Yukichi Kabuto

Arthroscopic decompression with indigo carmine for treating paralabral cysts in the shoulder

Paralabral cysts in the shoulder are a relatively rare pathology. It is sometimes difficult to detect the location of a paralabral cyst in the shoulder using arthroscopy, and it can be difficult to confirm sufficient decompression by arthroscopy. We describe the case of a 64-year-old woman who underwent arthroscopic decompression for a paralabral cyst in the shoulder. Indigo carmine was injected into the cyst under ultrasonography guidance just before the operation. The leakage point of indigo carmine was detected using arthroscopy. Arthroscopic decompression was performed until the indigo carmine was completely discharged. Her shoulder pain, limited range of motion, and muscle weakness during abduction and external rotation improved postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the disappearance of the cyst. Arthroscopic decompression using an ultrasonography-guided injection of indigo carmine is a useful treatment for a paralabral cyst in the shoulder.

Vascularity Visualized by Doppler Sonography as a Predictor of Healing Potential of the OCD of the Humeral Capitellum

Objectives: The significance of vascularity visualized by Doppler sonography in osteochondritis dissecance (OCD) lesion of the humeral capitellum is unclear. The objectives of this study were twofold: 1) to evaluate the relationship between Doppler ultrasound (US) signals observed in OCD lesion of the humeral capitellum and X-ray stage; 2) to determine if the presence of Doppler US signals in OCD lesion of the humeral capitellum could be the predictor of healing potential. Methods: Fifty patients with OCD of the humeral capitellum treated conservatively were enrolled in this study. During the conservative treatment period, Doppler sonography was performed on affected elbow to assess the presence of vascularity in the OCD lesion (Figure 1), and radiographic examination were evaluated on the same day to determine the X-ray stage (stage I: radiolucent stage, stage II: fragmentation stage, and stage III: loose body stage) of the OCD lesion (Figure 2). Radiographic examination of the elbow was examined after 6 weeks to evaluate the healing of the lesion. If the size of the lesion decreased or new bone formations were observed around the fragments, the healing of the lesion was considered to be improve. The χ2 test was used to determine if the presence of Doppler US signals were related to X-ray stage and the improvement of the healing. P < 0.05 was considered significant for all statistical analyses. Results: The Doppler US signals in OCD lesions were positive in 23 patients and negative in 27 patients. Of these patients, 19 were X-ray stage I, 17 were stage II, and 9 were stage III. The healing of OCD lesions improved in 78.2% for the positive Doppler US signal group, but only 18.5% for the negative Doppler US signal group (Figure 3). The presence of the Doppler US signal was significantly related to the improvement of healing (P = 0.00002). The Doppler US signal were positive in 78.9% for stage I, 36.4% for stage II, and 0.0% for stage III (Figure 4). The presence of Doppler US signal was significantly related to early X-ray stage (P = 0.0002). Conclusion: From this study, the presence of vascularity in the OCD lesion of the humeral capitellum is important for the improvement of healing during the conservative treatment period. The vascularity visualized by Doppler sonography could be a useful predictor for healing potential of the OCD of the humeral capitellum when treated conservatively.

Validity of radial magnetic resonance imaging to determine the extent of Bankart lesions

PURPOSE The objectives were to compare conventional oblique coronal and axial images with radial images to determine the capacities of these modalities for visualizing sites in the glenoid labrum. MATERIALS AND METHODS The glenoid labra of 45 patients without a labrum injury and 30 patients with Bankart lesions were examined by magnetic resonance imaging using three different sections. RESULTS The radial images permitted a greater range of assessment of the morphology of the glenoid labrum than the conventional images. CONCLUSION Radial magnetic resonance imaging is a useful method for evaluation of the glenoid labrum and enables wider visualization than conventional methods.

Experience Rate of Elbow Pain and Morphological Abnormality of Humeral Medial Epicondyle among Youth Baseball Players

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the experience rate of elbow pain and to clarify the relationship between morphological abnormality of the humeral medial epicondyle and positions among baseball players in elementary school (ES), junior high school (JHS) and high school (HS). Methods: In this study, 4353 baseball players who participated in our medical screening (2008-2015) were enrolled. There were 1545 players from ES, 1934 players from JHS, and 874 players from HS. We asked them to answer the questionnaire to investigate the experience of elbow pain, and the position they played. Ultrasonography of the humeral medial epicondyle was examined and irregularity, fragmentation, and malunion of the humeral medial epicondyle. The results were analyzed statistically. P < 0.05 was considered significant for all statistical analyses. Results: The experience rates of elbow pain among players in ES, JHS, and HS were 26.0%, 27.0%, and 68.3%. The rates of abnormality of humeral medial epicondyle among players in ES, JHS, and HS were 18.2%, 36.3%, and 39.9% (Table 1). The experience rate of elbow pain among pitchers and catchers was significantly higher than the fielders in ES (Table 2), however, there were no significant differences between positions in JHS and HS (Table 3,4). According to the rate of morphological abnormalities of humeral medial epicondyle, pitchers and catchers were significantly higher than fielders in ES, while only pitchers were significantly higher than the fielders in JHS and HS (Table 2,3,4). Conclusion: The experience rate of elbow pain among baseball players rose as the age increased, and the rate in HS was almost 70%. The rates of morphological abnormality of humeral medial epicondyle among pitchers and catchers were high and the tendency was observed from a young age. The primary prevention of elbow injuries in youth baseball players of all ages should be considered.