Non-operated Side Research Articles

Post-Operative Assessment of Ulnar Nerve Tension Using Shear-Wave Elastography.

Background: Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow level is the second-most common entrapment neuropathy. The aim of this study was to use shear-wave elastography for the quantification of ulnar nerve elasticity in patients after ulnar nerve decompression with anterior transposition and in the contralateral non-operative side. Method: Eleven patients with confirmed diagnosis and ulnar nerve decompression with anterior transposition were included and examinations were performed on an AixplorerTM ultrasound system (Supersonic Imagine, Aix-en-Provence, France). Results: We observed significant differences at 0-degree (p < 0.001), 45-degree (p < 0.05), 90-degree (p < 0.01) and 120-degree (p < 0.001) elbow flexion in the shear elastic modulus of the ulnar nerve in the operative and non-operative sides. There were no statistically significant differences between the elasticity values of the ulnar nerve after transposition at 0-degree elbow flexion and in the non-operative side at 120-degree elbow flexion (p = 0.39), or in the ulnar nerve after transposition at 120-degree elbow flexion and in the non-operative side at 0-degree elbow flexion (p = 0.09). Conclusion: Shear-wave elastography has the potential to be used postoperatively as a method for assessing nerve tension noninvasively by the estimation of mechanical properties, such as the shear elastic modulus.

Reliable Clinical and Sonographic Outcomes of Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis Using an All-Suture Anchor Onlay Technique

To evaluate the clinical outcomes and structural integrity of primary subpectoral biceps tenodesis using an all-suture anchor onlay technique for long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon pathology. We conducted a retrospective case series with prospectively collected data of patients who underwent primary, isolated subpectoral biceps tenodesis with a single all-suture anchor onlay fixation between March 2017 and March 2019. Outcomes were recorded at a minimum follow-up of 12 months based on assessments of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, LHB score, and elbow flexion strength and supination strength measurements. The integrity of the tenodesis construct was evaluated using ultrasound. Thirty-four patients were available for clinical and ultrasound examination at a mean follow-up of 18 ± 5 months. The mean ASES score significantly improved from 51.0 ± 14.2 points preoperatively to 89.8 ± 10.5 points postoperatively (P < .001). The minimal clinically important difference for the ASES score was 8.7 points, which was exceeded by 31 patients (91.2%). The mean postoperative LHB score was 92.2 ± 8.3 points. Regarding subcategories, an average of 47.2 ± 6.3 points was reached for "pain/cramps"; 26.4 ± 6.1 points, "cosmesis"; and 18.6 ± 2.6 points, "elbow flexion strength." Both elbow flexion strength and supination strength were similar compared with the nonoperated side (P= .169 and P= .210, respectively). In 32 patients, ultrasound examination showed an intact tenodesis construct, whereas 2 patients (5.9%) sustained failure of the all-suture anchor fixation requiring revision. Primary subpectoral biceps tenodesis using an all-suture anchor onlay technique for pathology of the LHB tendon provides reliable clinical results and a relatively low failure rate (5.9%). Level IV, case series.

New method of thoracoplasty for lung tbc Alexander (Ann. of surgery, 1925, № 5)

Alexander (Ann. Of surgery, 1925, No. 5), on the basis of his own and literary material, comes to the conclusion that the main cause of high mortality after paravertebral thoracoplasty in pulmonary tbc is postoperative pneumonia both on the operated and non-operated sides.

Assessment of post-surgical donor-site morbidity in vastus lateralis free flap for head and neck reconstructive surgery: an observational study.

