Jason S. Scibek

Rotator Cuff Tear Pain and Tear Size and Scapulohumeral Rhythm

CONTEXT The body of knowledge concerning shoulder kinematics in patients with rotator cuff tears is increasing. However, the level of understanding regarding how pain and tear size affect these kinematic patterns is minimal. OBJECTIVE To identify relationships between pain associated with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear, tear size, and scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR) and to determine whether pain and tear size serve as predictors of SHR. DESIGN A test-retest design was used to quantify pain and SHR before and after a subacromial lidocaine injection. Correlation and multivariate analyses were used to identify relationships among pain, tear size, and SHR. SETTING Orthopaedic biomechanics research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Fifteen patients (age range, 40-75 years) with diagnosed full-thickness rotator cuff tears participated. They were experiencing pain at the time of testing. INTERVENTION(S) Shoulder kinematic data were collected with an electromagnetic tracking system before and after the patient received a lidocaine injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Pain was rated using a visual analog scale. Three-dimensional scapular kinematics and glenohumeral elevation were assessed. Scapular kinematics included anterior-posterior tilt, medial-lateral tilt, and upward-downward rotation. A regression model was used to calculate SHR (scapular kinematics to glenohumeral elevation) for phases of humeral elevation and lowering. RESULTS Linear relationships were identified between initial pain scores and SHR and between tear size and SHR, representing an increased reliance on scapular motion with increasing pain and tear size. Pain was identified as an independent predictor of SHR, whereas significant findings for the effect of tear size on SHR and the interaction between pain and tear size were limited. CONCLUSIONS We noted an increased reliance on scapular contributions to overall humeral elevation with increasing levels of pain and rotator cuff tear size. Pain associated with a rotator cuff tear serves as a primary contributor to the kinematic patterns exhibited in patients with rotator cuff tears.

Assessment of scapulohumeral rhythm for scapular plane shoulder elevation using a modified digital inclinometer

AIM To develop a better understanding of scapulohumeral rhythm during scapular plane shoulder elevation. METHODS Thirteen healthy, college-aged subjects participated in this study. Subjects were free from any upper extremity, neck or back pathology. A modified digital inclinometer was utilized to measure scapular upward rotation of the subjects dominant shoulder. Upward rotation was measured statically as subjects performed clinically relevant amounts of shoulder elevation in the scapular plane. Testing order was randomized by arm position. Scapular upward rotation was assessed over the entire arc of motion and over a series of increments. The percent contributions to shoulder elevation for the scapula and glenohumeral joint were calculated. Scapulohumeral rhythm was assessed and represented the ratio of glenohumeral motion to scapulothoracic motion (glenohumeral elevation: scapular upward rotation). A one-way ANOVA was used to compare scapular upward rotation between elevation increments. RESULTS Scapulohumeral rhythm for the entire arc of shoulder elevation was equal to a ratio of 2.34 :1 and ranged from 40.01:1 to 0.90:1 when assessed across the different increments of humeral elevation. Total scapular motion increased over the arc of shoulder elevation. The scapula contributed 2.53% of total motion for the first 30 degrees of shoulder elevation, between 20.87% and 37.53% for 30(o)-90(o) of shoulder elevation, and 52.73% for 90(o)-120(o) of shoulder elevation. Statistically significant differences in scapular upward rotation were identified across the shoulder elevation increments [F((3,48)) = 12.63, P = 0.0001]. CONCLUSION Clinically, we must recognize the usefulness of the inclinometer in documenting the variable nature of scapulohumeral rhythm in healthy and injured shoulders.

Causation and management of calcific tendonitis and periarthritis.

