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Treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder by acetic acid iontophoresis: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of acetic acid iontophoresis on the treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Ambulatory academic hospital in Quebec, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-six subjects with a calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomized into 1 of 2 groups: physiotherapy during 6 weeks (10 sessions) plus acetic acid iontophoresis for the treatment group (n=18) and sham acetic acid iontophoresis for the control group (n=18). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), shoulder range of motion (ROM); and radiologic evaluation of shoulder calcifications. RESULTS: Nine patients dropped out, leaving 27 assessable subjects for analysis. Interim analysis showed that, in both groups, treatment led to improvement, as measured by the SPADI score (P=.004), ROM of the shoulder for abduction (P<.001), internal rotation (P=.001), external rotation (P<.001), and the mean number of calcifications per subject (P=.010). Although no formal significant intervention effects (P=.13) were found for the primary endpoint (SPADI), exploratory analyses suggest a greater improvement in the treatment group (P=.001) than in the control group (P=.33). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a trend toward greater improvement in the SPADI score in the treatment group, the use of acetic acid iontophoresis and physiotherapy for the treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder did not result in better clinical and radiologic effects than those observed in subjects treated by physiotherapyalone.

Acetic Acid↗

Head and shoulder posture variations in 160 asymptomatic women and men.

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively describe the postural alignment of the head and shoulders and the surface curvature of the thoracic spine in comfortable erect standing and to examine the effect of age and gender on head and shoulder alignment. DESIGN: Descriptive survey. SETTING: Gait research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixty asymptomatic volunteers aged between 17 and 83 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Five photographic measurements of head and shoulder posture in the coronal and sagittal planes and a photographic measurement of the surface curvature of the thoracic spine in the sagittal plane. RESULTS: Mean values of coronal head tilt, coronal shoulder angle, sagittal head tilt, sagittal C7-tragus angle, and sagittal shoulder-C7 angle were 180.1 degrees, 181 degrees, 172.1 degrees, 131.1 degrees, and 53.7 degrees, respectively. The 95% confidence intervals for the means ranged between 1 degree and 3.8 degrees. For each of the head and shoulder measurements there was no significant gender difference (p = .33 to .99). Of the five measurements, only sagittal C7-tragus angle was significantly correlated with age (r = .44), and none was correlated with surface curvature of the thoracic spine. CONCLUSIONS: Head and shoulder posture was similar between genders. Only one postural description that has been described anecdotally was identified, i.e., that age was related to the position of the head with respect to the trunk in the sagittal plane, although the strength of the association was of questionable clinical significance. In contrast, other longstanding assumptions were not supported, and accordingly, a forward head was not associated with increased thoracic curvature or upper cervical spine extension.

Adolescent↗

Reconstructive operations for the paralyzed shoulder in brachial plexus palsy: concept of treatment.

Sixty-three patients with persistent brachial plexus palsy underwent a transfer of the trapezius muscle and 14 patients a shoulder arthrodesis. Thirteen female and 64 male patients were treated with a mean age of 31 yr (17-69 yr). The average follow-up period was 14 months (6-50 months). In all cases, the trapezius transfer resulted in increased abduction from 6.1 degrees to an average of 36.4 degrees (20-80 degrees) and forward flexion from 13.8 degrees to an average of 31.9 degrees (10-90 degrees). The multidirectional shoulder instability was improved in 60 patients. Strength and functional improvement was, on average, greater following shoulder arthrodesis (abduction from 9.6 to 59.3 degrees (40-90 degrees), forward flexion from 11.4 to 50.7 degrees (30-90 degrees)). In patients with brachial plexus palsy, trapezius transfer resulted in an improvement of shoulder function and stability as well as subjectively. The increase in function was, however, less pronounced in comparison with shoulder arthrodesis. The advantages of the transfer are the regaining of normal passive function and the shorter duration of surgery. Shoulder fusion is more suitable for those patients who require the best possible extent of function and strength in the shoulder.

Adolescent↗

Shoulder joint movement of the non-throwing arm during baseball pitch--comparison between skilled and unskilled pitchers.