Vastus lateralis (VL) can be used to reconstruct defects of the head and neck. Whilst the advantages are documented, donor-site morbidity is not well described. This study aimed to assess donor-site morbidity after VL flap harvest. Results will determine future directions for preventative and post-operative care to improve patient health outcomes. Ten participants (mean age 55 years) were assessed for the presence of donor-site morbidity after VL harvest. Musculoskeletal (pain, muscle strength, muscle length and tactile sensation), quality of life (SF-12), lower extremity function, gait (function and speed) and sit to stand were assessed using validated and standardized procedures. The outcomes were compared to age-matched healthy reference values or to the non-operative side. Analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. There was no difference in muscle strength (knee extension), muscle length, ability to sit-to-stand, or gait function (all P > 0.05). Knee flexor muscle strength was significantly less on the operated leg compared to the non-operated leg (P=0.02) and walking speed was slower than age-matched healthy values (P < 0.001). Thigh tactile sensation was impaired in 89% of participants. Quality of life was significantly less for the physical health component of the SF-12 (P < 0.001). The mental health component of the SF-12 was similar to healthy controls (P=0.256). There was no effect on donor site morbidity with regards to knee extensor strength, pain, walking function, ability to sit-to-stand and muscle length. VL harvest affected donor-site knee flexion strength, walking speed, tactile sensation and physical health-related quality of life.

How does former Salter innominate osteotomy in patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease influence acetabular orientation? An MRI-based study.

ABSTRACTSalter innominate osteotomy (SIO) has been successfully used in the treatment of Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCPD). Recent studies that have raised concerns about acetabular retroversion after SIO have been based on plain radiographs. In order to assess the true acetabular orientation, the present study uses a specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. In addition, the association between acetabular morphology and clinical function as well as health-related quality of life was assessed. Twenty-three patients with 24 operated hips who underwent SIO for LCPD between January 2004 and November 2014 were included. Mean age was 8.5 ± 2.2 years at surgery and 18.5 ± 2.9 years at follow-up. MRIs were conducted at 1.5 T using radial sequences. The analysis included the acetabular version, acetabular sector angles (ASAs) and alpha angles. Plain radiographs were used in order to obtain the Stulberg classification. Patient-related outcome measures included the international Hip Outcome Tool and Euroqol-5 dimensions scores. In comparison to the non-operated side, the MRI of previously operated hips showed no difference of version at the center of the femoral head but significantly decreased version just below the roof level. As a marker for posterior acetabular coverage, the ASAs between 9 and 11 o’clock were significantly decreased when compared with non-operated hips. In hips with a mild acetabular retroversion (<15°), the function was significantly decreased when compared with non-retroverted hips. The SIO is an effective tool in order to restore acetabular containment in LCPD. When compared with the non-operated hips, our collective displays only moderate changes of acetabular orientation and coverage.

Lessons learned with the Cobra prosthesis in elderly patients with complex distal radius fractures\u2014a retrospective follow-up study

IntroductionRecently, the Cobra prostheses were introduced in the treatment of distal radius fractures (DRF) of elderly patients. Fracture prostheses provide an alternative treatment option for complex fractures where conservative therapy seems not acceptable and osteosynthesis seems not possible. Data reporting the feasibility of the Cobra prosthesis are sparse. Therefore, this retrospective follow-up study investigated the clinical and radiological mid-term outcome of the Cobra implant in complex DRFs of elderly patients.Materials and methodsThirteen patients (mean age 73.5 years, range 65–87 years) were retrospectively evaluated with at least a 1-year follow-up after surgery. Objective and subjective clinical parameters as well as the radiological outcome and complications were analyzed.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 31.2 months. Seven cases required a cemented prosthesis. The mean relative range-of-motion compared to the healthy side was 72.3% and 51.8% for extension and flexion, respectively, and 87.9% and 85.7% for pronation and supination, respectively. The mean grip strength was 78.3% compared to the non-operated side. Eight patients were very satisfied, five patients were partly satisfied with the result. The DASH, PRWE, MHQ and Lyon-Scores averaged 39.1, 36.2, 64.9 and 63.3 points, respectively. The mean VAS-Score for pain was 1.1 at rest and 3.2 during activities. Perioperative complications included one dissection of the extensor pollicis longus tendon, one heterotopic ossification, one radiocarpal dislocation and two cases of an ulnar impaction syndrome due to implant subsidence.ConclusionThe prosthetic treatment of complex DRFs in elderly patients with the Cobra implant led to clinically and radiologically satisfactory mid-term results. The Cobra prosthesis still does not represent a gold standard but can be regarded as a feasible salvage option for complex DRFs when osteosyntheses may not be possible and non-operative treatment will lead to further functional restrictions and wrist pain during performing activities of daily life in high functional demand patients.

