This procedure was performed using the Aequalis Reversed Total Shoulder Prosthesis by Tornier Inc. Please refer to Tornier Inc. for more information: <a href="http://www.tornier-us.com/">http://www.tornier-us.com/</a>.

1. Introduction:
The glenohumeral joint is a complex articulation. It has minimal bony constraints and relies on a complex balance of tensions between supporting soft tissues for normal function. This essential relationship allows the shoulder to have a large functional range of motion. When this balance is uncoupled, varying degrees of dysfunction occur. A loss of function of the rotator cuff, such as a large tear, can cause superior translation of the humeral head on the glenoid. This changes the center of rotation of the glenohumeral joint and subsequently, the tension and moment arms of the remaining musculature, decreasing function. Additionally, the changes in position of the humeral head and subsequent changes in contact pressures can lead to progressive damage to the articular cartilage and resulting painful arthritis. The use of standard shoulder arthroplasty in these cases has provided sub-optimal and sometimes catastrophic results. 
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) provides a solution for these complex problems providing significant improvements in pain, range of motion and function. The RTSA design medializes the center of rotation and brings the humerus to a more inferior position. This change in biomechanics restores tension in the deltoid muscle belly and the functional lever arm, improving the deltoids ability to move the arm in space. Additionally, the painful arthritic cartilage is removed with the process, significantly improving the patient&#x2019;s pain.
2. Case Presentation:
This patient is a 71 year-old, healthy female with a history of a "mini-open" rotator cuff fifteen years prior. Over the past year, she has experienced increased pain and weakness in her shoulder with an associated decrease in his range of motion. Her active abduction was 30&deg;, active forward flexion was 40&deg;, active external rotation was 10&deg; and active internal rotation to her gluteus. Her modified bear-hug test demonstrated minimal weakness in the subscapularis tendon and she had a negative horn-blower's sign and negative lag test. Her passive range of motion showed 75&deg; of forward flexion with a positive drop arm test. The neurovascular exam was otherwise normal and there were no signs of infection associated with the previous rotator cuff repair. 
3. Treatment/diagnostic Procedure:
Initial radiographic evaluation of this patient should include a scapular outlet view, a Grashey view, and an axillary view. Depending on the appearance of the glenoid, further study with a CT scan may be need to evaluate the amount of bony erosion, presence of dysplasia and available bone stock. In our patient, initial radiographs exhibited moderate degenerative changes with superior migration of the humerus evidenced by a decreased acromio-humeral distance. There was not significant bony loss associated with the glenoid. The combination of the patient's history, physical examination and radiographic analysis are consistent with rotator cuff arthropathy with pseudoparalysis. Further diagnostic studies would not be indicated in this patient.
Prior to consideration of any major arthroplasty in any patient a course of conservative measures should be undertaken. These should include medical treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections into the communicating subacromial and intracapsular spaces and physical therapy for strengthening and range of motion. After this course of treatment, the patient must be evaluated for their pain, current function, realistic functional needs and desires, quality of life and associated comorbidities. If the risks associated with the procedure are determined to be acceptable for the patients expected benefit, the follow technique for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty can be used.
4. Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
<ol>
<li>The patient is placed into the beachchair position and the arm is prepped and draped free in standard fashion.</li>
<li>The standard deltopectoral incision and approach is done exposing the rotator cuff and subacromial space. Blunt dissection is used to free the inferior surface deltoid from any adhesions to the underlying tissues.</li>
<li>The rotator cuff is examined for tear and evaluated for the possibility of repair. If the tissues appear to be repairable, repair and conventional arthroplasty can be considered. Otherwise, any useless cuff can be excised</li>
<li>The axillary nerve is identified and protected The subscapularis tendon is identified and released from the lesser tuberosity and the tendon is freed proximally from any adhesions without releasing the origin</li>
<li>The inferior capsule is released from the proximal humerus and the humerus is externally rotated dislocating the humeral head from the joint</li>
<li>The medullary canal is located using the entry awl which is the replaced by the humeral head resection guide and the proximal humeral cut is made at 0&deg; of version. The intramedullary guide will need to be removed to complete the cut</li>
<li>Metaphyseal and diaphyseal reaming is the done at the size appropriate to the patient's anatomy</li>
<li>Trial components are then assembled and placed into the humerus at the appropriate version with a cut protector for glenoid preparation</li>
<li>The labrum is excised, the anterior and inferior capsule are released from the glenoid and retractors are placed exposing the glenoid</li>
<li>The drill guide is the used to place the central drill hole using the 6mm drill</li>
<li>The glenoid is reamed in preparation for the base plate creating a peripheral groove</li>
<li>The central hole is then enlarged to 7.5mm for the 8mm central peg and the base plate is placed, impacting flush with the reamed glenoid</li>
<li>Screws are then placed into the base plate with trans cortical fixation. The anterior and posterior screws have a 30&deg; arc for placement and are standard cortical screws. The superior and inferior screws are fixed locking screws with a 30&deg; arc in the superior and inferior planes respectively</li>
<li>The glenosphere is then impacted onto the base plate and the central screw is tightened securing the glenosphere</li>
<li>A trial liner is then placed into the trial humeral stem and the shoulder is reduced. Examination for ROM and stability is then done and adjustments made as necessary</li>
<li>Trial implants are then removed from the humerus, the final components are assembled and inserted and impacted into the humerus in the appropriate version</li>
<li>The shoulder is reduced and an final examination of ROM and stability is done</li>
<li>The subscapularis tendon is then repaired to the proximal humerus and the wound is closed in standard fashion</li>
</ol>
5. Outcomes:
At 6-months follow-up this patient ranked her post-operative pain as a zero out of ten on the Visual Analog Scale. Her active range of motion included forward flexion to 140&deg;, active external rotation of 25&deg; and internal rotation to her gluteus. This patient had no intra-operative or post-operative complications at last follow-up.
6. Conclusion:
In the author's experience, RTSA provides a patient with rotator cuff arthropathy with reliable pain relief and improvements in range of motion and functional outcomes. This patient was satisfied with the outcomes of this surgery.