The shoulder of a non-throwing arm during a baseball pitch must be in a constant position while the shoulder of the throwing arm moves in a nearly circular path around it. However, it has not been investigated whether a skilled pitch requires less shoulder-joint movement. It was hypothesized that pitchers with less shoulder movement of the non-throwing arm can be considered to have higher skill and to attain higher initial ball velocity. Nine baseball pitchers were used as subjects. The coach classified them into a skilled and an unskilled group. The pitching motions were recorded using two high-speed cameras. The time series of three-dimensional landmark coordinates of the shoulder joint of the non-throwing arm during the baseball pitch were calculated using the direct linear transformation method. The shoulder-joint movement (SJM) index, which expresses the movement (displacement) of the shoulder joint of the non-throwing arm quantitatively, was proposed to compare the SJM at different skill levels and investigate the relationship between SJM and initial ball velocity. The SJM of the skilled pitchers was smaller than that of the unskilled pitchers, and the smaller value of the SJM led to faster initial ball velocity. The data suggest that the less SJM of the non-throwing arm is required to attain a skilled pitch and higher initial ball velocity.

Adult↗

[Bipolar shoulder prosthesis for rheumatoid arthritis with irreparable rotator cuff tear: results after 5 years' follow-up].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The goal of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcome of bipolar shoulder prosthesis in twelve shoulders with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and irreparable rotator cuff tears. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The follow-up was more than five years (range 2-9 years). In addition, in order to investigate the effect of rheumatoid arthritis on outcome, results were compared with ten bipolar shoulder prostheses implanted for osteoarthritis with massive rotator cuff tears. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Constant score was 16.9 points with 2.6 points for pain, 4.2 points for activity, 9.5 points for motion and 0.6 points for force. The preoperative active motion was 63.8 degrees for forward flexion, 45 degrees for abduction and 12 degrees for active external rotation. At last follow-up, the average Constant score was 39.4 points with 10.7 points for pain, 10.8 points for activity, 13.8 points for motion and 4.1 points for force. Regarding the active motion, mean forward flexion was 83.7 degrees, 70.4 degrees for abduction and 29.1 degrees for external rotation. The complication rate was low, mainly superior migration due to infraspinatus tear and glenoid wear. Satisfactory deltoid arm level was achieved in all patients and no loosening was observed. Preoperative and postoperative scores of the rheumatoid group were not significantly different from the arthritis group (p<0.001). DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that bipolar shoulder prosthesis provides a viable replacement alternative in RA combined with massive rotator cuff tear with a low rate of complication. Bipolar shoulder prosthesis demonstrates no clear superiority over conventional hemiarthroplasty regarding improved motion and glenoid wear. In addition, no significant difference with arthritis was observed (p<0.05), assuming that outcome depends principally on the preoperative condition of the rotator cuff. CONCLUSION: Some massive tears involving the subscapularis tendon can lead to anterior recurrence after bipolar shoulder prosthesis. They might be a limit to the procedure and require a reversed shoulder prosthesis or a glenohumeral arthrodesis.

Aged↗

[Clinical factors associate with shoulder subluxation in stroke patients].

OBJECTIVE: This study explores whether shoulder subluxation after stroke is related to age, hemiplegic side motor impairment, spasticity, sensory deficit, depression, unilateral neglect and length of stay in acute ward. METHOD: This prospective study included 57 patients with hemiplegia. The shoulder subluxation was systematically detected by radiography and quantified according to de Bats score. The complete clinical assessment of the upper limb on day 15 analyzed motricity (motricity index), spasticity of shoulder adductors and biceps (Ashworth), sensory deficit, unilateral neglect and depression (MADRS). Age, side of hemiplegia and the aetiology were also noted. We researched relations between shoulder subluxation and these clinical factors. Means were compared using Mann Whitney and chi(2) tests. Coefficients of correlation were estimated between two quantitative variables. A multiple regression analysis was also conducted including all significant parameters, the dependent variable being the shoulder subluxation. RESULTS: Shoulder subluxation was observed in 32% of hemiplegic patients. After multiple regression analysis, the main clinical factors related to subluxation were motor (p < 0.0001), spasticity of shoulder adductors (p = 0.028) and age (p = 0.036). Statistically, the risk of subluxation was divided by 1.62 (1.07, 2.43) for every five years age growth and by two (1.33, 2.94) when the motricity index went up by ten points. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the age could play an independent part. The loss of elasticity of the periarticular tissues when ageing could have a protective role.

