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At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Ultrasound therapy for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Although ultrasound therapy is used to treat calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, its efficacy has not been rigorously evaluated. We conducted a randomized, double-blind comparison of ultrasonography and sham insonation in patients with symptomatic calcific tendinitis verified by radiography. Patients were assigned to receive 24 15-minute sessions of either pulsed ultrasound (frequency, 0.89 MHz; intensity, 2.5 W per square centimeter; pulsed mode, 1:4) or an indistinguishable sham treatment to the area over the calcification. The first 15 treatments were given daily (five times per week), and the remainder were given three times a week for three weeks. Randomization was conducted according to shoulders rather than patients, so a patient with bilateral tendinitis might receive either or both therapies. RESULTS: We enrolled 63 consecutive patients (70 shoulders). Fifty-four patients (61 shoulders) completed the study. There were 32 shoulders in the ultrasound-treatment group and 29 in the sham-treatment group. After six weeks of treatment, calcium deposits had resolved in six shoulders (19 percent) in the ultrasound-treatment group and decreased by at least 50 percent in nine shoulders (28 percent), as compared with respective values of zero and three (10 percent) in the sham-treatment group (P=0.003). At the nine-month follow-up visit, calcium deposits had resolved in 13 shoulders (42 percent) in the ultrasound-treatment group and improved in 7 shoulders (23 percent), as compared with respective values of 2 (8 percent) and 3 (12 percent) in the sham-treatment group (P=0.002). At the end of treatment, patients who had received ultrasound treatment had greater decreases in pain and greater improvements in the quality of life than those who had received sham treatment; at nine months, the differences between the groups were no longer significant. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, ultrasound treatment helps resolve calcifications and is associated with short-term clinical improvement.

Calcinosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Shoulder function after arthroscopic anterior stabilization of the glenohumeral joint using an absorbable tac.

Among the advantages of arthroscopic stabilization could be less loss of range of motion and, with that, better functional outcome. In each of 24 shoulders, arthroscopic anterior repair of instability was performed through use of cannulated resorbable tacs (Suretacs), and the clinical outcome, especially the function, was examined in 20 shoulders after a mean follow-up of 3.4 years. The study included a retrospective analysis of 10 shoulders with documented recurrent anterior dislocations, 3 shoulders with posttraumatic subluxations, and 7 shoulders with painful apprehension and unequivocally clear Bankart lesions at arthroscopy. The evaluation of the recurrent dislocators revealed recurrence in 20%, residual instability in 10%, and a mean loss of external rotation of 28.5 degrees. No recurrence or residual instability was encountered in the other 2 groups. Mean loss of external rotation was 15 degrees in the group of subluxators and 20 degrees in the group of painful shoulders with intraoperatively evident instability. Through use of the Rowe score, failure was found in 30% of the dislocators; no failures were noted in the other groups. The painful shoulders with intraoperatively evident instability had significantly (P < .05) better Rowe scores than shoulders that had documented dislocation. Our series confirmed a relatively high failure rate for arthroscopic anterior stabilization of recurrent anterior dislocators. Our series did not confirm that arthroscopically successfully stabilized shoulders recover full function and mobility. In the light of the relatively high rate of residual instability and incomplete functional recovery in successfully stabilized shoulders, we have discontinued use of this technique for the treatment of recurrent dislocators.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The natural course of atraumatic shoulder instability.

Over the years, we have observed a shifting among loose shoulder, voluntary dislocation, habitual dislocation, and sustained subluxation, leading us to the conclusion that they are all varieties of the same condition: atraumatic shoulder instability. For this study, we followed the natural course of atraumatic shoulder instability in 341 patients (573 shoulders) for 3 years or more. There were 467 cases of loose shoulder, 49 cases of voluntary dislocation, 56 cases of habitual dislocation, and 1 case of sustained subluxation. The average follow-up period was 4 years and 6 months. Spontaneous recovery occurred in 50 cases. The average age of patients at the onset of atraumatic shoulder instability who exhibited a change in instability was 14.6 years. The average age of patients at the onset of atraumatic shoulder instability who exhibited no change in shoulder instability was 19.4 years. There was a significant difference of P < .01 in the age of onset between these two groups. The incidence of spontaneous recovery in the group that discontinued overhead sports was 8.7 times greater than in the group that continued to play overhead sports. The incidence of spontaneous recovery in the group that discontinued non-overhead sports was only 1.4 times greater than in the group that continued to play non-overhead sports. However, no instance of spontaneous recovery was observed among patients who changed from playing non-overhead sports to playing overhead sports. The spontaneous recovery of atraumatic shoulder instability encountered in this study shows that it is best to place priority on observing the course of atraumatic shoulder instability for several years and to avoid performing unnecessary surgery.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Patients' expectations of shoulder surgery.