<ol>
	<li>Boileau, P., Sinnerton, R. J., Choinard, C., Walch, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Arthroplasty+of+the+Shoulder.">Arthroplasty of the Shoulder.</a> J Bone Joint Surgery Br. 88, 562-575 (2006).</li><li>Boileau, P., Watkinson, D., Hatzidakis, A. M., Hovorka, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neer+Award+2005:+The+Grammont+reverse+shoulder+prosthesis:results+in+cuff+tear+arthritis,+fracture+sequelae,+and+revision+arthroplasty.">Neer Award 2005: The Grammont reverse shoulder prosthesis:results in cuff tear arthritis, fracture sequelae, and revision arthroplasty.</a> J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 15, 527-540 (2006).</li><li>Boileau, P., Watkinson, D. J., Hatzidakis, A. M., Balg, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Grammont+reverse+prosthesis:+design,+rationale,+and+biomechanics.">Grammont reverse prosthesis: design, rationale, and biomechanics.</a> J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 14, 147S-161S (2005).</li><li>Cuff, D., Pupello, D., Virani, N., Levy, J., Frankle, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reverse+shoulder+arthroplasty+for+the+treatment+of+rotator+cuff+deficiency.">Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of rotator cuff deficiency.</a> J Bone Joint Surg Am. 90, 1244-1251 (2008).</li><li>Edwards, T. B., Boulahia, A., Kempf, J. F., Boileau, P., Nemoz, C., Walch, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+influence+of+rotator+cuff+disease+on+the+results+of+shoulder+arthroplasty+for+primary+osteoarthritis:+results+of+a+multicenter+study.">The influence of rotator cuff disease on the results of shoulder arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis: results of a multicenter study.</a> J Bone Joint Surg Am. 84, 2240-2248 (2002).</li><li>Frankle, M., Siegal, S., Pupelo, D., Saleem, A., Mighell, M., Vasey, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=There+reverse+shoulder+prosthesis+for+glenohumeral+arthritis+associated+with+severe+rotator+cuff+deficiency.+A+minimum+two-year+follow-up+study+of+sixty+patients.">There reverse shoulder prosthesis for glenohumeral arthritis associated with severe rotator cuff deficiency. A minimum two-year follow-up study of sixty patients.</a> J Bone Joint Surg Am. 87, 1697-1705 (2005).</li><li>Guery, J., Favard, L., Sirveaux, F., Oudet, D., Mole, D., Walch, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reverse+total+shoulder+arthroplasty.+Survivorship+analysis+of+eighty+replacements+followed+for+five+to+ten+years.">Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Survivorship analysis of eighty replacements followed for five to ten years.</a> J Bone Joint Surg Am. 88, 1742-1747 (2006).</li><li>Martin, T. G., Lanotti, J. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reverse+total+shoulder+arthroplasty+for+acute+fractures+and+failed+management+after+proximal+humerus+fractures.">Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for acute fractures and failed management after proximal humerus fractures.</a> Orthop Clin North Am. 39, 451-457 (2008).</li><li>Wall, B., Nove-Josserand, L., O'Conner, D. P., Edwards, T. B., Walch, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reverse+total+shoulder+arthroplasty:+a+review+of+results+according+to+etiology.">Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a review of results according to etiology.</a> J Bone Joint Surg Am. 89, 1476-1485 (2007).</li><li>Werner, C. M., Steinmann, P. A., Gilbart, M., Gerber, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Treatment+of+painful+pseudoparesis+due+to+irreparable+rotator+cuff+dysfunction+with+the+delta+III+reverse-ball-and-socket+total+shoulder+prosthesis.">Treatment of painful pseudoparesis due to irreparable rotator cuff dysfunction with the delta III reverse-ball-and-socket total shoulder prosthesis.</a> J Bone Joint Surg Am. 87, 1476-1486 (2005).</li></ol>

