Objective To compare effectiveness of injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with different concentrations of leukocytes under ultrasound in treatment of supraspinatus tendon injury. Methods A clinical data of 30 patients with supraspinatus tendon injury, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between December 2022 and December 2023, was retrospectively analyzed. Thirty patients were treated with 4 injections of leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP, n=10), leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP, n=11), and triamcinolone (n=9), with an interval of 7-10 days between each injection. There was no significant difference between groups (P>0.05) in the age, gender, disease duration, affected shoulder side, Ellman classification, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Constant score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. At 1, 3, and 6 months after injection, the shoulder pain and function were evaluated by using the VAS score, Constant score, DASH score, and ASES score. MRI was conducted to observe supraspinatus tendon healing. Results No severe adverse reactions was observed in all groups. All patients were followed up 6-7 months, with an average of 6.5 months. After injection, the ASES score and Constant score gradually increased in the LR-PRP group and LP-PRP group, while the VAS score and DASH score decreased, with significant differences compared to before injection (P<0.05). Except for no significant difference between 3 and 6 months after injection in LR-PRP group (P>0.05), the above scores showed significant differences between different time points (P<0.05). At 1 month after injection, the Constant score in triamcinolone group significantly increased compared to before injection, while the VAS score significantly decreased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in all scores between other time points in the triamcinolone group (P>0.05). Except for 1 month after injection, there was no significant difference in Constant score and VAS score between groups (P>0.05). At all other time points, the LR-PRP group and LP-PRP group had better scores than the triamcinolone group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the LR-PRP group and the LP-PRP group (P>0.05). MRI showed that only 4 patients in the LP-PRP group had signs of repair at the supraspinatus tendon injury site at 6 months after injection, while no significant tendon repair sign was observed in the other patients. Conclusion Compared with triamcinolone treatment, multiple injections of LP-PRP and LR-PRP under ultrasound can promote the recovery of shoulder joint function and significantly relieve pain in patients with supraspinatus tendon injury, and imaging improvement can be seen after LP-PRP treatment.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of proximal humerus internal locking system (PHILOS) plate combined with rotator cuff reinforcement suture in the treatment of Neer type Ⅳ proximal humerus fracture. MethodsThe clinical data of 48 patients with proximal humeral fractures admitted between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 18 males and 30 females. The age ranged from 28 to 69 years (mean, 56.3 years). The causes of injury included falling in 39 cases and traffic accident in 9 cases. The time from injury to operation was 2-5 days (mean, 2.8 days). All of them were Neer type Ⅳ proximal humerus fractures, including 11 patients with dislocation. All patients underwent internal fixation with a PHILOS plate after anatomical reduction of the greater nodule, and the rotator cuff was sutured to the plate to reinforce fixation. The operation time was recorded, the wound healing, fracture healing, and complications were observed. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Constant-Murley shoulder score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score were used to evaluate shoulder function before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up. Results The operation time ranged from 65 to 90 minutes (mean, 76.9 minutes). All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 9-16 months (mean, 12 months). Fracture reduction was good and all fractures healed, the healing time was 2-6 months (mean, 4.6 months). There was no complication such as subacromial impingement, fracture redisplacement, and screw removal during follow-up. One patient had humeral head necrosis, but the basic function of the shoulder joint was acceptable, the symptoms were mild, and no treatment was performed. At 3 months after operation, the upper limb function of the patients basically recovered. The VAS score, Constant-Murley score, UCLA score, and ASES score significantly improved at 3 months after operation and at last follow-up when compared with preoperative, and further improved at last follow-up than at 3 months after operation (P<0.05). ConclusionPHILOS plate combined with rotator cuff reinforcement suture in the treatment of Neer type Ⅳ proximal humerus fracture has the advantages of promoting early postoperative rehabilitation exercise, improving postoperative function of shoulder joint, and reducing complications.
ObjectiveTo establish a model of chronic rotator cuff injury by inducing subacromial impingement syndrome in rats, so as to lay a foundation for further study on the mechanism and treatment of chronic rotator cuff injury. MethodsThe polyether-ether-ketone implants were designed and made with three-dimensional printing technique. In 48 male Sprague Dawley rats[weighing, (277.25±22.03) g], one shoulder joint was selected randomly as the experimental group; in the experimental group, the implant was pierced into shoulder joint close tothe acromion medial side and was pierced out under acromion close to the deltoid trailing edge; the penetratingpartof implant was cut off after the implanting part was fixed with 4# braided silk suture. No any treatment was performed on the contralateral shoulder of 24 rats as control group; and the implants were immediately removed after they were pierced into the contralateral shoulder joint of the other 24 rats as sham-operation group. All the rats were exposed to 30 minutes of downhill running at 17 m/minute (-13.5°) every day at 4 days after operation and the general condition of rats was observed. At 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after operation, 12 rats were sacrificed to collect shoulder joint samples. The hardtissueslices was used for VanGieson staining and histological observation of the supraspinatus tendon. ResultsAll ratssurvived to the end of experiment, without infection.The rats suffered limp at 2-3 daysafter operation, and the gait of most rats returned to normal at 4 days after operation.The histological results showed that the supraspinatus tendon had smooth edge, without split layers or breakage in the control group and sham-operation group. In the experimental group, the implants were positioned accurately without dislocation; 4 kinds of typical pathological changes were observed. Partial-thickness tear on bursal side appeared at 2 weeks (5 rats) and 4 weeks (2 rats), showing no significant difference between at 2 and 4 weeks (P > 0.05); intratendinous gap formed mainly at 4 weeks (10 rats) and 6 weeks (11 rats), showing significant differences when compared with that at 2 weeks (2 rats) (P < 0.05) and 8 weeks (2 rats) (P < 0.05); partial-thickness tear on articular side mainly appeared at 6 weeks (8 rats), showing significant difference when compared with that at other time points (P < 0.05); full-thickness tear was found mainly at 8 weeks (10 rats), showing significant differences when compared with that at other time points (P < 0.05). ConclusionA model of chronic rotator cuff injury is successfully established in rats through microinvasive implantation of subacromial impingement syndrome inducing implants and the pathological changes in this model are highly similar to the clinical pathological progress.
