Joong-Bae Seo

Comparison of the Clinical Outcomes of Single- and Double-row Repairs in Rotator Cuff Tears

Background Although research has demonstrated the superiority of double-row rotator cuff repair over single-row methods from a biological and mechanical point of view, few studies have compared clinical outcome of the 2 methods, and no articles have been published describing the superiority of double-row methods in clinical aspects. Hypothesis Arthroscopic double-row repair of a rotator cuff tear has superior clinical outcome to single-row repair. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods The study included 78 patients operated on for full-thickness rotator cuff tears between May 2002 and May 2004. A single-row fixation method was used in the first consecutive 40 patients, and a double-row fixation method was used in the next consecutive 38 patients. The mean age at surgery was 56 years. At 2 years after surgery, final evaluation was done with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant scoring systems and the Shoulder Strength Index. The Shoulder Strength Index is a new evaluation method to estimate relative shoulder strength compared with the unaffected shoulder. Results At final follow-up, the average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were 91.6 in the single-row group and 93.0 in the double-row group. The Constant score was 76.7 in the single-row group and 80.0 in the double-row group. Functional outcome was improved in both groups after surgery, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. When the patients were further divided by size of tear, there was still no difference between the repair techniques in the patients with small to medium (<3 cm) tears. However, in patients with large to massive tears (>3 cm), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant scores and Shoulder Strength Index were all significantly better in the group that had double-row repair. Conclusion Small to medium rotator cuff tears should be repaired with the single-row method, and large to massive tears should be repaired with the double-row method.

The Outcomes of Arthroscopic Repair Versus Debridement for Chronic Unstable Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears in Patients Undergoing Ulnar-Shortening Osteotomy.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare the results of arthroscopic peripheral repair (AR) and arthroscopic debridement (AD) for the treatment of chronic unstable triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears in ulnar-positive patients undergoing ulnar-shortening osteotomy (USO). METHODS A total of 31 patients who underwent arthroscopic treatments combined with USO for unstable TFCC tears and were followed-up at a minimum of 24 months were included in this retrospective cohort study. Fifteen patients were treated with AR, and 16 patients were treated with AD while at the same time undergoing a USO. Outcome measures included wrist range of motion, grip strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores, and overall outcomes according to the modified Mayo wrist scoring system. In addition, a stress test to assess distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability was performed before and after surgery to compare the 2 cohorts. RESULTS Both respective cohorts showed significant improvements in grip strength and subjective scores at the final follow-up. Grip strength, DASH, and PRWE scores were better in the AR group than in the AD group. The recovery rate from DRUJ instability observed during the preoperative examination was superior in the AR group. CONCLUSIONS Both AD and AR of the TFCC combined with USO are reliable procedures with satisfactory clinical outcomes for unstable TFCC tears in ulnar-positive patients. However, AR of the TFCC is suggested if DRUJ stability is concomitantly compromised. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic IV.

What Is the Most Effective Eccentric Stretching Position in Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy

Background A variety of treatment options suggest that the optimal treatment strategy for lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is not known, and further research is needed to discover the most effective treatment for LET. The purpose of the present study was to verify the most effective position of eccentric stretching for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) in vivo using ultrasonic shear wave elastography. Methods A total of 20 healthy males participated in this study. Resting position was defined as 90° elbow flexion and neutral position of the forearm and wrist. Elongation of the ECRB was measured for four stretching maneuvers (forearm supination/pronation and wrist extension/flexion) at two elbow angles (90° flexion and full extension). The shear elastic modulus, used as the index of muscle elongation, was computed using ultrasonic shear wave elastography for the eight aforementioned stretching maneuverangle combinations. Results The shear elastic modulus was the highest in elbow extension, forearm pronation, and wrist flexion. The shear elastic moduli of wrist flexion with any forearm and elbow position were significantly higher than the resting position. There was no significant difference associated with elbow and forearm positions except for elbow extension, forearm pronation, and wrist flexion positions. Conclusions This study determined that elbow extension, forearm pronation, and wrist flexion was the most effective eccentric stretching for the ECRB in vivo.

Comments on the Article “What Is the Most Effective Eccentric Stretching Position in Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy?”: In Reply

Joong-Bae Seo, Sung-Hyun Yoon, Joon-Yeul Lee, Jun-Kyom Kim, Jae-Sung Yoo, Reply: We thank Dr. Stasinopoulos for your interest in our recent paper published in March 2018 issue of Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery. We would like to answer to the specific points raised by Dr. Stasinopoulos in the letter as follows. First, we agree with you that the proper term should be passive stretching. We feel sorry if the term caused confusion among readers; however, we had the paper reviewed by native English speakers in an attempt to minimize Englishrelated errors. Second, measurement of the optimal time of stretching was not performed according to Umehara et al. Any suggestion on the optimal time of stretching would be helpful. Third, the stretching maneuver was performed by an orthopedic fellow. Although he was not an expert in passive stretching, the maneuver of extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) stretching was relatively simple. Fourth, we agree with you on the need for evaluation of lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) patients. We already addressed the issue in the limitation section of the paper. However, the purpose of this study was to figure out the most effective stretching position, not the therapeutic effect of LET patients. Lastly, we are also aware that the stretching protocol was not newly developed. However, this study is the first objective in vivo study to figure out the most effective stretching position of ECRB with elastography. Again, we thank Dr. Stasinopoulos for the letter to the editor, we will take consideration into your valuable suggestion in our further study.

Editorial Commentary: The Practical Goal of Arthroscopic Osteosynthesis for the Treatment of Unstable Scaphoid Nonunion

Arthroscopic reduction with osteosynthesis using bone grafting has become a successful alternative to open techniques for the treatment of chronically unstable scaphoid nonunions. Several studies have demonstrated that arthroscopic techniques are safe and reproducible in addition to causing less soft tissue damage and providing promising short- and mid-term results. However, these techniques have limitations in restoring normal carpal alignment, especially in patients with unstable scaphoid nonunion and carpal collapse deformities, although this does not affect the recovery of clinical function. Therefore, the practical goal of arthroscopic technique should be kept in mind when treating unstable scaphoid nonunions.