No conflicts of interest declared.

The use of RTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy provides significant improvements in pain, range of motion and functional outcomes scores. Overall patient satisfaction has ranged from 80-95% in the current literature. Like all procedures, RTSA is not without risk. Initial reports of complication were as high as 60%. As techniques have improved the complication rates have decreased.

<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Name of the reagent</td>
<td>Company</td>
<td>Catalogue number</td>
<td>Comments</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aequalis Reversed Shoulder</td>
<td>Tornier, Inc.</td>
<td>none</td>
<td>For more information visit <a href="http://www.tornier-us.com/">http://www.tornier-us.com/</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was initially approved for use in rotator cuff arthropathy and well as chronic pseudoparalysis without arthritis in patients who were not appropriate for tendon transfer reconstructions. Traditional surgical options for these patients were limited and functional results were sub-optimal and at times catastrophic. The use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty has been found to effectively restore these patients function and relieve symptoms associated with their disease. The procedure can be done through two approaches, the deltopectoral or the superolateral. Complication rates associated with the use of the prosthesis have ranged from 8-60% with more recent reports trending lower as experienced is gained. Salvage options for a failed reverse shoulder prosthesis are limited and often have significant associated disability. Indications for the use of this prosthesis continue to be evaluated including its use for revision arthroplasty, proximal humeral fracture and tumor. Careful patient selection is essential because of the significant risks associated with the procedure.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty at JoVE.com

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is indicated for the treatment of conditions that cannot be treated with conventional arthroplasty or other procedures. These primarily include degenerative and incapacitating conditions with irreparable rotator cuff and loss of the normal biomechanical coupling of the shoulder.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was initially approved for use in rotator cuff arthropathy and well as chronic pseudoparalysis without arthritis in ...

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

43.0K vues.  Case Western Reserve University. Inverse arthroplastie d'épaule total est indiqué pour le traitement de conditions qui ne peuvent pas être traités avec arthroplastie conventionnelle ou d'autres procédures. Il s'agit principalement de conditions dégénératives et invalidantes avec la coiffe des rotateurs irréparables et la perte du couplage normal biomécanique de l'épaule.