Patients' preoperative expectations of shoulder surgery affect both the decision to proceed with surgery and how patients assess outcomes of surgery. Our goals were to identify patients' expectations of shoulder surgery, to develop and test a patient-derived shoulder surgery expectations survey, and to determine the prevalence of major expectations by diagnosis. An initial sample of 409 patients (mean age, 51 +/- 17 years; 58% men) with diverse shoulder diagnoses were asked open-ended questions preoperatively about their expectations of shoulder surgery. Their responses were grouped into 38 categories including the following: pain relief, increasing range of motion, improving the ability to wash and dress, returning to sports, improving the ability to interact and care for others, and for the shoulder to be back to the way it was before shoulder symptoms started. Expectations varied by demographic characteristics, diagnosis, and functional status measured by the L'Insalata Shoulder Rating Questionnaire and the Short Form 36. The most frequently cited categories were then assembled into closed-format questions to form a draft survey. A second sample of 100 patients with diverse shoulder diagnoses completed the draft survey on 2 separate occasions to establish test-retest reliability. Items retained to form the final survey were frequently cited, represented clinically relevant or potentially unrealistic expectations, and had concordance levels of 0.40 to 0.83 measured by the kappa statistic (71% had kappa >or= 0.60). The final 17-item Hospital for Special Surgery Shoulder Surgery Expectations Survey requires less than 5 minutes to complete. This patient-derived, self-administered survey has several possible uses in daily clinical practice, such as providing a way to learn about the patient's perspectives, providing the orthopaedist with a template to guide a formal discussion about realistic and unrealistic goals, and providing a prospective record that can be used jointly by the orthopaedist and patient postoperatively to assess the outcome of surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Modern cement technique and the survivorship of total shoulder arthroplasty.

Thirty-eight consecutive Neer II total shoulder arthroplasties were performed in 35 patients by one surgeon using the so called modem cement technique and followed for a mean of 5 years (range, 2-9.5 years). The preoperative diagnosis was osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis in 22 shoulders, rheumatoid arthritis in 10 shoulders, and posttraumatic arthritis in 6 shoulders. The components were implanted using specific improved techniques for cement fixation initially described for total hip arthroplasty. Twenty-six metal-backed and 12 polyethylene glenoid components were used. The humeral component was implanted with cement in 32 shoulders. There were no intraoperative fractures or postoperative neurapraxias. At most recent followup, 36 shoulders had no or slight pain with activity. The mean increase in active forward elevation was 38 degrees and in active external rotation was 29 degrees. There have been no revisions, and all components remain in place. With failure defined as definite radiographic loosening of the components, there was 97% survivorship at 5 years, and 93% at 8 years. Radiolucent lines around more than 50% of the bone cement interface of the humeral component were present in only 3 shoulders. Radiolucent lines around more than 50% of the bone cement interface of the glenoid component were seen in only 2 shoulders. Both components in 1 severely osteopenic shoulder had a complete radiolucent line and a change in position. Meticulous attention to cement technique may improve the long term survival of cemented total shoulder arthroplasty components.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

A study of shoulder motions as a control source for adolescents with C4 level SCI.

