巨大肩袖损伤的手术修复结果

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic repair of massive rotator cuff tear. Methods The study involved 16 patients with massive rotator cuff tears treated arthroscopically from September 2007 to June 2009. There were 6 males and 11 females at average age 61.5 years (45-75 years). The rotator cuff tears was repaired with arthroscopic double-row reconstruction. The range of motion, pain, strength of flexed elevation and function evaluation score were all recorded before operation and at final follow-up. The results were evaluated by t test and compared according to age and course of disease. Results All patients were healed without complications and the outcome was improved significantly ( P < 0.01 ). The mean VAS score was improved from preoperative 5.6 to postoperative 1.7,the average forward flexion from 69. 1°to 151.2°, the average external rotation from 14.7° to 32.2°, and internal rotation from L1 level to T10, the mean Constant-Murle from 39 to 85, the mean UCLA from 10.4 to 28, the mean SST from 2.8 to 8.8 and the strength of flexed elevation from 10.7% of normal side to 65.0%. Compared with preoperation, there was statistical difference in aspects of pain, range of motion, muscle strength and function in postoperation (P < 0.01 ). Conclusion Arthroscopic doublerow fixation can attain satisfactory results in repair of massive rotator cuff tear.     

关节镜下单排固定与双排固定治疗肩袖撕裂疗效比较Meta分析

目的采用Meta分析法对关节镜下单排固定与双排固定治疗肩袖撕裂的疗效进行对比,为其广泛的临床应用提供循证证据。方法检索Pub Med、Springer Link、EMBASE、the Cochrane Library、Medline、Science Direct、中国知识资源总库、万方数据库、维普数据库,检索时间段为1970年1月~2014年6月,收集关节镜下单排固定与双排固定治疗肩袖撕裂疗效对比的相关文献,按纳入与排除标准筛选文献并对纳入文献进行质量评价,采用Rev Man5.2软件进行分析。结果共纳入13篇文献,病例数合计为840例,其中关节镜下单排固定组427例,双排固定组413例。结果显示在主要观察指标中,关节镜下单排固定术后肩袖再撕裂的风险高于双排固定组(OR=2.31,95%CI:[1.57,3.39],P0.001),单排固定组术后ASES(the American shoulder and elbow surgeons scores)评分(MD=-0.85,95%CI:[-1.66,-0.03],P=0.04)及术后UCLA(the University of California,Los Angeles score)评分(MD=-0.85,95%CI:[-1.27,-0.20],P=0.007)分别低于双排固定组术后评分,而术后Constant评分及WORC评分两组间差异无统计学意义;在次要观察指标分析中,双排固定组在前屈活动度、肩关节外展、肩关节内旋方面优于单排固定组(P0.05),在术后患者满意度、外旋活动度、肩关节外旋等指标两组之间无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论关节镜下双排固定治疗肩袖撕裂,术后发生肩袖再次撕裂的风险低于单排固定,在术后ASES评分、UCLA评分、前屈活动度、肩关节外展、肩关节内旋等方面优于单排固定,尚无证据表明两组在Constant评分、WORC评分、术后患者满意度、内旋活动度、外旋活动度、肩关节外旋方面有明显差异。     

Magnetic resonance imaging in glenohumeral instability

The glenohumeral joint is the most commonly dislocated joint of the body and anterior instability is the most common type of shoulder instability.Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging,and more recently,MR arthrography,have become the essential investigation modalities of glenohumeral instability,especially for pre-procedure evaluation before arthroscopic surgery.Injuries associated with glenohumeral instability are variable,and can involve the bones,the labor-ligamentous components,or the rotator cuff.Anterior instability is associated with injuries of the anterior labrum and the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament,in the form of Bankart lesion and its variants;whereas posterior instability is associated with reverse Bankart and reverse Hill-Sachs lesion.Multidirectional instability often has no labral pathology on imaging but shows specific osseous changes such as increased chondrolabral retroversion.This article reviews the relevant anatomy in brief,the MR imaging technique and the arthrographic technique,and describes the MR findings in each type of instability as well as common imaging pitfalls.     