Vidéo: Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart

With advances in technology, the use of mechanical circulatory support devices for end stage heart failure has rapidly increased. The vast majority of such patients are generally well served by left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). However, a subset of patients with late stage biventricular failure or other significant anatomic lesions are not adequately treated by isolated left ventricular mechanical support. Examples of concomitant cardiac pathology that may be better treated by resection and TAH replacement includes: post infarction ventricular septal defect,&#160;aortic root aneurysm / dissection, cardiac allograft failure, massive ventricular thrombus, refractory malignant arrhythmias (independent of filling pressures), hypertrophic / restrictive cardiomyopathy, and complex congenital heart disease. Patients often present with cardiogenic shock and multi system organ dysfunction. Excision of both ventricles and orthotopic replacement with a total artificial heart (TAH) is an effective, albeit extreme, therapy for rapid restoration of blood flow and resuscitation. Perioperative management is focused on end organ resuscitation and physical rehabilitation. In addition to the usual concerns of infection, bleeding, and thromboembolism common to all mechanically supported patients, TAH patients face unique risks with regard to renal failure and anemia. Supplementation of the abrupt decrease in brain natriuretic peptide following ventriculectomy appears to have protective renal effects. Anemia following TAH implantation can be profound and persistent. Nonetheless, the anemia is generally well tolerated and transfusion are limited to avoid HLA sensitization. Until recently, TAH patients were confined as inpatients tethered to a 500 lb pneumatic console driver. Recent introduction of a backpack sized portable driver (currently under clinical trial) has enabled patients to be discharged home and even return to work. Despite the profound presentation of these sick patients, there is a 79-87% success in bridge to transplantation.

The purpose of this manuscript is to briefly review indications, management, and outcomes for the total artificial heart. Video operative techniques for device implantation are presented.

With advances in technology, the use of mechanical circulatory support devices for end stage heart failure has rapidly increased. The vast majority of ...

Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction

In orthopedic patients, foreign body-associated infections, especially periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), are a devastating complication of arthroplasty. Infection requires complex treatment, may result in long hospitalization and causes considerable costs. Multiple surgical revisions can be necessary in these patients, with a loss in function as well as in quality of life.
The routine preoperative diagnostics include blood examination for C-reactive protein (CRP) and other biomarkers, as well as joint aspirate analysis for cell count, differentiation, and culture. Intraoperative specimens for histology and microbiology are also standard procedure. The microbiological examination of removed implants with sonication, in combination with the implementation of molecular biology techniques in microbiology, represent two novel techniques currently employed to enhance the differential diagnostics of PJI.
We present here the step-wise procedure of analyzing joint aspirate and sonication fluid, using a cartridge-based multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system. Results were matched against conventional cultures and consensus criteria for PJI. Conventional microbiological cultures from tissue biopsies, joint aspirate and sonication fluid showed a sensitivity of 66.7%, 66.7%, and 88.9%, respectively, and a specificity of 82.3%, 54.6%, and 61.5%, respectively. The PCR diagnostic of the sonication fluid and the joint fluid showed a sensitivity of 50.0% and 55.6%, respectively, and both a specificity of 100.0%. Both PCR diagnostics combined had a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 100.0%. The multiplex PCR therefore presents a rapid diagnostic tool with moderate sensitivity but high specificity in diagnosing PJI.

Differential diagnostics in painful arthroplasty is crucial for treatment success. Joint aspiration is routinely performed preoperatively. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction of the joint aspirate and the sonication fluid, a feasible tool for quick pathogen detection from these samples is described.

In orthopedic patients, foreign body-associated infections, especially periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), are a devastating complication of ...

Individualized Stem-positioning in Calcar-guided Short-stem Total Hip Arthroplasty

Bone- and soft-tissue sparing short stems are increasingly used in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, there are a large variety of models of short stems, differing in design and function. Calcar-guided short stems provide an anatomical curvature in the medial calcar region, thus, positioning is done individually alongside the calcar in the "round-the-corner" technique. Depending on the level of the neck's osteotomy, stems can be aligned individually in a large bandwidth of varus- and valgus anatomies. This differs from conventional total hip arthroplasty and potentially includes a severe learning curve. Given that a great variety of caput-collum-diaphyseal (CCD)-angles can be retained, the reconstruction of femoro-acetabular offsets can be achieved precisely. However, particularly extensive varus- and valgus positioning has raised concerns in regard to stability and bone remodeling. The purpose of the present manuscript is to showcase the implantation technique in calcar-guided short-stem THA and to summarize short-term clinical and radiological results.