This study quantitatively examined and compared the shoulder motions of C4 level spinal cord injury (SCI), C5 level SCI, and able-bodied persons as a command source. The study was motivated by both the success of shoulder control in functional electrical stimulation (FES) systems designed for C5 level SCI people and the lack of quantitative information on the shoulder motion of persons with C4 level SCI. A dual-axis transducer was used to monitor the elevation/depression and protraction/retraction angles of each subject's shoulder while they performed three experimental sections which examined: the range of active shoulder motion; the ability to move incrementally to discrete positions with the aid of visual feedback; and the ability to hold discrete shoulder positions for an extended period without visual feedback. Results indicated that each group had the largest average shoulder displacements (abled = 23 degrees +/- 4 degrees, C5's = 14 degrees +/- 3 degrees, and C4's = 9 degrees +/- 3 degrees) while attempting to elevate and that on average the C4 group had the smallest range of active shoulder motion. No statistically significant differences between the groups were found in either the accuracy or stability of reaching discrete positions with the aid of visual feedback or in the accuracy of holding discrete shoulder positions for an extended period without visual feedback. The results suggest that within their limited range of motion the individuals with C4 level SCI retained shoulder control sufficient for use as an neuroprosthetic command interface.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

The clinical picture of the painful diabetic shoulder--natural history, social consequences and analysis of concomitant hand syndrome.

Sixty diabetic patients with shoulder pain were followed in order to trace the natural history of the disease. The triad of painful shoulder, hand syndrome and restricted hip joint mobility was strongly correlated to the duration of diabetes and retinopathy. Painful shoulder with restricted mobility (58%) and tendinitis (28%) predominated. Hand syndrome was found in 62% and restricted hip joint mobility in 42%. Ninety percent of painful shoulders with restricted mobility had difficulties in the activities of daily living in the acute phase. There was functional limitation of shoulder mobility in 17% of painful shoulders with restricted mobility at the end of the study. The duration of diabetes and the duration of shoulder symptoms were correlated. In 25%, working capacity was affected by the painful shoulder. A serious risk of developing shoulder symptoms persisting for more than 2 years was associated with insulin treatment, diabetes lasting more than 10 years, proliferative retinopathy and painful shoulder with restricted mobility.

Diabetes Complications↗
PubMed2006

Shoulder terminal range eccentric antagonist/concentric agonist strength ratios in overhead athletes.

OBJECTIVE: The agonist-antagonist strength relationship for shoulder external rotation and internal rotation was formerly described by the relatively more functional ratios of eccentric external rotator to concentric internal rotator moments, and eccentric internal rotator to concentric external rotator moments for the entire range of motion. The aim of this study was to provide descriptive data for terminal range eccentric antagonist/concentric agonist rotator cuff strength in overhead athletes. METHOD: The dominant and non-dominant shoulders of 40 asymptomatic military overhead athletes were tested through a range of 20 degrees of external rotation to 90 degrees of internal rotation using the Cybex NORM isokinetic dynamometer at a speed of 90 degrees /s. Differences between the dominant and non-dominant shoulders were assessed using the paired samples t-test. RESULTS: The terminal range ratios during external rotation (20 degrees of internal rotation - 10 degrees of external rotation) were found to be 2.09 and 1.58 for the dominant and non-dominant shoulders, respectively, whereas the terminal range ratios during internal rotation (60-90 degrees of internal rotation) were 1.03 and 1.19 for the dominant and non-dominant shoulders, respectively. These ratio differences between the dominant and non-dominant shoulders were significant (P<0.01 for external and internal rotation). CONCLUSION: The muscle torque ratios of eccentric antagonist/concentric agonist are different between dominant and non-dominant shoulders of skilled overhead athletes at terminal ranges. This functional assessment of strength testing that reflects dynamic shoulder joint stability during the throwing activity at these specific ranges may provide valuable information either during preventive exercise programs or in the evaluation of the injured shoulder of the overhead athlete. We recommended functional exercises that improve eccentric external rotation strength on the dominant shoulder during the rehabilitation and prevention programs in overhead athletes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Measurement of shoulder related disability: results of a validation study.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a questionnaire to quantify disability associated with shoulder symptoms. METHODS: A set of questions relevant to shoulder symptoms from a general disability interview was developed and the questionnaire applied to a cross-sectional population survey and a prospective study of general practice attenders. Subjects included adults who reported current shoulder pain in a population survey and patients from three general practices who attended with shoulder symptoms during a six month period. The main outcome measures were: frequency of problems with daily living related to shoulder symptoms, total score on 22-item disability questionnaire, and measures of shoulder movement. RESULTS: A higher proportion (80%) of patients attending their general practitioner with shoulder symptoms had five or more disabilities compared with subjects reporting shoulder pain in a community survey (34%). The ranked frequency with which each disability was reported was similar in the two groups, although sleep disturbance was the most common problem in consulters. Self-reported disability is correlated with measures of restricted shoulder movement. CONCLUSION: This disability questionnaire was simple to complete and should prove useful for both general practice and population-based studies of shoulder pain.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1996

The capsular imbrication procedure for recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder.