关节镜下改良 Mason-Allen 法与缝线桥法在肩袖损伤中的应用效果对比

【摘要】 目的 对比分析关节镜下改良 Mason-Allen 法与缝线桥法在肩袖损伤中的应用效果。 方法 选取2019 年 5 月至 2021 年 5 月驻马店市魏道德骨科医院收治的 82 例肩袖损伤患者作为研究对象, 按照不同治疗方法将其分为改良组 (41 例) 和常规组 (41 例)。 改良组患者采用关节镜下改良 Mason-Allen 法进行肩袖修复, 常规组患者采用关节镜下缝线桥法进行肩袖修复, 对比观察两组患者患侧肩关节活动度、加利福尼亚大学洛杉矶分校肩关节评分系统 (UCLA) 评分以及疼痛程度。 结果 术后 6 个月, 改良组患者患侧肩关节前屈上举角度与体侧外旋角度均明显大于常规组 (t =3. 136、3. 919, P =0. 002、P <0. 001), UCLA 评分明显高于常规组 (t =5. 912,P <0. 001), 视觉模拟评分法 (VAS) 评分明显低于常规组 (t =2. 721, P =0. 008)。 结论 与关节镜下缝线桥法相比, 关节镜下改良 Mason-Allen 法更能明显提高肩袖损伤患者术后肩关节活动度, 促进肩关节功能恢复, 减轻肩部疼痛。     

利用体表肌电评价飞行员头颈部防护装置防护效果的研究

目的 通过观察受试者使用飞行员头颈部防护装置(neck protection device,NPD)时颈部表面肌电信号(surface electromyographic signal,sEMG)变化探讨该装置的防护效果.方法 15名男性志愿者,在不戴装备、仅戴保护头盔、同时戴保护头盔和飞行员头颈部防护装置3种情况下,分别测量颈椎前屈0°、10°、20°、30°、40°、50°和最大限度时的sEMG;并通过在头盔下颏带上悬挂1个2.5 kg配重的方式模拟+Gz过载时颈部的受力情况,记录此时在有、无颈部防护装置情况下颈部前屈到最大限度时的sEMG;计算振幅均方根值(root mean square,RMS).结果 受试者颈部在不戴任何装备及仅戴飞行保护头盔两种情况下做前屈时,不同前屈角度时的体表肌电值差异有统计学意义(F=160.454、129.563,P＜0.01).与头部处于中和位(颈前屈0°)时相比,受试者不戴装备时颈前屈至30°时的sEMG达最大值(5.99±1.99)mV,戴飞行保护头盔颈前屈至40°时的肌电信号达最大值(10.14±3.80)mV.戴飞行保护头盔后颈部前屈20°～50°时的sEMG大于不戴装备时,且差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).头盔下悬挂配重后sEMG进一步增大.在同时戴飞行保护头盔及NPD后,无论是颈前屈至各种角度还是增加配重后前屈至50°,颈肌sEMG与不戴装备相比差异均无统计学意义.结论 受试者在戴飞行保护头盔及悬挂配重时作颈前屈会导致颈部肌电活动强度显著增强,而NPD可显著减轻两种情况下时的颈肌负荷. Abstract： Objective To evaluate the protection effect of a neck protection device (NPD) by analyzing neck muscle surface electromyographic signal (sEMG) for pilot.Methods Fifteen male subjects were tested under three conditions that were with no equipment, wearing helmet, and wearing helmet plus NPD respectively.At first, subjects flexed their necks from 10° to ultimate degree.Then subjects performed same maneuvers with helmet or with helmet and NPD when a 2.5 kg extra weight was appended on chin belt of helmet for simulating +Gz load.Neck sEMG was measured in all tests and root mean square (RMS) of amplitude was calculated.Results When flexing without equipment or only with helmet subjects' neck sEMG showed significant difference (F-160.454, 129.563, P＜0.01).For the subjects without any equipment, their neck sEMG appeared peak (5.99±1.99) mV as flexing to 30° when referenced to neutral position of head.But for the subjects with helmet the neck sEMG peak appeared at 40° flexing (10.14±3.80) mV.Within the 20° to 50° flexing range, helmet resulted in significantly higher neck sEMG comparing to no load condition (P＜0.05).Extra weight drove the incensement of neck tension.However, there was no significant difference in neck sEMG activity when flexed to any degree with helmet and NPD or to 50° with the extra weight.Conclusions Neck sEMG significantly increases when subject flexed with helmet or with an extra weight.The NPD could abate subject's tension on neck when wearing helmet.     

