Unilateral Shoulder Research Articles

Etiología de la osteonecrosis avascular de cadera y hombro. Cribado de la enfermedad de Gaucher

IntroductionAvascular necrosis (AON) of the hip and shoulder is a little studied disease and the predisposing risk factors for its development are not well known. A high percentage of patients are diagnosed with idiopathic osteonecrosis. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of potential etiological factors for AON and to screen for Gaucher disease among patients with idiopathic AON. Material and methodsThis retrospective, single-center, observational study was conducted on patients who had at least one episode of AON of the hip or shoulder at the Hospital de Poniente (Almería, Spain) from January 2010 to December 2019. Clinical and analytical data were collected. Patients whose medical record described no etiological factors for this disease were screened for Gaucher disease. ResultsThe study sample consisted of 81 patients, of whom 58 were male. The mean age at presentation of AON was 45.9 years. They presented with unilateral hip necrosis (n = 43), bilateral hip necrosis (n = 34), bilateral hip and unilateral shoulder necrosis (n = 3), and unilateral shoulder necrosis (n = 1). The most frequent potential etiological factors were smoking (46.9%) and obesity (17.3%). Screening for Gaucher disease was performed in ten patients, all of whom tested negative. ConclusionsIn our study population, the main potential etiological factors the onset of AON of the shoulder or hip were smoking and obesity. A high percentage of patients were diagnosed with idiopathic AON. We believe that a more exhaustive study of less frequent risk factors should be carried out in these cases.

Etiology of avascular necrosis of the hip and shoulder. Screening for Gaucher disease

IntroductionAvascular necrosis (AON) of the hip and shoulder is a little studied disease and the predisposing risk factors for its development are not well known. A high percentage of patients are diagnosed with idiopathic osteonecrosis. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of potential etiological factors for AON and to screen for Gaucher disease among patients with idiopathic AON. Material and methodsThis retrospective, single-center, observational study was conducted on patients who had at least one episode of AON of the hip or shoulder at the Hospital de Poniente (Almería, Spain) from January 2010 to December 2019. Clinical and analytical data were collected. Patients whose medical record described no etiological factors for this disease were screened for Gaucher disease. ResultsThe study sample consisted of 81 patients, of whom 58 were male. The mean age at presentation of AON was 45.9 years. They presented with unilateral hip necrosis (n=43), bilateral hip necrosis (n=34), bilateral hip and unilateral shoulder necrosis (n=3), and unilateral shoulder necrosis (n=1). The most frequent potential etiological factors were smoking (46.9%) and obesity (17.3%). Screening for Gaucher disease was performed in ten patients, all of whom tested negative. ConclusionsIn our study population, the main potential etiological factors the onset of AON of the shoulder or hip were smoking and obesity. A high percentage of patients were diagnosed with idiopathic AON. We believe that a more exhaustive study of less frequent risk factors should be carried out in these cases.

Comparison of the effects of ultrasound- guided needle puncture, radial shock wave therapy, and combined treatments on calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a common disorder resulting in restricted motion and pain. This study compared the effects of ultrasound-guided fine-needle puncture (USNP), radial shock wave therapy (RSWT), and the combination of both treatments (COMB) on calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. We enrolled 62 patients who had unilateral shoulder pain for more than 3 months. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: USNP, RSWT, and COMB. All USNP needle punctures were guided with ultrasound (US), and RSWT was delivered at 2 Hz (2000 shock waves; 0.26 mJ/mm2) once a week for 3 weeks. The COMB group received three weekly rounds of RSWT after a single US-guided needle puncture. The primary outcome was the pain visual analog scale (VAS), and secondary outcomes were the Constant scores, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and range of motion. A within-group comparison at 3 months revealed significant improvements in the pain VAS (p< 0.05, during activity) and Constant (p< 0.05) scores, but between-group comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences in the pain VAS (p> 0.05) or Constant (p= 0.089) scores. Only improvement differences in role-emotional (SF-36; p= 0.01) and active external rotation (p= 0.035) were determined over time, which favored the USNP and COMB groups. Although no significant differences were observed among the groups in the treatment of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, more satisfactory outcomes were noted in the USNP and COMB groups than in the RSWT group. Larger samples, longer follow-up times, and other treatment protocols are suggested for future studies.