One hundred and thirty-eight patients (142 shoulders) who had recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder that was unresponsive to a specific physician-directed rehabilitation program were managed with an anatomical capsular imbrication reconstruction. The procedure included repair of the capsulolabral injury, when present, and reinforcement of the anteroinferior capsular ligaments with an imbrication technique that decreases the over-all capsular volume. The shoulders were divided into two groups: 108 shoulders in which the recurrent instability was related to a defined traumatic episode (Group I) and thirty-four shoulders with no distinct history of trauma (Group II). The anatomical capsular imbrication was the primary procedure in ninety shoulders and was used to treat at least one failed previous reconstruction in fifty-two shoulders. According to the grading system of Rowe et al., 93 per cent (132) of the shoulders had a good or excellent result at an average of five years (range, two or twelve years) after the operation. The results after a previous failed reconstruction were especially encouraging. Of the fifty-two shoulders that had had at least one previous reconstructive procedure, forty had an excellent result, five had a good result, four had a fair result, and three had a poor result. The results of this study suggest that this procedure restores stability while preserving a functional range of motion in patients who have symptomatic recurrent anterior instability of the shoulders, regardless of the etiology.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Revision total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of glenoid arthrosis.

The development of painful glenoid arthrosis is the most common reason for reoperation after replacement of the humeral head. We performed twenty-two revision total shoulder arthroplasties, between 1983 and 1992, for the treatment of painful glenoid arthrosis in shoulders that had a prosthetic replacement of the humeral head. Eighteen shoulders (seventeen patients) were included in the study as their preoperative and operative records were complete and they had been followed for at least two years (mean, 5.5 years; range, 2.3 to 10.0 years). The indications for the hemiarthroplasty were trauma (ten shoulders), osteoarthrosis (four), rheumatoid arthritis (two), and osteonecrosis secondary to the use of steroids (two). The mean interval between the hemiarthroplasty and the total shoulder replacement was 4.4 years (range, 0.8 to 12.7 years). The mean score for pain in the shoulder decreased from 4.3 points before the revision to 2.2 points after it (p = 0.0001). The mean active abduction increased from 94 degrees before the revision to 124 degrees after it (p = 0.01), and the mean external rotation increased from 32 to 58 degrees (p = 0.007). Two shoulders needed another operation after the revision because of a late infection in one and particulate synovitis associated with instability in the other. With the numbers available for study, we did not detect a significant difference in pain relief and range of motion with respect to gender, diagnosis, subluxation, or the presence of periprosthetic radiolucency. Our findings indicate that most patients with painful glenoid arthrosis after a hemiarthroplasty have marked pain relief and improvement in motion after revision to a total shoulder replacement. However, seven of the eighteen shoulders that had this procedure had an unsatisfactory result due to a limited range of motion or the need for a subsequent operation. Therefore, long-term studies are necessary to evaluate the durability of total shoulder replacement in this group of patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty for glenohumeral arthritis associated with severe rotator cuff deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of shoulders with glenohumeral arthritis and severe rotator cuff deficiency has been reported to provide reasonable clinical results. The purposes of this study were to determine the clinical and radiographic results of hemiarthroplasty for this condition and to identify pathological and technical factors that may influence its outcome. METHODS: Thirty patients (thirty-three shoulders) managed with hemiarthroplasty because of glenohumeral arthritis and a massive, irreparable tear of the rotator cuff were followed for an average of five years (range, two to eleven years). Eight shoulders had undergone a prior acromioplasty and resection of the coracoacromial ligament. A small prosthetic head was used in three shoulders; a medium head, in twenty-six; and a large head, in four. Clinical results were graded according to the limited-goals criteria of Neer et al. RESULTS: The mean pain score decreased from 4.2 points preoperatively to 2.2 points at the time of the most recent follow-up (p = 0.0001). However, at the time of the most recent follow-up, nine shoulders (27%) had moderate pain at rest (four shoulders) or pain with activity (five shoulders). Mean active elevation improved from 72 degrees (range, 30 degrees to 150 degrees) to 91 degrees (range, 40 degrees to 165 degrees) (p = 0.008). Anterosuperior instability occurred in seven shoulders and was associated with a history of subacromial decompression (p = 0.04). The result was graded as successful for twenty-two shoulders (67%). CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder hemiarthroplasty provides marked pain relief in three-quarters of patients with glenohumeral arthritis and severe rotator cuff deficiency. It is a reconstructive option that provides durable results, but it may be complicated by instability and progressive bone loss.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Shoulder arthroplasty for arthritis after instability surgery.

