PurposeThe purpose of the study was clinical and advanced biomechanical evaluation of shoulder function with respect to rotator cuff (RC) integrity following repair.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 111 cases with solid single row rotator cuff repair and a minimal one-year follow-up. The RC repair was performed as an open procedure in 42 patients, arthroscopically assisted in 34 and fully arthroscopic in 48 cases. Evaluation protocol included ultrasound evaluation of the RC integrity, clinical evaluation using shoulder scores and advanced biomechanical evaluation (isometric and the isokinetic strength testing).ResultsUltrasound evaluation revealed complete retear in 16 %, partial retear in 10 % and intact repair in 74 % of the cases.Isometric testing of flexion and abduction had shown that shoulders with complete retear were weaker by 45 % compared to those with full tendon healing.Isokinetic testing revealed 29–43 % deficits in peak external rotation torque comparing complete retear vs. normal healing. Patients’ ability to generate shoulder power and withstand a load proved to be lower in circumstances of a complete lack of healing (40–43 % and 34–55 %, respectively). Partial retears did not have a negative impact on the biomechanical properties of shoulders. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences in the shoulder scores related to the quality of healing. In terms of patient satisfaction the results were good and the patients declared themselves better in all cases, no matter what quality of healing had been recorded ultimately.ConclusionsAccording to the results of this research rotator cuff integrity after open or arthroscopic repair does not seem to affect clinical scores. Recurrent tears may result in lower muscle performance in terms of active motion, strength and endurance. Advanced shoulder testing may be essential in assessing the patients’ ability to return to sports or heavy labour.

Proprioception is an essential part of shoulder stability and neuromuscular control. The purpose of the study was the development of a precise system of shoulder proprioception assessment in the active mode (Propriometr). For that purpose, devices such as the electronic goniometer and computer software had been designed. A pilot study was carried out on a control group of 27 healthy subjects, the average age being 23.8 (22–29) in order to test the system. The result of the assessment was the finding of the error of active reproduction of the joint position (EARJP). EARJP was assessed for flexion, abduction, external and internal rotation. For every motion, reference positions were used at three different angles. The results showed EARJP to range in 3–6.1°. The proprioception evaluation system (propriometr) allows a precise measurement of active joint position sense. The designed system can be used to assess proprioception in both shoulder injuries and treatment. In addition, all achieved results of normal shoulders may serve as reference to be compared with the results of forthcoming studies.

No abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the results of elbow arthrolysis according to the surgical approach, durability after arthrolysis and the severity of contracture.MethodsThe study includes a cohort of 100 consecutive patients treated in our institution between 1986 and 2008. The indication for surgery was loss of mobility. This was the result of fractures, dislocation, simultaneous fracture/dislocation or other non-traumatic causes. All patients underwent open elbow release via one of four approaches (42 lateral, 44 medial, six combined medial-lateral and eight posterior). They were clinically evaluated at a minimum of 24 months after arthrolysis.ResultsThe average ranges of elbow extension, flexion and arc of motion had increased significantly at the follow up, respectively, by 20°, 16° and 36°. No significant difference was found with regard to surgical approach. However, we noticed significant deterioration of intra-operative average extension and arc of motion (AOM) over the follow up period, respectively, by 13° and 14°. The number of patients with AOM of 100° or more increased from three patients preoperatively to 28 postoperatively.ConclusionsOpen elbow arthrolysis is a successful method of treatment of elbow contracture. Results are durable, but there is some postoperative deterioration of extension gained during surgery. We may anticipate that at the final stage we shall obtain an average of 86 % of intra-operative arc of motion. Patients with the most severe contractures have the best gains.