Differences in Coracohumeral Distance Between the Symptomatic and the Asymptomatic Shoulder in Patients With Unilateral Shoulder Pain and in Healthy Participants: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze whether differences in the coracohumeral distance (CHD) exist between the symptomatic and the asymptomatic shoulder in patients with subacromial pain syndrome and compare with the shoulder of control participants. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, observational study. A sample comprising 62 participants with subacromial pain syndrome was recruited from 3 different primary care centers. The CHD was determined from standardized ultrasonography measures performed on both shoulders at 0° and 60° of shoulder abduction, whereas the dominant arm was measured for the control participants. ResultsStatistically significant differences in CHD at 0° and 60° were found between the symptomatic and control shoulders (P = .011/P = .002) and between the contralateral asymptomatic shoulder and controls (P = .026/P = .007). ConclusionWe found differences in CHD at 0° and 60° of shoulder elevation between both the affected and the nonaffected shoulders when compared with healthy shoulders. These results suggest that CHD may be a contributing factor in chronic shoulder pain.

In the Shoulder or in the Brain? Behavioral, Psychosocial and Cognitive Characteristics of Unilateral Chronic Shoulder Pain with Symptoms of Central Sensitization.

The recognition of central sensitization (CS) is crucial, as it determines the results of rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to examine associations between CS and catastrophizing, functionality, disability, illness perceptions, kinesiophobia, anxiety, and depression in people with chronic shoulder pain (SP). In this cross-sectional study, 64 patients with unilateral chronic SP completed a few questionnaires including the Central Sensitization Inventory, the Oxford Shoulder Score, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the “arm endurance” test. On the basis of three constructed linear regression models, it was found that pain catastrophizing and depression (model 1: p < 0.001, R = 0.57, R2 = 0.33), functionality (model 2: p < 0.001, R = 0.50, R2 = 0.25), and helplessness (model 3: p < 0.001, R = 0.53, R2 = 0.28) were significant predictors for CS symptoms in chronic SP. Two additional logistic regression models also showed that depression (model 4: p < 0.001, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.43, overall correct prediction 87.5%) and functionality (model 5: p < 0.001, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.26, overall correct prediction 84.4%) can significantly predict the classification of chronic SP as centrally sensitized. Patients who were classified as centrally sensitized (n = 10) were found to have significantly worse functionality, psychological factors (anxiety, depression, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing), and pain intensity (p < 0.05). Catastrophizing, depression, and functionality are predictive factors of CS symptoms in patients with chronic shoulder pain. Health care providers should adopt a precision medicine approach during assessment and a holistic rehabilitation of patients with unilateral chronic SP.

Reliability and accuracy of telemedicine-based shoulder examinations.

Telemedicine has become a critical component in the evaluation and management of patients with shoulder pathology. However, the interobserver reliability of findings on virtual physical examination relative to in-person evaluation is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of prerecorded video telemedicine for the evaluation of shoulder pathology compared with traditional in-person physical examination. New patients with unilateral shoulder pain presenting to a single-surgeon shoulder clinic were recruited between July and November 2020. In 1 visit, patients were evaluated with standardized in-person and video-guided telemedicine physical examinations in randomized order. Patients were evaluated for range of motion (ROM) and symptoms including pain, weakness, and apprehension. The telemedicine examination was recorded and consisted of a video guide displaying self-directed shoulder examination maneuvers that patients performed during remote coaching by an independent non-physician observer. The in-person physical examination was performed by the treating physician. The telemedicine videos were evaluated by two independent observers for interobserver reliability. The treating physician subsequently evaluated the telemedicine videos after a minimum two-month washout period for intraobserver reliability and intra-platform reliability. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability analyses were conducted using Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (KR-20). Specificity and likelihood ratios were calculated with P < .05 representing statistical significance. A total of 32 patients (17 male and 15 female patients; average age, 50.2±16.2 years) were included in the analysis. Overall Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (KR-20) reliability across 40 physical examination maneuvers was 0.391±0.332 (76.4%±15.4% agreement) between the in-person and telemedicine examinations. Telemedicine maneuvers examining ROM limitations had the highest degree of reliability, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood of also producing a positive finding on the in-person examination (0.700±0.114, 66.5%, 81.0%, and 6.06, respectively). Telemedicine maneuvers identifying apprehension associated with glenohumeral instability were found to have the lowest reliability, sensitivity, and likelihood of producing a positive finding on the in-person examination (0.170±0.440, 23.5%, and 0.518, respectively). All patients were satisfied with their telemedicine experience. The overall reliability of a non-physician-directed video-guided telemedicine examination ranged from unacceptable to good. Shoulder ROM limitations identified during the telemedicine examinations were found to be the most reliable, whereas evaluations of instability were found to be the least reliable. Although initial telemedicine evaluation by a non-physician may be appropriate for ROM evaluation, in-person physician evaluation is recommended to confirm suspected diagnoses, especially if clinical concern for shoulder instability exists. Alternative methods of telemedicine delivery should be explored to improve the reliability of self-directed physical examination maneuvers.