一期与二期手术治疗肩袖损伤合并肩关节僵硬的疗效对比

目的:比较一期与二期手术治疗肩袖损伤合并肩关节僵硬的临床疗效。方法:2010年12月至2013年6月接受一期或二期手术治疗的肩袖损伤合并肩关节僵硬且随访时间2年以上的连续病例共42例,其中22例患者接受一期手术同时行关节镜下肩袖修补术及关节囊松解术,另20例患者先接受自主功能锻炼再二期行肩袖修补术。患者于治疗前与术后3、6、12、24个月及末次随访时均接受肩关节活动度检查与临床功能评分。肩关节活动度检查包括前屈上举、体侧外旋及内旋活动。临床功能评分采用VAS评分、ASES(American shoulder and elbow surgeons)评分以及Constant-Murley评分系统。结果:随访时间24~33个月,平均26.3个月。两组患者术前一般资料差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。二期组患者经3个月自主锻炼后,前屈上举及内旋活动均有显著提高(t=10.103,P<0.001;t=3.02,P=0.01),且1例患者因症状缓解而最终未行手术治疗。两组患者术后肩关节活动度与临床评分较术前均显著改善(P<0.05)。术后3个月时,一期组患者前屈上举与内旋活动显著低于二期组患者(t=4.025,P=0.001;t=2.14,P=0.038),体侧外旋差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后6、12、24个月及末次随访时,两组患者肩关节前屈上举、体侧外旋及内旋活动差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。末次随访时,两组患者临床功能评分及术后满意率(分别为90.0%和68.2%)差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:二期组患者经自主锻炼后,19/20(95%)的患者需行二期手术治疗。采用一期手术治疗肩袖损伤合并肩关节僵硬,患者术后肩关节活动恢复至正常较二期组需更长时间,但末次随访时两组患者肩关节活动、临床评分无显著性差异。     

髋关节旋转袖损伤研究进展

髋关节旋转袖(rotator cuff of the hip)包括臀中肌、臀小肌,是稳定髋关节的重要组织结构.旋转袖的损伤可引起诸多临床表现,最主要症状为髋关节大转子处疼痛,但容易被误诊为其他疾病而延误治疗.近些年来随着对旋转袖的认识、影像学及关节镜技术的发展,对其的研究也越来越深入.正确诊断髋关节旋转袖损伤并且给予适...     

踝关节本体感受器损伤与慢性踝关节不稳定关系的初步研究

Objective To analyze the effect of ankle joint proprioceptor injury on the functional ankle instability. Methods The study enrolled 18 ( 13 males) with chronic ankle instability treated with ligament reconstruction operation. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons (AOFAS)score was used for evaluation of the function before and after operation and the balance system evaluate the proprioception function. The two ankle ligament specimens from fresh frozen body and the tissue samples from operation were used for investigation of the structure and distribution of the sensory corpuscles by using histology and immunohistoehemical staining. Results The sections were evaluated with a microscope and an image analyzer. Labeled nerve endings were mapped, measured and categorized. Type Ⅰ ( Ruffini-like ending) , type Ⅱ ( Pacinin-like corpuscle ) and type Ⅳ- (noncorpuscular) nerve endings could be identified in all the lateral ankle ligaments, with majority of types Ⅰ and Ⅱ nerve endings.These receptors were distributed primarily over the superficial ligament and near the bony attachments.There was statistical difference between preoperative and postoperative sway distance as well as between preoperative and postoperative AOFAS score. Conclusions This study suggests that the longer history,severer symptoms and lower AOFAS score may lead to the severer injury of the mechanical proprioceptors.The proprioceptor injury is correlated with ankle joint instability and the ligament reconstruction is effective to avoid the repeated injury of the proprioceptor.     