Outcomes of Tibialis Anterior Tendon Reconstruction with Autograft or Allograft.

In cases of tibialis anterior tendon (TAT) ruptures associated with significant tendon defect, an interposition graft is often needed for reconstruction. Both auto- and allograft reconstructions have been described in the literature. Our hypothesis was that both graft types would have a good integrity and provide comparable outcomes. Patients who underwent TAT reconstruction using either an auto- or allograft were identified. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected using the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) questionnaire, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, the Foot Function Index (FFI), and the Karlsson-Peterson score. Functional outcome was assessed by isokinetic strength measurement. Outcomes were further assessed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of graft integrity. All measurements were also performed for the contralateral foot. Twenty-one patients with an average follow-up of 82 months (20-262 months), comprising 12 allograft and 9 autograft TAT reconstructions, were recruited. There were no significant differences in patient-reported outcomes between allograft reconstructions and autografts: SF-12 (30.7 vs 31.1, P = .77); AOFAS (83 vs 91.2, P = .19); FFI (20.7% vs 9.5%, P = .22); and Karlsson-Peterson (78.9 vs 87.1, P = .23). All grafts (100%) were intact on MRI with a well-preserved integrity and no signs of new rupture. There were no major differences in range of motion and functional outcomes as measured by strength testing between the operative and nonoperative side. Reconstructions of TAT achieved good PROs, as well as functional and imaging results with a preserved graft integrity in all cases. There were no substantial differences between allograft and autograft reconstructions. Level IV, retrospective case series.

The Effects of PNF Pattern Training on the Walking Ability of Total Knee Replacement Patients

The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern to improve walking ability of total knee replacement patients. In this study, 10 patients with total knee replacement were recruited from rehabilitation hospital. They were divided into two groups: a PNF group (n=5) and a control group (n=5). The PNF group received 30 minutes of continuous passive motion (CPM) and PNF training for 15 minutes five times a week for two weeks. The control group received 30 minutes of CPM and strengthening exercise for 15minutes five times a week for two weeks. Spatiotemporal parameters were measured by Biodex gait trainer 2. After the training periods, the PNF group showed a significant improvement in walking speed and step length on the non-operated side, time on each foot on the operated side (p&lt;0.05). The results of this study showed that PNF pattern training was more effective at improving walking ability. Therefore, improve the walking ability of total knee replacement patients, PNF lower pattern should be considered.

The Effects of PNF Pattern Training on the Walking Ability of Total Knee Replacement Patients

The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern to improve walking ability of total knee replacement patients. In this study, 10 patients with total knee replacement were recruited from rehabilitation hospital. They were divided into two groups: a PNF group (n=5) and a control group (n=5). The PNF group received 30 minutes of continuous passive motion (CPM) and PNF training for 15 minutes five times a week for two weeks. The control group received 30 minutes of CPM and strengthening exercise for 15minutes five times a week for two weeks. Spatiotemporal parameters were measured by Biodex gait trainer 2. After the training periods, the PNF group showed a significant improvement in walking speed and step length on the non-operated side, time on each foot on the operated side (p&lt;0.05). The results of this study showed that PNF pattern training was more effective at improving walking ability. Therefore, improve the walking ability of total knee replacement patients, PNF lower pattern should be considered.