Within-Subject Changes in Shoulder Girdle Muscle Activation After Soft Tissue Mobilization of the Upper Trapezius

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique (INIT) of the upper trapezius (UT) on shoulder muscle activity in chronic shoulder pain. MethodsTwenty-two patients (mean age 42.5 ± 16.07) with chronic unilateral shoulder pain with UT myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) (n = 27) and scapular dyskinesis received a single session of INIT (∼15 minutes for each MTrP). The pain on the visual analog scale, along with surface electromyographic activity, maximum voluntary contraction in % (in arm raising and lowering in scapular plane), and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of 5 girdle muscles UT, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, middle deltoid, and infraspinatus were measured before and immediately after treatment. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for analysis (at α ≤ 0.05). ResultsMuscle activity of all the muscles, especially the lower trapezius, was reduced during arm raising in the scapular plane (76.69%-71.14% [p = 0.003]). UT activity decreased during arm lowering also (56.70%-45.99% [p ˂ 0.001]). The intensity of shoulder pain reduced (50.50 mm to 22 mm, [p ˂ 0.001]), and PPT values of all 5 muscles improved post-treatment. ConclusionThe findings of this study provide preliminary evidence for the application of a single session of INIT on UT MTrPs in reducing activity in the scapular muscles, improving shoulder pain, and PPT in chronic unilateral shoulder pain.

Poster 129: Reliability and Accuracy of Telemedicine-Based Shoulder Examinations

Objectives:Telemedicine has become a critical component in the evaluation and management of patients with shoulder pathology. However, the reliability and accuracy of findings on a virtual physical exam relative to in-person evaluation is unclear. The purpose of this study is to determine the reliability and accuracy of a recorded telemedicine physical exam for diagnosis of shoulder pathology compared to the traditional in-person physical exam performed in an outpatient shoulder clinic.Methods:This study is a randomized controlled trial. New patients presenting with unilateral shoulder pain to a singlesurgeon shoulder clinic were recruited between July and November 2020. In a single visit, patients were evaluated with standardized in-person and telemedicine physical exams, and the order was randomized. The telemedicine exam was recorded and consisted of a pre-recorded video guide displaying self-directed shoulder exam maneuvers that patients performed under remote coaching by an independent observer. The in-person physical exam was performed by the treating physician and results were used as the gold standard. The telemedicine videos were evaluated by two independent observers for inter-observer reliability. The treating physician subsequently evaluated the telemedicine videos after a minimum 2-month washout period for intra-observer reliability. Inter- and intra-observer reliability analyses were conducted using the Kuder-Richardson 20 (KR-20) formula.Results:Thirty-two patients (17 male, 15 female; average age 50.2 ±16.2 years) were enrolled and included in the analysis. Overall KR-20 reliability across all 40 physical exam maneuvers was 0.391±0.332 (76.4% ± 15.4% agreement) between the in-person and telemedicine exams. Maneuvers conducted via telemedicine that examined range of motion (ROM) limitations had the highest degree of reliability, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood of also producing a positive finding on the in-person exam (0.700±0.114, 66.5%, 81.0%, and 6.06, respectively). Exam maneuvers conducted via telemedicine that relied on identifying apprehension associated with glenohumeral instability were found to have the lowest reliability, sensitivity, and likelihood of producing a positive finding on the in-person exam (0.176±0.440, 23.5% and 0.518, respectively). All included patients were satisfied with their telemedicine experience.Conclusions:Overall reliability of telemedicine physical examination maneuvers was poor. ROM limitations identified on the telemedicine exams were found to be the most reliable and accurate, while techniques used to evaluate instability were found to be the least reliable and accurate. While the telemedicine exam can be reliable as a screening tool in certain pathologic conditions, providers should use the in-person exam and imaging results to confirm any suspected diagnoses.Table 1:Categories of examination techniques assessed.Table 2:Summary of sensitivity, specificity, and reliability results.Table 4:Simmiary of patient satisfaction survey results.

