The Tikhoff-Linberg procedure is a limb-sparing surgical option to be considered for bony and soft tissue tumors in and around the proximal humerus and shoulder girdle. The authors reported 6 cases of the Tikhoff-Linberg procedure for tumors around the shoulder joint at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery of Severance Hospital from March 1988 to May 1989. The results of the study are as follows: The 6 cases were composed of: osteogenic sarcoma 2 cases, chondrosarcoma 2 cases, chondroblastoma 1 case, and giant cell tumor 1 case. The tumors were completely removed by the Tikhoff-Linberg procedure without amputation or disarticulation of the upper extremity. The distal clavicle, upper humerus and part of all of the scapula were resected. The Tikhoff-Linberg procedure was performed for patients whose tumors did not involve the neurovascular bundle in the axilla. The function of the hand and forearm after the Tikhoff-Linberg procedure was nearly normal in all cases. The Tikhoff-Linberg procedure would be recommended as a limb-sparing operation for tumors around the shoulder joint that require wide resection without disarticulation or forequarter amputation of the upper extremities.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Neoplasms/radiography/*surgery ; Case Report ; Female ; Hand/physiology ; Human ; Male ; Methods ; Shoulder Joint/*surgery

BACKGROUND: We conducted this radiographic study in the elderly population with proximal humeral fracture aiming to evaluate 1) the serial changes of neck-shaft angle after locking plate fixation and 2) find relationship between change in neck shaft angle and various factors such as age, fracture pattern, severity of osteoporosis, medial support and initial reduction angle. METHODS: Twenty-five patients who underwent surgical treatment for proximal humeral fracture with locking plate between September 2008 and August 2010 are included. True anteroposterior and axillary lateral radiographs were made postoperatively and at each follow-up visit. Measurement of neck shaft angle was done at immediate postoperative, 3 months postoperative and a final follow-up (average, 11 months; range, 8 to 17 months). Severity of osteoporosis was assessed using cortical thickness suggested by Tingart et al. RESULTS: The mean neck shaft angles were 133.6degrees (range, 100degrees to 116degrees) at immediate postoperative, 129.8degrees (range, 99degrees to 150degrees) at 3 months postoperative and 128.4degrees (range, 97degrees to 145degrees) at final follow-up. The mean loss in the neck-shaft angle in the first 3 months was 3.8degrees as compared to 1.3degrees in the period between 3 months and final follow-up. This was statistically significant (p = 0.002), indicating that most of the fall in neck shaft angle occurs in the first three months after surgery. Relationship between neck shaft angle change and age (p = 0.29), fracture pattern (p = 0.41), cortical thickness (p = 0.21), medial support (p = 0.63) and initial reduction accuracy (p = 0.65) are not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The proximal humerus locking plate maintains reliable radiographic results even in the elderly population with proximal humerus fracture.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Analysis of Variance ; *Bone Plates ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation/methods ; Humans ; Humerus/radiography/*surgery ; Male ; Shoulder Fractures/radiography/*surgery

OBJECTIVE: To compare the image quality of shoulder CT arthrography performed using 120 kVp and 140 kVp protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four CT examinations were prospectively included. CT scans were performed on each patient at 120 kVp and 140 kVp; other scanning parameters were kept constant. Image qualities were qualitatively and quantitatively compared with respect to noise, contrast, and diagnostic acceptability. Diagnostic acceptabilities were graded using a one to five scale as follows: 1, suboptimal; 2, below average; 3, acceptable; 4, above average; and 5, superior. Radiation doses were also compared. RESULTS: Contrast was better at 120 kVp, but noise was greater. No significant differences were observed between the 120 kVp and 140 kVp protocols in terms of diagnostic acceptability, signal-to-noise ratio, or contrast-to-noise ratio. Lowering tube voltage from 140 kVp to 120 kVp reduced the radiation dose by 33%. CONCLUSION: The use of 120 kVp during shoulder CT arthrography reduces radiation dose versus 140 kVp without significant loss of image quality.
Adult ; Aged ; Contrast Media/diagnostic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Radiation Dosage ; Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; Shoulder/*radiography/surgery ; Shoulder Dislocation/pathology/radiography ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio ; *Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Rotator cuff deficient arthritis of the glenohumeral joint, especially cuff tear arthropathy, has proved a challenging clinical entity for orthopaedic surgeons ever since Charles Neer originally detailed the problem in 1983. Understanding has improved regarding the pathophysiology and pathomechanics underlying cuff tear arthropathy. Surgical reconstruction options can lead to excellent outcomes for patients afflicted with these painful and functionally limited shoulders. Humeral hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty have jumped to the forefront in the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy. As studies continue to look at the results of these procedures in cuff tear arthropathy, existing indications and treatment algorithms will be further refined. In this article the history and pathophysiology of cuff tear arthropathy are reviewed. Additionally, the clinical findings and results of surgical reconstruction are discussed.
Arthritis/diagnosis/etiology/*surgery ; Arthroplasty, Replacement/adverse effects/methods ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Rotator Cuff/*injuries ; Shoulder Joint/radiography/*surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of the arthroscopic procedure on the patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation.

