires was carried out. We found the Subjective Shoulder Rating Scale to have lower reliability and responsiveness. The other 4 questionnaires including 1 developed to measure whole extremity function (Modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Form) rather than the shoulder only were comparable with good reliability and responsiveness. The results indicate that the shoulder questionnaires were more sensitive to change in patients with shoulder pain than the generic questionnaire (Short Form-36), and both types of questionnaires should be used in outcome evaluations.     

全关节镜下肩袖修补术对老年肩袖损伤患者术后72 h内疼痛程度和并发症的影响

目的:分析全关节镜下肩袖修补术与小切口肩袖修补术对老年肩袖损伤患者的临床效果。方法:选取2017年1月至2018年11月收治的60例老年肩袖损伤患者作为研究对象,男37例,女23例;年龄61~77(63.45±12.34)岁;病程6~12(5.32±1.02)个月;左侧29例,右侧31例。其中,行全关节镜下肩袖修补术者30例,为观察组;行小切口肩袖修补术者30例,为对照组。观察并记录两组患者术前术后美国加州大学肩关节评分系统(University of California,Los Angeles,UCLA)评分,美国肩肘外科协会(American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons,ASES)评分,Constant-Murley评分,肩关节前屈活动度、外旋活动度、外展活动度,术后72 h内视觉模拟疼痛评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)及并发症发生情况,然后进行对比分析。结果:两组患者术后UCLA评分、ASES评分、Constant-Murley评分较术前均显著提高(P<0.05),两组术后UCLA、ASES、Constant-Murley评分相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组患者术后肩关节前屈活动度、外旋活动度、外展活动度较术前均显著增加(P<0.05),术后两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组术后24、48、72 h VAS低于对照组(P<0.05);观察组并发症总发生率13.33%(4/30)低于对照组33.33%(10/30)(P<0.05)。结论:全关节镜下肩袖修补术和小切口肩袖修补术均可以改善老年肩袖损伤后的肩部功能,但全关节镜下肩袖修补术后72 h内疼痛程度和并发症均明显优于小切口肩袖修补术,可根据患者临床实际情况与需求进行选择。     

关节镜手术联合富血小板血浆修复肩袖撕裂的Meta分析

目的通过Meta分析比较关节镜手术联合富血小板血浆与单纯关节镜手术修复肩袖撕裂的疗效。方法检索自2010-01—2018-12收录在PubMed、Medline、Cochrane等数据库关于比较关节镜手术联合富血小板血浆(观察组)与单纯关节镜手术(对照组)修复肩袖撕裂疗效的相关文献,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析,比较2组术后DASH评分、UCLA评分、SST评分、ASES评分、Constant评分及肩袖再次撕裂发生率。结果纳入10篇文献,共598例,观察组320例,对照组278例。观察组与对照组术后6、12个月DASH评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组术后6、12个月UCLA评分较对照组高,术后12个月SST评分较对照组高,术后6个月ASES评分较对照组高,术后肩袖再次撕裂发生率较对照组低,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05);观察组术后6、12个月Constant评分较对照组高(P <0.05),但术后24个月2组Constant评分比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论关节镜手术联合富血小板血浆修复肩袖撕裂可以改善患者术后早期肩关节功能,降低术后肩袖再次撕裂的发生率,但是对于术后远期肩关节功能没有更明显的改善作用。     

Bankart repair in patients aged fifty years or greater: results of arthroscopic and open repairs

Currently, there is little information on the results of Bankart repairs in older patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the results, complications, and rates of revision among patients aged 50 years or greater undergoing Bankart repairs. Between 1992 and 1999, 12 Bankart repairs were performed on patients aged 50 years or greater (mean, 57 years) at our institution. Eleven patients with complete clinical records, operative reports, and minimum 3-year follow-up (mean, 6.5 years) were included in the study. All patients had shoulder instability as a result of specific trauma. Six patients underwent open repairs, and five underwent arthroscopic repairs. There were no patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears. At the most recent follow-up, there were no shoulders with recurrent instability. The mean simple shoulder test score was 10.8 in the open group and 9.8 in the arthroscopic group. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 98 in the open group versus 87 in the arthroscopic group. At the most recent follow-up, mean elevation in the open group was 178 degrees versus 174 degrees in the arthroscopic group. Mean external rotation was 70 degrees in the open group and 72 degrees in the arthroscopic group. The data from this study suggest that Bankart repair in older patients is associated with a low recurrence rate, and similar results may be obtained with either open or arthroscopic procedures.     