To what extent do typical components of shoulder clinical evaluation explain upper-extremity disability? A cross-sectional study

BackgroundPhysical therapists use several evaluation measures to identify the most important factors related to disability. However, the degree to which these evaluation components explain shoulder disability is not well known and that may detract clinicians from the best clinical reasoning. ObjectiveTo determine how much evaluation components explain shoulder function. MethodsEighty-one individuals with unilateral shoulder pain for at least four weeks and meeting clinical exam criteria to exclude cervical referred pain, adhesive capsulitis, and shoulder instability, participated in this study. Several typical clinical evaluation components were assessed as potential independent variables in a regression model using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score as a proxy to shoulder function. Two multivariate models were built to include (1) evaluation components from physical exam plus clinical history and (2) a model considering all previous variables and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. ResultsPain catastrophizing was the best variable in the model explaining at least 10% of the DASH variance. Sex and lower trapezius muscle strength explained considerably less of shoulder function. The MRI data did not improve the model performance. ConclusionThe complexity of shoulder function is not independently explained by pathoanatomical abnormalities. Psychological aspects may explain more of shoulder function even when combined with physical components in some patients.

Role of suprascapular nerve block in idiopathic frozen shoulder treatment: a clinical trial survey.

BackgroundSeveral therapeutic methods have been proposed for frozen shoulder syndrome. These include suprascapular nerve block, a simple and cost-effective technique that eliminates the need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy.MethodsThis was a clinical trial that included patients with unilateral shoulder joint stiffness. Patients were divided into three groups: those treated with isolated physiotherapy for 12 weeks (PT group), those treated with a single dose intra-articular injection of corticosteroid together with physiotherapy (IACI group), and those treated with a suprascapular nerve block performed with a single indirect injection of 8-mL lidocaine HCL 1% and 2 mL (80 mg) methylprednisolone acetate together with physiotherapy (SSNB group). The variables assessed were age, sex, side of involvement, dominant limb, presence of diabetes, physical examination findings including erythema, swelling, and muscle wasting; palpation and movement findings; shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) score; and the visual analog scale (VAS) score pre-intervention and at 2-, 4-, 6-, and 12-week post-intervention.ResultsNinety-seven patients were included in this survey (34 cases in the PT group, 32 cases in the IACI group, and 31 cases in the SSNB group). Mean age was 48.55±11.06 years. Fifty-seven cases were female (58.8%) and 40 were male (41.2%). Sixty-eight patients had a history of diabetes (70.1%). VAS and SPADI scores and range of mototion degrees dramatically improved in all cases (p<0.001). Results were best in the SSNB group (p<0.001), and the IACI group showed better results than the PT group (p<0.001).ConclusionsSuprascapular nerve block is an effective therapy with long-term pain relief and increased mobility of the shoulder joint in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

Effect of Unilateral Shoulder Disorder on the Stance Phase of Human Gait

Background Gait analysis systems serve as important tools for assessing disturbed gait patterns. Amongst other factors, functional limitations of the shoulder joint may relate to such disturbances. Patient-reported outcome measures, assessment of pain, and active range of motion are commonly used to describe shoulder impairment. Purpose The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the impact of unilateral limitations of shoulder mobility and pain on gait patterns and to detect correlations between pain, shoulder mobility, and particular phases of human gait using a Zebris gait analysis system. Methods 20 subjects with unilaterally restricted mobility and pain of the affected shoulder and a control group of 10 healthy subjects underwent a gait analysis. Various gait parameters, the DASH score, pain at rest and movement of the affected shoulder, and the active range of motion (aROM) for shoulder flexion and abduction were recorded. Results We determined significant differences of the duration of the loading response (p = 0.021), midstance (p = 0.033), and the terminal stance phase (p = 0.019) between the shoulder group and the control group, with a shorter loading response phase and a longer terminal stance phase of the affected side in the shoulder group. In the shoulder group, we found significant correlations between the DASH and the duration of the midstance phase (p = 0.023) and the terminal stance phase (p = 0.038). In addition, there was a significant correlation between shoulder flexion and the duration of the midstance phase (p = 0.047).