Total Knee Arthroplasty Improved Locomotive Syndrome in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study Focused on Total Clinical Decision Limits Stage 3

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the treatment efficacy of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on locomotive syndrome (LS) focusing on total clinical decision limit (CDL) stage 3 leading to revealing the motor function indicators that can predict LS improvement in knee osteoarthritis patients who had received TKA. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted in 47 patients evaluated as total CDL stage 3 before TKA who received primary TKA on the operated side and were diagnosed with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2, 3, or 4 knee osteoarthritis on the nonoperated side. LS was evaluated using stand-up test, two-step test, and 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale. In addition, the motor function indicators which could predict the LS improvement were examined. All assessments were conducted before TKA and three months after TKA. Results Of the 47 subjects who were evaluated to be in total CDL stage 3 before TKA, 13 patients (27.7%) were determined to show improvements in total CDL. From the result of the decision tree analysis, when the CDL of the two-step test before TKA was 1 or less, the improvement rate was 83.3%. Even if the CDL of the two-step test before TKA was higher than 1 and if the 3 m-Timed Up and Go test (3m-TUG) before TKA was 9.6 or less, the improvement rate was 50%. Conclusions As of three months after surgery, TKA can improve LS in about 30% of knee osteoarthritis patients. A two-step test before TKA and 3m-TUG before TKA can be used as motor function indicators to predict LS improvement. This study provides useful information for setting the goal for rehabilitation prior to surgery.

Short-Term Clinical and Return-to-Work Outcomes After Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Onlay Biceps Tenodesis With a Single Suture Anchor

PurposeTo describe short-term outcomes of arthroscopic suprapectoral onlay biceps tenodesis using a single all-suture anchor with respect to validated outcome measures, return to work, objective strength and motion data, and biceps-specific testing.MethodsThis study describes a consecutive series of patients undergoing arthroscopic suprapectoral onlay biceps tenodesis performed by a single surgeon from January to December 2017. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire, visual analog scale, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey, and 12-Item Short Form survey, and return-to-work survey. Postoperative strength, range of motion, and biceps-specific testing was also performed.ResultsThis study included 50 patients (26 men and 24 women), with an average age (± standard deviation) of 50.1 ± 10.9 years and average final follow-up of 21.3 ± 8.5 months. Among employed patients, 32 (71.1%) returned to work at an average of 4.6 ± 2.3 months. Light-duty workers returned to work at a significantly greater rate (85.7% vs 33.3%, P = .016) and in less time (2.6 ± 2.0 months vs 6.8 ± 4.2 months) than heavy-duty workers. No differences were found between operative and nonoperative sides in the biceps apex distance (P = .636) or range of motion in elbow flexion and extension (P > .9 for both), supination (P = .192), or pronation (P = .343) postoperatively. Strength in elbow flexion (P = .002), as well as shoulder forward elevation (P < .001) and external rotation (P < .001), increased postoperatively. Significant patient-reported improvements were noted in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale pain score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, Constant-Murley score, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey and 12-Item Short Form physical component scores (P ≤ .001 for all). A postoperative Popeye deformity developed in 5 patients (10%).ConclusionsArthroscopic suprapectoral onlay biceps tenodesis with a single all-suture anchor can provide overall excellent clinical outcomes regarding strength, motion, and validated patient-reported outcome questionnaires. Return to occupational activities may be less predictable and more prolonged for heavy laborers. A small number of patients may experience cosmetic deformity postoperatively.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic case series.

Contralateral eyelid elevation following unilateral upper eyelid retraction repair

ABSTRACT Purpose To report the influence of unilateral upper eyelid retraction repair on the upper eyelid position of the contralateral, non-operative side. Methods An IRB-approved retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who underwent unilateral upper eyelid retraction repair. Patient demographics, etiology of upper eyelid retraction, previous surgeries, and periocular measurements from pre-operative and follow-up visits were reviewed. Results Thirteen patients who underwent unilateral upper eyelid retraction repair due to thyroid eye disease or iatrogenic retraction secondary to ptosis repair demonstrated an elevation in contralateral eyelid height post-operatively. The mean pre-operative MRD-1 was 6.6 mm in the operative eye and 2.6 mm in the contralateral eye. All patients demonstrated a decreased MRD-1 in the operative eye (mean change: −2.6 mm [−38.4%]; standard deviation [SD]: 1.2 mm) and an increased MRD-1 in the contralateral eye (mean change: +1.3 mm [+62.4%]; SD: 0.6 mm) following unilateral upper eyelid retraction repair. The mean post-operative MRD-1 measurements were 4.0 mm ± 0.5 mm and 3.9 mm ± 0.6 mm in the operative and contralateral eyes, respectively. Conclusions Unilateral upper eyelid retraction repair may induce an elevation of the contralateral upper eyelid position in some patients. The findings in this report may support unilateral intervention in patients with upper lid retraction, especially in the setting of contralateral blepharoptosis.