METHODSFrom January 2001 to March 2006,52 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation were treated by arthroscopy. Among them 44 patients were followed up for 12 to 54 months(on average of 26 months). The data of the 44 patients was reviewed. Three evaluation systems, University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Scores (UCLA), Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and Dawson, were used. The study evaluated the effect based on the Dawson system by the factors as: age, course of the disease, frequency of dislocation and relocation methods and the range of shoulder movement.

RESULTSThe ratio of recurrent dislocation after operation was 4.5%. Assessing through 3 evaluation systems, UCLA, SST and Dawson, results were similar: the follow-up evaluation were extraordinarily different from preoperative assessment, and the rating of good or excellent at the time of the final follow-up reached 91% higher. Based on the Dawson system, the evaluation results had no statistic diversity according to such factors as: age, course of the disease, frequency of dislocation and relocation methods.

CONCLUSIONSThe effects of arthroscopic surgery to the recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation are satisfied and evidence-proved. It is a good option for both common patients and athletes.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Arthroscopy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Shoulder Dislocation ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

A study group composed of 11 shoulders in 10 patients underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression for impingement syndrome. There were no biceps tendon ruptures, acromioclavicular arthritis or glenohumeral instability. Eight men and two women ranging in age from 17 to 65 years (mean age 38.7) with dominant arm involvement in 9/10 were evaluated for an average follow-up of 19.4 months (range 12-26) postoperatively. Based on the University of California at Los Angeles shoulder rating scale, nine (82%) shoulders had satisfactory results and the remaining two (18%) had unsatisfactory results. This is a preliminary report of our early experience in this rather new method of treatment, but the results are encouragingly good.
Acromion/radiography/*surgery ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; *Arthroscopy ; Evaluation Studies ; Female ; Human ; Male ; Middle Age ; Movement ; Pain ; Postoperative Period ; Retrospective Studies ; Shoulder/physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo explore arthroplasty in treating 3- and 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus.

METHODSA total of 132 patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated in our hospital from July 1997 to February 2003. According to Neer's classification, the fractures of 45 patients (14 males and 31 females, aged 31-78 years, 56.1 years+/-7.8 years on an average) belonged to 3- or 4-part fractures (10 patients with 4-part fracture and 35 with 3-part comminuted fracture) and they were treated with shoulder joint arthroplasty. Unipolar prosthesis replacement of the head of humerus was made in 28 cases, while bipolar prosthesis replacement in 2 cases and total shoulder joint replacement in 15 cases.

RESULTSDuring the follow-up period (range: 12-72 months, mean: 37.3 months+/-4.1 months), among the 45 patients who suffered from fractures of the proximal humerus and underwent arthroplasty surgery, 44 patients (97.8%) had no postoperative pain and were satisfied with the active range of motion and with the whole treatment results. And radiography showed that the prostheses were at their good position. One patient had postoperative pain because he had so narrow medullary cavity that the humeral prosthesis could not be put deeply enough and the prosthesis head was a little higher over the anatomic level. He did not have good postoperative active range of motion, either. Then he received a review surgery and got satisfied results. Temporary shoulder stiffness was observed in one patient. Manual release of these adhesions improved the shoulder function. No evidence of nonunion of the fracture segments around the humeral prosthesis stem was found.