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to update the reader on contemporary theory related to the cause of calcific periarthritis and provide the latest evidence associated with treating recalcitrant cases. Recent findingsContemporary theory suggests calcific periarthritis is the result of a cellular-mediated process in which calcium is deposited and resorbed via a multiple phase process. Resorption is associated with an acute inflammatory response and is often the factor that prompts one to seek medical care. The majority of cases require nothing more than a combination of symptomatic care and benign neglect. A small percentage of cases require intervention to further stimulate deposit resorption. Moderate evidence exists for extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic cases related to deposits about the shoulder. Numerous case studies support the use of NSAIDs as an effective intervention for retropharyngeal periarthritis. If conservative interventions fail, surgery appears to be a viable option for symptom relief associated with rotator cuff calcific deposits. SummaryPeriarthritis is typically a symptom-limiting condition that resolves spontaneously. Numerous conservative treatment modalities each with varying levels of evidence exist for use in refractory cases. Future study is necessary to further refine the efficacy and parameters associated with available interventions.

Impact of pain on shoulder elevation velocity in patients with rotator cuff tears

Pain is routinely implicated as a factor when considering impaired movement in injured populations. Movement velocity is often considered during the rehabilitation process; unfortunately our understanding of pains impact on shoulder movement velocity in rotator cuff tear patients is less understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that there would be an increase in peak and mean shoulder elevation velocities following the decrease of shoulder pain in rotator cuff tear patients, regardless of tear size. Fifteen subjects with full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCT) performed humeral elevation and lowering in three planes before and after receiving a lidocaine injection to relieve pain. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale. Humeral elevation velocity data were collected using an electromagnetic tracking system. A significant reduction in pain (pre-injection 3.53 ± 1.99; post-injection 1.23 ± 1.43) resulted in significant increases in maximum and mean humeral elevation velocities. Mean shoulder elevation and lowering velocities increased 15.10 ± 2.45% while maximum shoulder movement velocities increased 12.77 ± 3.93%. Furthermore, no significant relationships were noted between tear size and movement velocity. These significant increases in movement velocity provide evidence to further support the notion that human motion can be inhibited by injury-associated pain, and that by reducing that pain through clinical interventions, human movement can be impacted in a positive fashion.

An Integer Programming Model for Optimizing Shoulder Rehabilitation

Strength restoration is one goal of shoulder rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair surgery. However, the time spent in a physical rehabilitation setting is limited. The objective of this study was to develop a novel mathematical formulation for determining the optimal shoulder rehabilitation exercise protocol to restore normal shoulder strength given a time-constrained rehabilitation session. Strength gain was modeled using a linear dose–response function and biomechanical parameters of the shoulder musculature. Two different objective functions were tested: (1) one based on a least squares support vector machine using healthy and pathologic shoulder strengths (normative objective function), and (2) one which seeks to match the strength of the contralateral shoulder (contralateral objective function). The normative objective function was subject-independent and the optimal protocol consisted of four sets each of adduction and external rotation. The contralateral objective function was subject-specific and the typical optimal protocol consisted of various set combinations of abduction and internal and external rotation. These results are only partially consistent with current practice. Improvement of the current model is dependent on a better understanding of strength training adaptation and shoulder rehabilitation.

Collecting shoulder kinematics with electromagnetic tracking systems and digital inclinometers: A review

The shoulder complex presents unique challenges for measuring motion as the scapula, unlike any other bony segment in the body, glides and rotates underneath layers of soft tissue and skin. The ability for clinicians and researchers to collect meaningful kinematic data is dependent on the reliability and validity of the instrumentation utilized. The aim of this study was to review the relevant literature pertaining to the reliability and validity of electromagnetic tracking systems (ETS) and digital inclinometers for assessing shoulder complex motion. Advances in technology have led to the development of biomechanical instrumentation, like ETS, that allow for the collection of three-dimensional kinematic data. The existing evidence has demonstrated that ETS are reliable and valid instruments for collecting static and dynamic kinematic data of the shoulder complex. Similarly, digital inclinometers have become increasingly popular among clinicians due to their cost effectiveness and practical use in the clinical setting. The existing evidence supports the use of digital inclinometers for the collection of shoulder complex kinematics as these instruments have been demonstrated to yield acceptable reliability and validity. While digital inclinometers pose a disadvantage to ETS regarding accuracy, precision, and are limited to two-dimensional and static measurements, this instrument provides clinically meaningful data that allow clinicians and researchers the ability to measure, monitor, and compare shoulder complex kinematics.