Age Factors↗

The effect of level of spinal cord injury on shoulder joint kinetics during manual wheelchair propulsion.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of spinal cord injury level on shoulder kinetics during manual wheelchair propulsion were studied. DESIGN: Single session data collection in a laboratory environment. METHODS: Male subjects were divided into four groups: low level paraplegia (n=17), high level paraplegia (n=19), C7 tetraplegia (C7, n=16) and C6 tetraplegia (C6, n=17). Measurements were recorded using a six-camera VICON motion analysis system, a strain gauge instrumented wheel, and wheelchair ergometer. Shoulder joint forces and moments were calculated using the inverse dynamics approach. RESULTS: Mean self-selected propulsion velocity was higher in the paraplegic (low paraplegia=90.7 m/min; high paraplegia=83.4 m/min) than tetraplegic (C7=66.5 m/min; C6=47.0 m/min) groups. After covarying for velocity, no significant differences in shoulder joint moments were identified. However, superior push force in subjects with tetraplegia (C7=21.4 N; C6=9.3 N) was significantly higher than in those with high paraplegia (7.3 N), after covarying velocity. CONCLUSIONS: The superior push force in the tetraplegic groups coupled with weakness of thoraco-humeral depressors increases susceptibility of the subacromial structures to compression. RELEVANCE: Increased vertical force at the shoulder joint, coupled with reduced shoulder depressor strength, may contribute to shoulder problems in subjects with tetraplegia. Wheelchair design modifications, combined with strength and endurance retention, should be considered to prevent shoulder pain development.

Adult↗

The use of radiographs to evaluate shoulder pain in the ED.

This study was conducted to describe the utilization of plain radiography in the initial evaluation of shoulder pain in the emergency department (ED) and assess the feasibility of developing guidelines for the selective use of shoulder radiographs by determining whether clinical variables are able to discriminate between subjects having therapeutically informative versus uninformative X-rays. The study was a chart review of all adult ED patients presenting to the Boston University Medical Center Hospital (Boston, MA) between January 1994 and January 1996 with a chief complaint that included shoulder pain. Subjects with X-rays were classified into two groups, those with therapeutically informative X-rays (ie, identified conditions requiring specific therapy) and those with therapeutically uninformative X-rays (ie, did not result in specific therapy). Recursive partitioning techniques were then used to identify clinical variables that best distinguished between therapeutically informative and uninformative radiographs. Three hundred twelve patients were included in the analysis, of whom 185 (59%) had shoulder X-rays performed. Thirty-seven (20%) radiographs were therapeutically informative, including 13 glenohumeral dislocations, 3 acromioclavicular joint separations, and 21 fractures. Deformity present on shoulder examination was the strongest discriminating variable and correctly classified 21 of 23 subjects as having informative X-rays. Of the remaining patients (n = 162), only those older than 43.5 years with a history of a precipitating fall (n = 40) had a high likelihood of having therapeutically informative X-rays. No patients without a deformity or precipitating fall (n = 90) had an informative X-ray. These data show that X-rays for the initial evaluation of shoulder pain in the ED are overutilized. This preliminary model suggests that clinical variables are able to distinguish between patients with informative versus uninformative X-rays. Prospective studies are needed to derive valid decision rules for selective use of shoulder radiographs in the ED.

Adolescent↗

Correlation of pathology observed in double contrast arthrotomography and arthroscopy of the shoulder.

Correlation of double contrast arthrotomography (DCAT) of the shoulder and arthroscopic surgery diagnostic results have been undertaken in 55 patients with persistent shoulder pain or involuntary shoulder instability. During the period March 1984 to December 1986, 55 patients underwent DCAT followed by videotaped diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy. The primary indication for DCAT was persistent pain in 36 patients and instability in 17 patients. DCAT was performed according to the method of El-Khoury and Albright, and all arthroscopies were performed in a similar fashion by the senior author (HJS). Both tests were reviewed separately, retrospectively, and their results were correlated. For combined (anterior and posterior) labral pathology, the sensitivity/specificity for the instability group was 0.91/0.91, respectively; sensitivity/specificity for the pain group was 0.63/0.94. DCAT accurately depicted the status of 76% of anterior labrums and 96% of posterior labrums. For complete rotator cuff tears, sensitivity/specificity was 1.0/0.94. The status of a complete rotator cuff tear was accurately depicted in 91% of patients. Partial rotator cuff tears were missed in 83% of patients by DCAT. The presence or absence of loose bodies was accurately represented by 96% of DCAT. Arthroscopy showed that 71% of the instability patients had a labral tear, compared with 44% of the pain patients. Rotator cuff pathology was present in 12% of instability patients and 42% of pain patients. These findings indicate that DCAT may be a conditionally reliable test in the diagnosis of shoulder instability. DCAT must be considered inconclusive, however, in the painful shoulder without instability. Its usefulness as a preoperative screening test is discussed, and a diagnostic algorithm is presented. DCAT does not equal the diagnostic accuracy of shoulder arthroscopy.