Sensory and motor profiles of the contralateral upper limb and neuroplastic changes in individuals with unilateral rotator cuff related shoulder pain – a systematic review protocol

Background Numerous studies have established bilateral changes that underpin a reorganization of the central nervous system in individuals with unilateral tendinopathy. The evidence for sensory and motor profiles of the contralateral limb and neuroplastic (cortical) changes have not been specifically reviewed for rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP). Objectives To systematically review, summarize and appraise the evidence for sensory and motor profiles of the contralateral (non-injured) upper limb and neuroplastic changes in individuals with unilateral RCRSP. Methods This review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement and the guidelines for performing a Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE). Two reviewers will screen, appraise, and extract the data using a customized data extraction tool, and synthesize findings from all studies irrespective of their methodological quality. The methodologically quality of the included studies will be assessed using a modified Downs and Black index. Statistical and clinical heterogeneity associated with the outcomes of interest will be assessed, and a meta-analysis will be done if appropriate. The certainty of evidence will be synthesized using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Discussion Previous studies indicate a reorganization of the nervous system with chronic musculoskeletal pain. If bilateral sensory/motor impairments or neuroplastic changes are evident in individuals with unilateral RCRSP, interventions may need to be tailored to include bilateral impairments as well as interventions that consider neuroplasticity. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020202756

Structural and Functional Asymmetry in Precentral and Postcentral Gyrus in Patients With Unilateral Chronic Shoulder Pain.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore the structural and functional asymmetry of precentral and postcentral gyrus in patients with unilateral chronic shoulder pain (CSP) utilizing MRI.Patients and MethodsWe collected structural and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data in 22 left-sided, 15 patients with right-sided CSP, and 24 healthy controls (HCs). Here, we performed the structural asymmetry and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analyses. We extracted regional cortical thickness and surface area measurements from T1-weighted MRI images, using asymmetry indexes (AIs) to assess asymmetries. We used Data Processing and Analysis for Brain Imaging software for seed-based FC analysis and selected unilateral-precentral and postcentral as the regions of interest. Then, we performed group comparisons of the neuroimaging metrics, and also explored the relationships between brain asymmetry and clinical variables.ResultsWe found significant differences in surface area AIs of the precentral among three groups, the AI values were negatively correlated with the visual analog scale score and positively correlated with Constant–Murley scores (CMS) in the left-sided CSP group. Further, FC of left postcentral with cingulate gyrus and left paracentral lobule showed significant group differences; FC of right postcentral with left caudate, left paracentral, and left postcentral were different among groups; FC of right precentral with the cingulate gyrus, precuneus, and left paracentral revealed significant group differences. Besides, there was a positive correlation between right precentral-cingulate gyrus FC and CMS in the right-sided CSP group.ConclusionSurface area and FC patterns asymmetry exist in precentral and postcentral gyrus in patients with unilateral CSP. Asymmetry trend is associated with pain severity and shoulder joint function impairment. Brain structural and functional asymmetry may be an important indicator for understanding the potential mechanism of chronic pain.

Headache and Atypical Presentation of Motor Disorders in A Paraneoplastic Myasthenic Syndrome Secondary to Thymoma: A Case Report

Objectives: The diagnosis of early onset of myasthenia gravis in the emergency room represents a real challenge, especially when symptoms of presentation are atypical and non-specific features. Material and methods: We described a case of 33 years old woman who went to the Emergency Department of Pescia (Pistoia, Italy) for a spontaneous intense frontal headache associated with the presence of rhinolalia and unilateral shoulder girdle disorders, initially misdiagnosed. Results: The atypical and initially mild presentation of the disease contributed to the delay in diagnosis; the progression of motor disturbances subsequently led to the definition of the clinical pattern. In particular, the patient showed AChR antibody positivity, associated with a thymoma. Conclusions: Despite being a well-known pathology and widely described in the literature, myasthenia gravis at onset is still a difficult diagnosis in cases of atypical presentation or with infrequent symptoms.

Supine scapular punch: An exercise for early phases of shoulder rehabilitation?

