Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Jan 2008
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyThe surgical approach for locking plate osteosynthesis of displaced proximal humeral fractures influences the functional outcome.
This study evaluated the influence of the surgical approach for locking plate osteosynthesis in proximal humeral fractures during a 1-year period. We performed a comparative study in 83 patients to evaluate possible benefits for an early functional result for function, pain, activity levels, radiographic evaluation, and complications. In 39 cases, the extended anterolateral deltoid-splitting approach was used (group DS); in 44 cases, the deltopectoral approach was used (group DP). ⋯ One case of avascular necrosis was observed in group DS and 3 in group DP. We conclude that the choice of approach for exposure of the proximal humerus region may influence the functional outcome. Stable osteosynthesis is important, but the outcome of operatively treated proximal humerus fractures is dependent on soft tissue management as well.
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Jan 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialSubacromial bursa block is an effective alternative to interscalene block for postoperative pain control after arthroscopic subacromial decompression: a randomized trial.
Subacromial decompression surgery is associated with significant postoperative pain. We compared interscalene block (ISB) with subacromial bursa block (SBB). Sixty consecutive patients with subacromial impingement syndrome, scheduled for arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery, were randomized into 3 groups receiving ISB (n = 19), SBB (n = 19), or no block (n = 15 [controls]). ⋯ The time to first bolus was earlier in the control group (mean, 42.1 minutes) compared with both the SBB (mean, 92.6 minutes) and ISB (mean, 119.0 minutes) groups (P < .001). The oral analgesic intake was less in the SBB and ISB groups than in the controls (P = .004). Although ISB remains the gold standard, SBB provides effective, safe, and easily administered postoperative analgesia in patients with an intact rotator cuff undergoing arthroscopic subacromial decompression.
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Jan 2008
The anatomy of the quadrilateral space with reference to quadrilateral space syndrome.
Quadrilateral space syndrome is a rare condition in which the contents of the quadrilateral space, the axillary nerve and the posterior circumflex humeral artery, are compressed, leading to vague symptoms of shoulder pain, tenderness over the quadrilateral space on palpation, and teres minor and deltoid denervation. Fibrous bands within the quadrilateral space are often cited in the literature as a cause of compression in quadrilateral space syndrome; however, Cahill and Palmer did not see these bands in cadaveric dissection. These are postulated to cause compression of the quadrilateral space contents in abduction and external rotation of the shoulder. ⋯ Dissection revealed that fibrous bands are a common finding in the quadrilateral space, being present in 14 of 16 shoulders. The most common site for a fibrous band was between the teres major and the long head of the triceps. Where the bands were present, both internal and external rotation of the shoulder caused a reduction in the cross-sectional area of the quadrilateral space.
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Jan 2008
Multicenter StudyA method for internal fixation of unstable distal clavicle fractures: early observations using a new technique.
Unstable distal clavicle fractures often require open reduction and internal fixation. A variety of fixation methods have been used and are currently in use. None of the current fixation methods seem to be without problems. We present a new technique and early observations using a distal radius locking T-plate normally used for fixation of distal radius fractures.
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Jan 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialExtracorporeal shock wave therapy for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder.
We prospectively studied extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in 46 consecutive patients. All patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: treatment and control. The 33 patients in the treatment group received 2 courses of ESWT at the energy density of 0.55 mJ/mm(2) (1000 impulses). ⋯ In contrast, elimination was partial in 2 control patients (15.3%) and unchanged in 11 (84.7%). There was no significant difference between Gärtner type I and type II groups in the Constant score (P > .05). ESWT shows promise for pain relief and functional restoration of calcific tendinitis with negligible complications.