CONCLUSIONSShoulder arthroplasty is a dependable method to restore the comfort and function of the shoulder joints of the patients with 3- or 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus.

Adult ; Aged ; Arthroplasty ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Prosthesis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain, Postoperative ; etiology ; Patient Satisfaction ; Radiography ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Shoulder Fractures ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo compare therapeutic effects between Kirschner tension band fixation (TBF) and clavicular hook-plate (CHP) for treating acromioclavicular dislocations of Allman Grade III.

METHODSFrom Jan. 1995 to Dec. 2007, a total of 39 patients who were diagnosed as acromioclavicular joint dislocation of Grade III were treated with Kirschner tension band fixation (TBF 18 patients, 12 patients were male, 6 patients were female, mean age were (27.50 +/- 12.76) years old, average fixation duration were (4.28 +/- 1.27) months) and clavicular hook plate fixation (CHP 21 patients, 18 patients were male, 3 patients were female, mean age were (34.76 +/- 12.39) years old, average fixation during were (8.29 +/- 1.49) months). All the patients were followed up with a mean period over 4 years. The therapeutic effects of the two groups were compared base on complications, Karlsson scores and re-subluxation.

RESULTSThe average period from injury to fixation removal was (4.28 +/- 1.27) and (8.29 +/- 1.49) months in TBF and CHP groups respectively, comparison between the two groups, t = -8.951, P < 0.01, there was statistical difference, and the course of disease in TBF group was shorter than that of CHP group. Five patients in TBF group and 1 patient in CHP group had complications (P = 0.077 > 0.05), as well as 3 patients in TBF group and 1 patient in CHP group had re-subluxation (P = 0.318 > 0.05). Karlsson evaluation results:in TBF group, 15 patients got a grade A result, 3 grade B and 0 grade C; and in CHP groups above data was 20, 1 and 0 respectively (P = 0.530 > 0.05). There was no statistical differences between the two groups in evaluation outcomes.

CONCLUSIONThe two fixation methods are all effective methods to treat Grade III acromioclavicular dislocation of Grade III, and the long-term outcome is satisfactory.

Acromioclavicular Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; surgery ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; Radiography ; Shoulder Dislocation ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; surgery ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features and differential diagnosis of myxoid dermafibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).

METHODSThe clinical and pathologic features of 16 cases of myxoid DFSP were reviewed.

RESULTSThere were altogether 15 males and 1 female. The age of the patients ranged from 11 to 73 years (mean = 47 years and median = 48 years). The commonest site of involvement was trunk (number = 11), followed by shoulder (number = 2), head and neck (number = 2), and extremity (number = 1). Similar to conventional DFSP, most patients presented with a slowly enlarging subcutaneous nodule which showed a rapid recent growth in some cases. Amongst the 16 cases studied, 12 occurred de novo and 4 represented local recurrence. The tumors ranged from 2 to 10 cm in greatest dimension (mean = 5 cm and median = 4 cm). Histologically, they were poorly circumscribed and located in the dermis, with focal infiltration into the underlying subcutaneous tissue. Seven cases were purely myxoid and composed of spindly and stellate cells with delicate arborizing vascular meshwork. The remaining 9 cases were predominantly myxoid (> 50%), with 5 cases containing cellular areas resembling conventional DFSP and 4 cases showing fibrosarcomatous transformation. In addition, foci of giant cell fibroblastoma-like areas were noted in 1 case. Immunohistochemical study showed that the tumors cells were positive for CD34. The staining was weak in the myxoid areas, as compared with conventional DFSP. Of the 4 recurrent cases, one patient developed lung metastases.

CONCLUSIONSMyxoid DFSP represents a rare variant of DFSP and may pose important diagnostic pitfalls. It is especially so if the tumor purely consists of myxoid element. Familiarity with the histologic features helps to avoid misdiagnosis.

Abdominal Wall ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Child ; Dermatofibrosarcoma ; diagnostic imaging ; immunology ; pathology ; surgery ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; immunology ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Radiography ; Shoulder ; Skin Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; immunology ; pathology ; surgery ; Young Adult