This protocol describes the round-the-corner technique and the individualized stem-positioning of calcar-guided short stems alongside the medial calcar, depending on the level of the osteotomy. This differs from conventional total hip arthroplasty and includes a learning curve.

Bone- and soft-tissue sparing short stems are increasingly used in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, there are a large variety of models of short ...

Studying Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling by Aortic Debanding in Rodents

To better understand the left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling (RR), we describe a rodent model wherein, after aortic banding-induced LV remodeling, mice undergo RR upon removal of the aortic constriction. In this paper, we describe a step-by-step procedure to perform a minimally invasive surgical aortic debanding in mice. Echocardiography was subsequently used to assess the degree of cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction during LV remodeling and RR and to determine the best timing for aortic debanding. At the end of the protocol, terminal hemodynamic evaluation of the cardiac function was conducted, and samples were collected for histological studies. We showed that debanding is associated with surgical survival rates of 70-80%. Moreover, two weeks after debanding, the significant reduction of ventricular afterload triggers the regression of ventricular hypertrophy (~20%) and fibrosis (~26%), recovery of diastolic dysfunction as assessed by the normalization of left ventricular filling and end-diastolic pressures (E/e&#39;&#160;and LVEDP). Aortic debanding is a useful experimental model to study LV RR in rodents. The extent of myocardial recovery is variable between subjects, therefore, mimicking the diversity of RR that occurs in the clinical context, such as aortic valve replacement. We conclude that the aortic banding/debanding model represents a valuable tool to unravel novel insights into the mechanisms of RR, namely the regression of cardiac hypertrophy and the recovery of diastolic dysfunction.

Here we describe a step-by-step protocol of surgical aorta debanding in the well-established mice model of aortic-constriction. This procedure not only allows studying the mechanisms underlying the left ventricular reverse remodeling and regression of hypertrophy but also to test novel therapeutic options that might accelerate myocardial recovery.

To better understand the left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling (RR), we describe a rodent model wherein, after aortic banding-induced LV remodeling, ...

The Use of Mixed Reality in Custom-Made Revision Hip Arthroplasty: A First Case Report

The technology of 3D printing and visualization of anatomical structures is rapidly growing in various fields of medicine. A custom-made implant and mixed reality were used to perform complex revision hip arthroplasty in January 2019. The use of mixed reality allowed for a very good visualization of the structures and resulted in precise implant fixation. According to the authors' knowledge, this is the first described case report of the combined use of these two innovations. The diagnosis preceding the qualification for the procedure was the loosening of the left hip's acetabular component. Mixed reality headset and holograms prepared by engineers were used during the surgery. The operation was successful, and it was followed by early verticalization and patient rehabilitation. The team sees opportunities for technology development in joint arthroplasty, trauma, and orthopedic oncology.

A complex revision hip arthroplasty was performed using a custom-made implant and mixed reality technology. According to the authors&#39; knowledge, this is the first report of such procedure described in the literature.

The technology of 3D printing and visualization of anatomical structures is rapidly growing in various fields of medicine. A custom-made implant and mixed ...

In Vitro Application of a Wireless Sensor in Flexion-Extension Gap Balance of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an effective treatment for end-stage anteromedial osteoarthritis (AMOA). The key to UKA is the flexion-extension gap balance, which is closely related to postoperative complications such as bearing dislocation, bearing wear, and arthritis progression. The traditional gap balance assessment is performed by indirectly sensing the tension of the medial collateral ligament by a gap gauge. It relies on the surgeon's feel and experience, which is imprecise and difficult for beginners. To accurately assess the flexion-extension gap balance of UKA, we developed a wireless sensor combination consisting of a metal base, a pressure sensor, and a cushion block. After osteotomy, the insertion of a wireless sensor combination allows the real-time measurement of intra-articular pressure. It accurately quantifies the flexion-extension gap balance parameters to guide further femur grinding and tibia osteotomy, to improve the accuracy of gap balance. We conducted an in vitro experiment with the wireless sensor combination. the results showed that there was a difference of 11.3 N after applying the traditional method of flexion-extension gap balance performed by an experienced expert.