Adolescent↗

The impact of thoracic surgical access on early shoulder function: video-assisted thoracic surgery versus posterolateral thoracotomy.

OBJECTIVE: Whether video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is associated with less shoulder dysfunction when compared with posterolateral thoracotomy (PLT) remains unclear. We therefore conducted this prospective study to assess the shoulder function in patients following major lung resection using either the VATS or PLT approach. METHODS: Twenty-nine consecutive patients were prospectively recruited into the study. Eighteen patients underwent major lung resection through VATS (VATS group) and 11 patients through PLT (open group). Shoulder function was measured preoperatively, and postoperatively at 1 week, 1 month and at 3 months. All assessments were done by two experienced physiotherapists using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form. RESULTS: Shoulder strength was significantly better preserved in the VATS group at 1 week after surgery when compared with the PLT group (92 versus 81% of preoperative value; P=0.024). VATS patients also had better range of motion especially with respect to external rotation at 1 week (98 versus 91%; P=0.015) and forward elevation at 1 month (98 versus 93%; P=0.024) and 3 months after surgery (100 versus 96%; P=0.021). Analgesic requirement was significantly less in the VATS group postoperatively at 1 week (P=0.009) and 1 month (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: VATS major lung resection is associated with significantly less shoulder dysfunction and pain medication requirement in the early postoperative period when compared to the PLT approach.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Neck and shoulder symptoms of high school students and associated psychosocial factors.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of neck and shoulder symptoms among high school students and associated psychosocial factors. METHODS: High school students (718) completed a questionnaire concerning neck and shoulder pain and psychosocial factors such as stress symptoms, depressive symptoms, and self-efficacy. A participant was classified into the "no disturbing symptoms" group or into the "disturbing symptoms" group according to the frequency of the neck and shoulder symptoms. The sum of mean scores of stress symptoms, depressive symptoms, and self-efficacy were compared between these groups. RESULTS: Twenty-one percent of the girls and 10% of the boys suffered from disturbing neck and shoulder symptoms. Stress symptoms and depressive symptoms were more common among the girls than the boys. For both sexes, the sum of stress scores and those of depressive symptom scores were significantly higher in the "disturbing symptoms" group than the "no disturbing symptoms" group. Among the girls, the sum of the self-efficacy scores was lower in the "disturbing symptoms" group than in the "no disturbing symptoms" group. CONCLUSIONS: Neck and shoulder symptoms are common among adolescents and psychosocial factors such as stress and depressive symptoms seem to be associated with these symptoms, especially among girls. More knowledge about the etiologic factors associated with neck and shoulder symptoms in adolescents may result in preventive programs with the potential for reducing morbidity of neck and shoulder symptoms in adulthood.

Adolescent↗

A comparison of hemiarthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty in the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis: results of a multicenter study.

Six hundred one total shoulder arthroplasties and eighty-nine hemiarthroplasties were performed for primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Patients were evaluated with a physical examination, Constant score, and radiographic evaluation. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. At follow-up, the Constant score averaged 64 points, the adjusted Constant score averaged 86%, active anterior elevation averaged 130 degrees, and active external rotation averaged 36 degrees for the hemiarthroplasties. The Constant score averaged 70 points, the adjusted Constant score averaged 96%, active anterior elevation averaged 145 degrees, and active external rotation averaged 42 degrees for the total shoulder arthroplasties. Eighty-six percent of hemiarthroplasties and ninety-four percent of total shoulder arthroplasties had good or excellent results. Differences were statistically significant for all parameters. Total shoulder arthroplasty provided better scores for pain, mobility, and activity than hemiarthroplasty. Fifty-six percent of total shoulder arthroplasties had a radiolucent line around the glenoid component. Total shoulder arthroplasty provides results superior to those of hemiarthroplasty in primary osteoarthritis.