BACKGROUND: We are not aware of any large published studies regarding the intermediate to long-term results of shoulder arthroplasty performed for the treatment of osteoarthritis after instability surgery. Therefore, we reviewed the results of this procedure, the risk factors for an unsatisfactory outcome, and the rates of failure in our patients. METHODS: Between January 1, 1978, and December 31, 1997, thirty-three patients (thirty-three shoulders) with glenohumeral arthritis after instability surgery were treated with a shoulder arthroplasty at our institution. Two patients were excluded from the study: one died less than two years postoperatively, and one had not been managed by the senior surgeon. The remaining thirty-one patients, including twenty-one patients who had had a total shoulder arthroplasty and ten who had had a hemiarthroplasty, were followed for a minimum of two years (mean, seven years) or until the time of revision surgery. The mean age at the time of the shoulder arthroplasty was forty-six years. RESULTS: Shoulder arthroplasty was associated with significant pain relief (p < 0.001) as well as significant improvement in external rotation (from 4 degrees to 43 degrees; p < 0.001) and active abduction (from 94 degrees to 141 degrees; p < 0.001). There was not a significant difference between the hemiarthroplasty group and the total shoulder arthroplasty group with regard to postoperative external rotation, active abduction, or pain. According to a modification of the rating system of Neer et al., there were four excellent, two satisfactory, and four unsatisfactory results in the hemiarthroplasty group and three excellent, five satisfactory, and thirteen unsatisfactory results in the total shoulder arthroplasty group. Three patients in the hemiarthroplasty group and eight patients in the total shoulder arthroplasty group underwent revision surgery. The estimated survival of the components (and 95% confidence interval) was 97% (91% to 100%) at two years, 86% (74% to 99%) at five years, and 61% (42% to 86%) at ten years. CONCLUSIONS: The data from the present study suggest that shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint following instability surgery in this relatively young group of patients provides pain relief and improved motion but is associated with high rates of revision surgery and unsatisfactory results due to component failure, instability, and pain due to glenoid arthritis.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Accuracy of office-based ultrasonography of the shoulder for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: This prospective multi-institutional study was designed to define the accuracy of ultrasonography, when performed in an orthopaedic surgeon's office, for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears. METHODS: An anatomic diagnosis and a treatment plan were made on the basis of office-based shoulder ultrasonography, physical examination, and radiographs for ninety-eight patients (ninety-nine shoulders) with a clinical diagnosis of a rotator-cuff-related problem. The results of the ultrasonographic studies were then compared with the results of magnetic resonance imaging and the operative findings. RESULTS: Office-based ultrasonography led to the correct diagnosis for thirty-seven (88%) of forty-two shoulders with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear or both full and partial-thickness tears, twenty-six (70%) of thirty-seven shoulders with a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear only, and sixteen (80%) of twenty shoulders with normal tendons. In no case was the surgical approach (open or arthroscopic) that had been planned on the basis of the ultrasonography altered by the operative findings, but the operative finding of a full-thickness tear resulted in an arthroscopic cuff repair in four shoulders. Magnetic resonance imaging led to the correct diagnosis for forty (95%) of forty-two shoulders with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear or both full and partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, twenty-seven (73%) of thirty-seven shoulders with only a partial-thickness tear, and fifteen (75%) of twenty shoulders with normal tendons. There were no significant differences between magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography with regard to the correct identification of a full-thickness tear or its size. The sensitivity of ultrasonography for detecting tear size in the anterior-posterior dimension was 86% (95% confidence interval, 71% to 95%), and that of magnetic resonance imaging was 93% (95% confidence interval, 81% to 99%) (p = 0.26). The sensitivity of ultrasonography for detecting tear size in the medial-lateral dimension was 83% (95% confidence interval, 69% to 93%), and that of magnetic resonance imaging was 88% (95% confidence interval, 74% to 96%) (p = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS: A well-trained office staff and an experienced orthopaedic surgeon can effectively utilize ultrasonography, in conjunction with clinical examination and a review of shoulder radiographs, to accurately diagnose the extent of rotator cuff tears in patients suspected of having such tears. Errors in diagnosis made on the basis of ultrasonography most often consist of an inability to distinguish between partial and full-thickness tears that are approximately 1 cm in size. In this study, such errors did not significantly affect the planned surgical approach.