The pitcher's mound: a late sequela of posterior type II SLAP lesions.

Three patients with long-standing disabling shoulder pain underwent arthroscopic examination. Two of the 3 had preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans showing complete rotator cuff tears confirmed at surgery. The third patient was found to have a partial-thickness bursal surface cuff tear. In addition, each patient was found to have a quite prominent posterior superior glenoid osteophyte located beneath an unstable type II SLAP lesion.     

Bilateral Os Acromiale in a Division I Basketball Player

An unfused acromial epiphysis, called os acromiale, can become unstable and mobile when the deltoid contracts. This may cause pain and lead to impingement syndrome and rotator cuff tearing. After sustaining a direct blow to the right shoulder, a male division I basketball player was diagnosed with impingement syndrome and an os acromiale. Following failed conservative treatment, the athlete underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression & debridement of the loose os acromiale in the right shoulder. One year later, following a fall on the left shoulder, the athlete was diagnosed with os acromiale, impingement syndrome and a superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesion. Arthroscopic repair of the unstable type II SLAP lesion, together, with arthroscopic subacromial decompression, and resection of the os acromiale was performed on the left shoulder. Both surgeries were successful and the athlete was able to return to competition subsequent to completing a progressive shoulder rehabilitation program. Symptomatic os acromiale is rarely seen in young athletes. However, proper diagnosis and management is necessary for a successful recovery. Os acromiale should be considered as a part of the differential diagnosis in any athlete with rotator cuff impingement symptoms.Key Words: Injury, shoulder, athlete, rehabilitation, diagnosis     

Patient-reported outcome measures used for shoulder disorders: An overview of systematic reviews

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to synthesize the psychometric evidence on different patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for shoulder disorders.MethodsThis overview conducted a search of six databases. Included systematic reviews must address at least one psychometric property from a PROM for shoulder disorders. Risk of bias was assessed by A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR).ResultsThirteen systematic reviews were identified that assessed measurement properties of 15 different PROMs. Based on AMSTAR, 1 review had a high risk of bias and 7 reviews had a moderate risk of bias. Excellent test-reliability scores of intraclass correlation coefficients (0.85-0.99) were reported by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Shoulder Pain and Dsiability Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index. Construct validity was supported (r = 0.5-0.8) for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Shoulder Pain and Dsiability Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index. Limited evidence of responsiveness was reported across various PROMs.ConclusionStrong reliability and convergent validity properties have been reported across multiple reviews for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Shoulder Pain and Dsiability Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score, Simple Shoulder Test and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, which could be considered for a core clinical outcome set.     

Half-stained thread in shoulder arthroscopy: an improved method of suture management

Shoulder arthroscopy is used widely to treat a variety of shoulder pathologies. These include various diagnostic and stabilization procedures such as Bankart repair, treating SLAP lesions, capsular plication, and rotator cuff repair. Sutures are commonly used, particularly in stabilization procedures, with or without the use of suture anchors. Suture management is one of the prerequisites for a successful arthroscopic stabilization procedure. We describe a simple method of aiding suture management. In cases using the suture anchor, the preloaded suture is firstly removed from the anchor, and approximately half the length of the suture is stained with methylene blue. The suture is then reinserted into the same suture anchor. The suture anchor is used in the usual manner. During shoulder arthroscopy, one end of the suture is pulled, if necessary, to determine the direction of the thread, which is readily shown by the methylene blue. This simple maneuver helps the surgeon identify the desired direction of the thread and avoid the common problems of pulling out the suture and twisting the sutures.