Objective To review the progress in the treatment and research of massive rotator cuff tears. Methods Recent l iteratures about the treatment and research of massive rotator cuff tears were reviewed. Results Treatment options of massive rotator cuff tears include nonoperative treatment, debridement, direct repair, tendon transfer, and repair with various substitutes, but the outcome is unpredictable. Recently, many experimental studies on the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears, such as gene therapy, cell therapy, and tissue engineering techniques, can provide cl inicians with new treatment strategies. Conclusion The treatment of massive rotator cuff tears pose a distinct cl inical challenge for the orthopaedist, depending on the overall presentation. The effect of traditional operation method to repair massive rotator cuff tears is limited. The treatment and research of massive rotator cuff tears still need to be studied.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of tendon insertion medialized repair in treatment of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears (L/MRCT). Methods The clinical and imaging data of 46 L/MRCT patients who underwent arthroscopic insertion medialized repair between October 2015 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 26 males and 20 females with an average age of 57.7 years (range, 40-75 years). There were 20 cases of large rotator cuff tears and 26 cases of massive rotator cuff tears. Preoperative imaging evaluation included fatty infiltration (Goutallier grade), tendon retraction (modified Patte grade), supraspinatus tangent sign, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and postoperative medializaiton length and tendon integrity. The clinical outcome was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Society for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (ASES) score, shoulder range of motion (including anteflexion and elevation, lateral external, and internal rotation) and anteflexion and elevation muscle strength before and after operation. The patients were divided into two groups (the intact tendon group and the re-teared group) according to the integrity of the tendon after operation. According to the medializaiton length, the patients were divided into group A (medialization length ≤10 mm) and group B (medialization length >10 mm). The clinical function and imaging indexes of the patients were compared. Results All patients were followed up 24-56 months, with an average of 31.8 months. At 1 year after operation, MRI showed that the medializaiton length of supraspinatus tendon was 5-15 mm, with an average of 10.26 mm, 33 cases in group A and 13 cases in group B. Eleven cases (23.91%) had re-teared, including 5 cases (45.45%) of Sugaya type Ⅳ and 6 cases (54.55%) of Sugaya type Ⅴ. At last follow-up, the VAS score, ASES score, shoulder anteflexion and elevation range of motion, lateral external rotation range of motion, and anteflexion and elevation muscle strength significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in internal rotation range of motion between pre- and post-operation (P>0.05). The Goutallier grade and modified Patte grade of supraspinatus muscle in the re-teared group were significantly higher than those in the intact tendon group, and the AHD was significantly lower than that in the intact tendon group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). Except that the ASES score of the intact tendon group was significantly higher than that of the re-teared group (P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the other postoperative clinical functional indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of re-tear, VAS score, ASES score, range of motion of shoulder joint, and anteflexion and elevation muscle strength between group A and group B (P>0.05). ConclusionTendon insertion medialized repair may be useful in cases with L/MRCT, and shows good postoperative shoulder function. Neither tendon integrity nor medialization length shows apparent correlations with postoperative shoulder function.
Objective To observe and evaluate the short-term effectiveness of superior capsular reconstruction using autologous fascia lata graft for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears. Methods The clinical data of 9 patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears treated with arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction by using autologous fascia lata graft between September 2019 and April 2020 were retrospectively analysed. There were 4 males and 5 females with a median age of 66 years (range, 55-70 years). The disease duration was 6-60 months with an average of 19.1 months. According to Hamada classification, the patients were classified as grade 1 in 2 cases, grade 2 in 2 cases, grade 3 in 2 cases, and grade 4 in 3 cases. Before and after operation, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the improvement of shoulder joint pain, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score, and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder function score were used to evaluate the improvement of shoulder joint function. The active range of motion of shoulder joint was recorded, including forward flexion, abduction, lateral external rotation, and internal rotation. The changes of subacromial space were recorded by anteroposterior X-ray film of shoulder joint. Sugaya classification was used to judge the integrity of rotator cuff immediately after operation and at last follow-up. ResultsThe operation time was 210-380 minutes, with an average of 302.3 minutes. All incisions healed by first intention after operation, and there was no complication such as infection and nonunion of incisions. Two patients had numbness of the upper limbs on the surgical side after operation, and the numbness completely relieved at 6 weeks after operation; 5 cases with preoperative pseudoparalysis symptoms recovered after operation. Nine patients were followed up 12-17 months, with an average of 14.1 months. At last follow-up, the patient’s active range of motion of shoulder joint (forward flexion, abduction, lateral external rotation, and internal rotation), subacromial space distance, VAS score, ASES score, Constant score, and UCLA score significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the Sugaya classification between at last follow-up and immediately after operation (Z=−1.633, P=0.102). ConclusionSuperior capsular reconstruction using autologous fascia lata graft can restore the superior stability and achieve a good short-term effectiveness for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears.