采用锥形股骨柄生物学固定对高龄患者行全髋置换术后的骨改建及临床疗效

Objective To investigate periprosthetic femoral shaft remodeling with tapered femoral stems after total hip arthroplasty (THA) for elderly patients and evaluate the mid-term clinical outcomes.Methods The study involved 30 elderly (70-90 years) patients (34 hips) treated with femoral shaft remodeling with tapered stems after THA from January 2003 to January 2005. The postoperative X-ray images were collected and perioperative periprosthetic bone mineral density was analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The Harris score was applied in follow-up observation, and Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the working life of the femoral prosthesis. Results Four patients were died of lung cancer. The remaining 26 patients ( 30 hips) were followed up for 5-7 years ( mean, six years). The postoperative X-ray measurements showed that total hip prosthesis subsidences were less than 1.5 mm within one year in 12 hips, with no prosthesis loosening observed. Bone proliferations were seen in Gruen zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 and 12, and bone resorptions were seen in zones l and 7. DEXA showed that bone mineral density was increased in Gruen zones 2,3,4 and 5, but decreased mainly in Gruen zones 1,6 and 7. The increase of bone mineral density in zones 2 and 5 was faster compared to other sites six months after the operation ( P ＜ 0.05 ) and the change of bone mineral density was prone to be stable in two years ( P ＞ 0.05 ). Within one year after initial implantation, periprosthetic bone mineral density was significantly decreased ( P ＜ 0.05 ). Two years after the operation, rare changes of periprosthetic bone mineral density were found ( P ＞ 0.05 ), with only regional redistribution of bone mass from the proximal to the distal femur. The Harris score of hip joint function was increased from preoperative 38.56 ± 8.21 to 86.32 ± 6. 01 at the final follow-up. The 6-year survival rate of the prosthesis was 100%. Conclusion Femoral shaft remodeling with tapered stems after total hip arthroplasty for the elderly patients shows good periprosthetic bone remodeling and satisfactory mid-term clinical results.     

喙锁螺钉与双Endobutton钢板治疗肩锁关节脱位的临床研究

目的 探讨喙锁螺钉与双Endobutton钢板治疗Rockwocd Ⅲ～Ⅴ型肩锁关节脱位的临床疗效,并对两者进行对比研究.方法自2008年1月至2009年10月收治Rockwood Ⅲ～Ⅴ型肩锁关节脱位患者28例,电脑随机抽样分为两组,14例采用喙锁螺钉治疗,另14例采用双Endobutton钢板治疗.采用Constant评分和自我评分系统(subject should value,SSV)评价肩关节功能,并对两组临床疗效、影像学结果及并发症进行对比研究.结果两组患者术后均获6～25个月随访,平均12.6个月,术后Constant评分和SSV评分均优于术前(P＜0.05),但术后Constant评分和SSV评分双Endobutton钢板组分别以(89.8±8.3)分、(85.7±7.3)分明显优于喙锁螺钉组的(78.0 ±10.3)分、(71.8±9.7)分(P＜0.05),术后3个月两组影像学测量差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 双Endobutton钢板治疗Rockwood Ⅲ～Ⅴ型肩锁关节脱位的临床疗效优于喙锁螺钉治疗,其通过解剖方式重建喙锁韧带将成为治疗肩锁关节脱位的未来发展趋势.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate and compare the clinical outcome of coracoclavicular screw and double Endobutton plate in treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation ( Rockwood Ⅲ-Ⅴ ). Methods Twenty-eight patients with Rockwood Ⅲ-Ⅴ acromioclavicular dislocation were subjected to surgical reconstruction from January 2008 to October 2009. The coracoclavicular screw was performed in 14 patients and the double Endobutton plate in the other 14 patients. Clinical evaluation was performed by using Constant score and subject should value (SSV) in both groups, and the preoperative and postoperative radiographs, curative effects and complications were compared. Results The patients in two groups were followed up for a range of 6-25 months (average 12.6 months) , which showed higher postoperative Constant score and SSV score than preoperation in both groups (P＜0.05). But the postoperative Constant sore and postoperative SSV score in the double Endobutton group were (89.8 ±8.3) points and (85.7 ±7. 3) points respectively, significantly better than (78. 0 ± 10. 3) points and (71. 8 ±9. 7) points respectively in the coracoclavicular screw group ( P ＜ 0.05). The radiologic measurement showed no significant difference in regard of the coracoclavicular distance three months after operation in two groups (P＞0.05). Conclusions The double Endobutton plate can attain significantly superior clinical outcomes for Rockwood Ⅲ-Ⅴ acromioclavicular dislocation compared with the coracoclavicular screw. The surgical technique of reconstructing the coracoclavicular ligament through anatomical approach will be the future trend in treatment of the acromioclavicular joint dislocation.     