In Vitro Application of a Wireless Sensor in Flexion-Extension Gap Balance of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

This protocol presents a cadaveric study of a wireless sensor used in medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The protocol includes the installation of an angle measuring device, standardized Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty osteotomy, preliminary assessment of flexion-extension balance, and application of the sensor to measure flexion-extension gap pressure.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an effective treatment for end-stage anteromedial osteoarthritis (AMOA). The key to UKA is the ...

Tuina Therapy for Frozen Shoulders in a Rat Model

Tuina in a Frozen Shoulder Rat Model: An Efficient and Reproducible Protocol

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a common condition with no defined optimal therapy. Tuina therapy, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique used to treat FS patients in Chinese hospitals, has demonstrated excellent results, but its mechanisms are not fully understood. Building on a previous study, this work aimed to develop a Tuina protocol for an FS rat model. We randomly divided 20 SD rats into control (C; n = 5), FS model (M; n = 5), FS model Tuina treatment (MT; n = 5), and FS model oral treatment (MO; n = 5) groups. This study used the cast immobilization method to establish the FS rat model. The effect of Tuina and oral dexamethasone on the glenohumeral range of motion (ROM) was evaluated, and the histological findings were assessed. Our study showed that Tuina and oral dexamethasone were able to improve shoulder active ROM and preserve the structure of the capsule, with Tuina therapy proving to be more effective than oral dexamethasone. In conclusion, the Tuina protocol established in this study was highly effective for FS.

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Effectiveness of Tuina Therapy for Frozen Shoulder 

This study develops an efficient and reproducible Tuina protocol for treating frozen shoulder established in a rat model. This approach will help to study the Tuina therapy treatment method for frozen shoulders.

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a common condition with no defined optimal therapy. Tuina therapy, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique used to treat FS ...

Therapeutic Efficacy of Small Needle Knife Therapy in Treating Frozen Shoulder

Clinical Efficacy of Small Needle Knife Therapy on Stage I-II Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a kind of aseptic inflammatory disease of the shoulder caused by strain, trauma, and other reasons, resulting in shoulder joint pain and limited function. The protocol presented here demonstrates the operation of a small needle knife in treating frozen shoulders, including patient management, material preparation, positioning, operation, and postoperative care. The purpose of this protocol is to relieve the pain and functional limitations and improve the living ability of patients with frozen shoulders. In our study, 76 stage I-II frozen shoulder patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group (n=38). Patients in the control group received functional exercise, while the treatment group received small needle knife therapy with functional exercise. The visual analogue scores (VAS), the Constant and Murley scores (CMS), and the thickness of the coracohumeral ligament (CHL) under ultrasound were evaluated. After small needle knife therapy, the VAS score was significantly lower in the treatment group (5.11 &plusmn; 0.89) than in the control group (5.49 &plusmn; 0.65; t=-2.065, p&lt;0.05); the CMS score was significantly higher in the treatment group (64.72 &plusmn; 4.78) than in the control group (60.97 &plusmn; 6.00; t=2.947, p&lt;0.05); the CHL thickness was significantly decreased in the treatment group (2.38 &plusmn; 0.36) than in the control group (2.57 &plusmn; 0.42; t=-2.117, p&lt;0.05). These results indicate that the small needle knife significantly relieved the pain symptoms, improved the shoulder function, reduced the CHL thickness, and improved the quality of life and, therefore, had significant therapeutic efficacy in stage I-II frozen shoulder patients.

Author Spotlight: Treating Frozen Shoulder with Small Needle Knife Therapy 

The protocol presented here describes the detailed operation method and proves the effectiveness of a small needle knife in the treatment of frozen shoulders.

