Mean Simple Shoulder Test Score Research Articles

Chronic Recurrent Anterior Sternoclavicular Joint Instability

Chronic anterior sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) instability may cause pain and persistent functional limitation in active patients. Although SCJ reconstruction and medial clavicular resection have been advocated in these situations, the results of surgical treatment are not well characterized. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the functional outcome of surgical treatment in adolescent and young adult patients with chronic recurrent anterior SCJ instability. Fifteen patients with chronic recurrent anterior SCJ instability refractory to nonoperative therapy who underwent joint reconstruction or medial clavicular resection were evaluated for pain and function using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Standard Shoulder Assessment Form and the Simple Shoulder Test (SST). At average follow-up of 55 months, the mean ASES score was 85 and the mean SST score was 10.9. Sixty percent of patients reported stable, pain-free joints, although 87% (n = 13) reported some limitations of athletic or recreational activity. There were no surgical complications, and no patient underwent subsequent revision procedures. Although subsequent activity modification is often required, surgical treatment of chronic anterior SCJ instability in adolescents and young adults can provide near-complete pain relief and return of shoulder and upper extremity function.

Manipulation for frozen shoulder: Long-term results

Although much has been published regarding shoulder manipulation under anesthesia for the treatment of frozen shoulder, there are no reported long-term results. In 25 patients (26 shoulders) in whom nonoperative treatment for idiopathic frozen shoulder had failed, we performed manipulation under anesthesia. All had had physical therapy for a mean of 6.2 months. Follow-up was by examination until the end of active treatment. Longer-term follow-up was obtained in 18 patients (19 shoulders) by questionnaire and averaged 15 years (range, 8.1 to 20.6 years). There were significant improvements in forward elevation from a mean of 104 degrees before manipulation (range, 70 degrees to 140 degrees ) to 168 degrees (range, 90 degrees to 180 degrees ) and in external rotation from 23 degrees (range, -5 degrees to 70 degrees ) to 67 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 90 degrees ). There were 16 shoulders with no pain or slight pain and 3 with occasional moderate or severe pain. There were no fractures, dislocations, or other complications. Of the 19 shoulders, 18 required no further surgery. At long-term follow-up, the mean Simple Shoulder Test score was 9.5 out of 12 and the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 80 out of 100. Treatment of idiopathic frozen shoulder by manipulation under anesthesia leads to sustained improvement in shoulder motion and function at a mean of 15 years after the procedure.

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.

Outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for fractures of the proximal humerus

We reviewed 80 shoulders (72 shoulders in 71 patients) treated with hemiarthroplasty. At follow-up, 66 patients (93%) were pain-free and satisfied with their results; the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 76.6, the mean Simple Shoulder Test score was 7.5, the average forward flexion was 128°, external rotation was 43°, and internal rotation was to L2. Radiographic analyses revealed nearly anatomic tuberosity reconstruction in 58 shoulders, heterotopic ossification in 18, pseudosubluxation in 10, and superior migration in 15. Patients with superior migration had statistically lower mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, mean Simple Shoulder Test scores, and decreased forward flexion. Tuberosity complications occurred in 16 shoulders. Malunion of the greater tuberosity was the most common complication. Healing of the greater tuberosity more than 2 cm below the humeral head correlated with a worse functional result. Hemiarthroplasty for indicated fractures of the proximal humerus results in shoulder-level function and reproducible pain relief.

Results of pectoralis major transfer with fascia lata autograft augmentation for scapula winging

Fifteen patients (9 male and 6 female) with a mean age of 32.8 years (range, 17-44 years) were examined at a mean follow-up of 64 months (range, 33-118 months) after undergoing pectoralis major transfer with a fascia lata autograft for scapular winging. Ten patients were treated as part of a worker's compensation claim. Twelve reported that they would undergo the procedure again. The mean Rowe score was 66 (range, 41-92), the mean Constant-Murley score was 74 (range, 32-95), the mean Simple Shoulder Test score was 8 of 12 positive responses, and the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 63 (range, 10-87). Pain decreased in 11 patients, whereas function improved in 10 patients. According to the Rowe scoring system, the results were excellent in 2 patients, good in 5, fair in 4, and poor in 4. Better results occur in patients attaining at least 60° of external rotation postoperatively. Although complete relief of pain and full function were not always achieved, most patients returned to their preoperative level of activity with minor adaptations. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2002;11:345-350)