Adult↗

Capsular restraints to anterior-posterior motion of the abducted shoulder: a biomechanical study.

Twenty-three fresh-frozen cadaver shoulders free of degenerative arthritis or rotator cuff disease were tested biomechanically to quantitate the contribution of specific capsular structures to restricting anterior-posterior translation of the abducted shoulder. With the glenohumeral joint in 90 degrees of abduction on a servohydraulic control testing system, translation was measured in 30 degrees of forward flexion (with regard to the coronal plane of the scapula), 0 degree, and 30 degrees of extension while a 25 N anterior-posterior load was applied. Measurements were taken both in the intact (vented) shoulder and after selective cutting of different capsuloligamentous structures was performed. In the intact shoulder the largest anterior-posterior translation occurred in 0 degree of horizontal flexion and extension with regard to the scapular plane, with equal amounts of anterior and posterior translation noted. The primary anterior-posterior stabilizer of the abducted shoulder is the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex. The anterior band is the primary stabilizer in 30 degrees of horizontal extension and at 0 degree (neutral). The posterior band is the primary stabilizer in 30 degrees of horizontal flexion. This study quantifies for the first time the normal amount of anterior-posterior translation in the intact cadaveric shoulder model. In addition, it demonstrates the relative role of the anterior and posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex in stabilizing the glenohumeral joint at 90 degrees of abduction, where most clinical instability of the shoulder occurs.

Adult↗

Comparative electromyographic analysis of shoulder muscles during planar motions: anterior glenohumeral instability versus normal.

This study compared the electromyographic activity of rotator cuff and scapular muscles between subjects with anterior instability and subjects with normal shoulders. Thirty-eight patients were studied; 23 had anterior instability that was subsequently surgically confirmed, and 15 had normal shoulders. Fine wire electrodes were inserted into the subscapularis (upper and lower portions), supraspinatus, infraspinatus, rhomboid, serratus anterior, and trapezius (upper and lower portions) muscles. Abduction, scapular plane abduction (scaption), and forward flexion were performed over the range of motion and later divided into 30 degrees intervals. In both abduction and scaption, the supraspinatus demonstrated significantly less electromyographic activity from 30 degrees to 60 degrees in shoulders with anterior instability compared with normal shoulders (p < 0.05). During all three motions, shoulders with anterior instability demonstrated significantly less electromyographic activity in the serratus anterior when compared with normal shoulders (p < 0.05). This occurred at 30 degrees to 120 degrees of abduction and at 0 degree to 120 degrees of scaption and forward flexion. None of the other muscles demonstrated significant differences. These differences during planar motions were similar to those demonstrated during challenging overhead sport motions. Early rehabilitation efforts should focus both on the rotator cuff and scapular muscles to establish smooth, coordinated shoulder motion.

Adolescent↗

Neurologic complications after total shoulder arthroplasty.

Three hundred sixty-eight patients underwent 417 total shoulder arthroplasties between 1975 and 1989. Seventeen patients with 18 operated shoulders had a neurologic deficit after surgery. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis were the most common diagnoses. Twelve patients (13 shoulders) had neurologic deficits localized to the brachial plexus; the upper and middle trunks were most commonly affected. Three patients had idiopathic brachial plexopathy. One patient had an exacerbation of preexisting dysesthesias in the lower trunk/medial cord distribution. Another patient had a median neuropathy at the wrist. Four patients had lesions that interfered significantly with shoulder rehabilitation and general activity; six had lesions that temporarily interfered with their scheduled rehabilitation program. All but two of these patients were monitored to a point of maximum improvement. Neurologic recovery at 1 year was graded as good in 11 shoulders and fair in five shoulders. The long deltopectoral approach leaving the deltoid attached to the clavicle and acromion was found to be significant in the development of a postoperative neurologic complication (p = 0.003). Use of methotrexate was also significant (p < 0.0001). A correlation was found between operative time and postarthroplasty neurologic complication (p = 0.02), with shorter operative times being associated with more neurologic complications. No other statistically significant risk factors were identified. In most cases the presumed mechanism of injury was traction on the plexus occurring during the operation. In most cases the prognosis for neurologic recovery was good. In this series neurologic injury after total shoulder arthroplasty did not interfere with the long-term outcome of the arthroplasty itself.