Objective To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by meta-analysis. Methods Randomized controlled trials evaluating the clinical effectiveness and safety of TXA use in the perioperative period of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were identified from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database, with a search time span from the inception of the database to August 2024. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software, and mean difference (MD) and risk difference (RD) were used as measures of effect size. Results A total of 7 randomized controlled trials were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated significant differences in good visual clarity [MD=9.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) (4.05, 14.15), P=0.0004] and operative time [MD=−12.07 min, 95%CI (−17.21, −6.93) min, P<0.00001]. There was no significant difference in mean arterial pressure [MD=−1.08 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa), 95%CI (−3.13, 0.98) mm Hg, P=0.30] or adverse event rate [RD=0.02, 95%CI (−0.01, 0.06), P=0.22] between the two groups. Conclusion TXA is effective and safe in enhancing visual clarity and significantly reducing operative time in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, without increasing the incidence of adverse events.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of the arthroscopic separate double-layer suture bridge technique in treatment of the delaminated rotator cuff tear. Methods Between May 2013 and May 2015, 54 patients with the delaminated rotator cuff tears were recruited in the study. They were randomly allocated into 2 groups to receive repair either using arthroscopic separate double-layer suture bridge technique (trial group, n=28) or using arthroscopic whole-layer suture bridge technique (control group, n=26). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injured side, tear type, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Constants score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and the range of motion of shoulder joint between 2 groups (P>0.05). Postoperative functional scores, range of motion, and recurrence rate of tear in 2 groups were observed and compared. Results The operation time was significant longer in trial group than in control group (t=8.383, P=0.000). All incisions healed at stage Ⅰ without postoperative complication. All the patients were followed up 12 months. At 12 months postoperatively, the UCLA score, ASES score, VAS score, Constant score, and the range of motion were significantly improved when compared with the preoperative values in 2 groups (P<0.05). However there was no significant difference in above indexes between 2 groups (P>0.05). Four cases (14.3%) of rotator cuff tear recurred in trial group while 5 cases (19.2%) in control group, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.237, P=0.626). Conclusion Compared with the arthroscopic whole-layer suture bridge technique, arthroscopic separate double-layer suture bridge technique presents no significant difference in the shoulder function score, the range of motion, and recurrence of rotator cuff tear, while having a longer operation time.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress of the greater tubercle fixation and the rotator cuff repair in humeral head replacement.MethodsThe literature about proximal humerus fracture and humeral head replacement in recent years was extensively consulted and analyzed.ResultsThe greater tubercle fixation and the attached rotator cuff repair have great influence on the function of shoulder joint after humeral head replacement. It is difficult to make an objective comparison because of lack of direct comparison between various methods, unified standards of grading, and limited number of cases.ConclusionIt is an important factor of reduction and fixation of greater tubercle to obtain better effectiveness in humeral head replacement. However, one-stage repair of rotator cuff is more important than greater tubercle fixation for functional recovery of shoulder joint.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) transposition combined with Swivelock anchor double fixation in treatment of massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears. Methods Between June 2019 and November 2021, 25 patients with massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears were treated by arthroscopic LHBT transposition combined with Swivelock anchor double fixation. There were 12 males and 13 females. The age ranged from 47 to 74 years (mean, 62.4 years). The disease duration ranged from 1 to 62 months (median, 7 months). The rotator cuff tears were classified as Hamada grade 2 in 25 cases and Goutallier grade 1 in 2 cases, grade 2 in 22 cases, and grade 3 in 1 case. Pre- and post-operative shoulder range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and Constant-Murley score were recorded. Postoperative complications were observed. The reconstructed tissue integrity was confirmed by MRI. Results All operations were successfully completed. The operation time was 120-330 minutes (mean, 189.6 minutes). All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 10-36 months (mean, 22.0 months). At last follow-up, the ROM in forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation, VAS score, UCLA score, and Constant-Murley score were superior to those before operation, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). According to UCLA scoring standard, shoulder joint function was rated as excellent in 5 cases, good in 18 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 92.0%. No other complications occurred except shoulder joint adhesion in 2 cases. At last follow-up, MRI examination showed no retear of rotator cuff, and LHBT was intact. Conclusion For massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears, arthroscopic LHBT transposition combined with Swivelock anchor double fixation can increase the force of pressing the humeral head, effectively relieve the pain, improve the ROM of joints, maximize the recovery of shoulder function, and do not increase the number of anchor nails.