Outcome and structural integrity after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using 2 rows of fixation: minimum 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND: Although arthroscopic repairs of the rotator cuff are becoming increasingly popular, security of fixation remains a concern. Two-row repairs have been described, but clinical outcome reports have primarily involved open techniques. HYPOTHESIS: An arthroscopic repair technique that uses 2 rows of fixation produces satisfactory outcome and structural integrity by ultrasonography. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (52 shoulders) with a full-thickness, but fully reducible, rotator cuff tear who met the inclusion criteria were treated with an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using 2 rows of suture anchors. The mean tear size was 2.47 cm (range, 1-4 cm). Patients were evaluated by subjective functional assessment (L'Insalata Shoulder Rating Questionnaire), clinical examination, including measured strength testing, and ultrasonography. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 30 months (minimum of 2 years), functional scores improved from a mean of 42 preoperatively to 93 postoperatively (P < .001). Active range of motion was increased in all measured planes (P < .001). Strength was also increased in elevation (P < .001), external rotation (P < .001), and internal rotation (P = .033). Nine of the 52 shoulders (17%) had evidence of retear or persistent defect on postoperative ultrasonography. There were no differences detected in functional scores between those with an intact repair and those with a defect, but those with an intact repair were stronger in elevation (P = .006) and external rotation (P = .001). CONCLUSION: An arthroscopic 2-row rotator cuff repair produces excellent functional outcome and repair integrity comparable with previously reported open repairs. Presence of a defect after repair did not appear to affect patient-reported function and return to preinjury activity but did affect measured strength.     

The use of split deltoid-flap in the treatment of massive rotator cuff defects: a retrospective study of 61 patients

Massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears are a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. The purpose of this study was to report our experience with the treatment of massive and irreparable defects of the rotator cuff with a modified deltoid split transfer. Between 1996 and 2004, for all patients suffering from full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff (>5 cm tears in diameter, involving two or more tendons) were operated with a modified deltoid split transfer. A total of 61 patients (39 females and 22 males; age 61.9: range 49-75 years) were operated. Duration of symptoms before surgery averaged 9.6 months (range 3.5-14 months). The patients were followed for an average of 46 months (range 24-64 months). The operation included an arthroscopic evaluation, acromioplasty with resection of the lateral clavicular end, resection of the acromioclavicular joint and where necessary biceps tenodesis. The cuff defect was repaired by transfer of half thickness anterior deltoid-flap (3 cm x 5 cm) into the defect. All patients were evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively with regard to pain, ability to perform activities of daily life, range of motion, strength and satisfaction. The patients subjectively rated their results-49 (80%) excellent or good outcome, seven moderate and five poor. Preoperatively, the Constant amounted 33.5 +/- 7.74 points. At follow-up, the score significantly increased to 77.57 +/- 19.74 points. The acromiohumeral distance increased from 5.1 +/- 1.4 mm to 9.1 +/- 1.5 mm. Pain free flexion improved from an average 90 degrees to an average 165 degrees (P < 0.01), and abduction improved from an average 110 degrees to an average 160 degrees (P < 0.01). The mean external rotation increased from 40 degrees to 65 degrees (P < 0.01), and internal rotation increased from 50 degrees to 70 degrees (P = 0.06). In the MRI and ultrasound examination, all patients had intact flap, except the three patients with flap necrosis. There were eight complications-three haematomas, two superficial wound infections which did not influence the outcome, and three fibrotic transformation after an early aseptic necrosis of the deltoid flap, which were re-operated. This technique is easy to perform, and it is possible to obtain a satisfactory outcome after repair of massive tears of the rotator cuff. A substantial decrease of pain, increased stability, an increase range of motion and strength can be achieved, with proper rehabilitation.     

Arthroscopically assisted mini-open rotator cuff repairs. Functional outcome at 2- to 7-year follow-up

The functional outcome of 22 consecutive patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears repaired using an arthroscopically assisted technique was evaluated. The average follow-up was 39 months (24 to 80), and the average tear size was 3.5 cm (1 to 7). There were 14 men and 8 women, with a mean age of 56 years (29 to 80); 86% of patients (N = 19) were satisfied with the results of surgery and 95% (N = 21) had improvement of their symptoms. All patients had a statistically significant improvement in pain and active abduction in the scapular plane and in external rotation. Postoperative strength in external rotation and abduction averaged 95% and 97% of the contralateral shoulder, respectively. Preoperative duration of symptoms, strength, age, and tear size were found to be independent predictors of outcome. The average Constant and Murley score was 84 of 100, the average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 81 of 100, and the average University of California, Los Angeles, score was 31 of 35. Our results show that an arthroscopically assisted repair of full-thickness, moderate-to-large rotator cuff tears using uniform surgical technique and rehabilitation protocols provides excellent outcome with regard to function, pain, and activities of daily living.     