Adolescent↗

Poststroke shoulder pain: a prospective study of the association and risk factors in 152 patients from a consecutive cohort of 205 patients presenting with stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Shoulder pain is known to retard rehabilitation after stroke. Its causes and prognosis are uncertain. This study describes the incidence of poststroke shoulder pain prospectively, in an unselected stroke population in the first 6 months after stroke and identifies risk factors for developing pain. METHODS: 297 patients with possible stroke were screened and stroke diagnosed in 205 cases. The 152 patients entered the study of which 123 patients were assessed up to 6 months. This cohort, with a mean age of 70.6 years, was examined at 2 weeks, 2, 4, and 6 months. A history of shoulder pain, Barthel score, anxiety and depression score were recorded. Full neurological and rheumatological examination was undertaken, using the contralateral side as a control. Pain outcome and stroke outcome was recorded at subsequent visits. RESULTS: 52 (40%) patients developed shoulder pain on the same side of their stroke. There was a strong association between pain and abnormal shoulder joint examination, ipsilateral sensory abnormalities and arm weakness. Shoulder pain had resolved or improved at 6 months in 41 (80%) of the patients with standard current treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder pain after stroke occurred in 40% of 123 patients surviving, consenting and not too unwell to participate. This included 52 patients of an original cohort of 205 patients presenting with stroke. Eighty percent of patients made a good recovery with standard treatment Patients with sensory and or motor deficits represent at risk sub-groups.

Adult↗

[Recurrent shoulder pain indicative of a tuberculous cervical spondylodiscitis].

Shoulder pain is usually related to local osteoarticular or periarticular diseases of mechanical or inflammatory origin. Occasionally, it can be secondary to a discoradicular compression in the cervical spine. We report the case of a 67-year-old woman who was hospitalized for degradation of her general state, inflammation and painful shoulders. General and ear-nose-throat examinations were normal. Pain was elicited by palpation of the shoulders and the cervical spine. The mobility of shoulders and the neck was complete and painless. Laboratory tests showed inflammation with marked eosinophilia. Plain radiographs of the shoulders were normal. A 99mTc total bone scintigraphy showed an increased uptake ranging from D3 to D12. The thoraco-abdominal CT scan was normal. The evolution after seven months was marked by a occurrence of a sudden tetraparesy. The neck CT scan and magnetic resonance imagery showed a C6-C7 spondylodiscitis. The patient was operated and the symptoms disappeared. The Löwensten's culture of the removed discal tissue was positive and confirmed the presence of a Pott's disease. The evolution was favorable with a specific quadri-therapy for nine months. A negative scintigraphy and the presence of an eosinophilia were misleading in the present case. For shoulder pain without a clear etiology, cervical exploration should be adviced. Cervical tuberculosis can begin with isolated shoulder pain.

Aged↗

Shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND: To evaluate risk factors for shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury using a case-control study at the departments of obstetrics and gynecology at the four largest hospitals in southern Sweden. All cases of shoulder dystocia between 1987 and 1993 inclusive were identified. For each case, two control infants with similar birthweight (+/- 100 g) and identical year of birth were randomly selected. METHODS: Original maternal records were reviewed and information regarding 10 potential risk factors was extracted. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Stratification was made for year of delivery, parity (0, I, II, III+), and maternal age (5-year class). RESULTS: In all, 107 infants with shoulder dystocia and 198 controls were included. The OR was greater than unity for all risk factors except gestational age. Three of the risk factors, induction of labor, epidural analgesia, and instrumental delivery, reached statistical significance. Thirty-four infants also suffered brachial plexus injury, giving a brachial plexus injury rate of 32% among the shoulder dystocia cases. We also made a separate analysis of the nine risk factors for brachial plexus injury following a shoulder dystocia, however none reached statistical significance. CONCLUSION: In this case-control study based on more than 100,000 deliveries at four large hospitals during a 7-year period, induction of labor, epidural analgesia, and instrumental delivery turned out to be significant risk factors for shoulder dystocia. For brachial plexus injury following shoulder dystocia, no significant risk factor was identified.

Analgesia, Epidural↗