Arthroscopy↗
PubMed2005

Treatment of painful pseudoparesis due to irreparable rotator cuff dysfunction with the Delta III reverse-ball-and-socket total shoulder prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: The Delta III reverse-ball-and-socket total shoulder implant is designed to restore overhead shoulder function in the presence of irreparable rotator cuff deficiency by using the intact deltoid muscle and the stability provided by the prosthetic design. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of this arthroplasty in a consecutive series of shoulders with painful pseudoparesis due to irreversible loss of rotator cuff function. METHODS: Fifty-eight consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe shoulder pain and active anterior elevation of <90 degrees due to an irreparable rotator cuff tear were treated with a Delta III total shoulder replacement at an average age of sixty-eight years. Seventeen of the procedures were the primary treatment for the shoulder, and forty-one were revisions. The patients were examined clinically and radiographically after an average duration of follow-up of thirty-eight months. RESULTS: On the average, the subjective shoulder value increased from 18% preoperatively to 56% postoperatively (p < 0.0001); the relative Constant score, from 29% to 64% (p < 0.0001); the Constant score for pain, from 5.2 to 10.5 points (p < 0.0001); active anterior elevation, from 42 degrees to 100 degrees (p < 0.0001); and active abduction, from 43 degrees to 90 degrees (p < 0.0001). The patients for whom the implantation of the Delta III prosthesis was the primary procedure and those who had had previous surgery showed similar amounts of improvement. The total complication rate, including all minor complications, was 50%, and the reoperation rate was 33%. Of the seventeen primary operations, 47% (eight) were associated with a complication and 18% (three) were followed by a reoperation. Of the forty-one revisions, 51% (twenty-one) were associated with a complication and 39% (sixteen) were followed by a reoperation. Subjective results and satisfaction rates were not influenced by complications or reoperations when the prosthesis had been retained. CONCLUSIONS: Total shoulder arthroplasty with the Delta III prosthesis is a salvage procedure for severe shoulder dysfunction caused by an irreparable rotator cuff tear associated with other glenohumeral lesions. Complications were frequent following both primary and revision procedures, but they rarely affected the final outcome. The procedure has a substantial potential to improve the condition of patients with severe shoulder dysfunction, at least in the short term.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Anterior-inferior capsular length insufficiency in the painful shoulder.

Our clinic's initial attempts to document shoulder capsular laxity made us increasingly aware of the presence of subtle restricted passive shoulder movement in patients with a variety of shoulder diagnoses. The purpose of this study is to describe the evaluation, physical therapy treatment, pathomechanics, and implications of a continuum of anterior-inferior capsular length insufficiency and shoulder pain. One hundred fifty-six patients with the diagnoses of shoulder pain, impingement, rotator cuff tendinitis, and frozen shoulder were found to have capsular length insufficiency and were treated by mobilization techniques deemed as manual decompression. Eighty-three percent displayed good to excellent outcomes for decreasing pain, increasing range of motion, and meeting functional goals. Recent literature has supported the concept that capsular ligaments not only provide restraint, but are specifically oriented to guide and center the humeral head on the glenoid during shoulder movements. These patients presented with abnormal glenohumeral mechanics due to anterior capsular ligament length insufficiency. Glenohumeral ligament length insufficiency can be the primary cause of shoulder pain, ranging from frozen shoulder to impingement-like symptoms. Proper capsular ligament length can be restored with manual techniques. All patients with shoulder pain should have capsular ligament length assessment to ensure proper glenohumeral mechanics.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Reliability and validity of a new method of measuring posterior shoulder tightness.