Imaging, histopathological degree of degeneration and clinical findings – Do these correlate in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

The gold standard for temporomandibular joint imaging is magnetic resonance imaging, although there are still pathological findings that cannot be seen in MRI but in surgery and the subsequent histological analysis only. The main goal of this investigation was to validate the MRI score used by histopathological findings as well as clinical findings. In this retrospective study 39 patients were included; 38 of which underwent unilateral and 1 underwent bilateral discectomy. MRI findings were graded according to the score by Wurm. Histopathological analysis was performed in hematoxylin-eosin staining and graded in accordance with the scores by Krenn and by Leonardi. For valuation of preoperative pain values of the temporomandibular joint operated on the numeric rating scale was utilized. Correlations were verified by Spearman-Rho. The MRI scores on average showed significantly lower scores for the discs of the operated temporomandibular joint than for the discs of the non-operated side(p<.01). No significant correlations between MRI findings, histopathological findings and pain intensities could be observed. Thus unsuspicious morphology of the TMJ and the articular disc in MRI is no guarantee for the absence of cartilage-degeneration. Further investigations utilizing T2 cartilage mapping could possibly show better correlations between the temporomandibular joint's degree of degeneration and imaging results.

Risk of Acute Lung Injury after Esophagectomy

To develop a new approach for identifying acute lung injury (ALI) in surgical ward setting and to assess incidence rate, clinical outcomes, and risk factors for ALI cases after esophagectomy. We also compare the degree of lung injury between operative and non-operative sides. Consecutive esophageal cancer patients (n=1022) who underwent esophagectomy from Dec 2012 to Nov 2018 in our hospital were studied. An approach for identifying ALI was proposed that integrated radiographic assessment of lung edema (RALE) score to quantify degree of lung edema. Stepwise logistic regression identified risk factors for postoperative ALI incidence. The degree of bilateral lung injury was compared using the RALE score. The approach for identifying ALI in surgical ward setting was defined as acute onset, PaO2/FiO2≤300 mmHg, bilateral opacities on bedside chest radiograph with a RALE score≥16, and exclusion of cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Incidence rate of ALI was estimated to be 9.7%. ALI diagnosis was associated with multiple clinical complications, prolonged hospital stay, higher medical bills, and higher perioperative mortality. Nine risk factors including BMI, ASA class, DLCO%, duration of surgery, neutrophil percentage, high-density lipoprotein, and electrolyte disorders were identified. The RALE score of the lung lobes of the operative side was higher than the non-operative side. A new approach for identifying ALI in esophageal cancer patients receiving esophagectomy was proposed and several risk factors were identified. ALI is common and has severe outcomes. The lung lobes on the operative side are more likely to be affected than the non-operative side.

Functional Outcomes of Superior Gluteal Nerve Injury After Nailing of Proximal Femoral Fractures

Background: Painful limbing after proximal femoral nailing is commonly noticed due to weakness of hip abductors. It may result from mechanical failure of the abductor muscle, malunion with coxa vara or valga, or injury of superior gluteal nerve (SGN). Objectives: To estimate incidence of SGN injury after hip proximal femoral nailing and investigate its correlation with hip functional outcomes. Setting: Orthopaedic Department, Qena university hospital, south valley university, Qena Egypt. Patients and methods:This retrospective study was conducted on 20 patients presented to Qena university hospital during the time from (July 2018) to (July 2019) with abductor lurch after proximal femoral nailing for more than 3 months. Results: No statistically significant correlation between operated and non-operated sides in terms of functional score and neck shaft angle. There was a statistically significant correlation between muscle power, neck shaft angle and Harris Hip Score (HHS) with evidence of patients with MRC scale less than V and patients with abnormally high or low neck-shaft angle had significantly lower functional scores. Two patients had SGN injury with significantly lower functional scores with SGN injury compared to patients with normal EMG. Conclusion: SGN injury is a rare complication after nailing of proximal femoral fractures associated with poor functional outcomes.