关节镜下肩袖损伤修补术后早期运动和制动对肩关节功能的影响

目的 探讨早期康复被动运动和制动对关节镜下肩袖损伤修补术后肩关节功能的影响.方法 采用回顾性病例对照研究分析2016年1月至2017年12月上海交通大学医学院附属新华医院收治的78例肩袖损伤患者临床资料,其中男36例,女42例;年龄35～78岁[(62.7 ±3.2)岁].中度撕裂(1～3 cm)36例,小撕裂(<1 ...     

合并肩袖损伤的肩关节盂唇损伤的临床特征

目的 分析合并肩袖损伤的肩关节盂唇损伤患者的临床特征,提出其发病规律与病变特点,为临床微创手术治疗提供参考. 方法 本组50例,其中男28例,女22例;年龄30～58岁,平均45岁.记录患者的损伤机制、损伤时间、临床症状、体征,摄X线片和MRI.根据临床诊断,采用肩关节镜微创手术修复盂唇和肩袖损伤,记录损伤部位、范围及程度并进行分析.本组表现前盂唇损伤37例,上盂唇撕裂8例,后盂唇损伤5例;肩袖损伤轻度36例,中度10例,重度3例,特大裂口1例.其中肩袖前侧(冈上肌前侧)损伤21例,中部损伤(冈上肌与冈下肌部)16例,后部损伤(冈下肌部、小圆肌)13例.盂唇损伤的MRI表现为:三角外形消失,前关节囊扩大.肩袖损伤表现为:损伤部位高信号,连续性丧失. 结果 本组患者平均随访36个月(6～72个月),临床效果满意.美国加州洛杉矶大学关节功能评分标准(UCLA)评分:术前(15±3)分,术后(32±3)分(P＜0.01). 结论 创伤性肩关节盂唇损伤患者常同时合并肩袖损伤,临床上应予重视,避免遗漏诊断或耽误治疗.盂唇损伤范围与肩袖损伤部位存在对应关系,盂唇损伤范围越大,肩袖损伤越接近后侧.     

Comparison of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in healthy patients over and under 65 years of age

We compared the outcomes of arthroscopically repaired rotator cuff tears in 28 patients older than 65 years (the over 65 group: median age 70 years) with a control group of 28 patients younger than 65 years (the under 65 group: median age 57 years). The groups were similar in regard to sex distribution, surgical technique, and post-operative rehabilitation programmes, but different in age. After careful arthroscopic evaluation of the full-thickness rotator cuff tear, rotator cuff repair and biceps tenotomy were performed in all patients. Pre- and post-operatively, each patient was evaluated for range of motion, shoulder score (UCLA), and SF-36 self-administered questionnaire. Comparing pre- versus post-operative status at a minimum 24 months follow-up, forward elevation, internal and external rotation, modified UCLA rating system scores, and SF-36 scores improved significantly in both groups, with no significant difference between the groups. At the last follow-up, strength improved significantly in both groups, with non-significant intergroup difference. The Popeye sign was detected in 13/28 (46%) of the patients in the over 65 group and in 11/28 (39%) in the under 65 group (χ = 0.29) with non-significant difference between the two groups. In selected active patients older than 65, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair associated with biceps tenotomy (when necessary) can yield clinical and related quality of life outcomes similar to those of patients younger than 65 years.     

The proximal biceps as a pain generator and results of tenotomy

Many palliative interventions have been proposed for patients in whom rotator cuff repair is not feasible as a result of advanced fatty infiltration, definitive loss of tendons, and proximal humeral migration. The long head of the biceps tendon has been proposed as a source of pain in patients with rotator cuff tears. This article presents a review of current concepts on the rationale for arthroscopic biceps tenotomy or tenodesis, and evaluates the objective, subjective, and radiographic results of these palliative procedures. On the basis of different studies, it seems that isolated arthroscopic biceps tenotomy or tenodesis is a valuable option for the treatment of rotator cuff tears in selected patients. Although it does not improve shoulder strength, tenotomy or tenodesis reduces pain and improves the functional range of motion with a high degree of patient satisfaction. However, the progressive radiographic changes that occur with long standing rotator cuff tears are not altered.     