STUDY DESIGN: Repeated measures of shoulder flexibility on nonimpaired subjects and intercollegiate baseball pitchers. OBJECTIVES: To present a new objective method of measuring posterior shoulder tightness, define the intratester and intertester reliability of the measurement, and assess its construct validity. BACKGROUND: Posterior shoulder tightness has been linked to anterior humeral head translation and decreased internal rotation. The reliability of an objective assessment of posterior shoulder tightness has yet to be established in the literature. METHODS AND MEASURES: Five repeat measurements were made using a standardized protocol on 21 nonimpaired subjects to determine intratester reliability. To determine intertester reliability, 2 testers (blinded to their measurement) each performed 1 measurement on 49 shoulders. Twenty-two intercollegiate baseball pitchers were measured once by 1 tester to evaluate the construct validity of the measurement. RESULTS: Measurements of posterior shoulder tightness performed by the same physical therapist had high reliability (ICC dominant = 0.92, nondominant = 0.95). Intertester measures revealed good reliability (ICC = 0.80). Pitchers had reduced dominant arm internal rotation and increased external rotation ROM compared to their other arm whereas nonimpaired subjects had less reduction in external rotation compared to the nondominant arm (pitchers: dominant, 109.7 degrees +/-2.4 degrees, nondominant, 98.9 degrees +/-1.6 degrees; nonimpaired subjects: dominant, 95.9 degrees +/-1.5 degrees, nondominant, 95.2 degrees +/-1.6 degrees) and internal rotation (pitchers: dominant, 50.0+/-2.0 degrees, nondominant, 69.5+/-2.5 degrees; nonimpaired subjects: dominant, 46.4+/-1.3 degrees, nondominant, 50.2+/-1.4 degrees). Pitchers had significantly greater posterior shoulder tightness compared to nonimpaired subjects (pitchers; dominant, 44.9+/-0.8 cm, nondominant, 37.5+/-0.7 cm, nonimpaired subjects; dominant, 32.9+/-0.8 cm, nondominant, 31.4+/-0.8 cm) and manifested a significant correlation between posterior shoulder tightness and internal rotation (r = -0.61) that was not evident in nonimpaired subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of posterior shoulder tightness using this technique is objective and reliable when done by the same physical therapist. Validity of this measurement is supported from the observation of athletes thought to have tight posterior structures. Further study is needed to determine the relationship of this measurement to patients diagnosed with shoulder impingement syndrome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

A retrospective, descriptive study of shoulder outcomes in outpatient physical therapy.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, descriptive study of clients with shoulder dysfunction referred to physical therapy. OBJECTIVES: To (1) describe the clinical and functional outcomes of clients with shoulder dysfunction following outpatient physical therapy, and (2) to compare the outcomes by type of shoulder dysfunction. BACKGROUND: Although individuals with shoulder dysfunction are commonly referred to physical therapy few large descriptive studies regarding outcomes following physical therapy are available. METHODS AND MEASURES: Data for 878 clients (468 female, 410 male) were retrieved and analyzed. This database was developed between 1997 and 2000 and included 4 outpatient facilities from 1 healthcare system in the southwest corner of Michigan. Clients were classified by type of shoulder dysfunction, and standardized tests were performed upon admittance and discharge to physical therapy. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated for all data. RESULTS: Of all clients, 55.1% had shoulder impingement, while 18.3% had postoperative repair, 8.9% had a frozen shoulder, 7.6% had a rotator cuff tear, 3.0% had shoulder instability, 2.1% were post fracture, and the remaining 4.9% had miscellaneous diagnoses. The average (+/-SD) age of the patients was 53.6 +/- 16.4 years, with an average (+/-SD) number of treatment sessions of 13.7 +/- 11.0. All groups showed significant changes following physical therapy intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Clients with diverse types of shoulder dysfunction demonstrated improvement in both clinical and functional measures at the conclusion of physical therapy, although it is not possible to determine whether these changes were due to the interventions or due to time. The type of shoulder dysfunction appears to affect the prognosis, thus expected outcomes should be based upon initial diagnosis and specific measures.

Ambulatory Care↗