BackgroundSerratus anterior strengthening generally appears in shoulder rehabilitation protocols. This study's aim was to measure electromyographic activity of the serratus anterior, upper trapezius, and infraspinatus muscles during the Supine Scapular Punch exercise in healthy volunteers and those with unilateral shoulder pain. MethodsFifty-four participants were included and grouped as without (n = 34, age = 25.8 years) or with unilateral shoulder pain (n = 20, age = 26.3 years, visual analogue scale = 4.15 cm). Electromyographic activity of the serratus anterior, upper trapezius, and infraspinatus muscles was assessed during Supine Scapular Punch (four phases: P1 = press up concentric, P2 = Supine Scapular Punch concentric, P3 = Supine Scapular Punch eccentric, P4 = press up eccentric) performed under two conditions, with and without additional load. FindingsOverall muscle activity during P1 and P4 was negligible (< 10% maximal voluntary isometric contractions). During P2 and P3, no statistically significant differences in serratus anterior and upper trapezius muscle activity were found between groups, with moderate to high serratus anterior activity (28.94% to 44.3%) and very low upper trapezius activity (< 6%). Upper trapezius/serratus anterior activity ratios ranged from 0.09 to 0.18. Overall infraspinatus muscle activity was always very low (< 10%). InterpretationThe Supine Scapular Punch induces moderate to high serratus anterior muscle activity with very low upper trapezius and infraspinatus activation. Based on these results, the Supine Scapular Punch is a safe exercise that can be used in the early phases of shoulder rehabilitation.

Evaluation of the tissue thickness of the supraspinatus and biceps long head tendons using ultrasound among elderly patients with unilateral adhesive capsulitis in the freezing phase.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the changes in the tissue thickness of the abnormal supraspinatus and biceps long-head tendons among elderly patients to select the treatment targets and evaluate the treatment effects in the freezing phase of adhesive capsulitis. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-two elderly patients with unilateral shoulder pain underwent ultrasound of the supraspinatus and biceps long-head tendons, pain evaluation, and orthopedic testing. Both the supraspinatus and biceps long-head tendons were classified as normal, abnormal, and other groups. Participants with negative orthopedic test results were assigned the “normal group”. Participants with positive orthopedic test results and resting and night pain were assigned the “abnormal group”. Differences in tissue thickness were calculated from the differences between the symptomatic and non-symptomatic sides. [Results] The thickness of the supraspinatus and biceps long-head tendons was significantly higher in the abnormal than in the normal group. [Conclusion] This study clarified the changes in tissue thickness of the abnormal supraspinatus and biceps long-head tendons among elderly patients to select the treatment targets and assess the treatment effects in the freezing phase of adhesive capsulitis. The study results suggest the usefulness of ultrasound for selecting the treatment targets for analgesia and assessing the treatment efficacy in cases of adhesive-capsulitis freezing phase.

Pressure pain threshold mappings of the infraspinatus muscle in chronic unilateral shoulder pain patients do not reflect generalized hypersensitivity

ObjectivesIncreased mechanical sensitivity has been observed on the unaffected side in chronic pain conditions, suggesting generalized or widespread hypersensitivity. However, this cannot be considered as a universal response since this hypersensitivity is inconsistent across muscle pain pathologies. The aim of this study was to assess generalized hypersensitivity in chronic unilateral shoulder pain, using pressure pain threshold (PPT) mappings of the infraspinatus muscle. The proposed evaluation is based on the assessment of PPT on a limited subset of sites, reducing potential habituation or sensitization effects. MethodsTwenty-nine patients with unilateral shoulder pain (USP) and twenty-seven healthy volunteers were recruited. PPT was assessed using a manual pressure algometer. Six sites distributed over the infraspinatus muscle were assessed, and three repetitions were performed at each site. Mappings were derived using two-dimensional interpolation. ResultsLower PPT values were found in the symptomatic side in comparison with the asymptomatic side at all assessment sites (estimated difference: 1.42 ± 0.10 kgf/cm2, p < 0.001), but there were no differences among the asymptomatic side of USP patients and any of the sides in healthy volunteers (largest estimated difference: 0.17 ± 0.28 kgf/cm2, p = 0.927). Furthermore, the medial region of the infraspinatus muscle showed higher mechanical sensitivity in both healthy volunteers and USP patients. ConclusionsThese results suggest that USP does not induce generalized hypersensitivity, in contrast with previously reported findings. Physiotherapists could take these results into account for the assessment and treatment of patients with USP.