Frozen shoulder is a kind of aseptic inflammatory disease of the shoulder caused by strain, trauma, and other reasons, resulting in shoulder joint pain ...

Tuina Protocol for Treating Frozen Shoulder in a Rat Model

After developing the frozen shoulder rat model, manipulate the mechanoreceptor and force parameters in three directions using the software. Next, use the thumb to perform the rotatory kneading method with a rotating motion. Add 0.5 kilograms of strength and a frequency of 100 to 120 times per minute.Use the thumb fingertip to perform the point pressing method at a strength of 0.5 kilograms. To perform tuina, hold the rat until it calms down and perform the manipulation. Place the rat in the lateral recumbent position, adjusting as needed for the specific manipulation method.Using the right index and middle fingers, clamp the right forelimb of the rat. Flex and extend it several times to determine the positions of the rat's shoulder joint, elbow joint, and humerus. Then place the subject in a lateral recumbent position and manipulate the forelimb muscles.Manipulate the shoulder and back muscles in the prone position. Now use the rat acupoint atlas to determine the location of each acupoint. Press the LI 15 acupoint found in the depression anterior-inferior to the acromial end while in the prone position.Next, press the SI 11 acupoint in the depression at the infraspinatus fossa, the midpoint of the scapular spine in the prone position. Press the HT 01 point at the axilla center while the subject is in a supine position. Then press the LI 11 point in the depression medial to the extensor carpi radialis at the lateral end of the cubital crease in the lateral recumbent position.Hold the shoulder joint using the left thumb and middle finger. Stretch the forelimb in adduction, abduction, anterior extension, and posterior extension positions for 10 seconds. Perform the procedure daily for two weeks.After euthanizing the rat, remove the scapula in proximal 2/3s of the humerus and block ensuring exposure of the lower edge of the scapula. Next, insert an injection needle along the humeral shaft, positioning it into the humeral head. Insert two injection needles vertically into the upper and lower corners of the scapula on plastic foam wrapped with a sterile surgical sheet.Attach a thin thread to the injection needle on the humeral shaft. Next, pull the thread at the other end with a five gram force ensuring it is parallel to the humeral shaft. Finally, measure the angle between the lower edge of the scapula and the humeral shaft.The glenohumeral ROM of rats in the M group was significantly lower than that in the C group. Moreover, the ROM in the MT group and MO group was significantly higher than that in the M group. However, the ROM in the MO group was significantly lower than that in the MT group.

Performing the Small Needle Knife Therapy on Patients with Frozen Shoulder

Begin the preoperative preparations by gathering all the necessary materials. Then proceed to check the basic information of each patient, including name, age, and the affected shoulder. Once the patient assumes a sitting position, fully expose the affected shoulder and mark the obvious tenderness points on the shoulder.Then, pour type two skin disinfectant on cotton balls, and with those, disinfect the affected area in circular motions, starting from about 15 centimeters around each marked point, and gradually reducing the diameter. Next, load five milliliters of 2%lidocaine into a 10 milliliter syringe with a 22 gauge needle. Then, load five milliliters of sterile water into the same syringe to prepare 10 milliliters of 1%lidocaine working solution.Replace the 22 gauge needle with a 25 gauge needle. While wearing sterile gloves on the left hand, hold the syringe in the right hand, insert the needle into a marked point, and ensure no blood enters the syringe after suction. Perpendicularly, inject one to two milliliters of 1%lidocaine working solution at the marked point.To perform the small needle knife insertion, hold the small needle in the right hand while wearing sterile gloves. Rapidly insert the small needle knife into the lidocaine injection site perpendicularly, maintaining a depth of about one to three centimeters. Then, perform the three step manipulation, beginning with the longitudinal incision, followed by stripping, and finally releasing the adhesion.Withdraw the needle when there is a feeling of looseness under the knife. Using a dry, sterile dressing block, press the injection site for one minute. Then cover the operating area with a sterile self-adhesive dressing.After assisting the patient in dressing properly, ask the patient to sit still for about 15 minutes before leaving the operating room to avoid postoperative discomfort. After the small needle knife therapy, the visual analog score was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group. The Constant and Murley score was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group.