Use of carbon nanotube sensor for detecting postoperative abnormal respiratory waveforms.

BackgroundThis feasibility study aimed to detect respiratory waveforms from thoracic movements and evaluate if postoperative complications could be predicted using a carbon nanotube sensor.MethodsFifty patients who underwent lung resection for lung tumors were enrolled. The lung monitoring system of the carbon nanotube sensor was placed on bilateral chest walls across the 6th–9th ribs to measure chest wall motion. We examined the respiratory waveform in relation to surgical findings, postoperative course, and complications using Hilbert transform and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT).ResultsOf 50 patients (37 males, 13 females), 22 were included in the normal lung function group and 28 were included in the low lung function group. The respiratory rate and waveform indicated a regular pattern in the normal lung function group and the respiratory rate could be detected. Conversely, irregular respiratory pattern was detected in 70% of patients in the low lung function group. There was no significant different overall envelope peak value between operated side and non-operated side (0.195±0.05 and 0.18±0.06). In contrast, there was significantly high peak value in the presence of postoperative complications (P<0.05). And there was a significantly higher peak value in air leakage presence than air leakage absence in operated side (P=0.045).ConclusionsThe present study confirmed the feasibility of the sensor. It is promising in visualizing the respiratory state and detecting respiratory changes postoperatively.

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair and Open Bristow Procedure in the Treatment of Anterior Shoulder Instability With Osseous Glenoid Lesions in Collision Athletes.

Background:Traumatic anterior shoulder instability in collision sports athletes often involves osseous glenoid lesions, which make surgical treatment challenging. High redislocation rates have been seen in collision sports athletes treated using arthroscopic Bankart repair.Purpose:To investigate the effectiveness of a combined arthroscopic Bankart repair and open Bristow procedure for the treatment of traumatic anterior shoulder instability in collision sports athletes, with a focus on osseous glenoid lesions.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:We reviewed 149 shoulders in 141 competitive collision sports athletes (mean ± standard deviation age, 20.1 ± 4.1 years; 8 bilateral cases) who underwent a combined arthroscopic Bankart repair and open Bristow procedure with minimum 2 years of follow-up. Osseous Bankart lesions were arthroscopically reduced and fixed using a coracoid graft.Results:Clinical outcomes as indicated by mean Rowe score improved significantly from 50.0 preoperatively to 98.9 postoperatively (P < .001) at a median follow-up of 3.4 years (range, 2.5-7 years). There were 2 recurrent dislocations (1.3%), both of which had nonunion of the transferred coracoid. Osseous Bankart lesions were observed in 85 shoulders, and osseous glenoid lesions ≥10% of the diameter of the nonoperative side were found in 58 shoulders, including 24 off-track cases. Clinical outcomes were not significantly different between patients with a glenoid defect ≥10% and <10%. Nonunion of the transferred coracoid was observed in 16 shoulders (10.7%), which had inferior Rowe scores; however, we could not define any risk factors for nonunion, including patient characteristics or bone morphology. Postoperative computed tomography performed in 29 patients >1 year after surgery showed successful repair of the osseous glenoid lesions, with a restored glenoid articular surface in all cases. Significant pre- to postoperative increases were seen in glenoid diameter (mean, 13.1% [95% CI, 9.9%-16.3%]; P < .001) and area (mean, 10.6% [95% CI, 8.5%-12.7%]; P < .001).Conclusion:A combined arthroscopic Bankart repair and open Bristow procedure improved bone morphology and was a reliable surgical method for treating collision sports athletes with traumatic anterior shoulder instability involving osseous glenoid lesions.