Central Cord Syndrome Mimic-Bilateral Anterior Shoulder Dislocations: A Case Report

Unilateral anterior shoulder dislocations are the most common major joint dislocation. However, bilateral shoulder dislocations are rare, and when present are mostly posterior. Given the rarity of this clinical entity, many emergency physicians would suspect central cord syndrome in a patient who presents with disproportionate weakness of the arms compared to the legs post trauma. This case report describes a 65-year-old woman presenting with inability to move both arms after she tripped. She displayed signs consistent with an initial diagnosis of central cord syndrome. Appropriate investigations led to the correct and timely diagnosis of bilateral anterior shoulder dislocations. Bilateral shoulder dislocations are uncommon. Central cord syndrome can mimic similar clinical presentations, and vice versa. It is important for emergency physicians to recognise these pitfalls in diagnosis, and to increase awareness of this clinical entity to avoid future late or missed diagnoses.

Intra-articular biomechanical environment following modified Bristow and Latarjet procedures in shoulders with large glenoid defects: relationship with postoperative complications.

Although coracoid transfers including the modified Bristow and Latarjet procedures are widely used to treat anterior shoulder instability, the influence of the choice of procedure on the biomechanical outcomes is not well characterized. We aimed to clarify the intra-articular stress distribution following these 2 procedures using 3-dimensional finite-element analysis and to investigate the role of stress distribution in the pathophysiology of postoperative complications. Overall, 6 male patients aged 17-47 years with unilateral anterior shoulder instability were recruited. Computed tomographic digital imaging and communications in medicine (CT-DICOM) data of the contralateral (healthy) shoulder of each patient was obtained and used for developing the 3-dimensional normal glenohumeral joint model. A 25% bony defect was created in the anterior glenoid rim where the coracoid process was transferred in the standing and lying-down positions to create the Bristow and Latarjet models, respectively. The arm position was set as 0° or 90° abduction. The Young moduli of the humerus and scapula were calculated using CT data, and set as 35.0 MPa and 113.8 GPa for the articular cartilage and inserted screw, respectively. A compressive load (50 N) was applied to the greater tuberosity toward the center of the glenoid, and a tensile load (20 N) was applied to the tip of the coracoid in the direction of conjoint tendon. Elastic analysis was used to determine the equivalent stress distribution. A significant reduction in mean equivalent stress was observed within the glenoid cartilage for both models (P = .031); however, a new stress concentration appeared within the grafted coracoid-facing region of the humeral-head cartilage in both models. The proximal half of the coracoid graft exhibited lower equivalent stress than the distal half in 5 of the 6 Latarjet models, whereas the proximal half showed higher equivalent stress than the distal half in all 6 Bristow models. High stress concentration was identified at the midpoint of the inserted screw in Bristow models. Intra-articular stress distribution may explain the different rates of postoperative complications associated with the modified Bristow and Latarjet procedures. New stress concentration within the humeral-head cartilage might contribute to the development of glenohumeral osteoarthritis following both procedures. Stress shielding in the proximal part of the coracoid graft might contribute to osteolysis following the Latarjet procedure. Surgeons should be aware of the risk of breakage of the inserted screw following the modified Bristow procedure.

ROLE OF 3D CT SCAN IN QUANTIFYING GLENOID BONE LOSS IN RECURRENT UNILATERAL SHOULDER DISLOCATION

Purpose: Patients with recurrent shoulder instability often present with osseous injury to the glenoid and humeral head. Glenoid bone loss can easily be quantied on a three-dimensional computed tomography scan by modeling the inferior portion of the glenoid contour as a true circle on an en face view. This study investigated the accuracy of CT in determining the presence and severity of glenoid bone loss in patients with unilateral recurrent shoulder dislocation. Methodology: This prospective cross-sectional study was done among patients with unilateral recurrent shoulder dislocation. Forty patients with anterior shoulder dislocation underwent shoulder CT examination before arthroscopy. Results: Glenoid bone loss was evident in 38 (95%) of the 40 patients at arthroscopy. Compared with arthroscopy, CT had sensitivity in detecting glenoid bone loss of 92.1%; specicity, 100%; positive predictive value, 100%; and negative predictive value, 40.0%. Three false-negative CT assessments had 5%, 5%, and 20% glenoid bone loss, respectively, at arthroscopy. There was a strong correlation between CT and arthroscopy with respect to the severity of glenoid bone loss (r = 0.73). Conclusion: CT has both a high sensitivity and a high specicity for detecting glenoid bone loss, and agreement with arthroscopy regarding the severity of glenoid bone loss is good. CT can be used to assess glenoid bone loss and the need for bone augmentation surgery.