Surgically repaired massive rotator cuff tears: MRI of tendon integrity, muscle fatty degeneration, and muscle atrophy correlated with intraoperative and clinical findings

OBJECTIVE: Our goal in this study was to evaluate by means of MRI the clinical significance of tendon integrity, muscle fatty degeneration, and muscle atrophy in surgically repaired massive rotator cuff tears and to correlate these and other prognostic factors with intraoperative and clinical findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight surgically proven massive rotator cuff tears were retrospectively included in the study. Twenty-two patients underwent complete repair, and six patients underwent partial repair. Preoperative and postoperative clinical assessment was performed by using the University of California at Los Angeles score. Preoperative and postoperative MRI studies were evaluated for the presence and extent of rotator cuff tear and for the degree of fatty degeneration and atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles. RESULTS: At a mean 44.4 months' follow-up, 20 patients (71.4%) had a favorable result. A total of 25 patients (89.2%) showed postoperative full-thickness rotator cuff tear, 19 of which were reruptures. A sagittal preoperative rotator cuff tear of less than or equal to 34 mm showed a specificity of 100% for predicting a favorable outcome. A coronal postoperative rotator cuff tear of less than or equal to 34 mm showed a specificity of 85.7% and a positive predictive value of 92.9% for predicting a favorable outcome. A postoperative fatty degeneration of infraspinatus muscle less than or equal to 2 had a specificity of 87.5% and a positive predictive value of 90.9% for predicting a favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: Open repair of massive rotator cuff tears may reach a favorable outcome in a significant proportion of patients, despite a high rate of recurrent or residual tears. Oblique coronal sizes of the recurrent or residual tear of less than or equal to 34 mm and postoperative fatty degenerations of infraspinatus muscle of less than or equal to 2 may allow a favorable outcome.     

Open techniques for repair of largeand massive rotator cuff tears

Rotator cuff tears can be a significant source of shoulder pain and weakness. Repair of full-thickness tears canimprove patient satisfaction and functional outcome. Several repair techniques have been described in the literature; these include arthroscopic and open approaches. Although arthroscopic repair has been popularized in the recent literature, it may not be optimal for some cases of large or massive rotator cuff tears. Open approaches allow greater access for mobilization and enable placement of bone tunnels for bone-tendon repair. The surgeon may readily release bursal and articular sided adhesions and mobilize the retracted tendon to its anatomic footprint on the greater tuberosity. This article describes 2 surgical approaches of open repair, the mini-open and formal open approach. Furthermore, useful techniques for tendon mobilization, bone-tendon repair, and postoperative rehabilitation for the management of large and massive rotator cuff tears are described.     

Rotator cuff tears in middle-aged tennis players: results of surgical treatment

BACKGROUND: Tennis players, like participants in other overhead sports, are vulnerable to rotator cuff tears. In players who continue to play into their middle-age years, the incidence of such injury increases. HYPOTHESIS: Surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears in middle-aged tennis players is largely successful in allowing return to tennis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: We evaluated the results of surgical treatment of 51 middle-aged tennis players (average age, 51 years) with a rotator cuff tear in their dominant shoulder. Tennis participation among the group had averaged 3.5 hours per week for an average of 25 years. Forty-two patients underwent open repair of the tear with or without biceps tenodesis, whereas 9 patients underwent arthroscopic debridement of the tear with or without a biceps tenotomy. Patients were reviewed at an average of 57 months after surgery with an activities score, a subjective questionnaire, and a questionnaire regarding their postoperative participation in tennis. RESULTS: The activities score averaged 26.6 of 30 possible points. Forty-seven patients were satisfied with their result, and 40 patients were able to return to tennis at an average of 9.8 months after surgery. No difference was found in the ability to return to tennis between the open repair group and the arthroscopic debridement group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that it is possible for nearly 80% of middle-aged tennis players to return to participation after operative treatment of rotator cuff tears.