Reliability and Validity of a 1-Person Technique to Measure Humeral Torsion Using Ultrasound

CONTEXT   Knowledge of the bilateral difference in humeral torsion (HT) enables clinicians to implement appropriate interventions for soft tissue restrictions of the shoulder to restore rotational motion and reduce injury risk. Whereas the current ultrasound method for measuring HT requires 2 assessors, a more efficient 1-person technique (1PT) may be of value. OBJECTIVE   To determine if a 1PT is a reliable and valid alternative to the established 2-person technique (2PT) for indirectly measuring HT using ultrasound. DESIGN   Descriptive laboratory study. SETTING   Biomechanics laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS   A convenience sample of 16 volunteers (7 men, 9 women; age = 26.9 ± 6.8 years, height = 172.2 ± 10.7 cm, mass = 80.0 ± 13.3 kg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)   We collected the HT data using both the 1PT and 2PT from a total of 30 upper extremities (16 left, 14 right). Within-session intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient; ICC [3,1]) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were assessed for both techniques. Simple linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis were used to examine the validity of the 1PT when compared with the established 2PT. RESULTS   The 1PT (ICC [3,1] = 0.992, SEM = 0.8°) and 2PT (ICC [3,1] = 0.979, SEM = 1.1°) demonstrated excellent within-session intrarater reliability. A strong linear relationship was demonstrated between the HT measurements collected with both techniques ( r = 0.963, r2 = 0.928, F1,28 = 361.753, P < .001). A bias of -1.2° ± 2.6° was revealed, and the 95% limits of agreement indicated the 2 techniques can be expected to vary from -6.3° to 3.8°. CONCLUSIONS   The 1PT for measuring HT using ultrasound was a reliable and valid alternative to the 2PT. By reducing the number of testers involved, the 1PT may provide clinicians with a more efficient and practical means of obtaining these valuable clinical data. a.

Successful Removal of Football Helmet Face-Mask Clips After 1 Season of Use

CONTEXT Whereas many researchers have assessed the ability to remove loop straps in traditional face-mask attachment systems after at least 1 season of use, research in which the effectiveness of the Riddell Quick Release (QR) Face Guard Attachment System clip after 1 season has been assessed is limited. OBJECTIVE To examine the success rate of removing the QR clips after 1 season of use at the Football Championship Subdivision level. We hypothesized that 1 season of use would negatively affect the removal rate of the QR clip but repeated clip-removal trials would improve the removal rate. DESIGN Retrospective, quasi-experimental design. SETTING Controlled laboratory study. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Sixty-three football helmets from a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I university located in western Pennsylvania used during the 2008 season were tested. INTERVENTION(S) Three certified athletic trainers (2 men, 1 woman; age = 31.3 ± 3.06 years, time certified = 9.42 ± 2.65 years) attempted to remove the QR clips from each helmet with the tool provided by the manufacturer. Helmets then were reassembled to allow each athletic trainer to attempt clip removal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The dependent variables were total left clips removed (TCR-L), total right clips removed (TCR-R), and total clips removed (TCR). Success rate of clip removal (SRCR) also was assessed. RESULTS Percentages for TCR-L, TCR-R, and TCR were 100% (189 of 189), 96.30% (182 of 189), and 98.15% (371 of 378), respectively. A paired-samples t test revealed a difference between TCR-R and TCR-L (t(188) = 2.689, P = .008, μ(d) = 0.037, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.064, 0.010). The percentage for SRCR was 96.30% (n = 182), whereas SRCR percentages for trials 1, 2, and 3 were 95.24% (n = 60), 98.41% (n = 62), and 95.24% (n = 60), respectively, and did not represent a difference (F(2,186) = 0.588, P = .56, 95% (CI) = 0.94, 0.99). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated favorable and consistent success rates for QR clip removal after 1 season of use. Whereas the QR clip is an advancement in face-mask technology, continued examination of this system is required to ensure the highest level of function, allowing for effective management of the helmeted athlete.