Opposing and Operated Side Electroacupuncture Generates Similar Analgesic Effects on Pain after Knee Surgery.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether opposing electroacupuncture (EA) could produce similar analgesic effects as operated side EA after knee surgery in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham surgery group, and three surgery groups: opposing EA, operated side EA, and model. After surgery, compared with the sham surgery group, three kinds of pain behavior test methods (mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), cumulative pain score [CPS], and mechanical hypersensitivity of knee) were used to assess the pain behavior of the rats in the surgery groups. After knee surgery, the three surgery groups were intervened for three consecutive days: EA on the nonoperated side in the opposing EA group, EA on the operated side in the operated side EA group, and no intervention in the model group. It was shown that MWT was higher and CPS was lower in the two EA groups than in the model group on the first and second days after surgery. On the third day after surgery, MWT in the two EA groups was the highest among the 3 days, CPS was the lowest among the 3 days, and the number of nonvocalizations in rats also increased compared with the model group. Moreover, the MWT of the nonoperated side increased more in the opposing EA group than in the model and operated side EA groups. This indicated that both opposing EA and operated side EA methods can be used to relieve pain after knee joint surgery.

Anterior deltoid muscle tension quantified with shear wave ultrasound elastography correlates with pain level after reverse shoulder arthroplasty

IntroductionReverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) leads to medialization and distalization of the centre of rotation of the shoulder joint resulting in lengthening of the deltoid muscle. Shear wave ultrasound elastography (SWE) is a reliable method for quantifying tissue stiffness. The purpose of this study was to analyse if deltoid muscle tension after RSA correlates with the patients’ pain level. We hypothesized that higher deltoid muscle tension would be associated with increased pain.Material and methodsEighteen patients treated with RSA were included. Constant score (CS) and pain level on the visual analogue scale (VAS) were analysed and SWE was performed on both shoulders. All three regions of the deltoid muscle were examined in resting position and under standardized isometric loading.ResultsAverage patient age was 76 (range 64–84) years and average follow-up was 15 months (range 4–48). The average CS was 66 points (range 35–89) and the average pain level on the VAS was 1.8 (range 0.5–4.7). SWE revealed statistically significant higher muscle tension in the anterior and middle deltoid muscle region in patients after RSA compared to the contralateral non-operated side. There was a statistically significant correlation between pain level and anterior deltoid muscle tension.ConclusionSWE revealed increased tension in the anterior and middle portion of the deltoid muscle after RSA in a clinical setting. Increased tension of the anterior deltoid muscle portion significantly correlated with an increased pain level. SWE is a powerful, cost-effective, quick, dynamic, non-invasive, and radiation-free imaging technique to evaluate tissue elasticity in the shoulder with a wide range of applications.Level of evidenceDiagnostic study, Level III.

Isokinetic Evaluation of the Shoulder After Bristow/Latarjet Surgical Procedure in Athletes.

Objectives To evaluate the muscular strength of the internal (IR) and external (ER) rotators of the shoulder after Bristow/Latarjet surgery. Methods Cross-sectional study with 18 patients (36 shoulders). The isokinetic evaluation was performed using the Biodex 3 System Pro dynamometer (Biodex Medical System, Inc., Shirley, NY, USA). The athletic shoulder outcome rating scale (ASORS) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were applied. Results The values of peak torque and maximum work in concentric and eccentric mode on the non-operated shoulder were higher than on the operated side for both the IR and ER ( p < 0.01). The conventional and functional balance between the ER and IR showed no differences between the operated and the non-operated side. When comparing patients with postoperative time < 1 year or 1 year, no differences were observed in peak torque values at 60°/s and 240°/s and maximum work at 60°/s and 240°/s of the IR to the operated shoulder. However, the peak torque values of 60°/s and 240°/s and maximum work at 60°/s and 240°/s of the ER were higher in subjects with postoperative time ≥ 1 year in all variables ( p < 0.05). Conclusions There was a decrease in the strength of the IR and ER in the operated shoulder compared with the healthy shoulder. However, the conventional and functional balance was maintained.